Theresa Daniel, a Democratic candidate for the newly redrawn District 1 seat on the Dallas County Commissioners Court, today sent out an endorsement letter from a group of “LGBT Leaders & Friends.”
Read our recent story on the District 1 race here. Coincidentally, The Dallas Morning News had a good primer on the race in today’s edition saying there’s a “good chance” the district (currently represented by retiring Republican Maurine “Trans Fat” Dickey) will go Democratic. The story also compares the new district to “the head of a pipe wrench” and notes that it “flows into the north, south and eastern parts of the county and includes parts of Pleasant Grove, Garland, Richardson, Oak Lawn and White Rock Lake.”
“Because of the new demographics, the winner will have to develop a coalition that crosses racial and geographic lines and be able to reach out to all the groups,” the DMN’s story states.
The letter in support of Daniel is signed by 17 people, from former State Rep. Harryette Ehrhardt to former City Councilman Chris Luna, and states that Daniel “didn’t join the Stonewall Democrats last month or last year just because she is running for office.” Which, apparently, is a jab at one of her opponents in the primary, Daniel Clayton. The letter also notes that Theresa Daniel, a member of the State Democratic Executive Committee, voted in favor of putting a marriage equality resolution on the statewide primary ballot earlier this year. As we’ve noted, that resolution has failed twice.
“Theresa Daniel does more than talk the talk,” the letter states. “She walks the walk. She has been there with us, and with dozens of other community groups, working to make Dallas County a better, more Democratic place. We don’t have to worry about where Theresa Daniel stands or how she will perform. She has earned our trust.”
Read the full letter after the jump.
March 19, 2012
THERESA DANIEL HAS STOOD WITH US FOR MANY YEARS. IT’S TIME FOR US TO STAND WITH HER AS COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
Dear Democrats,
As members of and friends of the LGBT community, we contact you today to express our strong support for Dr. Theresa Daniel, an outstanding candidate for Dallas County Commissioner for the new District 1.
No other candidate in this race combines her longstanding support of the LGBT community, exceptional educational background and professional credentials, demonstrable management skills, and long tenure of service to the Democratic Party and its ideals. The Democratic Primary is May 29, with Early Voting from May 14-25.
Standing Up for LGBT Rights
Theresa Daniel didn’t join the Stonewall Democrats last month or last year just because she is running for office. She has been a member for more than 10 years. Theresa Daniel has stood alongside the LGBT community from day one, marching with us and working beside us. In fact, Stonewall Democrats honored her with the Harryette Ehrhardt Distinguished Democrat Award in 2004.
Earlier this year, as the State Democratic Executive Committee considered adding a marriage equality resolution to the Democratic Primary ballot, Theresa Daniel was one of the SDEC members who supported the measure and voted for it. She did this because she knows that fairness and equality for the LGBT community is right and just. She was also instrumental in securing the two SDEC positions for Stonewall Democrats.
Superior Management Skills
Theresa Daniel is ready to serve Dallas County with excellent management skills. She has a Ph.D. in public policy and performed constituent services as a staff member with Democratic Congressman Martin Frost. In her daily work, she uses complex data analysis to help teachers and administrators empower student performance. Theresa Daniel is accustomed to using best management practices inside a large organization to enhance efficiency and performance. She has advanced skills we need at the Commissioners Court as we face the challenge of funding needed services.
When the Dallas County Democratic Party fell into disarray in 2004 due to poor management, including unpaid taxes and office bills, Theresa Daniel stepped up as volunteer interim Chair in early 2005 to right the ship and help in the transition to new leadership that has led to sweeps of county government in the last three election cycles. Dallas County has a $900 million annual budget. We need someone with unquestioned management skill representing us.
Passion for Local Government and Community Service
Theresa Daniel is running for this position because she cares about people, justice and fairness. She knows that local government has an immediate impact on our lives, from healthcare and transportation, to civil rights as they are reflected in the policies of county government, to criminal justice and fair elections.
Theresa Daniel and her husband Mike, a civil rights attorney, have dedicated their lives to helping those who need help most. Theresa has done valuable work to help people get free legal services and improved healthcare services. She has spent countless volunteer hours working with many local Democratic clubs and community groups. Over the years, Theresa Daniel has touched the lives of hundreds of people in the neighborhoods that make up the new District 1
Theresa Daniel has Earned Our Trust
Theresa Daniel does more than talk the talk. She walks the walk. She has been there with us, and with dozens of other community groups, working to make Dallas County a better, more Democratic place. We don’t have to worry about where Theresa Daniel stands or how she will perform. She has earned our trust.
Theresa Daniel deserves our support, and there can be no question she will champion our values as a Dallas County Commissioner. After all, she always has.
Sincerely,
Hon. Chris Luna
Don Maison
Amy Davis
Michael Lo Vuolo
Erin Moore
Jay Narey
Pam Gerber
Robert Josef
Samuel Wenning
Hon. Harryette Ehrhardt
Michael Millikan
Michael Moon
Pamela Curry
Charles Griffith
Pauline Bourqui
Michael McPhail
Christy Kinsler
