news

Dallas Bike Plan

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:01:00 GMT

A public meeting for the 2011 Dallas Bike Plan will take place on Thurs., Sept. 23, 2010, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dallas City Hall in the L1FN Conference Center. Get the details and join us.

A conversation with...

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:58:00 GMT

Several times a month, The Texas Tribune hosts a series of conversations featuring elected officials and other newsmakers at the historic Austin Club in downtown Austin. Moderated by the Tribune's CEO and editor-in-chief, Evan Smith, Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert will be the featured guest at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 27, 2010. RSVP by e-mail or by calling 512-716-8626.

Announcing Mayor’s Youth Fitness Initiative

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:18:00 GMT

Today we announce the formation of the Mayor’s Youth Fitness Initiative, a public-private partnership designed to create and cultivate programs and funding to address the issues our city’s children face. Oncor has committed $1 million to program, which will also help ensure Dallas’ 42 Recreation Centers -- previously facing severe budget cuts and reduced hours -- will remain open and be the cornerstone to our fitness program.

New conference today at noon in the Flag Room

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Like many cities around the country, Dallas has been facing its share of challenges in balancing the budget. Today at noon, we will make an announcement that will help close the budget gap as we also launch a new, city-wide initiative. Follow along on Facebook and Twitter to learn more.

Love Field decision will benefit Dallas

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:40:00 GMT

Today, the Dallas City Council decided to move forward with an open and competitive bid process for the concession contracts in the new terminal at Dallas Love Field. This is a promising step for Love Field, for Dallas taxpayers and for our city.

Open, competitive bid process at Love Field

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:52:00 GMT

This morning, the Dallas City Council discusses the proposed no-bid concession contracts for our new terminal at Dallas Love Field. I remain committed to an open, competitive bid process. Six of my colleagues share this view. One uncommitted member holds the deciding vote, which could come today or next week. I encourage you to share your views with your Councilmembers.

Virgin America lands at D/FW

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:36:00 GMT

We welcome Virgin America and its innovative approach to airline service and look forward to a long and productive partnership.

Mayor's Summer Reading Program

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 19:01:00 GMT

The Mayor's Summer Reading Program will have its End Party at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St., on Sat., Aug 14, from 10 a.m. until noon.

Proposed 2010-2011 City of Dallas budget

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:56:00 GMT

This week, my colleagues on the Dallas City Council and I begin reviewing the proposed 2010-2011 City of Dallas budget.

Mayor's Back to School Fair

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:24:00 GMT

On Thurs., Aug. 5, thousands of Dallas schoolchildren will join me at the 14th Annual Mayor's Back to School Fair at Fair Park's Automobile and Centennial Buildings. Our sponsors, hundreds of volunteers and I will help economically disadvantaged children start off the new school year with many of their school-related needs met.

Giraffes, Monkey & Lepperts

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:04:00 GMT

On June 26th, join me at the Dallas Zoo for Giraffes, Monkeys & Lepperts. A benefit for Education is Freedom.

Check the website at www.GiraffesMonkeysAndLepperts.com for more details.

Competition Needed For Love Field Concessions

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:27:00 GMT

I've been working hard with key Council members for a competitive bidding process for concession contracts at Love Field. Thanks for your continued support.

Tom

Love Field Concessions: Competition Breeds Better Deals
By Tom Leppert
Dallas Business Journal
June 18, 2010

At its best, competition is the most efficient way to get the highest quality at the fairest price. That ideal is ingrained in America's business culture and is the accepted standard in the public sector. That's why the proposed concession contracts for Dallas Love Field Airport are so troubling.

These contracts -- lasting 19 years -- would award major portions of our new terminal to the two incumbent concessionaires without having been vetted through the competitive process. This has short-circuited new ideas and concepts and discouraged competitors, including firms owned by minorities, women and emerging entrepreneurs.

The justification is faulty.

