So there’s this kid. This high-school senior kid. She lives in Oak Cliff. She ain’t your normal run-of-the-mill teenage girl. While most teen-gals her age tend to worry over things like prom dresses, manicures and sleeping-in, this gal worries about…

* Mountain Creek Lake . . . is the most picturesque lake in Dallas. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to enjoy a day of boating, fishing, or swimming, in this jewel of southwest Dallas? Of course, everyone knows you can’t because of its extreme pollution. The responsible parties have yet to clean up their mistake. Dallas can do something about it, and I’ll make sure we do.

* The Bishop Arts District . . . straddling the border between Districts 3 & 1, this area could be the next Uptown, only better. It needs the same council support afforded that amazingly successful development project. You can count on me to lead the charge.

* DART Expansion . . . would provide an immeasurable economic boon to the southwest sector of Dallas. Access to transportation opens so many doors. For proof, just look at the benefits enjoyed by the Central Expressway corridor after construction of the Red Line. Imagine the allure of a trolley line through Oak Cliff. These projects are long overdue. I’ll work to get them off the drawing board and into our neighborhoods.

* Crime . . . needs serious attention in south Dallas. All the statistics say that the new police chief is doing a good job reducing crime, but southern sector citizens still feel abandoned by the police. Too many neighborhoods only see officers when something is wrong. I will work with the police to help cultivate positive relationships with our neighborhood and continue improving the crime record across Dallas.

* The Trinity River Project . . . who isn’t talking about it? Remember the promises from long ago? So far, none of those have been fulfilled. Frankly, I’m appalled by what I’ve read lately about the way the current City Council is dealing with it. I’ll throw my support behind the singular voice standing up to the old guard around The Horseshoe. Face it . . . if not for the Trinity, Dallas wouldn’t even be here. She deserves a little more respect.

The young lady of whom I speak, is one Ms. Angela Phillips, and she’s running for Dallas City Council District 3. Here’s more from Angela herownself…

I’m Angela Phillips, and I’m ready to represent you on the Dallas City Council. I’ve lived in Oak Cliff my entire life. Granted that life has been relatively short so far, in comparison to my opponents for this seat. Nevertheless, my passion for this neighborhood makes me believe I can really make a difference for everyone in District 3.

With ten candidates from which to choose, it can be difficult to discern one from the other. I think you’ll agree that my background in Oak Cliff, combined with the issues I support, separates me from the other candidates (many of whom have lived here only a short time).

I’m a student at Bishop Dunne High School, where I have studied since the 9th grade and have remained, even when given the chance to attend a supposedly more prestigious private institution in another part of town. My daily life at Bishop Dunne has afforded me the opportunity to immerse myself in a diverse community that perfectly reflects the cultural cross section of District 3, and Dallas as a whole. Indeed, I left my previous school partly because of the poor treatment I experienced as an “Oak Cliff outsider.”

When I first learned I could qualify to run for City Council (my birthday falls one day before the deadline), I must admit I thought it would be fun, but as I gave it more consideration, I realized how many important issues District 3 faces. Look below for a summary of my positions, and click through for more details. Also, please visit my feedback page to let me know what’s important to you. Because, after all, I will be serving you when you elect me to represent our district at City Hall.

My longtime invisible friend, Robert Brooks, is Angela’s campaign manager. I’ve known Robert, his ideas, values, etc. for years, and he’s a good man with good ideas, values, etc., so there must be something to this ambitious young lady.

You have a chance to find out..

Thursday, April 5th
Nodding Dog Coffee House
Angela will be at the Nodding Dog to meet her constituents and talk about the issues facing Oak Cliff over desserts and coffee. No reservations required, just come by anytime from 7 to 10pm.

Saturday, April 7th
TrinityVote Organizational Meeting
First Unitarian Church (in the Raible Chapel)
4015 Normandy (south of the YMCA) at Preston Rd., north of Mockingbird
Strategize with Dallas Councilwoman Angela Hunt and others on how we can get 50,000 signatures within 60 days (starting April 30) to obtain a referendum on moving the toll road out of the park. Call or email Brooks Love at 214-586-7275 - brooks.love@trinityvote.com - for more information.

You’ll hear more (literally) from Angela here in the coming weeks. I simply gotta check this interesting young woman out for myownself. Meantime, here are a couple of tunes from Angela’s list of favorite local bands…

“Wake Up Happy” by The Freekout

“Hell Below (me) Stars Above” by The Toadies