By Priscilla Shacklett
Special Contributor
As Priscilla Shacklett, I am stepping forward as a candidate for Dallas City Council District 13, challenging the incumbent Gay Donnell Willis. The critical election day is fast approaching on May 6, and I believe it presents a pivotal opportunity for real change and accountable leadership in our community. My campaign is built on a foundation of practical experience, a fresh perspective, and an unwavering commitment to the residents of District 13. I am not a career politician; I am a concerned citizen with a proven track record of managing complex operations and delivering tangible results, skills I believe are sorely needed on the Dallas City Council.
My extensive business background provides a direct and invaluable skill set for the demands of the Dallas City Council. Unlike those who have been gradually integrated into political structures through commissions and committees, I bring an unburdened and independent approach. I am not beholden to established political protocols or special interests, which allows me to delve deep into the city’s financial landscape – scrutinizing where taxpayer money originates and precisely where it is allocated. My priority will always be to get to the core of critical issues, ensuring transparency and providing responsive, effective solutions for all concerned citizens, much like myself.
The current state of District 13 reveals a clear and concerning trend: under its present leadership, our district is not progressing; it is, regrettably, deteriorating. This stark reality is the primary motivator behind my decision to run for City Council. I firmly believe that the time for complacent governance is over, and a proactive, dedicated approach is essential to reverse these negative trends and restore the vibrancy and safety that define our community.
One of the most visible and pressing issues facing District 13 is the proliferation of homeless encampments. It is disheartening to witness the same individuals in a continuous cycle of displacement beneath various bridges and public spaces. My commitment is to halt this escalating crisis by effectively leveraging and optimizing the homelessness resources available to the city council. We must move beyond superficial solutions and implement comprehensive strategies that ensure these resources are not merely expended but are utilized efficiently and compassionately to provide sustainable support and genuine pathways out of homelessness. This involves collaborating with local non-profits, mental health services, and housing initiatives to create a coordinated and impactful response that addresses the root causes, not just the symptoms, of this complex societal challenge.
Public safety is paramount, and it is undeniable that crime rates are on a troubling upswing across our district. I unequivocally support a robust police presence and steadfast enforcement of both criminal and traffic laws. Our law enforcement officers are the backbone of community safety, and they deserve the resources and backing necessary to effectively protect our neighborhoods. Simultaneously, the state of our infrastructure, particularly our streets, remains abysmal. Potholes, crumbling asphalt, and faded lane lines are not just inconveniences; they pose significant safety hazards and reflect a fundamental neglect of essential city services. The substantial infrastructure funds allocated for our city must be transparently and diligently used to resurface deteriorating streets, repaint critical lane lines, and ensure our roads are safe and well-maintained for all residents and commuters.
Moreover, the essential public spaces intended for community enrichment are experiencing a concerning shift in purpose. Our libraries, which should serve as beacons of learning, quiet study areas for children, and safe havens for intellectual growth, have increasingly become de facto inclement weather shelters for the homeless under the current leadership of Councilwoman Willis. While compassion is vital, it is imperative to address homelessness through dedicated, appropriate channels that do not compromise the core function and safety of institutions designed for public education and community engagement. My vision is to restore our libraries to their intended purpose while simultaneously advocating for and implementing proper facilities and services for our homeless population.
A significant point of divergence from the current leadership is the recent 10-1 city council vote to affirm Dallas as an abortion sanctuary city and, in effect, a magnet for illegal immigrants seeking expedited Medicaid access and inexpensive medical services. This proclamation, in my view, was entirely unnecessary and represented a misguided venture into national political debates rather than focusing on the immediate and pressing needs of Dallas residents. Such broad declarations not only strain existing city resources but also send a message that could exacerbate challenges related to healthcare access, public services, and overall community stability. When I have reached out to district officials on several recent occasions regarding urgent local matters, the response has consistently lacked utility and transparency. There is a palpable absence of clear communication and readily available information for citizens seeking even basic details about city operations. As an ordinary citizen who experiences the same daily frustrations as my neighbors, I am keenly aware that fundamental changes are imperative for the betterment of District 13 and Dallas as a whole. My aim is to bring a new era of open communication, genuine accountability, and a focus on local priorities back to the City Council.
Education And Work Experience: A Foundation for Public Service
My academic journey laid the groundwork for a career defined by diligence and a commitment to detail. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and education from the University of Colorado, providing me with strong analytical and communication skills. Further enhancing my understanding of community needs, I also obtained an associate’s degree in early childhood development, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for the foundational importance of nurturing environments for our youngest citizens. These educational experiences have equipped me to approach complex issues with both critical thought and empathy, essential qualities for effective public service.
Born and raised in California, I bring a diverse life experience to Dallas. I am happily married, with three wonderful grown children and five cherished grandchildren, which grounds me deeply in family values and an understanding of the challenges facing multi-generational households. My professional career includes 12 impactful years in revenue accounting at PacBell, a former division of AT&T. In this significant role, I gained invaluable hands-on experience as a manager, meticulously preparing, tracking, and reconciling massive corporate budgets and their corresponding financial results. This involved rigorous oversight, forecasting, and auditing, skills directly transferable to the careful stewardship of Dallas’s city budget and resources.
