The day began with an intimate speech by Governor Abbott delivered to a smaller room filled with a few hundred VIP community leaders, including incoming Chairman of The Dallas Citizens Council Brint Ryan, Chairman John Gates, former Mayor Tom Leppert, immediate past Chairman Rob Walters, Doug Deason, and Mayor Eric Johnson.
It then transitioned to an audience of over 1,000 community leaders in the Hilton Anatole’s main ballroom, where Governor Abbott and Kelcy Warren, Executive Chairman of Energy Transfer, engaged in a thought-provoking conversation on the state of the state and country, moderated by Rob Walters.
Governor Abbott delivered remarks that were nothing short of extraordinary. With his signature blend of pragmatism, humor, and inspiration, he highlighted the importance of citizen-led initiatives in shaping the state and city.
“Safety is the most important thing any government can deliver,” Abbott emphasized, underscoring how critical community-driven efforts are in holding local leadership accountable and prioritizing public safety, with a nod to the most recent Dallas HERO Charter Amendment – U.
Abbott praised Dallasites for stepping off the sidelines and getting into the game. “In football, you’re yelling from the stands, thinking you’re influencing the game, but you’re not. In politics, you’re not only allowed on the field, you’re required to get on it,” he quipped.
His unwavering belief in the power of democracy and the importance of active participation struck a powerful chord, reminding the audience that engaged citizens are the cornerstone of a thriving society.
Addressing public safety, Abbott expressed strong support for increasing police presence in Dallas, emphasizing that safety must remain a top priority. He lauded the commitment of voters and leaders who recognize that more officers are essential to protecting neighborhoods and fostering trust within communities. Abbott’s message was clear: investments in public safety today pave the way for stronger, more resilient cities tomorrow.
The governor also showcased Texas’s leadership in energy independence, calling the state a global powerhouse. “By exporting clean-burning natural gas, we’re not just boosting Texas’s economy; we’re helping the global economy and reducing coal dependency worldwide. If ever there was a win-win-win, this is it,” he declared.
Abbott further expanded on Texas’s commitment to energy innovation, highlighting the growing role of nuclear power.
He pointed to the state’s leadership in advancing small modular reactor operations across Texas, including partnerships with academic institutions like Texas A&M University. “This investment in nuclear power will help meet the growing energy demands of our businesses and communities while ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future,” Abbott emphasized. With ambitious plans to increase energy production to 150 gigawatts by 2030, Texas is not only keeping pace but setting the global standard for energy independence and innovation.
Following Abbott’s inspiring remarks, the tone shifted as exiting Chairwoman Arcilia Acosta, took the stage. Her commentary on the HERO amendments passed in November stood in sharp contrast to Abbott’s optimism about citizen-led initiatives. Acosta described Propositions S, T, and U as “short-sighted and misguided,” suggesting they passed due to “enticing ballot language” that swayed “uninformed voters.”
Proposition S: Acosta warned that removing the city’s governmental immunity could lead to frivolous lawsuits and financial risk. Yet, I couldn’t help but wonder: why is the city breaking the law in the first place? Correcting unlawful actions will negate the need for any financial repercussions altogether, as clearly written in the amendment.
Proposition T: She criticized the measure tying the city manager’s job to a survey of 1,400 residents, suggesting it would politicize city management. However, this proposition didn’t even pass, making the critique feel moot and misplaced.
Proposition U: Acosta acknowledged the need for more police officers but argued that mandating an immediate increase to 4,000 officers could strain resources. Yet this could clearly be accomplished over time and not in a singular year, ensuring a measured and thoughtful allocation of resources.
Propositions S and U were approved by voters.
While Acosta’s concerns were delivered with attempted precision, her remarks felt discordant with the day’s purpose: celebrating progress and unity. Her critique of citizen-led efforts seemed to miss an opportunity to rally the room behind a shared vision of growth and optimism.
Following Acosta’s remarks, incoming Chairman John Gates took the stage and skillfully shifted the tone from divisive to unifying. While Gates may not have supported the HERO propositions, he focused on the importance of fostering unity and emphasized economically sound solutions for Dallas’s future. His approach was pragmatic yet hopeful, setting a tone of collaboration that will undoubtedly be key to addressing the city’s challenges.
The Dallas Citizens Council’s Annual Meeting was a reminder of the power of leadership to shape perspectives. Governor Abbott’s remarks filled the room with energy and pride, celebrating the resilience, ingenuity, and determination of Texans. His confidence in citizen-led efforts and his vision for the future of Texas left me deeply inspired and proud.
In contrast, Acosta’s odd critiques underscored the complexities of democracy but missed the mark on unifying and uplifting the audience. While her concerns about the HERO propositions warrant further discussion, the timing and tone of her remarks detracted from the event’s focus on collaboration and progress.
As we look ahead, I find hope and excitement in the promise of leaders like Governor Abbott, Dallas Citizens Council Chairman John Gates, and Incoming Chair Brint Ryan. I am confident that Dallas and Texas will continue to thrive. There’s no limit to what we can achieve when we work together with optimism, determination, and a shared vision for the future.
Sarah Zubiate Bennett is a Board Member at The Dallas Express.