Minister Dominique Alexander, president of the Next Generation Action Network, the largest civil rights organization in North Texas, has publicly condemned Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price’s recent behavior, labeling it as abusive.
Alexander’s criticism follows an incident during a budget workshop where Price directed aggressive remarks toward Commissioner Elba Garcia.
In an email sent to Price and hundreds of county employees, Alexander described the commissioner’s actions as part of a troubling pattern of power abuse, stating: “Your aggressive posture, bullying tone, and manipulative maneuvers are not only harmful to your colleagues but toxic to the democratic process.”
He continued by expressing concern that Price’s attack on Garcia, a respected trailblazing Latina leader, displayed a significant lack of respect and control that must no longer be tolerated.
The decision to send the letter came as multiple elected officials reached out to Alexander regarding Price’s conduct, suggesting it often oversteps the authority mandated by his office. With a political career spanning 40 years, Price has been considered one of the most powerful figures in Dallas County.
Despite efforts to reach him, Price did not respond to requests for comment regarding the situation.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Price had dispatched a fire marshal peace officer to oversee a justice of the peace court after hearing grievances from the courtroom judge about the precinct’s constable.
This controversial move escalated concerns, particularly since using fire marshals for non-related duties violates state regulations, according to previous admonishments directed at Dallas County.
In his letter, Alexander expressed that employing constables as “political pawns” and attempting to utilize the marshal’s office as a personal police force constitutes a serious abuse of power that could fracture community trust.
This letter represents a significant shift for Alexander, who had been a supporter of Price. Initially, he praised Price for his civil rights work during a time when the commissioner faced federal corruption charges, ultimately resulting in a not-guilty verdict in 2017.
Now, however, Alexander indicated that Price’s recent behavior has positioned him as an obstacle to progress rather than a vehicle for it.
“The community sees it, county staff feel it, and your colleagues live it daily. Enough is enough,” he stated in his correspondence.
The incident between Price and Garcia unfolded during discussions about constable funding, where Price interrupted the budget officer and aggressively dismissed Garcia’s attempts to contribute to the conversation.
“Stop! I’m not talking to you!” he shouted, further exacerbating tensions within the room. Previously, in March, Price had engaged in similar confrontational behavior, dismissing Garcia’s attempts to communicate further with him.
In response to these escalating tensions, Garcia acknowledged Price’s long-standing work, which has indeed opened numerous opportunities for many. Yet, she emphasized that all elected officials are expected to engage with respect, decorum, and diplomacy in their roles.
Garcia articulated her commitment to serving constituents and collaborating with colleagues and partners to tackle challenges in Dallas County, despite the stress caused by Price’s outbursts.
County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins did not respond to inquiries regarding Alexander’s letter, raising questions about the overall atmosphere of respect and collaboration within the commission.
Alexander highlighted that he personally witnessed Price degrading staff in meetings, further emphasizing a culture of bullying.
Recent resignations within the county’s administration, including that of Elections Administrator Heider Garcia, have stirred discussions about the impact of Price’s conduct on the work environment, despite assurances from the outgoing official that his treatment did not influence his decision.
Concerns have also been raised by Constable Deanna Hammond, who indicated that Price’s push to replace her deputy was an attempt to assert dominance over her office, particularly due to perceived personal conflicts.
In light of these ongoing conflicts, Alexander stated that an apology from Price to Garcia is warranted, asserting that leadership grounded in fear and aggression undermines true leadership.
He contends that the younger generation is observing these interactions and learning from the actions of their leaders. Commissioner Andrew Sommerman noted that while there is a decorum policy that should guide the commission’s conduct, apologies must come willingly.
He also praised Garcia for her dedication and valuable contributions to both Dallas County and the broader Latino community, reaffirming that she deserves respect in her position.
According to Precinct 5 Constable Michael Orozco, the public criticism from a respected community leader like Alexander is particularly noteworthy. Orozco pointed out that Price has historically operated without being challenged, and Alexander’s actions underscore potential ramifications for Price’s behavior toward fellow leaders.
As the situation unfolds, community members and officials alike are watching closely, contemplating the implications of Alexander’s call for accountability within the city’s leadership.
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