Abuse of Power Allegations Against Dallas County Commissioner
Introduction to the Incident
When Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price berated Commissioner Elba Garcia at a budget workshop last week, it was the last straw for minister Dominique Alexander.
On Monday, as president of Next Generation Action Network, the largest civil rights organization in North Texas, Alexander emailed Price and hundreds of county employees, calling the commissioner’s outburst the latest instance in a pattern that amounts to “abuse of power.”
“Your aggressive posture, bullying tone, and manipulative maneuvers are not only harmful to your colleagues but toxic to the democratic process,” Alexander wrote in the letter. “To go after a respected leader such as Dr. Garcia, a wife, a mother, a trailblazing Latina leader in Dallas County, demonstrates a pattern of control and disrespect that can no longer go unchecked.”
Background and Context
In an interview with The Dallas Morning News, Alexander said he decided to send the letter after being contacted by multiple elected officials about Price’s outburst and actions that can appear to overstep the authority of his office. With 40 years in his seat, Price is one of the most influential politicians in Dallas County.
Price did not respond Monday to a phone call, text message or email sent to him and his staff for comment.
Earlier this month, The News reported that Price deployed a fire marshal peace officer to bailiff a justice of the peace court after the courtroom judge emailed him a list of grievances about the precinct’s constable, who is mandated by law to bailiff the court and serve papers. The move came after the state admonished Dallas County for using the fire marshal employees for non-fire and arson related duties.
Pattern of Abuse of Power
In his letter, Alexander said using the constables as “political pawns” and this attempt to turn the marshal’s office “into your own personal police force despite warnings from the state” amounts to “abuse of power” that fractures the community.
The letter is a surprising stand from Alexander, who has been a supporter of Price.
Alexander is a community activist who founded NGAN in 2014. He’s led protests against police brutality, including one in 2016 where a sniper killed five officers. Alexander at the time condemned the violence.
Incident with Commissioner Garcia
Price’s outburst toward Garcia on Thursday came during a discussion about constable funding. Budget Officer Ronica Watkins was explaining a proposed allocation of $570,000 for new positions and equipment in Constable Precincts 3 and 5. Price interrupted with “Stop, stop, stop” and asked, “Why the hell all of a sudden” Precinct 5 was getting additional funding.
When Garcia tried to interject with some detail, Price yelled: “Stop! I’m not talking to you!”
“OK then don’t say nothing to me,” he continued. “Goddamn it! I said I was talking to [Watkins]. Do not interrupt me! Don’t interrupt!”
Reaction from Other Officials
In a statement to The News on Monday, Garcia said Price’s decades of work have “opened doors and created opportunities that deserve to be recognized” and as the senior member of the court, Price “brings invaluable institutional knowledge and continuity.”
“At the same time, as elected officials, we have a duty to lead with decorum and diplomacy,” Garcia said. “Our constituents expect us to work collaboratively with our colleagues, our staff and community partners to address the many pressing challenges facing Dallas County.”
County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins did not respond to questions emailed to him and his staff on Friday and resubmitted on Monday in light of Alexander’s letter.
Call for Apology and Change
In his letter, Alexander said he believes Price should publicly apologize to Commissioner Garcia, “to recognize that leadership rooted in fear, aggression, and control is no leadership at all. Our next generation is watching.”
Commissioner Andrew Sommerman said the court has a decorum policy that should be followed, but an apology “is a gift that can only be given willingly: it can not be taken from someone.” Sommerman said Garcia “is a force in Dallas County and nationwide in the Latino community. She has dedicated her life to service and progressive policies. She deserves respect.”
Conclusion
The allegations of abuse of power against Commissioner John Wiley Price have sparked a significant reaction from the community and other officials. The incident with Commissioner Garcia is just one example of a pattern of behavior that has been described as toxic and harmful to the democratic process.
As the community waits for a response from Price, it is clear that this incident has highlighted the need for leadership that is rooted in respect, diplomacy, and a commitment to serving the people of Dallas County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened between Commissioner John Wiley Price and Commissioner Elba Garcia?
A: Commissioner Price berated Commissioner Garcia at a budget workshop, which was seen as an example of a pattern of abuse of power.
Q: What did Minister Dominique Alexander do in response to the incident?
A: Alexander, as president of Next Generation Action Network, emailed Price and hundreds of county employees, calling the commissioner’s outburst the latest instance in a pattern that amounts to “abuse of power.”
Q: What has been the reaction from other officials?
A: Commissioner Garcia has stated that Price’s decades of work have “opened doors and created opportunities that deserve to be recognized,” but also emphasized the need for leadership that is rooted in respect and diplomacy. Commissioner Andrew Sommerman has said that an apology from Price would be a gift that can only be given willingly.
Q: What is the significance of Alexander’s letter?
A: Alexander’s letter is significant because it comes from a community leader who has previously supported Price, and it highlights the need for accountability and change in the way that Price has been leading.