The incumbents cite hardships suffered after the 9/11 attacks. In reality, post-9/11 security restrictions created a captive audience. That, combined with more travel options as the Wright Amendment has been lifted, boosted sales 50 percent.

The incumbents also raise the challenges of operating during construction. But the new concourse is being built next to the existing facility. Travelers and vendors will experience little inconvenience.

Finally, the no-bid supporters cite the incumbents' experience, saying they've done a good job. But sales figures place Love Field near the bottom of midsize airports, and a recent J.D. Powers customer satisfaction survey gave Love Field concessions its lowest ratings.

Love Field deserves better. A competitive process assures taxpayers they're getting the best deal. It keeps prices down and quality high for travelers. And it invites firms to explore thematic concepts and branding for our new terminal.

We have a unique opportunity at Love Field. In 2014, the final Wright Amendment limitations will be lifted. We could see nonstop service to New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. This will be a magnet for business travelers and tourists and help recruit firms to Dallas. Anyone who has flown through Austin-Bergstrom Airport knows what a high-quality terminal that is. Love Field should be just as good.

There now is a better proposal on the table for the City Council to consider June 23. It provides competitive bidding for concessions contracts, a fair return for incumbents during construction and boosts quality, service and choice while keeping costs reasonable for travelers. It also provides a strong incentive to ensure that minority- and women-owned businesses have meaningful participation in the new terminal. That is critical.

After countless hours studying this, I could fill several pages exposing the flaws in this no-bid process, to say nothing of the shortcomings in the contracts.

But I think it's better to address why this is so important for our city. Competitive bidding is critical to good government. It provides transparency and reduces the risk of cronyism. Citizens and businesses alike must have confidence their government is open and honest. Clearly, there are times a no-bid contract makes sense. But those should be very limited and not involve a 19-year contract -- one of the largest the city will do covering hundreds of millions of dollars and limit an asset as important to our city's future as Love Field. Competitive bidding is the better course. It is the fiscally responsible and ethics-minded choice. Our citizens expect nothing less.

Focus On The Priorities Of Dallas

Thu, 20 May 2010 17:26:00 GMT

Dallas City Council must focus on the priorities of Dallas. That is what the voters put us here to do and what I intend to do.

Dallas Mayor Leppert Opposed To City Protesting Arizona Immigration Law
Steve Thompson
The Dallas Morning News
May 18, 2010

Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert said Tuesday that he doesn't think the city should get involved in protesting Arizona's controversial new immigration law.

"Through most of its recent history, the Dallas City Council has chosen not to get into divisive debates or take positions on issues that do not directly involve the city of Dallas," the mayor said Tuesday in an e-mailed statement. "I believe that is a wise course to follow."

On Monday, council members Delia Jasso and Steve Salazar said they wanted the city to issue an official statement protesting Arizona's new law, which authorizes police to question the immigration status of anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally.

Jasso stopped short of saying she would call for a city boycott of Arizona, as some other cities across the country have done. But Salazar said he would support a boycott.

Leppert said the council should focus on key city issues such as bringing new business to Dallas, improving public safety and tackling budget problems.

"That is what Dallas voters put us here to do, and I believe that is where our council's energy should be focused," the mayor said.

Council member Dave Neumann agreed.

Protesting the Arizona law is not "within the prerogative and the purview of the city of Dallas," he said.

Link

A Transparent Government Is An Honest Government

Tue, 04 May 2010 03:16:00 GMT

Below are the latest efforts to ensure Dallas residents have confidence and trust in their local government:

Mayor Leppert Recognized As Small Business Advocate

Tue, 04 May 2010 03:14:00 GMT

Small businesses are the engine of our economy. They employ the most workers and create the greatest number of jobs across our nation.

I have run companies of various sizes and I know that a partnership between the public and private sector is key to the progress of our city. Small businesses face many challenges and I will continue my efforts to give them every opportunity of success.

I am thankful that Partner America has recognized my contribution to helping small businesses and our community succeed.

Mayor Leppert honored as small business advocate