Dallas County judge candidate Wade Emmert booted from forum
12:01 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010 | Permalink
Gromer Jeffers Jr./Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips
Republican candidate for County Judge Wade Emmert on Thursday was kicked out of a forum featuring his Democratic rivals for the job.
Emmert, a Cedar Hill council member, said he wanted to hear what the Democratic candidates were saying about the issues, but was booted out before the program began.
“I was told that Bush and Cheney worked behind closed doors for years, ‘now it’s our turn,’” Emmert said.
The forum was sponsored by a group of far North Dallas Democrats and featured incumbent Jim Foster, Dallas County Schools President Larry Duncan and Dallas lawyer Clay Jenkins. Numerous candidates in other March primary races attended the debate. It was held at Sonny Bryan’s.
Democrats were apparently wary of Emmert sitting through a family fight and potentially using the ammunition for his own campaign.
It’s unlikely, however, that party loyalists will be able to keep the bad things the trio of Democrats are saying about each other on the down low.
As the campaigns churn forward, Emmert will have all the fodder he needs.
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Ingredients for cake:
3/4 cup Crisco
2 1/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 ounces red food coloring
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 teaspoon butter flavoring
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 Tablespoons cocoa
1 1/2 Tablespoons vinegar
Ingredients for icing:
1 1/2 cups sweet milk
1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 cups Crisco
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 teaspoon butter flavoring
Pinch of salt
Cream sugar and Crisco until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, then beat 2 minutes with mixer speed set on 3. Do this after each egg. Add coloring, vanilla, and butter flavoring. Sift flour, cocoa and salt and add to Crisco and sugar mixture and beat on no. 2 speed of mixer until very smooth. Last, add soda to vinegar and fold into batter by hand. Do not beat. Bake in three separate round** 9-inch spring form pans at 350F degrees. Check at 20 minutes with toothpick. Do not overcook.
Icing** - add milk to flour very slowly and cook until thick. Cover and cool. Beat sugar and Crisco until fluffy. Add cooled mixture, vanilla, salt and butter flavoring. Beat until fluffy and sugar is ALL dissolved. Test by taste. This frosting stays soft and cake should be refrigerated.
** Ice each round cake before stacking. Then ice entire cake once stacked. 3 layers.
Yummy!!
]]>The filing deadline passed yesterday and I am excited to announce that no one is challenging me for the Republican nomination for Dallas County Judge.
I am excited not just because I will win the nomination, but because it gives conservatives the best opportunity to introduce strong leadership in an important county office.
Now, perhaps more than ever, there is so much at stake. We are still feeling the effects of a struggling economy. Our county government must adapt. We are faced with an ever-expanding national government. Our county government must resist that temptation.
And some county elected-officials have lost the ability, or at least the desire, to demonstrate courtesy on the Commissioners Court. Obscenity-laced tirades don’t serve the interests of Dallas County. Regardless of the labels we carry—Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative—certainly we can all agree that public servants should work hard, not for their own self-interests but for the best interests of the public, making reasoned, deliberate decisions based on the facts, not politics, and doing so with respect for those with differing views.
This seems to have become the exception in county government rather than the rule. Over the past year, we have assembled an impressive team of supporters who want more for Dallas County. My sincere appreciation goes to Ebby Halliday Acers for her early support and willingness to serve as my campaign Treasurer, to Michael Gruber who serves as my Campaign Chairman, and the numerous others who have lent their names and time to our campaign. To each of you, please know how much I appreciate all you have done and will do to make our vision for Dallas County a reality. This primary victory marks the beginning of our journey. No doubt it will be a journey marked with hard work and challenge. But it will also be a journey of renewal and reaffirmation of the principles that have made this Country great.
Thank you for taking this journey with me. See you on the campaign trail!
Wade
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“I have built from the ground up a strong and diverse coalition of support across the county. This support stands firmly by my side. I remain committed to winning the Republican primary and serving the citizens of Dallas County.”
“Dallas County is in need of fresh, energetic, conservative leadership. I am inspired by Wade’s vision and enthusiasm,” said Ebby Halliday.
Mike Gruber, the Campaign Chairman, agreed and went on to say “Wade has not only unified the Republican Party, but he connects with a younger generation of conservatives. People are genuinely excited to be a part of his campaign team.”
