This week, Dallas saw an inauguration, some charrettes and a press conference from the city's most fascinating city council member. Here are the city news highlights:
Welcome the new city council
A new Dallas City Council was sworn in on June 22 at the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center. Newly elected council members include Casey Thomas (District 3), Carolyn King Arnold (4), Tiffinni Young (7), Erik Wilson (8), Mark Clayton (9) and Adam McGough (10). They join Scott Griggs (1), Adam Medrano (2), Rick Callahan (5), Monica Alonzo (6), Lee Kleinman (11), Sandy Greyson (12), Jennifer Staubach Gates (13) and Philip Kingston (14).
Emceed by Dallas county commissioner Elba Garcia, the ceremony was festive, with a passionate speech by student Dalton Sherman and a dance by the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico. Mayor Mike Rawlings observed that the council was possibly the youngest in history.
Dwaine is still in the game
The very next day, outgoing council member Dwaine Caraway held a press conference to announce his candidacy for Dallas County Commissioner District 3. Held at Edison's, an event space in the Cedars, it too was festive, with balloons, mariachis, a high school band and a barbecue spread.
Caraway is running against John Wiley Price, who is under federal indictment for taking nearly $1 million in bribes. His trial begins in 2016; taxpayers are footing the bill for part of his defense.
Toll road charades
The city finished up its series of public forums to present the toll road alternative designed by the privately funded Dream Team. It consisted of a video of Larry Beasley describing the Dream Team's suggestions of fewer lanes and more park access. Assistant city manager Mark McDaniel, now in charge of the Trinity River projects, answered questions, most of which challenged the toll road.
The city claims to be still open to public response. If you'd like to weigh in, hit this online survey.
Same-sex marriage excitement
If you're online right now, you're probably seeing lots of stuff about the Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage. (Even if you're not online, you're probably seeing lots of stuff.) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, always focused on exactly not the right things, has already issued a statement vowing that he will direct state agencies "to prioritize the protection of Texas' religious liberties." And publicity hound pastor Rick Scarborough of Pearland, Texas, promised to set himself on fire.
But Oak Cliff restaurant Bolsa will buy dinner for anyone who can bring in proof they got married today. And Dallas judge Roberto Canas has volunteered to marry anyone on June 29, time permitting.
"In light of today's Supreme Court ruling, I will be available on Monday to perform marriage ceremonies for anyone who needs one," Canas says, noting that it will be a light week with no trials scheduled because of the Fourth of July holiday.
Bye Miles
After a long and difficult tenure, Mike Miles resigned from his position as Dallas ISD superintendent. There were two years remaining on his contract. The Dallas ISD board of trustees appointed Dr. Michael Hinojosa as interim superintendent. He will be paid $25,000 a month. Hinojosa was superintendent from 2005–2011.
The public can weigh in on the Dream Team's version of the Trinity toll road.
