Let me begin this month by telling you that I have borrowed the idea for this column from an East Dallas colleague. If you have access to both the East Dallas/Lakewood Advocate and the Lake Highlands Advocate, you will see a significant amount of plagiarism in the following paragraphs.
The 37 City boards and commissions play a significant role in determining the direction of our City. Most of the boards are advisory and make recommendations to the City Council. Examples are the City Plan and Zoning Commission, the Human Services Commission and the Environmental Health Advisory Commission.
Other board actions are final and any appeal of the decisions must be made to State District Court. Examples are the Board of Adjustment and the Urban Rehabilitation Standards Board.
Citizens who serve on City boards learn much about local government while helping improve our neighborhoods.
Most boards and commissions have 15 members, with each Council member making one appointment. Although some boards meet frequently (Park and Recreation Board and the Plan and Zoning Commission meet weekly), others rarely meet.
Several boards affect our community more directly than others. The Plan and Zoning Commission hears requests for changes in zoning and makes recommendations to the Council. Ed Barger, a resident of Town Creek, represents our interests on that board.
Members of the Park and Recreation Board oversee the Parks Department, making most of the decisions about the operation of recreational facilities in the City. Alan Walne serves on that board.
Fredda Horton, our representative on the Permit and License Appeal Board, will be evaluating requests by businesses and deciding whether their licenses to operate should be reinstated.
Eiland Collins Jr., president of the Hamilton Park Civic League, serves on the Seniors Affairs Commission and is a strong advocate for the “Seniors Active in Life” groups at our recreation centers.
Other board and commission members from Lake Highlands are:
- Cable Access Board of Dallas Inc. Board: Heidi Zukoski Sweetnam.
- CED/Health Facilities Development Corp. Board: Mazie M. Jamison.
- South Dallas/Fair Park Trust Fund Advisory Board: Donald H. Wilson.
- Community Development Advisory Committee: Ada V. Hansford.
- Board of Adjustment: Anchi Hang Ku.
- Animal Shelter Advisory Committee: John R. Carpenter.
- Cultural Affairs Commission: Donna Reed and Allison Reaves Poggi.
- Civil Service Board Adjunct Panel: Daniel F. Susie and Rodolfo Rodriguez Jr.
- Environmental Health Advisory Commission: Charles D. Briner.
- Housing Finance Corporation Board: Robert A. Chereck.
- Municipal Library Advisory Board: Diane G. Miley.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Board: Joe N. McClendon.
- Urban Rehabilitation Standards Board: Marsha Lefkof.
- Judicial Nominating Commission: Jay J. Madrid.
- Reinvestment Zone 4 Board: Debora Gonzales.
- Dallas Higher Education Authority, Inc. Board: J. Richard White.
When you see these people, let them know how much we appreciate their efforts on behalf of Lake Highlands.
Although all positions are currently filled, citizens from time to time find they are unable to continue serving and submit resignations. If you are interested in being considered for future openings on City boards, please send me a note with a resume.
My address is City Hall, 1500 Marilla 5FS, Dallas 75201.
If you are not receiving notices of my town hall meetings, let me know. I’ll be happy to add you to my mailing list.
