The Wheel's Voters Guide (May, 2024)

Early voting for the 2024 local elections in Texas is underway. Election Day is May 4, 2024. On the ballot for Richardson voters (at least on my ballot) will be two races. Use Vote411.org to see your personalized ballot. Read on to learn how to vote.

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DCAD

For Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) Place 1, The Wheel recommends Ekamber Kumar Singirikonda.

In the only questionnaire that I know of, Ekambar Kumar Singirikomar says, in part, "As a member of the Assessment Board, my primary aim is to uphold the highest standards of fairness and integrity in all board activities. Leveraging my expertise in real estate appraisal and leadership, I am committed to ensuring that property valuations are conducted accurately to benefit both property owners and the broader community." That sounds right to me. Accurate appraisals is what DCAD should be about. The job isn't to reduce property taxes (that's the job of the Texas legislature, school boards, and city councils). Kumar's professional resume includes experience in mortgage lending and real estate brokerage. The Wheel recommends a vote for Ekamber Kumar Singirikonda.

In the only questionnaire that I know of, P. Wylie Burge asserts, "Many homeowners are becoming increasingly frustrated about the tax burden placed on homeowners in the state as well as the fact our state has a record surplus from taxes collected and seemingly no representation advocating for more fiscally responsible behavior from our elected officials." Burge has the wrong understanding of the job description of the office he's running to fill. DCAD's duties are to establish accurate property values for all real and business personal property in Dallas County. That's it. It doesn't set tax rates. It doesn't spend the tax revenues collected. It has no role in legislation. The Wheel cannot endorse someone for DCAD director who seemingly is more interested in cutting taxes than in doing the job he's running for.

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Dallas College

For Dallas College Trustee District 1, The Wheel recommends Edwin Flores.

According to The Lake Highlands Advocate, "Dr. Catalina Garcia won a runoff two years ago to earn her first term on the board of trustees at Dallas College (formerly the Dallas County Community College District). Dr. Edwin Flores has served 16 years on the Dallas ISD school board, and he endorsed Garcia in the 2022 runoff." The Dallas Morning News endorses Edwin Flores, citing his 16 years as a Dallas ISD trustee, including his responsibility overseeing the expenditure of DISD's $5 billion bond revenues. The News also cited his command of the details of Texas House Bill 8, which "shifted the way the state funds community colleges."

The Wheel endorsed Dr. Catalina E. Garcia in 2022 and applauds her service and willingness to continue that service. Dallas College will be well-served if she wins re-election, but also if Edwin Flores wins and the 86-year-old Garcia either retires or finds other ways to serve.