A coalition of Dallas neighborhood groups is urging the City of Dallas to enforce its rules on term limits for volunteers serving on boards and commissions.
The coalition sent a letter to all Dallas City Council members, calling for the immediate resignation of any board or commission member who has served beyond the newly established limit of four two-year terms, NBC 5 DFW reported.
The letter follows the November approval of a charter amendment that instituted strict 8-year term limits for city council members and voters’ approval of Proposition S of the Dallas HERO amendments.
The approved proposition removes the city’s immunity in lawsuits alleging violations of state law or failure to comply with the city charter or codes.
Michael Northrup, a civil attorney from East Dallas, authored the letter, highlighting the importance of adherence to the city’s charter and stressing that unauthorized service undermines public trust and jeopardizes the validity of board decisions. Northrup demanded the removal of any board members who refused to step down, stating that their continued service compromises the integrity of these bodies and their work.
Northrup’s letter, signed by 88 neighborhood leaders, reflects a growing push for accountability in city governance.
“This call for compliance is not a result of the performance of any of the volunteers serving the City or about their motives,” Northrup wrote in the letter, NBC 5 reported. “Rather, this is about the City and City leaders following the law.”
Dallas HERO organizers sent the City of Dallas a similar letter warning of potential litigation if the city does not dismantle homeless encampments, which are not allowed under city code.
The neighborhood coalition’s primary focus is the City Plan Commission, a 15-member body appointed by the city council to make recommendations on zoning and planning cases.
While the letter does not target specific individuals, it highlights concerns about the commission’s compliance with term limits and the potential for broader issues across other boards and commissions. Northrup argued that adherence to the new rules is essential for maintaining public confidence in these institutions and ensuring their decisions are legally and procedurally sound.
The coalition’s actions underscore the importance of upholding recently approved reforms and ensuring that all city officials and volunteers respect the limits of their service.
The demand for resignations reflects a broader call for transparency and accountability in local government, with community leaders standing firm on enforcing the new standards. This effort signals a shift toward stricter oversight of Dallas’s boards and commissions, aiming to align their operations with voter-approved regulations and restore trust in their governance.