Wade currently serves on the Cedar Hill City Council which was recently named “City Council of the Year” by the Texas City Managers Association because of their innovation and fiscal discipline.
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]]>DALLAS, Texas - To hear Wade Emmert explain it, he is running for “CEO of Dallas County.” To hear most residents of Dallas County, that is the reply that is necessary in order to explain the position to them. Says Emmert, “It is on the Commissioners’ Court and we set the tax rate, spend your County tax dollars,” etc.
Admittedly, the position of County Judge and the County Commissioners’ Court are unusual terms. Most people think Supreme Court or Law and Order when they hear the terms Court and Judge, when in fact, the positions of Commissioner and County Judge are not of the Judiciary at all.
County Judge is the CEO of the County, not unlike a Mayor to a city, a Governor to a State or the President to the nation. And the Commissioners are the County’s Legislative Branch, elected in districts, or precincts, by residents in those precincts to represent them in matters pertaining to County government.
Mr. Emmert is a member of the City Council in Cedar Hill, south of Dallas, serving out his second, three-year term. Prior to being elected to City Council, Emmert chaired the city bond package that built the new Cedar Hill City Hall, School District Administration building and other joint city facilities. This was a very unique undertaking for the City and School District and was the first instance of this occurring in Texas. It is rare if not the first instance in the nation, and won Cedar Hill’s City Council the designation of City Council of the year for innovation. The project saved Cedar Hill residents significant dollars in bond package size and interest payments by reducing parking and other common spaces, land and other related expenses now contained in one facility.
Emmert walked blocks with volunteers Saturday in Carrollton, assembling at Carrollton City Councilwoman Lisa Sutter’s home before hitting the streets. Armed with campaign literature and voting records of Republican voters in the area, volunteers targeted voters likely to vote in the March 2010 Republican Primary, delivering information on Emmert’s campaign and collecting email addresses to inform voters of events, issues and educating voters on Emmert’s proposals.
In a conversation with one gentleman, Emmert explained, “I am the only Republican in this race. Our current County Judge, Jim Foster, filed at the last minute and spent very little money on his campaign.” Emmert explained that Foster has done very little reaching out to other elected officials in the County and doesn’t have a good record on fiscal items like the jail’s budget or multiple failing grades it has received from the State.
Emmert had around 10 volunteers present and Councilwoman Sutter treated all present to coffee and pastries from Addison’s La Spiga before hitting the streets. A follow-up luncheon was provided at Cafe de Brazil in Carrollton which included much discussion of political issues and figures of the day. The block walking covered approximately 600 homes in Carrollton and was considered a big success for the first such event of the Emmert campaign.
The Wade Emmert for Dallas County Judge campaign web site is linked below.
]]>http://www.examiner.com/x-11483-Dallas-Republican-Examiner~y2009m8d16-QA-with-Wade-Emmert-Candidate-for-Dallas-County-Judge
DALLAS, Texas - Cedar Hill City Council Member Wade Emmert is a candidate for Dallas County Judge. In this exclusive interview, he discusses his background, his personal life, and the motivations that led him to seek the office.
Q: TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF PERSONALLY.
A: I was born and raised in Midland, Texas. I met my wife at Abilene Christian University. We married after graduation and moved to Waco where I attended Baylor Law School and she was an elementary school teacher. After law school, we moved back to her
home town of Cedar Hill. We have been married almost 17 years. We have two kids, both boys ages 6 and 10. I’m a practicing attorney and she is a school teacher. We are active in our church and community.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL WORK EXPERIENCE?
A: I’m an attorney by training. I graduated from Baylor Law School in 1995 and started with Burford & Ryburn. I didn’t know this at the time, but B&R is one of the oldest law firms in Dallas. I’m now one of the managing partners and focus my practice on litigation.
I’ve been in public service for almost a decade. I first got involved in 2000. My wife and I had just had our first child the year before and I had an overwhelming desire to get involved with my community. We decided that southern Dallas County was going to be our long-term home and I wanted to be involved.
My first role was as a member of the Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation. I asked a lot of questions and worked hard. The first two years were formative years. By the third year, I had developed some expertise and, more importantly, the respect of those with whom I served. They chose me to serve as President in 2003.
