By Bill Zeeble, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-931616.mp3
Dallas, TX – The leading candidates for Dallas County Judge say economic development is a top priority, especially in the struggling southern sector. KERA's Bill Zeeble reports on the different approaches offered by Democrat Clay Jenkins and Republican Wade Emmert.
For years, residents in southern Dallas have complained about being ignored. Many small businesses struggling to make it say they need help - like development or tax deals.
Meka: It's up and down, up and down. It's not, how can I put it? It's not where it's supposed to be. It's slow, so if no one is making money, no one can spend money. See what I'm saying ?
Meka, who only offers her first name, runs the cash register at Mr. C's Food Mart on Simpson Stuart Road, near Paul Quinn College. She's lived around here for years.
Meka: It's not too many businesses that last long over here. Like the cleaners next door, it's out of business. It's not getting enough clients. You know. I've seen a lot of people try businesses and they don't last any longer than 6 months. Cleaners right here then a clothes shop. Right here, they closed a grocery store down because it wasn't getting enough business.
Meka is not alone. Nobody likes boarded up store fronts, homes, or even empty fields where there could be residential developments or even a business park. Wade Emmert and Clay Jenkins promise new infrastructure like roads and water lines. Emmert says they're vital.
Emmert: Put infrastructure on the ground, that encourages development. We know businesses look for two things. That is, adequate infrastructure, and a skilled workforce.
Clay Jenkins says the land-rich region that's key to future success lies south of I-30.
Jenkins: unless we want to cede the epicenter of the metro-plex in the next generation to Collin or Tarrant County, and pay exponentially higher taxes in the process, we've got to develop south of 30.
Jenkins advocates the long-accepted use of tax abatements to entice business. He wants local municipalities to work together on deals they agree will benefit tax payers. Emmert opposes abatements.
Emmert: When you incentivize with tax breaks, that money comes from the general revenue fund and that has a dramatic impact. A tax abatement now is almost guaranteed a tax increase tomorrow.
Both candidates say restarting the stalled Inland Port is a big part of the County's future. It's projected to handle growing international business traffic. Emmert and Jenkins just disagree on the best vehicle to get it - and the county - back on a fast track to success.
Related Links:
http://www.jenkinsfordallascounty.com/