While FrontBurner’s server went out for coffee yesterday, I decided to waste some time perusing the vote totals. Here are a few first-brush conclusions:
WINNERS:
African-American Pastors Alliance: It’s a good thing I believe in mixing religion and politics, because these fellows sure know how to do it. The turnout was an impressive demonstration of muscle-flexing (and Laura Miller-baiting).
The Morning News, D Magazine, People Newspapers, and yes, even the Dallas Observer, if I don’t say so myself: All endorsed the proposal. It carried almost every precinct north of the Trinity (except in Lake Highlands–where it lost by 616 votes and where the opposition was led by respected neighborhood leaders like Alan Wahne). The theory that the vote means media endorsements no longer matter (as promulagated by Buzz this week in the Observer) is flat-out contradicted by the results. Just don’t expect the print media to have any impact where they don’t have any readers.
LOSERS:
The aforementioned Laura Miller, of course: But don’t for a minute count her out. Her most-admired quality as a reporter was doggedness (truthfulness was another matter).
The North Dallas Chamber of Commerce: Steve Taylor and his board need to reconsider their posturing. As late as today’s edition of Preston Hollow People, Taylor is offering up such quotes as, “I can’t assure you that we’ll support (a second strong-mayor proposal)…” Let me break the news to you, Steve. Nobody cares whether you do or don’t. You didn’t carry a single precinct.
The Dallas Citizens Council: Thanks, guys. You, too, failed to influence a single vote, unless you have more clout in South Dallas than has hitherto been revealed. So now what are you going to do to fix City Hall?
My good friends Pat Cotton and cohorts: This GOP stalwart is constantly quoted in the press, and I have to wonder why. She campaigned hard against Blackwood–and from what I can tell, didn’t even carry her own precinct.
IN THE HOT SEAT
Council members Gary Griffith and Mitch Rasansky: Their districts went for it by substantial margins. Push will come to shove if they don’t deliver a new–and real–strong mayor alternative.
