Candidate Profile: David Denmon For Dallas City Council

DALLAS, GA — Four candidates are running for three seats on Dallas City Council in the Nov. 2 general election, and one is running for a seat in the special election.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

David Denmon is running for Dallas City Council, At-Large, against incumbent Nancy Rakestraw Arnold in the general election.

Age (as of Election Day)

34

Party Affiliation

Nonpartisan

Family

Son: William Denmon (5)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Paulding County High School, class of 2005

Occupation

Fixed Operations Director for Kia - 16 years in the automotive industry

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

Denmonfordallasga.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running because I believe we need more everyday people and less politicians in office at all levels of government. I decided specifically on the city council because it would give me the greatest opportunity to make a difference where I live and be a voice for all residents in the city of Dallas.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The issue I hear the most about from every citizen I talk to is property taxes. With home values rising, property taxes increase. My plan would be to increase businesses in the city of Dallas with the goal being to lower property tax rates by offsetting the loss with business taxes coming in from new businesses.

What are your short- and long-term goals if you are elected?

My goal is to be a voice for the citizens of Dallas and address the issues that matter to them. Highest among those is finding long-term solutions to property taxes and bringing more transparency and accessibility to the City Council.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As I’ve visited door after door across the city of Dallas, I’ve been amazed at how well residents have responded to simply being asked their opinion on things. I’ve also been amazed that they’ve never been visited before. The biggest difference is that I, and apparently not my opponent, consider the residents’ voices to be the guiding light of why we should govern. The biggest difference is that I’ve gone out and asked the people that have been ignored for too long.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

In talking to voters, I have not met one voter who has ever met my opponent and 99 percent of them have no idea who she is. She hasn’t been meeting with or listening to what issues matter to the constituents. This has lead to lack of action on their behalf.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The city of Dallas provided a safe and measured response. I wouldn’t have done anything differently.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Taxes, budget, community and public safety are the key issues I will focus on.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have worked my way up from the very bottom in the automotive industry and risen to the role of director. This is due to hard work, persistence and proven leadership ability.

My proudest accomplishment though is my son, Will. I am a full-time father of a very active young man. We do Tae Kwon Do and play youth football (Go Raiders) where I am a volunteer assistant coach. Nothing gives me more joy than seeing him set goals for himself and then work hard to achieve them.

What do you like best about living in your city (or county)?

The best part of Dallas is the people. We have a large city with a small town feel. I love walking down the street and saying hi to people just walking by, I love the sense of community you get when we all gather for a festival or one of our other great events, I love that the people who are here love our city as much as I do. There is nowhere else Id rather raise my son.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice I ever received came from my grandfather. He was a Navy gunner and retired police officer. He always told me to slow down, appreciate life’s special moments and that the greatest thing we can do for the world is be of service to others.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a full-time father, volunteer youth football coach and Fixed Operations Director. I get up every day and go to work to provide for my son and give him the best life possible.

Like many of the voters in Dallas, I am tired of politicians at all levels of government holding office for decades on end and not representing our best interest. I simply decided to try and do something about it by running for local office. I just want to be a voice for EVERY citizen of Dallas, to bring attention to the issues that matter to them.