There are approximately 45,000 registered voters in District 3.  In the last contested race for this City Council seat, 6976 voters, or 15 percent, turned out.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

When Ed Oakley, District 3 council member for the past 6 years, announced he was running for mayor, the candidates looking to fill his shoes came out of the woodwork.

There are currently nine candidates that appear to have met the criteria to run in the May election. In the following pages, we’ve done our best to give you a profile of each of the candidates and what they offer you, the voter, in their own words.

Your vote is your voice.
We trust you will use it in this important election.

 

 DAVE NEUMANN

What makes you unique as a candidate for District 3?
I am a small business employer that has owned and operated a women’s apparel company with my wife for over 20 years. Combined with my neighborhood and city leadership, I have a proven track record of bringing people together to solve problems for the benefit of the community.

What is your vision for Oak Cliff in 5 years?
The Trinity River Corridor project will spark a redevelopment of residential and commercial opportunities all along North Oak Cliff. We must work together to embrace a plan that further strengthens our neighborhoods while bringing neighborhood retail and employment opportunities to the community. The Oak Cliff Gateway has the opportunity to be a point of destination. Surrounding areas will benefit from this redevelopment if we work together.

How do you propose to balance preservation and development in North Oak Cliff?
We need to cherish the history of Oak Cliff while providing leadership for the future of our community. Maximizing the involvement of our neighborhoods in the decision-making process will ensure that no one is surprised by proposed changes in our community. It is a Councilmember’s responsibility to communicate and educate our citizens about the options that we have as opposed to implementing plans that come from outside the community.

JOSEPH HERNANDEZ

What makes you unique as a candidate for District 3?
I have spent 17 years of my banking career as an advocate for affordable housing, community and economic development in underserved neighborhoods. I have found the best way to make a good impression is to accomplish something impressive. That is why I have worked to improve the tax base, bring needed jobs, stabilize neighborhoods and attract desired retail development inside District 3. I am focused on creating real value and addressing a number of needs in a timely manner in partnership with neighborhood activists, leaders, developers and city staff. I am a neighborhood volunteer who advocates for those who cannot advocate for themselves and speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves. I have been in the trenches, getting my hands dirty fighting for what is right for over a decade. I have served on a number of boards and commissions; however, being a successful businessman and securing a seat on a visible commission does not make anyone successful. I do not ask what the citizens can do for me, but what can I do for the citizens. Oak Cliff is my home… this is where my heart is and where it will stay!

What is your vision for Oak Cliff in the next 5 years?
The City of Dallas is well on its way to managing the projected growth of our city by approving the Forward Dallas! Comprehensive Land Use Plan. I participated in the public hearing/planning process of this plan and now feel there are steps we must take to implement it. We must enforce the recommended zoning and align the plan for future bond packages which I think should be taken to voters on a 3-4 year cycle. This will ensure sufficient income for plan implementation and project development. In the next 5 years, I see District 3 with a new face, reflecting on the positive work and development that is occurring in our city today. I will continue to promote the development of the Inland Port, the Trinity River Project, Pinnacle Park, Wynnewood Village Kiest/Polk Shopping Center and Southwest Center Mall to link the Southern Sector council districts together.

How do you propose to balance preservation and development in North Oak Cliff?
Many have discovered the most durable form stabilizing our neighborhoods is through mixed use developments and quality housing. Every one of those rooftops becomes disposable income and adds to the tax base of our city. Working individuals and families need safe, decent and affordable housing not just in suburbia but in the heart of our city. I have the vision and commitment it takes to develop the most challenging sites to build sustainable development that is right for our neighborhoods. To me, building for our workers is building for the district, and building for the district is building for our city — everyone benefits. As vice-chair of the Landmark Commission it was clear to me that building strong neighborhoods builds deeply-rooted, cohesive communities that will bolster our city. I will continue to “knit” our communities back together and bring everyone to the table to promote smart development while maintaining the integrity of our neighborhoods. I will aggressively promote and implement a strategic plan for neighborhood stabilization, preservation and development that includes bond initiatives and improving quality of life and infrastructure.

CHARLETTA COMPTON

What makes you unique as a candidate for District 3?
I have been a resident of District 3 for 29 years and have lived in Oak Cliff since the age of 10 years old. I am a Trustee of the Dallas County Community College District Board of Trustees representing District 7 that comprises southwest through southeast Dallas county. I have served on a number of boards during my life in a professional capacity and as a simple volunteer. I believe in giving back to my community and that we all must work together to accomplish our goals and dreams.

I have always been involved in my community and have worked tirelessly to sustain the quality of life we enjoy. I have a deep sense of commitment to the causes I undertake and I am known as a woman of my word. I believe I personify the qualities that any citizen would want in a representative, those of caring, dedication and integrity. I believe in self-determination and I have the willingness to work with all people to accomplish their vision for the place where they want to live and work.

What is your vision for Oak Cliff in 5 years?
I want to see a vibrant and exciting place to live with a flourishing business community.

How do you propose to balance preservation and development in North Oak Cliff?
I believe in preservation, but I understand that new development must take place. There are certainly more qualified experts than I am on preservation issues, not only in Dallas, but throughout our country. Experts who have faced the same challenges we have in District 3. I have never had a problem with seeking advice, assistance and guidance from others. I believe I can serve the residents best by listening and helping them find the best professionals available to work with to address their issues and remove any barriers I can to assist them in accomplishing their objectives.

