By Catherine Cuellar, KERA 90.1 Reporter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-587879.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Host: In Dallas' 11-way mayoral election, Tom Leppert led with 27 per cent? of the vote, trailed by councilman Ed Oakley's 21 per cent? Now both candidates are preparing for a runoff. 90.1's Catherine Cuellar has more.
Catherine Cuellar, KERA reporter: Leppert, retired CEO & Chair of Turner construction, is a political newcomer who successfully outpaced his opponents in funds and votes. He promises to reduce crime, improve education, and generate jobs and investment city-wide.
Tom Leppert: "If you look at where we came from a couple of months ago, we really started without a political base. I think in several months we've not only developed that but the people of this city understood the message and background we bring and the numbers are indicative of that."
Cuellar: Leppert now faces his best-funded opponent, District 3 councilman Ed Oakley.
Ed Oakley: "We're going to do things resonating with people We're going to give seniors a tax relief. We're going to tear down crime ridden apartment s in city and make it a better place. We're going to attack crime at its core."
Cuellar: After Oakley, Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill, former councilman Max Wells, and current District 9 councilman Gary Griffith placed third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. The runoff between Leppert and Oakley is June 16th.
For KERA 90.1, I'm Catherine Cuellar