In 2003, Cedar Hill was at a crossroads. The city quickly was outgrowing its infrastructure. We needed a new City Hall, a bigger library, and improved transportation. I was asked to Chair a bond election campaign. As it turned out, it was the most successful campaign in our history. The city was able to issue $60 million dollars in bonds, all without raising taxes. It was a huge catalyst for Cedar Hill and
contributed to our current success.
In 2004, I won a seat on the City Council. From that point forward, I have worked diligently to represent the citizens of Cedar Hill. Even with my background in economic development, there was a learning curve. As before, I asked a lot of questions and worked hard and quickly developed a reputation for fostering innovative solutions to the various problems cities face. After six years, I have never lost the passion for public service.
It became obvious to me early on that Cedar Hill will not succeed or fail alone. The destinies of the Best Southwest cities — Cedar Hill, Duncanville, DeSoto and Lancaster — are intertwined. In 2004, I was chosen as a Director of the Best Southwest Partnership. In doing so, I met and developed relationships with Mayors and Council members from our neighboring cities. It reinforced in me the importance of regionalism in southern Dallas County.
I am honored to be the Chair-Elect for the Best Southwest Partnership and the Chair in 2010. I believe it is the direct result of the commitment I made to southern Dallas County a decade ago.
Q: DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME THE POLITICAL BUG BIT YOU?
A: I was on the Student Council in high school, and in law school I served as Vice President of our class for a year, but I never really wanted to be in politics. Even when I started getting involved in my community, all I wanted was to help shape the growth of Cedar Hill. Looking back on the past 9 years, I can say they have been some of the most rewarding years of my life.
A couple of years ago, I started considering a run for Dallas County Judge. It wasn’t because of the political bug. Rather, I thought I could do a better job than the current County Judge. Based on the support I’ve received, it looks like quite a few other people do too!
Q: TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN.
A: I’m a SCUBA Divemaster with specialized certifications for cave diving. It’s been a few years, but I love to dive in caves. There is just something about being in a place very few people have ever been. It’s not uncommon for us to squeeze through small crevices as we explore the caves. It’s hard to explain the beauty of God’s creation.
I’m also something of a technology wonk. I love computers and gadgets. As a result, I am my family’s and friends personal I.T. department! I suppose I appreciate innovation.
Q: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO ENTER INTO THE RACE FOR DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE?
A: I’ve had opportunities to serve in other elected positions, but I see the biggest need in county government. Out of the 254 counties in Texas, Dallas County is special. It is the second most populous county in Texas, the ninth most populous county in the nation, and the DFW Metroplex has the 12th largest metropolitan economy in the world.
My background in business, law, and public service qualifies me to take on the challenges Dallas County faces. Many local elected officials throughout Dallas County agree. I have been endorsed by
Mayors and Council members in Cedar Hill, Duncanville, DeSoto, Lancaster, and many other Dallas County cities.
The stakes are too high to entrust the job to a newcomer. The County Judge position is too important to leave to on-the-job training. Dallas County deserves a County Judge with experience on the issues.
Q: IS THERE A PAST POLITICAL ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT YOU BELIEVE IS INDICATIVE OF THE WORK YOU WOULD DO AS COUNTY JUDGE?
A: I’ve spent the better part of a decade in public service. As I look back over by years of experience, I can see how it translates to Dallas County. I have always been one to find innovative solutions to problems.
Take, for example, the new Government Center in Cedar Hill which houses City Hall, the Cedar Hill I.S.D. administrative offices and the Police Department. By combining all three buildings, we were able to save the citizens of Cedar Hill millions of dollars. It wasn’t easy, and more than a few times I thought our efforts would break down, but it is an example of what good government can be.
From my legal training, to my experience in economic development, to my time as a City Councilman, I have developed the experience to confront the challenges Dallas County faces. Equally as important, I have developed a reputation of working with people across city boundaries and party lines. I have been immensely honored to represent the citizens of Cedar Hill. Public service done right is a noble calling. I’m looking forward to taking the knowledge I’ve gained at the municipal level to the county level.
Q: IT SEEMS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COUNTY JUDGE AND THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAS BEEN CONTENTIOUS LATELY. HOW WOULD YOU CHANGE THINGS?
A: When I go to the Commissioners Court each Tuesday, I see a bank of video cameras just waiting to record the next big argument. On the one hand, the discussion can be healthy, but often times the way it happens and the rhetoric involved is not healthy.
