Tom Leppert

But as my term enters its final months, I have concluded that it is time to explore other ways I can serve the people of Dallas and Texas. Consequently, I will not seek re-election.
This has not been an easy decision. I love serving the people of this city. After almost four years in the job, Dallas is in good shape - despite a struggling national economy - and is well positioned to compete on a national and global stage.

We have tackled the tough issues with a view to the future and, as I think back on the goals we set four years ago, we have not only achieved those goals but exceeded them.

• Dallas is safer: We have increased the police force by 20% and adopted policies that give police the tools they need to fight crime. The impact has been stunning. Our crime rate is down 25% removing us from the top of the FBI's crime statistics list.
• Aggressive economic development and growth: Dallas is again known as business friendly. We have sought to keep taxes low, made the City more efficient and managed it fiscally in a way that reflects your values. Downtown is more vibrant than ever. Dozens of firms have relocated here. We made the tough choice to build a convention center hotel to support our critical convention and hospitality industry and protect the taxpayers' billion dollar investment in the Dallas Convention Center. New manufacturing and warehouse operations in Southern Dallas put hundreds of people to work. Our foreign trade missions are already bringing jobs and international investment.
• Education Priority: We showed that local government can improve education and shine a light on a factor that is critical to our city's success. We launched a city-wide, early literacy program, touching nearly 60,000 children. We have raised more than half a million dollars for scholarships. We placed hundreds of at-risk students as interns in organizations throughout our city, making the connection between a good education and a good career. We enhanced the “front door” of campuses and we launched the Mayor's Youth Fitness Initiative to help keep our kids healthy and fit.
• Ethics: Government is more civil and transparent at Dallas City Hall. Unruly debate once led the nightly news. Today, Council meetings are professional, on time and respectful, even when we disagree. We ensured an open and fair bid process for city contracts, like those at Love Field, making sure taxpayers get the best deal. And thanks to ethics, lobbying and campaign finance reforms, Dallas voters have more confidence that city government is open, honest and working in their best interest.

In short, there has been tremendous progress in a brief time. It's time to look at the next steps.

Over the next few weeks, with much thought and prayer, I will explore how I can best serve the people of Dallas, North Texas, and indeed the entire state of Texas. It is an exciting time to live here and I'm blessed to be serving the citizens of Dallas. When those next steps are clear, you'll be the first to know.


Tom