A Dallas City Council make-over

As the infinitesimally small number of citizens who vote in local municipal elections know, the upcoming 15-member Dallas City Council will have five new members — Adam Medrano, Rick Callahan, Lee Kleinman, Jennifer Gates, and Philip Kingston.

Now I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but by the time the next City Council elections come around in two years, six — count ‘em, six — current council members will be term limited. And, if Mayor Mike Rawlings decides not to run for re-election, that will mean 12 of the 15 council members will have two years of experience or less legislating city affairs. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing because it will depend on the quality of the individuals doing the legislating. But considering that the three who will be left (assuming they decide to seek re-election and win) are Scott Griggs, Monica Alonzo and Sandy Greyson, the prospects for a progressive city agenda look grim.

The six who will be leaving in two years are Vonciel Jones Hill, Dwaine Caraway, Carolyn Davis, Tennell Atkins, Sheffie Kadane and Jerry Allen. Of course, if Rawlings decides one term is enough, you can bet your last dollar Caraway will be in the mayor’s race but he doesn’t stand a chance of winning.

I hope Rawlings does decide to stay on because that upcoming fresh-faced council is going to be in desperate need of his leadership.