Beyond accounting, my tenure at PacBell also included critical roles as a programmer, systems analyst, and within administrative services. As a programmer, I developed an aptitude for logical problem-solving and efficiency. My work as a systems analyst honed my ability to identify bottlenecks, streamline processes, and implement effective operational improvements – skills that are incredibly relevant for optimizing city services and bureaucratic efficiencies. In administrative services, I gained a comprehensive understanding of organizational structure and resource allocation. These diverse roles provided me with a holistic understanding of how large organizations function, manage finances, and serve stakeholders, preparing me for the complexities of city governance. Ultimately, I embraced an early retirement opportunity that was extended to all employees, allowing me to pursue other passions and dedications.
My foray into direct political engagement began when I was elected to a position with the Contra Costa County, California, Republican Central Committee. This experience offered a practical immersion into local political operations, mirroring many functions of our Dallas County Republican Party, with the distinct feature that its members are publicly elected. Upon my election, the committee entrusted me with the role of treasurer, a responsibility that further underscored my proficiency in financial management and accountability. In this capacity, our committee actively sought out and vetted potential candidates for public office, undertook comprehensive fundraising initiatives to support their campaigns, and diligently publicized their platforms. Furthermore, we took definitive stands on various public issues that appeared on ballots, providing voters with informed perspectives. This experience provided me with invaluable insights into the grassroots efforts required for effective political advocacy, candidate support, and public engagement.
Real Estate And Childcare Advocacy: A Personal and Professional Commitment
Beyond my corporate and political committee experience, my husband and I embarked on a significant venture: building a small housing subdivision from the ground up. This hands-on experience exposed us to every facet of large-scale development, from the initial complexities of land purchase and navigating stringent permitting processes to hiring and managing contractors, securing financing, and engaging with city planners. We became intimately familiar with marketing properties, executing sales, and meticulously drafting comprehensive covenants, conditions, and restrictions. This unique undertaking granted me an unparalleled understanding of urban development, zoning laws, construction oversight, and the critical interaction between developers and municipal authorities – insights that are crucial for informed decision-making on the City Council regarding Dallas’s growth and housing needs.
For 12 years, I also served as a licensed Realtor in California, specializing in both residential and commercial properties, and was certified as a relocation specialist. My dedication and expertise in the field earned me national recognition, ranking among the top producers in our company. My business thrived on referrals, a testament to the trust and satisfaction I consistently delivered to my clients. I successfully evaluated property values, both current and potential, for a diverse clientele ranging from individual homeowners to major financial institutions. I managed hundreds of complex contracts and transactions, developing an acute awareness of the nuances involved in drafting, interpreting, and honoring detailed agreements – a skill set directly applicable to the legal and contractual obligations of city governance. My client base was incredibly varied, encompassing corporate CEOs, growing families, and young single adults, many of whom remain close friends today, underscoring my ability to connect with and serve a wide array of individuals and their unique needs.
Our decision to relocate from the bustling San Francisco Bay Area to Dallas in 2011 was deeply personal. Our daughter was expecting a baby, and both she and her husband worked full-time but struggled to find trusted, reliable childcare. Despite successfully navigating the aftermath of the 2009 housing bubble burst and still being actively engaged in the demanding real estate market, we eagerly embraced the opportunity to provide crucial support to our daughter. Having always prioritized saving our money, we were fortunate enough to finalize our remaining escrows and seamlessly transition our lives to Dallas. We instantly fell in love with the vibrant culture and welcoming spirit of Dallas. For several years, I had the immense privilege of serving as our grandson’s full-time “surrogate mom,” from his infancy until he began fifth grade in public school just last year. This immersive experience allowed me to intimately engage with our local parks, libraries, arboretum, museums, school meetings, and the daily rhythms of school pick-up lines. My direct involvement means I can genuinely empathize with and relate to the current child-related issues and family challenges that many residents of District 13 are currently navigating, ensuring that their voices and needs are truly represented on the City Council.
In the past year and a half, I have deepened my commitment to civic engagement by actively involving myself in local elections. I served as a diligent poll watcher at various polling locations across the county, as well as at the Dallas County Central Count headquarters, ensuring the integrity and transparency of our democratic process. My observations led me to meet with Elections Administrator Michael Scarpello to discuss observed irregularities, highlighting my dedication to accountability. Furthermore, I proudly served as the presiding election judge at the Walnut Hill Recreation Center, taking on the responsibility of overseeing the election process firsthand. Concurrently, child protection issues hold profound importance for me, and I have been actively involved with other concerned citizens, advocating for the safety and well-being of our community’s most vulnerable members. This recent hands-on experience reinforces my commitment to upholding democratic principles and protecting our children, ensuring a brighter future for Dallas.
daltxrealestate.com has extended an invitation to all Dallas City Council candidates to share with our readers why they’re seeking public office. Want to announce your candidacy? Email us at [email protected].