Dear Lakewood Neighbors,

East Dallas is flourishing. Our neighborhoods are getting safer, our parks are consistently improving, and fantastic new restaurants and unique small businesses opening reflect our city's vibrant growth. Progress is evident in addressing congestion at intersections and the long-awaited realization of the White Rock dredge project is drawing nearer. Yet, amidst these achievements, we cannot overlook the challenges that come with our city's progress.

During my five years on the Dallas City Council, I've made it a point to listen to citizens' concerns across this district and deliver results on issues important to East Dallas residents. Foremost among these concerns is the alarming surge in the cost of living faced by families and small businesses in East Dallas. This includes steep hikes in property appraisals resulting in higher tax bills, prolonged delays in the residential permitting process contributing to increased housing costs, and traffic congestion exacting a toll on our time and productivity.

The Dallas City Council has been diligent in addressing these challenges, with a focused effort on fiscal responsibility. Over the past five years, we have consistently reduced the tax rate, including the current budget, reflecting a nearly 5% decrease from the previous year's rate. Our commitment to streamlining processes is evident in our proactive approach to the permitting system. By working with the City Manager, we are working to untangle bureaucratic red tape at City Hall, resulting in a more efficient progression of residential construction projects.

We are also delivering on our commitment to enhance safety and mobility. Our initiatives include the creation of safer streets with improved traffic flow, dedicated bike lanes, and well-designed pedestrian walkways.

Another predominant issue on taxpayers' minds as well as mine is public safety. I'm proud to have voted to hire 250 police officers along with incentives to retain other officers so our police force can continue to expand. We must have a police force that is properly staffed, impeccably trained, well-paid, and responsive to our community's needs. We need a department that not only earns our trust and respect through its engagements with the community but also has the council's trust and support.

In the past year, I have dedicated substantial effort to tackling the pervasive threat of fentanyl in our city. Collaborating closely with the Dallas Fire and Rescue, the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas District Attorney's office as well as many other governmental agencies and non-profits, we successfully advocated for passing legislation in Austin that empowers first responders to employ heat maps, enabling swift responses to and hopefully preventing fentanyl poisoning. Although addressing such issues may not typically be at the forefront of City Council agendas, the heartbreaking stories from those who have lost loved ones underscore the urgency of our actions.

I'm thrilled to share the exciting developments at White Rock Lake. Last year, I secured funding for preliminary engineering work to dredge White Rock Lake, and this year, I pushed for $20 million for dredging to be placed into the 2024 bond package that will be on the ballot next year. Embracing the rallying cry of "Dredge Baby Dredge!" I remain committed to this advocacy work. White Rock Lake is Dallas' crown jewel for recreation, improving East Dallas residents' lives.

East Dallas continues to be a fantastic place to live, with a strong sense of community that we can all be proud of. It's been an honor serving as your District 9 Council Representative. I'm committed to being the most responsive council member for your concerns. Feel free to reach out anytime via email at district9@dallascityhall.com or by calling 214-671-8916.

Paula Blackmon

District #9 Council Representative