Kleinman to Seek Dallas City Council Seat

Businessman, volunteer and longtime Dallas Park and Recreation Department Board Member, Lee Kleinman, announced today that he will run for Dallas City Council in the May City election. Kleinman will seek the seat of retiring Council Member Linda Koop (Council District 11). Long-time resident of District 11, George Shafer has volunteered to serve as Treasurer for Kleinman’s campaign.

“I am proud to have George on board,” said Kleinman. “George Shafer is one of Dallas’ greatest assets and I will rely on his solid judgment in this campaign.”

Businessman, volunteer and longtime Dallas Park and Recreation Department Board Member, Lee Kleinman, announced today that he will run for Dallas City Council in the May City election. Kleinman will seek the seat of retiring Council Member Linda Koop (Council District 11). Koop is term limited and as such will not seek another term. Koop appointed Kleinman to the Park Board.

“Linda has done a wonderful job for our area and Dallas as a whole,” said Kleinman. “I intend to work hard and live up to the level of service and dedication set by Linda.”

Kleinman has been active as a volunteer and leader in local civic and charitable organizations for over 30 years. While on the Park Board he served as Chairman of the Planning and Design Committee, on the Zoo Board he served on the Long Range Planning Committee and as the founder of the Friends of Northaven Trail he started a community organization for the support of an important addition to the Dallas Trail System.

Kleinman’s priorities on the council will include strong neighborhoods through crime prevention and cleanliness as well as preserving neighborhood access to parks and other green space. Kleinman has been a longtime supporter of safe and well maintained roads and the easing of traffic congestion. Kleinman emphasizes, “Supporting the work of our neighborhood associations is paramount to making this a success.” On the Park Board, Kleinman was best known for promoting more efficient government and safeguarding the quality of life for Dallas residents.

“A major challenge the next council member will face is the transition of the Valley View Mall area,” said Kleinman. “The decisions made in this important conversion will have a huge impact on the quality of life of all those who live and work around it. I intend to listen to the neighbors and use my own business experience to make this transition successful.”

Businessman and long-time resident of District 11, George Shafer has volunteered to serve as Treasurer for Kleinman’s campaign.

“I am proud to have George on board,” said Kleinman. “George Shafer is one of Dallas’ greatest assets and I will rely on his solid judgment in this campaign.”

Kleinman, 53, is a successful entrepreneur with a long career of managing high growth and startup companies. Lee is currently Chief Operating Officer for Bridge Metrics, a North Texas business software firm. He is married to Dr. Lisa Umholtz, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist. Lisa and Lee have two children, Michelle (26) and David (21). Kleinman was born and raised in Dallas, graduated from St. Mark’s, and earned his MBA at SMU.