I think each Commissioner also does a good job representing their individual districts. While they do have Dallas County’s interest in mind, they are elected to be advocates for their individual districts. Sometimes, emotions can run high.
Part of the problem is that there is no leadership from the County Judge. He is the presiding officer of the Court and should run the meeting in a way that maintains the demeanor of the Court. But before the meeting even starts, he should work with the Commissioners to address the main concerns they have over the issues. Too much contentiousness on the Court is a reflection of a lack of leadership by the Judge.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF THE ROLE OF THE COUNTY JUDGE AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE?
A: I see my role as County Judge to help Commissioners represent their districts while, at the same time, looking out for the interests of the County as a region. Some people aren’t even aware there is a county-level government. They know about our state government, with the Governor and the Legislature, and they know about municipal government with Mayors and City Councils. But they don’t realize there is a level in between. So it comes as no surprise that some don’t know what the County Judge does or why it is such an important role.
The Judge is the top administrative official for the county, somewhat like the Governor is for the state or Mayor is for a city. And it that regard, the County Judge runs the Commissioners Court meetings and helps county government run efficiently.
On the other hand, the Commissioners Court is not a legislative body, so we don’t create laws or pass ordinances. The only authority a county has is that which the Legislature has specifically given. But it is a lot of responsibility to provide county-level services like the District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Department, Emergency Services, and Health & Human Services, to name a few.
From a philosophical perspective, the County Judge should be the chief advocate for county issues. When the Legislature is in session, the Judge should be there to help good laws get passed and bad laws fail. He should have a long-term vision for the County and work to get buy-in from the citizens and other elected officials.
Q: WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD CHANGE AS COUNTY JUDGE?
A: Dallas County faces a number of challenges in the short-term and long-term.
Transportation
As County Judge, I will work to keep transportation dollars in Dallas County rather than losing them to surrounding counties and elsewhere across the state. I will work with area elected officials, transportation boards like the Regional Transportation Coalition, and advocacy groups like the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition to build consensus and coalitions to address our transportation challenges.
I also will maintain effective liaisons with key legislators and state agencies to identify funding opportunities. Quality mobility affects everyone. It is time we had an effective leader looking out for
the needs of Dallas County.
Economic Development
Dallas County must encourage economic development in southern Dallas County to infuse dollars into the economy, create much needed jobs and increase the tax base for our southern cities. The 6,000 acre Dallas Logistics Hub in southern sector represents an incredible opportunity for us and we must continue to be a strong advocate on its behalf and provide a favorable climate for business to succeed.
Environment
As County Judge, I’ll work to offset on-road sources of pollution by stepping-up efforts to remove non-compliant vehicles from our streets and highways and invest in alternate forms of transportation that decrease overall emissions.
Dallas County should adopt comprehensive new environmental policies. We lag behind many cities and counties who already have made a commitment to environmentally friendly policies. We should maintain a vehicle fleet that is as fuel efficient as possible, and routinely study large county buildings to see if their systems are operating efficiently.
County Finances
Just like the rest of the state, Dallas County is facing difficult economic times. We must make tough decisions and be prudent with the taxpayers’ money. As County Judge, I would continue the 10 percent across-the-board budget cuts from every department. I would implement a thorough review of all programs within each department so we can eliminate unnecessary and wasteful spending. We should task staff to aggressively pursue state and federal grants for programs in lieu of county tax dollars and find innovative opportunities for public-private partnerships.
Q: DO YOU THINK THE CITY AND COUNTY SHOULD WORK TOGETHER MORE, OR IS THERE AN ADVANTAGE TO WORKING SEPARATELY?
A: The County works quite closely with cities, often times administering state or federal programs that benefit cities. That’s why my experience as a City Council member translates so well to the responsibilities of the County Judge.
For more information about Wade Emmert, visit www.WadeEmmert.com
]]>Cedar Hill City Council Member Wade Emmert is a candidate for Dallas County Judge. In this exclusive interview, he discusses his background, his personal life, and the motivations that led him to seek the office. Read the blog at: http://www.examiner.com/x-11483-Dallas-Republican-Examiner~y2009m8d16-QA-with-Wade-Emmert-Candidate-for-Dallas-County-Judge
]]>Ellis County Observer
DALLAS, Texas -
Cedar Hill City Councilman Wade Emmert picked a former DeSoto councilman to manage his campaign, according to the Dallas Morning News’ Gromer Jeffers Jr:
Ex-council member picked for campaign
Former DeSoto council member Mike Gruber has been chosen to manage Cedar Hill council member Wade Emmert’s campaign for county judge.
