Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazaldua on Proposed Charter Amendments
City Council Member Adam Bazaldua of Dallas refers to the city’s recent propositions as “clarifying amendments.” These amendments were approved by a majority of the council and were seen by some as a response to proposed changes by the non-profit organization Dallas HERO.
Bazaldua has shared that the intention behind the amendments was not to undo any previous work, specifically that of Dallas HERO. Instead, he views them as a way to provide clarity and streamline processes within the city.
The saga began when Dallas HERO collected enough signatures to add three proposed charter amendments to the November ballot. These proposals included measures to increase police officer hiring and salaries, link the city manager’s compensation to performance, and allow citizens to sue city leaders for non-compliance with laws.
Many council members raised concerns about these proposed changes, citing potential fiscal irresponsibility and negative impacts on city services. In response, the council approved three amendments of its own. These amendments would give the council final say on spending city funds, hiring a city manager, and the city’s immunity from lawsuits.
Bazaldua has criticized the Dallas HERO proposals, calling them a political agenda pushed by “agitators” from the far right. He believes that these amendments undermine the role of the city council and dilute the voices of voters who elected council members to make decisions on their behalf.
Currently, the city of Dallas is in the process of searching for a new city manager. Bazaldua has stated that any final decisions regarding this position will depend on the outcome of the Dallas HERO amendment vote.