Tag: Mike Rawlings

And a few want to explore ways to boost the first responders’ pension system, even if it means new debt. Race for the public safety mantle This year’s contenders have tried to cast themselves as the public safety candidate in the nonpartisan race. Johnson said he plans to pay for improvements for police by growing southern Dallas — which was also a priority for Rawlings — through business developments to add to the city's tax base. Doing so could free up general fund revenue for public safety, she said. Businessman Albert Black Jr. expressed his support for more officers, a long term solution for the pension fund and Police Chief U. Renee Hall. “Once you’ve developed that kind of relationship with Dallas, we will retain more of these officers as well.” Scott Griggs, a four-term North Oak Cliff council member, last year spearheaded efforts to increase starting police pay to $60,000. Griggs, who served on the police-and-fire pension board, said he wants to consider ways to bring confidence to the retirement fund with "creative solutions now, including pension-obligation bonds." Mike Mata, the association's president, said the group is not ready to endorse a candidate just yet. Ablon said his relationship with police goes back several years. “Every candidate came in and said they need more police.