Hello Elm Thicket Neighbors:
Save Elm Thicket was created and exists to protect and preserve the legacy of this historic freedmen’s community we all love and call home. As we did in the November general election, Save Elm Thicket, through its publication the ETNP News, we will be endorsing a candidate for City Council District 2 and District 6 in the upcoming Dallas election set for May 3, 2025.
In the council race for District 2, which is boarded by University Boulevard, Lemmon Avenue, Mockingbird Lane and Inwood Road, we are endorsing incumbent Jesse Moreno. Councilman Moreno is the proven leader we need to help us continue to preserve the history of our neighborhood.
Councilman Moreno has a long history with the Elm Thicket/Northpark neighborhood. Before being elected to his first term in 2021, he served on the District 2 Park Board and was the force behind getting us the Thedford Spray Park next to the K. B. Polk Rec Center. That spray park was a huge quality of life improvement for everyone who lives in our neighborhood.
More importantly, however, Councilman Moreno’s support for the neighborhood zoning case he inherited from his predecessor has earned him another term. Councilman Moreno and his staff made a point to listen to every voice. Councilman Moreno lead the city council to unanimously pass the zoning case which restricted the height, roof type and lot coverage for new homes constructed in Ellum Thicket. This cemented the neighborhood protections that we fought to put in place since 2016.
The District 6 council position, which is bordered in Elm Thicket/Northpark, by University Boulevard, Lovers Lane, Lemmon Avenue and Inwood Road, is the most contested race in the City of Dallas. We are grateful to all the candidates who chose to run. It makes for a stronger republic when we have options. We can only endorse one candidate, however, and that candidate is Laura Cadena.
From the moment the north side of Elm Thicket/Northpark became a part of District 6 after redistricting, Ms. Cadena made a point to attend crime watch meetings, neighborhood events and be a liaison between the Councilman Narvaez’s office and our neighborhood. As the chief of staff for Councilman Narvaez, Ms. Cadena learned the concerns of our residents. She made a point to learn where adequate sidewalks were needed on the north side of Ellum Thicket. It may not seem like a big issue, but it is a quality of life issue and that is what is needed in the elected officials that represent our neighborhood. We fully anticipate Ms. Cadena will continue to be a visible leader at our community events and meetings. Ms. Cadena’s roots run deep in District 6. She understands the needs of the people who live here.
While it seems as though it is the fate of the Ellum Thicket neighborhood to always be fighting to preserve our boundaries and our history, Save Elm Thicket is looking for partners at city hall who will help us in our fight to protect and preserve our beloved neighborhood and improve the quality of life for ourselves and our neighbors.
This is why we are endorsing Councilman Moreno for District 2 and Ms. Cadena for District 6. Early voting starts Tuesday, April 22, and runs through Tuesday, April 29. Election day is Saturday, May 3.
By casting your vote for Councilman Moreno if you live in District 2 or for Ms. Cadena if you live in District 6, we take a step to ensuring our neighborhood is positioned to preserve and improve what we have. All of us standing together and making our voices heard can Save Elm Thicket.
Sincerely,
Mimi & Gus Perez, Co-Founders of Save Elm Thicket
