Occupation
Retired Educator
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology (Pre-Med); Master of Education in Education Administration
Campaign Phone
469-377-0813
Campaign YouTube URL
Note:
I can also be reached on other social media sites (Instagram, TilTok, and LinkedIn) at DaWud4DeSoto.
I can think of three things: My Head; My Heart; and My Hand. My head because I have studied the issues that are affecting our city. Also, my educational pursuits, and leadership experience have prepared me for this seat. My heart because I believe in service. From serving on the Advisory Board of the United Way of Greater Houston, to serving on Desoto's City Charter Review Committee, I work within my community. And my Hand because I will roll up my sleeves and work. Whether assisting hurricane victims, or co-founding Impact DeSoto, an organization that educates the community, I will engage.
Budget challenges must be met by first taking a look at safety and security of our city. If the residents do not feel safe, they will relocate. The budget should also prioritize city infrastructure. Citizens deserve city streets and roadways, broadband connectivity, library and other amenities to complement their stay here. Of course, we have to be competitive in the budgeting of expenses in the area of human resources. To that end, there must be strict eye out for waste and/or fraud pertaining to the expenditure of tax dollars. Budget requests need to have a tiered approval system.
DeSoto should have established relationships with other governmental agencies. The cities within the Best Southwest work together. We should also work with state and federal agencies, as the law dictates, as well as a practical matter. It is vitally important to have a working relationship with state and federal agencies, especially when it comes to the delivery of resources. If there is a need to declare an emergency, we will need the assistance of outside, governmental resources. We should not impede another agency from working. However, we should not violate the rights of our citizens.
The first guideline I would support would be a strict adherence to the rules set force by the EEOC which covers protected classes of people. This would apply from city staff to city residents. City services, housing protections, awarding of grants, as well as infrastructure development in certain parts of the city must all be delivered at an equal level. There should be an ability for a resident or a city staff member to lodge a formal complaint of discrimination without being fearful of retaliation.
I believe the STAR Transit system provides a great service to the community. They allow you to map out your route and pre-schedule a trip. They also allow for community input from its riders. I do not believe we should include a large system such as DART.
One challenge for DeSoto is economic development and growth. DeSoto is at a crossroads, Do we remain a small, quaint city on the outskirts of Dallas? Or do we become a sprawling suburban area that is sought after by many visitors and businesses. We must decide. There are pros and cons that come with each one of those decisions. But the residents are the ones who get to make that decision. An opportunity for DeSoto is a chance to craft what it wants to look like over the next 50 years. With the new ARC and the proposed Hampton Road project, and land development proposals, there will be a shift.
Occupation
Education
Education
Maters in Education Administration
Campaign Phone
972-482-9730
My involvement in the community, including volunteering, service, mentorship, and engagement with various organizations, along with my over twenty years of experience in education, provides me with a comprehensive understanding of policies and the significance of strategic planning. Managing a successful business has taught me to make data-driven decisions and manage budgets effectively. I prioritize my family, and I believe that the decisions I make or support should exemplify transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Focus on what is important. Achieving prioritization involves attentive listening. It is essential to prioritize effectively, analyze the financial data thoroughly, including dollar-for-dollar evaluations. Maintaining transparency, fostering effective communication, and continuously exploring more efficient operational methods are crucial. Serving with excellence necessitates clear and precise communication. Additionally, researching federal grants and external funding sources and consistently seeking opportunities for assistance are vital.
Identify the representatives for our city and establish a direct monthly communication channel with them. It is essential to remain informed. We aim to ensure that our first responders receive the highest standard of training, and collaborative efforts help ensure that the city aligns with national standards while tailoring them to local needs. Determine what is functioning effectively, identify any gaps or deficiencies, and proceed accordingly.
As an administrator of a state-funded district, whenever the state mandates new rules, we are required to ensure all staff members comply, which means providing mandatory training, maintaining transparent communication, and communicating the consequences if we do not meet expectations. Discrimination should never be tolerated or ignored. I encourage fair hiring and promotion practices with diverse panels.
I have not had the opportunity to review the data and feedback from residents and businesses to assist the council in making informed decisions in the best interests of the community. Occasionally, enhancing existing practices proves to be the most effective approach.
Population growth and infrastructure demand necessitate careful, strategic planning across areas such as planning, zoning, and economic development. Overall, the future of Desoto is bright. The residents of this great city will be pleased with the upcoming improvements planned for it.