Emmert is the leading candidate in the March Republican primary.
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Emmert is the leading candidate in the March Republican primary.
Read the full article on the Dallas Morning News Local News
]]>“Dallas County needs experienced leadership. Wade has a record of working with people from both parties to solve real problems that effect real people.” said Mike. “Wade is a dynamic and energetic leader and the best candidate for Dallas County Judge.”
Mr. Gruber, a partner of Gruber, Hurst, Johansen, Hail, LLP, is a well-respected member of the Dallas legal community. D Magazine listed Mike Gruber as one of the best lawyers in Dallas and Texas Monthly and Law & Politics magazine listed Gruber as a Texas Super Lawyer. He has chaired a number of committees for the Dallas Bar Association.
Mike is no stranger to community service. He is a former member of the DeSoto City Council, Cedar Hill Park Board, and chaired Best Southwest’s Leadership Program, and has been recognized for this commitment to the community through his role as Director of the North Texas Region of Big Brothers, Big Sisters. He also served for 12 years on the Dallas Zoological Society as an Executive Board Member and has chaired St. Jude’s annual Dallas event for a number of years.
“I am honored to have Mike’s support and leadership. We share a commitment to community and public service. His public service in the southern sector and his community service in the northern sector gives Mike a unique appreciation of the challenges facing Dallas County.” Emmert said.
According to Mike, “The energy of Wade’s campaign is permeating Dallas County. I am eager to lead the team and its efforts to get Wade elected as our next Dallas County Judge. Wade brings people together from across party lines who are genuinely excited to bring proven leadership to Dallas County.”
Wade currently serves on the Cedar Hill City Council which was recently named “City Council of the Year” by the Texas City Managers Association.
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Emily Lopez
CEDAR HILL, Texas - At a time when nearly all city governments are making painful cuts because of falling revenue, the city of Cedar Hill is taking a different approach. And the city just won a statewide award for its concept.
Dallas County judge candidate Wade Emmert has announced the “Run for a Reason” 5K series. On Wednesdays at 7 p.m for the next several weeks, Emmert will join hundreds of runners at Bachman Lake for a 5K race.
Emmert said this summer he wants to highlight the work of Dallas County’s first responders.
“Our first responders are the heart of our public safety,” Emmert said. “They are the ones who answer the call. They come to our rescue.”
Emmert, most well known for his stint on the Cedar Hill city council, is the leading Republican candidate. The Democratic crowd includes incumbent Jim Foster, Dallas County Schools President Larry Duncan and there are now rumblings that Helen Giddings might jump into the fray as well. Stay tuned, political observers, the 2010 Dallas County judge’s race promises to be an interesting one.
]]>For July, wade wants to continue to highlight issues that are important to Dallas County – our first responders.
Our first responders are always prepared to serve. More than 20,000 of the nations 30,200 fire departments are all volunteers. Our own Dallas County Fire & Rescue is many times staffed by volunteers that are prepared to respond to any situation requiring assistance (not just fires.)
The Office of Security and Emergency Management provides 24 hour a day assistance to protect the Citizens of Dallas County. Within that division is a group of volunteers from our community that undergo extensive training for emergency situations. This group, affectionately called RACES – for Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services – was most notably activated for the recovery efforts of the Challenger Space Shuttle.
“Our first responders are the heart of our public safety. They are the ones who answer the call. They come to our rescue.”
Each year, our firefighters, police, sheriff’s office, constables and rescue teams receive and process millions of emergency and non emergency calls – and respond within minutes. Wade and his supporters will join together and race in honor of all our local heroes that put their lives on the line for Dallas County.
To join Emmert’s efforts and show you support in honoring the men and women who serve us every day, join his team on http://www.WadeEmmert.com, come run with him or simply watch the race coverage.
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]]>CEDAR HILL—Running for County Judge is something that current Cedar Hill City Councilmember Wade Emmert takes very seriously.
“I have talked to many Dallas County residents. Their message has been consistent and clear: Dallas County is in desperate need of experienced leadership,” Emmert begins. “I’ve spent the better part of a decade in public service. Over the years, I have developed the experience to confront the challenges Dallas County faces. Equally as important, I have developed a reputation of working with people across city boundaries and party lines.”
