BOR Endorsements: Sam Coats for Mayor of Dallas

by: John McClelland

Thu May 10, 2007 at 01:26 PM CDT

We here at Burnt Orange Report have decided to offer up our own endorsements in these races throughout the state (even if you see these posted under one of our own names, the endorsement is from BOR as a whole).

After some thoughtful debate, our endorsement for Mayor of Dallas is Sam Coats. Mr. Coats is one of a handful of Democrats in a field of 11 candidates and makes no qualms about it. He even held a seat in the Texas State Legislature for one term in 1970. He holds a law degree from University of Texas Austin. He has served as chairman of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and the Dallas Long Range Water Supply Plan.  He served as co-chairman of the United Negro College Fund, and as a board member of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army, and the Circle Ten Council, Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Coats was hired as CEO of Schlotzsky’s in 2004 and helped turn the company around from bankruptcy into profitability. He also was a major player in the Wright Amendment compromise in 2006 here in the DFW region, which helped solved the debate between Dallas and Fort Worth over Love Field and DFW Airport.

Local Republicans Play to Perry's Tolls while Democrat says NO

by: John McClelland

Wed Aug 30, 2006 at 03:04 PM CDT

Toll roads burden our family finances even further. With rising gas prices and declining wages, why put more financial drain on our families. The tolls will be 14.5 cents a mile, one of the most expensive toll roads in America with increased planned every two years. We already pay city, county, state and federal taxes for our roads. Why do the Republicans feel we need to be charged again?

As the Democratic candidate for County Commissioner, I tried to attend this event, which was held at a public middle school and was announced as a public event. I was bared at the door. Apparently citizens with different views are not welcome, especially those who stand up and challenge our leadership when it comes to their anti-family policies.

This November, you have a choice. You have a choice to put a citizen in office who believes we should not be taxed yet again to drive on our roads. You have a choice to put a citizen in office who will not allow our hard earned dollars to be spent on more toll roads built by Perry donors and their overseas subcontractors. You have a choice to just say no to abuse of power. That choice in November is me, Democrat Amy Manuel.

Amy Manuel, Democratic candidate for Denton County Commissioner pct 2.

Amy's website