Dallas City Council members face a tough decision next week when they consider the future of City Manager T.C. Broadnax. Here’s what some of them are thinking:
Jaime Resendez, who represents Pleasant Grove in southeast Dallas, said he sees no reason to make a change with the Dallas city manager job:
“We can let him know our thoughts on the things he needs to work on and improve, but overall I’ve been satisfied with his work. I think he’s been easy to work with and has been helpful with things that have impacted southeast Dallas and the city as a whole.”
“Even if we go looking for a new city manager, I would be looking for a city manager like T.C. Broadnax. Someone who focuses on equity and isn’t afraid of whatever backlash may come with those types of efforts. I think that should be foundational in any city manager that I would be supportive of.”
Jaynie Schultz, who represents North Dallas, said the call for the special meeting caught her by surprise.
“I think that he was absolutely and completely deserving of a well facilitated, open and honest evaluation conversation with him and with the council. I think he has been an outstanding city manager and nothing but supportive of the work that I’ve been trying to do for District 11 and the city. And if there are areas to improve, I think he deserves the opportunity to have a procedure in place that would allow him to grow and improve and be measured upon those needed improvements.”
Omar Narvaez, who represents West Dallas, was one of a few council members who said Broadnax’s annual review was due to be discussed at the end of June.
“I support our city manager and I just wish this hadn’t circumvented the process.”
Tennell Atkins, Far South Dallas, said he was one of three council members who met with Broadnax on Wednesday to discuss his future with the city, but declined to give specifics.
“We just had a discussion. We always have a discussion with the city manager when it comes time to do an evaluation.”
Chad West, who represents the Bishop Arts District and north Oak Cliff, also declined to elaborate on the Wednesday discussion with Broadnax, but felt the city manager should have a fair opportunity to plead his case.
“Whatever happens, we as a collective body should be treating all our staff members with dignity and respect and I hope we will do that going forward,” said West, who said he was also caught off guard with the specially called meeting. “I think this misses the mark greatly on that.”
Paula Blackmon, who represents East Dallas and the White Rock Lake area, said she hopes the meeting ends Wednesday with everyone having a firm idea of what’s next.
“I hope what happens on Wednesday is that there is a clear understanding of what the council’s expectations (are) of our direct reports and that we want a city manager that works for everybody and who is engaged and willing to take bold steps and have these hard discussions of what we need to do to get them fixed.
“If we can’t get to that point, then a change may have to be made.”