Citing a number of issues that he feels he can improve if elected to the position, Emmert outlines his top four including;
Transportation
“As County Judge, I will work to keep transportation dollars in Dallas County rather than losing them to surrounding counties and elsewhere across the state. I will work with area elected officials, transportation boards like the Regional Transportation Coalition and advocacy groups like the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition to build consensus and coalitions to address our transportation challenges. I also will maintain effective liaisons with key legislators and state agencies to identify funding opportunities. Quality mobility affects everyone. It is time we had an effective leader looking out for the needs of Dallas County.”
Economic Development
“Dallas County must encourage economic development in southern Dallas County to infuse dollars into the economy, create much needed jobs and increase the tax base for our southern cities. The 6,000 acre Dallas Logistics Hub in southern sector represents an incredible opportunity for us and we must continue to be a strong advocate on its behalf and provide a favorable climate for business to succeed.”
Environment
“As County Judge, I’ll work to offset on-road sources of pollution by stepping-up efforts to remove non-compliant vehicles from our streets and highways and invest in alternate forms of transportation that decrease overall emissions. Dallas County should adopt comprehensive new environmental policies. We lag behind many cities and counties who already have made a commitment to environmentally friendly policies. We should maintain a vehicle fleet that is as fuel efficient as possible, and routinely study large county buildings to see if their systems are operating efficiently.”
County Finances
“Just like the rest of the state, Dallas County is facing difficult economic times. We must make tough decisions and be prudent with the taxpayers’ money. As County Judge I would continue the 10 percent across the board budget cuts from every department. I would implement a thorough review of all programs within each department so we can eliminate unnecessary and wasteful spending. We should task staff to aggressively pursue state and federal grants for programs in lieu of county tax dollars and find innovative opportunities for public-private partnerships.”
Indeed, a big order, but then Dallas is a big city.
“Out of the 254 counties in Texas, Dallas County is special,” Emmert says. “It is the second most populous county in Texas, the ninth most populous county in the nation, and the DFW Metroplex has the 12th largest metropolitan economy in the world.”
Emmert says that he has opportunities to serve in other elected positions, but he sees the biggest need in county government. So, with a background in civic offices in addition to his current city council seat, he has also sat on the Economic Development Corporations, worked on a Bond Review Committee and Bond election campaign and has also been involved with the Best Southwest Partnership.
Emmert says he believes he is the man for the County Judge position overall because he is familiar with the issues and the personalities involved in most county issues.
“Being involved in public service for so long, I have successfully built coalitions with key leaders across city and party lines.”
Emmert notes too that his biggest challenges if elected to the position will include economic prosperity, “Dallas County must be competitive on the global stage. Business is attracted to regions with a skilled workforce and the necessary infrastructure. We must provide educational opportunities so people can develop the knowledge and skills employers need. We must encourage economic development in southern Dallas County to infuse dollars into the economy, create much needed jobs and increase the tax base for our southern cities,” transportation, “Dallas County is a large and growing county with extensive transportation needs. Our infrastructure is aging and is overburdened.
As our rapid growth continues, our transportation system’s limitations become even more pressing. From the impact to our regional mobility of people and goods, to air quality and quality of life, our inadequate transportation system threatens our continued economic prosperity” and financial management, “Dallas County started the 2010 budget process $60 million in the red. The 2011 budget will likely be an even bigger challenge. There will be more needs and fewer dollars. We must make tough decisions and be prudent with the taxpayers’ money.”
Quick to explain as well, Emmert cites there are things that he feels are working such as the current Commissioners’ Court and its job managing the budget and he also feels that the Commissioners do a good job representing their individual districts.
“We need an experienced County Judge to look out for the county as a whole,” he concludes. “I have been immensely honored to represent the citizens of Cedar Hill since public service done right is a noble calling. I’m looking forward to taking the knowledge I’ve gained at the municipal level to the county level. I’m not a big fan of mottos or catchy slogans so my campaign will be based on proven and experienced leadership. We will deal with real issues, real people and real solutions.”
Staff Writer Rita Cook covers the Best Southwest communities of Duncanville, Cedar Hill and Glenn Heights. She can be reached at 817-277-2357 or via e-mail: rcook13@earthlink.net.
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