Members of the Dallas City Council interrogated the candidates on Wednesday: interim Dallas City Manager Kim Tolbert, assistant Fort Worth City Manager William Johnson, and assistant Sacramento City Manager Mario Lara.
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Dallas City Council members interviewed the three city manager finalists behind closed doors on Wednesday.
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During a community event on Sunday, the candidates each talked about why they are the best person for the job.
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The council is expected to select among the three with a vote next week.
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Dallas City Council members interviewed the three city manager finalists behind closed doors on Wednesday.
-
During a community event on Sunday, the candidates each talked about why they are the best person for the job.
-
The council is expected to select among the three with a vote next week.
DallasThe three candidates for the Dallas City Manager position are being introduced to the public.
Members of the Dallas City Council interrogated the candidates on Wednesday: interim Dallas City Manager Kim Tolbert, assistant Fort Worth City Manager William Johnson, and assistant Sacramento City Manager Mario Lara.
3 finalists named for Dallas city manager position. Here’s what happens next.
Three applicants were questioned by a committee on Monday morning for the vacant city manager position in Dallas.
Over the weekend, the public had the opportunity to meet the candidates and ask questions, but the interviews were conducted behind closed doors.
Next steps:
In a week, council members are supposed to cast their votes for the next city manager.
Mario Lara
Lara Mario
At a forum in North Dallas on Sunday, Sacramento candidate Mario Lara made an effort to establish a personal connection with the locals.
“I am aware that I am an outside candidate looking to give the community a new start and a different viewpoint. Therefore, it’s crucial that you truly get to know me,” he stated. “I am an immigrant. My parents were teachers, and I was born in Belize, Central America. They taught me the importance of diligence, self-control, honesty, and volunteerism.
Since 2022, Lara has been an assistant city manager in the capital city of California, where she has been in charge of the emergency management, community response, fire, and police departments.
“One major accomplishment there was a reduction in homelessness, which I ve heard from the community input sessions that I’ve heard is a concern here,” he stated.
Lara has also held positions in San Bernadino County, California, and the city of Riverside.
William Johnson
Johnson, William
Fort Worth’s assistant city manager since 2019, William Johnson, praised his accomplishments in the area of police compensation.
“Great new contract that our police are so excited about where we made some adjustments in how we structure pay, how much time it takes for them to reach their maximum salary so that we can attract the best of the best not just from around the Metroplex but from around the country,” he stated.
Johnson stated that he has expertise bringing in tourists and that Dallas is one of the best cities in the world, which is why he wants to be there.
“The Stockyards receive more visitors than the Eiffel Tower. “A lot of people are unaware of that,” he stated.
Johnson has previously worked in emergency services in the private sector and for the cities of Atlanta and Baltimore.
Kimberly Tolbert
Tolbert, Kim
Dallas is already her home, Kim Tolbert stressed.
She has been the city’s chief of staff and deputy city manager in addition to holding positions in finance and administration.
Since I began working for the city of Dallas 32 years ago as an intern, this is a full circle moment for me. I am fundamentally a supporter of this city. I was a young rose from Tyler, Texas. “And Dallas gave me the opportunity to flourish,” she remarked.
As interim city manager since May, she concentrated on her achievements.
“I outlined a proactive 100-day strategy. We set out to reduce the $38 million budget shortfall that we had at the beginning. “I saved you $13 million by restructuring the organization and streamlining operations,” she claimed.
According to Tolbert, the budget prioritized public safety while paying for the first responders’ pension.
“I also worked to ensure we delivered the largest property tax reduction in modern history of this city with a unanimous city council vote,” she stated.
With intensity, she concluded her case.
“At this moment, I am certain that I am the best leader. She added, “I’m prepared to take on the role of permanent city manager.”
The Source: Previous news coverage and a community meet and greet with the candidates on Sunday provided the information for this report.
