Monica Alonzo: District 6 City Council candidate

Leading up to the May 3 election, Dallas Free Press is asking questions and publishing answers from the nine District 6 candidates, one of whom will represent West Dallas. Find more information on Monica Alonzo 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 live in the Los Altos neighborhood and have since December 2024.

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

I was born and raised in Crystal City, Texas and came to Dallas after my sister graduated from the University of Texas at Austin to come and help my brother in 1989. I previously lived in the La Bajada neighborhood of West Dallas.

Tell us about your family.

My husband and I celebrated 27 years together this year and we have a beautiful daughter whom we are very proud of as she will be graduating from the University of North Texas at Dallas this May, 2025. 

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

I ran in 2011, 2013, 2015 for Dallas City Council District 6 and won. I ran for Dallas City Council District 6 in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023 and lost.

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

I’m running because District 6 needs a leader who will listen, take action, and fight for our community. I have over 20 years of experience serving our community, including my time as a Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem.  I understand the challenges we face and have the experience to lead effectively, listen to the needs of the community, push for real long term solutions and make a difference. I’ve worked directly and actively continue to work in the community to address their concerns, and I’m committed to bringing that same dedication and passion to the City Council once again.

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

Crime is a concern in many parts of District 6, and public safety must remain a priority. When I previously served on the council, I worked to create crime watch groups that helped law enforcement and residents work together to prevent crime and improve neighborhood safety. Unfortunately, those groups have since been dismantled, leaving a gap in community-led crime prevention efforts. I plan to reinstate these groups and strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and the community, giving residents a direct role in making their neighborhoods safer. In addition, we need to ensure that our officers have the resources needed to keep our community safe. In order to attract and retain police officers and firefighters, we need competitive pay, good working conditions, and strong community support.

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

I will work with the community in respective neighborhood to do just that — policy in place and respected.

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

First Latina from the West Dallas area elected to represent District 6
Hispanic 100 member
St. Cecilia’s Council of Catholic Women member
Regional Hispanic Contractors Association member
Dallas County Democratic Party precinct chair
Former Dallas County Democratic Party district and state delegate
State Fair of Texas member
Former Girl Scout Leader of Girl Scouts of NorthEast Texas
League of Women Voters participant
United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 540 volunteer

What is the job of a Dallas city council member?

Besides representing the District and City, the Dallas City Council sets policy, approves the annual budget, determines the tax rate, and along with the Mayor appoints members to the Boards and Commissions, City Manager, City Attorney, City Auditor, City Secretary and Municipal Court Judges for the city — represents!

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

I will address the needs of the district including public safety, economic growth, and infrastructure. Public safety is my top priority. I believe by reinstating crime watch groups, we can work as a neighborhood and business community together with police and fire to keep our district safe. Economic Growth will be addressed by bringing new businesses and supporting local businesses to create more jobs and better opportunities for all. By prioritizing repairs such as fixing roads, creating access and improving infrastructure, this will ensure our city is ready to support growth. I will be accessible to assist community needs.

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 extensive leadership experience through various municipal roles such as a former council member and Mayor Pro Tem which can be used in my commitment to serving the community, notably by advancing and implementing long term solutions in local government.

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

I appreciate the opportunity to be before you and asking for the support and vote to the District 6 voters to get back to City Hall and work alongside all of you and making a difference for all of us in this district and Dallas. My bilingual experience will help further the participation of the community where they will feel invited, included, and informed.

Monica Alonzo can be reached at 214.207.6762 or monicaralonzo@yahoo.com. Her campaign website is alonzofordallas.com.