RENA RENFROE

What makes you unique as a candidate for District 3?
I have lived in the Southern sector all of my life. I was educated at Adelle Turner grade school, Atwell Junior High School, Carter High School and Mountain View College — all Oak Cliff schools. I have been involved in City politics since I was 14 years old. I have the background, the knowledge and the understanding of District 3’s unique Community.
 
What is your vision for Oak Cliff in 5 years?
My vision for Oak Cliff in 5 years is to have more unique areas like the Bishop Arts District, vibrant shopping areas, more restaurants, greater economic growth, all with crime at an all-time low.
 
How do you propose to balance preservation and development in North Oak Cliff?
The largest challenge that I will face as the next District 3 councilmember will be balancing the budget without a tax increase. I believe we can save money by using our City Attorney’s office rather than farming out collections. We need to increase our police force, and increase the activities at the City Parks for our children and our Senior Citizens. I plan to have regular Town Hall meetings in each part of the District, and let the citizens know that my door will always be open and I can be reached 24/7 by phone to respond to any problem.

JOE TAVE

What makes you unique as a candidate for District 3?
My heritage in Texas goes back circa. 160 years. My mother was a second-generation Dallasite. I have a genuine, fundamental love for Dallas and its people, and not an adoptive one. I am a mature babyboomer, a visionary with the right mixture of socio-economic knowledge and respect for people to bridge Dallas’ many divides to make our city wholesome.

What is your vision for Oak Cliff in the next 5 years?
After first protecting the environment and preserving the heritage, I see Oak Cliff as a bustling and thriving cosmopolitan segment of houses, condos, shops, medical units, schools, recreation areas and businesses. A unique cultural and natural magnet that will draw visitors west beyond the Trinity River projects.
 
How do you propose to balance preservation and development in North Oak Cliff?
As a naturalist and arborist, the flora and fauna, streams, creeks and other natural areas must and will be protected. Trees and natural areas should be part of the design for any residential and/or commercial development. Oak Cliff’s natural environment should be preserved at maximum cost. Trees and grass lands should be replaced if development necessitates their destruction. I will propose ordinances to effect such and push the enforcement of federal, state and city statutes applicable thereto.
  

ANGELA PHILLIPS

What makes you unique as a candidate for District 3?
I am a unique candidate in a number of ways, the most obvious of which is my age. I am just about as young as you can be to run for this particular office (I turn eighteen the day before the election). However, age should not be an issue. Quality of years, not quantity, should matter most. Since I am not a politician and have an intimate knowledge of District 3, particularly Oak Cliff (having lived here all my life), I possess heartfelt feelings about the issues and will strive to work for a more unified Dallas.

What is your vision for Oak Cliff in 5 years?
I see Oak Cliff as a haven for innovation with an emphasis on culture and the arts. With the further development of the Bishop Arts District and the improvements that will be received because of the economic development, Oak Cliff can be shared throughout the metroplex.

How do you propose to balance preservation and development in North Oak Cliff?
Although development is essential to growth, and I whole-heartedly support development, preservation of our cultural and historical identity is of the utmost importance. I support plans for historical districts as well as preservation districts to prevent, among other things, the destruction of beautiful, old houses in favor of “McMansions”! Part of the beauty and appeal of Oak Cliff is its historic flavor.

 
LINDA WISE

What makes you unique as a candidate for District 3?
I believe that my experience is what makes me stand out in the field of 10. I served as Vice-Chair of the DART Board (Co-Chair of the Finance Committee, Vice-Chair of the Minority Affairs Committee, Member of the Audit Committee, Chair of the RailTran [now Trinity Railway Express] Committee ), Commissioner on the City Plan Commission, Alternate on Board of Adjustments, and Member of the Environmental Quality Committee. I was the Chair of the Transportation Committee for the Oak Cliff Chamber, sub-committee Chair for the Dallas Chamber of Commerce Committee, and member of the North Texas Council of Governments Regional Transportation Committee. I have also served on the Board of the Old Oak Cliff Conservation League, Fort Worth Avenue Development Group, Oak Cliff Centennial Celebration, and Oak Cliff Earth Day. I was one of the founders and President of the El Tivoli Place Neighborhood Association.

What is your vision for Oak Cliff in 5 years?
I see new development around the Trinity River, the new urbanism concept at Cappella Park and Fort Worth Avenue, hiking/biking trails connecting all parts of the city, DART rail and buses allowing for easy access to the region, the new University of North Texas really becoming a research and development institution as well as teaching subjects for the new businesses which will come into the area.

How do you propose to balance preservation and development in North Oak Cliff?
That is going to be one of the biggest issues I think, and hope. With the new Trinity River Project, we have an opportunity to have input into how the gateway to Oak Cliff will look. The best way to balance preservation and development will be to allow some new development that complements the old and beautiful areas. As a trained mediator I will work with the developers and the neighborhoods to come to some consensus, where all sides will win a little and give a little. What may work in one area may not work in another. It will be my mission to be sure that all sides are heard and reasonable decisions are made.

VICTORIA WALTON

What makes you unique as a candidate for District 3?
I am for the people and the communities.

What is your vision for Oak Cliff in 5 years?
Stabilize our neighborhood, strengthen economic development, improve public education and housing.

How do you propose to balance preservation and development in North Oak Cliff?
I will add more business, and create a better zoning plan for more developments.