Brooke Villalba introduces her husband, Jason
Former State Rep. Jason Villalba made it official Tuesday – he wants to shift from representing Lake Highlands in Austin to serving all of Dallas as mayor. He stood on the steps of his grandmother’s humble home in Oak Cliff to make the announcement.
“The Villalba family lived the American dream,” shared Villalba, “and it wasn’t always easy.”
In addition to his spirited grandmother, Villalba was accompanied by his parents, his wife, Brooke, and children, Elena, Sophia and George IV. A contingent of friends from Lake Highlands was also there to cheer him on.
“Dallas is the proverbial Shining City on a Hill,” said Villalba. “We have an abundance of wealth and prosperity, and our future is as bright as the lights of the Omni Hotel. I believe Dallas’ brightest days are ahead of us, not behind us.”
Villalba made reference to the large number of challengers already in the race and said new leadership is needed.
“You sure as hell aren’t going to find a new kind of mayor from the same old city council that’s been keeping Dallas from reaching its potential.”
Dallas’ biggest problems, Villalba said, are antiquated thinking, difficulty working with state officials and squabbling amongst councilmembers.
“I’ve been watching this city council and they fight more than my own kids. It troubles me. They struggle down there to get along. We can do better.”
Villalba shared a five-point plan for moving the city forward. He would cap property taxes for seniors on a fixed income. He’d bolster city infrastructure, including water, gas and telecommunications. He would work to secure competitive wages and pensions for first responders. He would revitalize the southern sector by pumping $1 billion into the Grow South initiative. And, finally, he would challenge Dallas to dream.
“Our future is greater than filling potholes,” said Villalba. “Let’s fix our streets, let’s bolster our infrastructure, let’s mend our pension plan – but let’s also shoot for the moon.”
Already in the race are civic leader Regina Montoya, developer Mike Ablon, philanthropist Lynn McBee, former Dallas City Attorney Larry Casto, Dallas ISD board member Miguel Solis, former presidential candidate Alyson Kennedy, former Dallas Housing Authority Albert Black, Jr. and Dallas City Councilman Scott Griggs. Councilman Adam McGough, a Lake Highlands resident, is reportedly considering a run. The filing deadline is in February, and more candidates are expected to enter the contest in the coming weeks.
Jason Villalba chats with supporters outside his grandmother’s home in Oak Cliff
Jason Villalba announces he’ll run for mayor
