By Clay Jenkins – Dallas South News Op/Ed
I am a third generation Dallas County resident. Like my father, I was born in Oak Cliff. He instilled in me his strong belief in community. He suffered a fatal heart attack at Lake Cliff Park while playing with my sister and me when I was seven. My mother worked, sacrificed and saved to give me the opportunity to be the first in my family to graduate college. She taught us being active in the community isn’t a choice, it’s a responsibility.
In 2008, I served as Texas Director of Voter Protection for the Obama Campaign overseeing the recruitment and management of hundreds of attorneys. The election of Barack Obama inspired me that we have a unique opportunity to move beyond the disagreements of the past and move forward in a more effective, efficient and collaborative way. It was a critical factor in my decision to run for office.
I want to do my part to move Dallas County forward for all of us so that it may reach its full potential. Dallas County sits at a crossroads. We must develop the underserved portions of Dallas County or get left behind. The pieces are there to build a brighter tomorrow for our children. We need leaders committed to putting those pieces together.
Like so many residents, I am proud to be from Dallas and I know that together we can move this County forward. Our business climate and economy are the strongest in America. The country’s nexus point of international commerce is in Southern Dallas County, which has a large and experienced workforce and real estate that is comparatively inexpensive.
We must seize the opportunity to create the kind of good jobs that can afford more people the opportunity, security and dignity they deserve and dramatically lift our tax base. We will do this by enacting my plan to make county government more transparent, accountable and open to all.
We will also work to rebuild and repair infrastructure by exploring various options such as President Obama’s Build America bonds and other instruments, to spur economic development. I have faith in what we can accomplish together and a proven track record of working with all sides to get things done. That is why I am running for Dallas County Judge.
Clay Jenkins is a local attorney and candidate for Dallas County Judge. You can find more information at jenkinsfordallascounty.com.
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