Candidate name:Lakolya London
Council district: (6) Mayor
1. Your background and the LGBT communityPlease share any
experience that illustrates your understanding and interest of the
needs of LGBT Dallas residents.Stonewall Democrats of Dallas seek
to inform members of the LGBT and Democratic Party community of
candidate's political background. Our organizations by-laws require
us only to consider candidates with Democratic Primary voter
history or or affirms their party affiliation via an oath of
allegiance to the Democratic Party. Do you qualify or would you be
prepared to sign an oath of allegiance form from the Dallas County
Democratic Party?yes
2. Creating an inclusive communityCities compete for residents,
tax payers, conventions and new businesses/economic development. As
a member of the Dallas City Council, how would you insure that
Dallas can compete effectively with other cities in the area of
LGBT inclusion?We will make sure everyone is treated equally no
matter what they do or who they like.
Would you recruit and consider qualified LGBT constituents for
your commission and board appointments?I have to say, that I want
whoever can do the job and have the credentials to do the job to
get the job. I do not believe in nepotism, cronyism, and favoritism
because it is time for the best minds to get the job done since
nepotism has become a problematic situation in 2015.
Will you support the Dallas City Council's resolution for
marriage equality and also a statewide ban on LGBT employment
discrimination?Yes, I cannot make anybody believe or behave a
certain way in a relationship. I would allow the justice system to
do its job and give the LGBT the right to marriage. There must be
equality for all in employment discrimination in order for this
nation to excel.
Mayor Rawlings has refused to join the nationwide effort of
mayors of 300 cities and 32 states to become a member of Mayors for
the Freedom to Marry. This effort is chaired by Mayors of Boston,
New York City, Houston and Los Angeles. Would you actively lobby
and take action to encourage Mayor Rawlings to join this effort?
(Please see
http://www.freedomtomarry.org/pages/mayors-for-the-freedom-to-marry)
I think the judicial system should make the call for the right
to marry so I would not pressure the mayor o this issue. One thing
I will do is respect the wishes of all people. There is nothing we,
the people, can do about who a person loves because they are
allowed to do what they want. This is America, the land of the
free, so they can do what they want as long as no crimes or being
committed.
3. The City of Dallas as a LGBT inclusive employer
The private sector has seen a large increase in policies and
benefits for LGBT employees, how should the City of Dallas remain
competitive to attract and retain top LGBT talent?
They must be fair and help everyone because discrimination
should not be allowed or tolerated.
Do you support comprehensive transgender inclusive health
benefits and as a council member work with the City Manager to
implement such benefits?I would do what I can for everyone to get a
decent amount of money to live and survive on.
4. Current Events
The Governor and several state legislators intend to push
legislation through to curtail the current scope of governance of
home rule cities like Dallas. This could remove local control over
matters such as drilling within city limits, LGBT protections, etc.
Do you favor or oppose this, and what do you plan to do in
response?
I do not agree with the home rule because it will have a lot of
children suffering more than they are right now. I think there
would be a lot of stealing going on and the children will not be
getting parts of the millions of dollars that are due to them to
get educated.
What are your thoughts on the current campaign finance rules for
Dallas elections which set donation amount limits on people newly
seeking office but essentially place no donation amount limits on
incumbents via unrestricted officeholder accounts which may be used
for campaign purposes?It just makes the new candidates work hard
for a seat. I care less how much money a person gets because you
are supposed to be getting your voice out there to help people not
just make a dollar and forget about the people when you get in the
office. I am planning to walk the neighborhoods to let the people
know how much I care about the poor, single parents, grandmothers,
and low income workers that are suffering due to neglect by
businesses such as Walmarts, McDonalds, and other part time hiring
companies such as this.
The proposed Trinity Parkway toll road continues to make
headlines. Do you see the Trinity Parkway as an essential roadway
project to alleviate projected road congestion around our downtown
core, or are there other solutions that Dallas should be focused
on?No Trinity Parkway toll road is needed there are other ways to
make money besides this. This city has enough toll roads and do not
need any more.
Given that tax revenue for the City of Dallas should rise this
year without a tax rate increase, what are the top priorities to
which these additional funds should be directed citywide and within
your district?The recreation systems needs more leadership programs
so it is in need of funds, the city workers need an increase
because they are not being paid a fair wage also, and many
companies need to be fined when they violate the city ordinance
also.
I, _Lakolya C. London, am seeking an endorsement from the
Stonewall Democrats of Dallas for the 2015 Dallas City Council
elections.
Signed_____Lakolya C. London____________Date___3-3-15
