NORTH TEXAS (CBSNewsTexas.com) – On this week’s episode of Eye on Politics, political reporter Jack Fink talks to newly re-elected mayors of Dallas and Arlington, Eric Johnson and Jim Ross, about what they hope to accomplish during their second term.
Each week, CBS News Texas political reporter Jack Fink breaks down some of the biggest political stories grabbing headlines in North Texas and beyond. Watch the latest episode of Eye on Politics in the video player above and catch new episodes live every Thursday and Friday at 7:00 PM on CBS News Texas.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson
Dallas residents recently voted overwhelmingly to re-elect Mayor Eric Johnson to a second term.
“I take this as a sign that the residents of Dallas are really unified behind the agenda that we set out over the last four years,” he said.
Looking ahead to the next four years, Johnson listed public safety, parks and tax cuts as his top three priorities.
Public Security
“My stated goal for our city is to become the safest big city in America,” Johnson said.
This goal includes the desire to build a new police training facility and secure pensions for first responders.
Parks
“I’m making a big push to green our city over the next four years,” Johnson said of his push to make Dallas the city with the best park system in the state of Texas.
As part of that push, Johnson said Harold Simmons Park need to build The park would be a 250-acre project near the Margaret McDermott Bridge and the Ronald Kirk Bridge that Johnson said would be the envy of the nation.
Lowering taxes
“I want a reduction in the property tax rate that translates into real tax savings for our residents,” Johnson said.
Johnsons said the goal is for Dallas to have the lowest tax rate in the region.
Watch Jack’s full conversation with Johnson on this week’s episode of Eye on Politics.
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, who was also recently re-elected to a second term, said his top three priorities haven’t changed much:
“It’s jobs, jobs and jobs.”
Ross said bringing more jobs to Arlington will help take care of a lot of things: crime, homelessness, affordable housing.
Earlier this month, General Motors announced that it will invest more than $500 million in the Arlington assembly plant to prepare for production of future sport utility vehicles.
“We’ve had a long-term relationship with GM and we’re excited to continue that,” Ross said.
He also said the city plans to continue building around the entertainment district to create a more walkable environment for people who want to live and work there.
Watch Jack’s full conversation with Johnson on this week’s episode of Eye on Politics.
Jack Fink
