Group Challenges Kirk’s Record
DALLAS–A group of taxpayer watchdogs Friday challenged claims
that former Mayor Ron Kirk left the city on sound financial
footing, saying that the city’s recent budgetary struggles tell a
different story.
Campaign advertisements by Kirk, the Democratic contender for
the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Phil Gramm, have emphasized
his record of balancing budgets and cutting taxes, but the
taxpayers said their tax bills grew during Kirk’s six-year tenure
because of higher appraisals.
“The trick-or-treat antics of politicians claiming to cut
property taxes while ramping up assessments is nothing short of
financial trickery,” said Peggy Venable, director of Citizens for a
Sound Economy. “While claiming to have balanced the city budget,
Ron Kirk left Dallas to deal with a $95 million budget deficit.”
Kirk’s campaign spokes-man, Justin Lonon, disputed the claim
that Kirk is to blame for the city’s recent $94 million budget
shortfall, saying that the losses were tied to the economic
downturn after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
“No one could foresee the events of Sept. 11 and what effect
that would have on cities all over the country, especially a city
like Dallas that depends on tourism and convention business through
sales tax revenue,” Lonon said.
Several of the speakers at the news conference have been
longtime Kirk critics, including former City Councilwoman Donna
Blumer and city watchdog Sharon Boyd, who is backing Kirk’s
Republican opponent, state Attorney General John Cornyn.