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The Real Estate Council Endorses Lee Kleinman for Dallas City Council

March 27, 2013

Real Estate Council announces City Council endorsements

The Real Estate Council has issued its endorsements for the coming City Council races.

In the hotly contested District 13 race, Jennifer Staubach Gates got the nod over Leland Burk.

And in the race for the District 14 seat, Bobby Abtahi can add to council to his impressive list of endorsements, including former council members and “Car-Free” Patrick Kennedy among others.

The council also picked Delia Jasso over Scott Griggs in the District 1 race – the only race where two incumbents face each other.

“We were encouraged to see such a strong pool of candidates running for Dallas City Council and Dallas ISD school board,” said Linda McMahon, president and CEO of The Real Estate Council. “It takes a selfless and courageous person to decide to run for any public office, and we applaud each of the candidates for their passion and commitment to improving our city.”

Here is the complete City Council endorsement list.

District 1: Delia Jasso (i)
District 2: Adam Medrano
District 3: Vonciel Hill (i)
District 5: Rickey Callahan
District 6: Monica Alonzo (i)
District 7: Carolyn Davis (i)
District 8: Tennell Atkins (i)
District 11: Lee Kleinman
District 13: Jennifer Staubach Gates
District 14: Bobby Abtahi

Announcement of Dallas Police and Fire Associations Endorsement

March 27, 2013

Home > City Hall Blog

Dallas police and firefighters announce City Council endorsements

Dallas police and firefighters announced Monday which candidates they’d like to see voters green-light in the upcoming City Council elections.

The Dallas Police Association and Dallas Fire Fighters Association supported all the incumbents on the ballot. In fact, Scott Griggs and Delia Jasso — the two officeholders pitted against each other in District 1 — both received the associations’ thumbs-up. And in District 2, the associations endorsed Adam Medrano, who is running to replace his aunt.

But the endorsements could be a boon for candidates aiming to fill open seats. The support for Philip Kingston in District 14 and Jennifer Staubach Gates in District 13 might be particularly welcome for those candidates.

Kingston has the endorsement of outgoing council member Angela Hunt. But a rival in the race, Bobby Abtahi, has the backing of several prominent community leaders, including former council members Veletta Lill, Ed Oakley, Craig Holcomb and Craig McDaniel, as well as former State Rep. Allen Vaught.

Staubach Gates, meanwhile, has a famous father. But her opponent, Leland Burk, has the influential endorsements of current council member Ann Margolin and former council member Mitchell Rasansky.

In District 11, the endorsements are two more high-profile feathers in former Park Board member Lee Kleinman’s cap. He also has the backing of term-limited council member Linda Koop, Republican state Sen. John Carona and Maurine Dickey, a former county commissioner. Kleinman said the announcement shows that police and firefighters have faith in his knowledge of the issues.

Kleinman’s opponent, Ori Raphael, a former Pete Sessions staffer who is running as an outsider who can buck the city establishment, said he supports Dallas police, but wasn’t surprised that he missed out on the endorsement “because I’m an independent thinker and care more for the residents of Dallas than the interests of the unions.”

Here is the full list of endorsements:

  • Scott Griggs, District 1
  • Delia Jasso, District 1
  • Adam Medrano, District 2
  • Vonciel Jones Hill, District 3
  • Dwaine Caraway, District 4
  • Jesse Diaz, District 5
  • Monica Alonzo, District 6
  • Carolyn Davis, District 7
  • Tennell Atkins, District 8
  • Sheffie Kadane, District 9
  • Jerry Allen, District 10
  • Lee Kleinman, District 11
  • Sandy Greyson, District 12
  • Jennifer Staubach Gates, District 13
  • Philip Kingston, District 14

Virginia Cook Honored by the City of Dallas for Support of Park and Trails System

March 5, 2013

Virginia Cook Proclamation
Virginia Cook, CEO of Virginia Cook, Realtors, was honored by the City of Dallas during the February 20 City Council meeting for her support of the city’s park and trails system.

Ms. Cook received special recognition from the Mayor and Council for her leadership in enhancing Dallas’ network of linear parks through a significant contribution to the Northaven Trail, the city’s newest commuter and recreational bike and hike trail. The financial gift will fund the respite section of the trail at St. Michael and Lavendale. Amenities include stone bench seating, a bike repair station, landscaping, and water fountains for people and dogs. It will also be the site for community-oriented events such as “movie nights in the park”.

The Northaven Trail is a public trail built and maintained by the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department. The trail runs through the Oncor power line easement between Northaven Road and Royal Lane. The master plan takes the trail from Central Expressway to Denton Drive, with plans to connect to the White Rock Creek Trail on the east and Irving’s Campion Trail on the west. There will also be connections to DART’s Forest Lane Station and Walnut Hill / Denton Station.

