Former Crimefighting Mayors of Dallas Endorse Mayor Johnson for Re-Election
Former Mayors Tom Leppert, Mary Poss, and Steve Bartlett praise Mayor Johnson’s commitment to a safer Dallas
Three former Dallas Mayors known for making public safety and economic growth the top priorities of their administrations have endorsed Mayor Eric Johnson for re-election: Mayors Tom Leppert, Mary Poss, and Steve Bartlett.
“I’m grateful for the support of these former Dallas mayors who share my commitment to keeping our residents safe and providing greater economic opportunities for our communities. The issues they faced in their time as mayor — including public safety challenges and uncertain economic conditions on the national level — bear similarities to the issues we faced when I took office. And these former mayors know how important it is to keep our city moving in the right direction,” said Mayor Eric Johnson.
“I am proud that the progress made during my first term has made Dallas stronger and safer, and I am honored that our work has been met with the approval of these respected civic leaders,” Johnson continued.
Since taking office in 2019, Johnson has focused the attention of the Mayor’s Office on reducing crime and facilitating economic growth for the City of Dallas. Today, over three years into his term, Dallas has seen a double-digit drop in violent crime, and the city has added more than $14 billion to the tax base.
Former Mayor Tom Leppert, who served from 2007–2011, lauded Mayor Johnson for his firm commitment to funding public safety and his “do the right thing, even if it isn’t popular” leadership style.
“Mayor Johnson’s leadership and political courage has made Dallas one of the safest big cities in America. This single issue touches every one of us. It impacts our families and communities today, and it determines our opportunities for tomorrow,” said Former Mayor Tom Leppert. “There’s no doubt that keeping Dallas safe means re-electing Mayor Eric Johnson.”
Former Mayor Mary Poss praised Mayor Johnson for focusing on quality of life, saying “Public safety, tax relief, ethics reform, infrastructure. These are issues that impact the daily lives of our citizens. As Mayor, Eric Johnson has set priorities and then delivered results. Real leadership is about taking action and impacting lives, and there is no better example of this than Mayor Johnson.”
Former Mayor Steve Bartlett, who also served as a member of Congress from 1983–1991 and as Mayor of Dallas from 1991–1995 commended Mayor Johnson’s focus on economic growth and crime reduction, acknowledging the two issues are connected. Bartlett took office as Dallas was experiencing historic crime rates, including the single most murders in one year (1991). When he left office the murder rate had dropped nearly 50%.
“Under Mayor Johnson’s leadership, Dallas has experienced phenomenal economic growth and a meaningful reduction in crime. During his first term, our city has added more than $14 billion in new development to our tax base, which has meant economic growth and new jobs for our residents,” said Former Mayor Steve Bartlett.
“Mayor Johnson also made public safety a priority with innovative programs like Summer of Safety and increased community involvement. His extraordinary and courageous leadership resulted in a significant reduction in violent crime, contrary to the trend in other large American cities. This phenomenal economic growth, combined with a meaningful reduction in crime, demonstrates confidence and belief in our leadership. Mayor Johnson is vital to Dallas’ economic health and public safety, and he deserves to continue leading this great city,” Bartlett continued.
As Mayor, Eric Johnson has made funding police a top priority, and in the past two budget cycles the city’s public safety budget has increased despite opposition. During 2020 budget discussions, Mayor Johnson led and effort to protect $7 million of police budget dollars from being diverted to other projects during the “defund the police” movement.
Earlier this month Mayor Johnson received an early endorsement from the Dallas Police Association.
