Cydney Walker: Dallas District 7 city council candidate

Leading up to the May 3 election, Dallas Free Press is asking questions and publishing answers from the six District 7 candidates, one of whom will represent South Dallas. Find more information on 52-year-old Cydney Walker and other candidates, plus where and when to vote, in our Dallas Voter Guide.

Where do you live, and how long have you lived there?

I have lived in Queen City for 40 years. Before I lived in my current home, I inherited another house from a family member that was on the same street in Queen City.

Did you grow up in Dallas? Where did you live previously?

I went to grad school in South Texas.

Tell us about your family.

I have two children — one is in college locally, the youngest is in middle school. I discussed it with my kids and they are excited about the opportunity. It will be an adjustment for the youngest, and both are spoiled with having their mom time. But I will still make time between community needs and my family to serve both.

Have you run for office previously, whether for this seat or others?

Yes, Senate District 23 committeewoman. [Dallas Free Press could not find record of this race or election and has asked Walker for more information.]

What is the main reason you are running for this seat at this time?

This is a critical time for the district as whole to capitalize on zoning changes and spark more economic development and growth for the residents. Leadership has to focus on all the residents of the district and not just a select few. This is why I am running. I have seen the area in better condition and it’s past time the district gets more of what it deserves.

What is one thing that needs to change in South Dallas, and what policies will you create or activate to make that happen?

Economic development needs to change. I was hoping with [former Dallas City Manager] TC Broadnax more resources would be provided to small business owners and increase investment into the area. Speaking with business owners with Pointe South and other [small business] owners, it is hard getting support from the City and councilman to move projects forward for approval at the horseshoe. I would want to speak with the [City Manager Kimberly] Tolbert on her vision in supporting the small business owners in South Dallas and work with her on policies/programs to get the economic engine running to uplift South Dallas.

What is one thing that needs to stay the same in South Dallas, and what policies will you create or activate to make that happen?

Implementing the South Dallas/Fair Park plan would help preserve the culture of being a family-oriented section of the city. Even with high rental populations, a lot of the residents lived in homes with porches and yards that fosters a feeling of togetherness. This plan will ensure we keep that culture for South Dallas.

What other community and civic roles have you held in Dallas, especially in West Dallas? [We asked candidates to list up to 10 roles.]

Precinct [3018] chair since November 2015
Podcast host of Coffee and Politics 101 since August 2016

What is the job of a Dallas city council member?

Work on behalf of residents and taxpayers to efficiency deliver projects in a timely manner within budget. Secondly, work to create ordinances for the City of Dallas that promote safety and improve how the city functions.

How will you approach this job on a day-to-day basis?

My focus will be visiting the neighborhoods and getting input on their top projects, especially for design standards to work inside of ForwardDallas. Then I would work with stakeholders to help prioritize smaller projects that can be implemented swiftly and work on a long-term project strategy for completion over the next 10 years for the entire district. I would not prioritize one part of the district over the other as there is already a feel from constituents this has been done.

If you lose, would you be willing to serve as an appointee to a City board or commission? Yes or no?

Yes

If you win, would you be willing to appoint your fellow candidates to a City board or commission? Yes or no?

Yes

What distinguishes you from your fellow candidates?

I have worked in project management for over 13 years. I have learned a lot about prioritizing projects, but most importantly how to negotiate with stakeholders and competing groups to get alignment on fulfilling objectives when funds are limited and we both have highest of priority of projects to get implemented. This skill will come in as a much needed skill to create the business justification that District 7 projects are a critical priority and needs funding/implementation now rather than later.

Is there anything we haven’t asked that voters should know?

I am focused on bringing new technology to public safety, specifically with the police. FIGG, which is using forensic technologies using DNA samples collected at crime scenes to track down perpetrators as well as victims. This team can assist the police in streamlining investigations to spend less time during infestations to identify possible suspects to solve crimes quickly and identify victims by tracing down relatives using their DNA.

Cydney Walker can be reached at 530.380.2626 or cydney@cydneyfordallas.com. Her campaign website is cydneyfordallas.com.