“Private -Public partnerships such as the Virginia Cook-Northaven Trail partnership allow the City to leverage resources and provide better facilities and services to our residents,” said Lee Kleinman, Park and Recreation Board Member, Council District 11. “Virginia’s contribution to the Friends of Northaven Trail is just another demonstration of her dedication to improving the quality of life for Dallas residents.” “Virginia understands that great neighborhoods thrive because people associate with each other in smaller groups. Trails and parks build community pride, desirable neighborhoods and support property values,” said Mr. Kleinman.

“We love everything the respite offers Dallas,” said Ms. Cook, noting that leaders dating back to President John F. Kennedy have recognized the catalyst a hike and bike trail system plays in creating a healthier, safer and more connected community.

“This will be a place neighbors meet and get acquainted. Pet lovers will stop for a drink for the dog, bikers can air up their tires, and walkers can simply take a break and enjoy the views.” Ms. Cook’s contribution to the Northaven Trail continues a 14-year history of support to the communities the North Texas firm serves. She is currently president of the Dallas Woman’s Forum, which owns the historic Alexander Mansion at 4607 Ross.

Kleinman to Seek Dallas City Council Seat

January 2, 2013

Kleinman-Logo-2Businessman, 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.”

(more…)

Longtime Park Board member Lee Kleinman may run for Dallas City Council

December 18, 2012
By RUDOLPH BUSH
Dallas Morning News Staff Writer
Dallas City Council District 11

Dallas City Council District 11

Lee Kleinman, a longtime Dallas Park Board member, says he is strongly considering a run for the City Council seat of Linda Koop.
Because of term limits, Koop must step down in 2013, after eight years of service.

She appointed Kleinman to the Park Board in 2007, where he’s been an independent voice who’s not shy about publicly questioning city staff or his fellow board members. He’s worked on several major projects, including the Northaven Trail and the Dallas bike plan.

(more…)

Search committee selects five finalists for Dallas park director

November 28, 2012
Dallas Morning News
By JEFF MOSIER and RUDOLPH BUSH
28 November 2012 10:32 PM

“Lee Kleinman, a member of the park board search committee, said only a few applicants were considered serious contenders. There aren’t many municipal park systems as large as that in Dallas.

‘That was a challenge,’ Kleinman said, ‘but there were a number of good candidates from park systems that are within the target range. They might not be as big as ours, but they are large systems.'”
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Dallas park board wants outside candidates for new director, won’t use search firm

October 4, 2012
STEVE THOMPSON
The Dallas Morning News
Published: 04 October 2012 02:01 PM

“As committee member Lee Kleinman put it during last week’s meeting, “If something floats in here, I’m not going to turn it away, but I’m not looking to do a national search.”

But Kleinman spun the committee’s recommendations a little differently today. Rather than not turning away outside applicants, Kleinman today said that the committee had agreed to be “very receptive” to them.”

(more…)

Dwaine Caraway Thinks Dallas is Bungling its Search for a New Park Director

October 2, 2012
DwaineWithBinoculars.jpg

Dwaine Caraway, already searching far and wide for a new parks director.

Dallas Observer
By Eric Nicholson
Tue., Oct. 2 2012 at 10:00 AM

“Committee member Lee Kleinman said the reason was simple: a national search would cost considerable time and money. (A typical executive search in the private sector typically runs 25 to 30 percent of the first-year salary, which for the parks director will be between $145,000 and $180,000). Plus, he said, the city has enough talent in-house to do the job.” (more…)

Northaven Trail latest in Dallas’ growing network of hike-and-bike paths

April 13, 2012

Dallas’ growing trail system offers an exercise venue not only for man but also for his best friend.

By NANETTE LIGHT
The Dallas Morning News
Published: 13 April 2012 11:24 PM

“But about half of the city’s trail plan is still unfunded. And there is no immediate plan to ask voters to approve more bonds for the Park and Recreation Department, said Lee Kleinman, Dallas Park Board member for District 11.

That means the department is left scavenging for funding through grants and private partners, said Kleinman. He said the county, for example, has agreed to help fund the Union Pacific Trail, but that requires matching funds from the city.”
(more…)

North Dallas’ Northaven Trail open this weekend

March 18, 2012

Melanie McCoy (left), Charla McCoy and Ibrisa Odzakovic are already enjoying the Northaven Trail.

By DANIELLE ABRIL
The Dallas Morning News
Published: 18 March 2012 10:26 PM

“‘It’s exciting; it’s thrilling; it’s a big relief,’ said Lee M. Kleinman, Dallas Park Board member for District 11. ‘It’s such a positive enhancement to the neighborhood.’

The 2.2-mile trail cost $1.94 million, financed by bonds approved by voters in 2006. The trail includes limestone benches, doggy stations and rest pits.

The city-owned trail sits on Oncor’s land and will be maintained by the Friends of Northaven Trail, a nonprofit volunteer organization that Kleinman helped create in 2010.”
(more…)

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