THUMB AWARD The Courts Next Time?

Thumbs up to Dallas Hispanic leaders for their decision not to sue the city following the council’s 6-5 vote against charter amendment referendum. Had it passed, the referendum would have empowered the council to redraw district lines to ensure the election of a Hispanic. Fifteen percent of Dallas is Hispanic, so their lack of representation is shameful. But the decision of attorney Adelfa Callejo and others to try to elect a Hispanic to an at-large seat this spring is a wise one: as she puts it. Hispanics do not want to practice the same divisive, me-first politics that dominated the council debate. But it may be the courts next time. If Al Gonzalez fails to win in April (despite the pledged support of Mayor Taylor and several council members), look for Dallas to be i embroiled in lengthy, costly litigation.