In southern Dallas, specifically in the Kleberg-Rylie neighborhood, a deep concern resonates within the community regarding the low political participation among Mexican Americans.
Many citizens feel disenfranchised, leading to a significant lack of engagement in neighborhood associations and local elections.
A local resident, who is a direct descendant of Venustiano Carranza, the former president of Mexico, is particularly frustrated with the apathy she observes among her fellow Mexican Americans.
Her family lineage is proud, with her father, Edgardo, deeply involved in San Jose, California’s political scene.
Despite systemic barriers, including racial and ethnic discrimination, he worked as a public servant and actively contributed to the community.
Having inherited a strong sense of pride in her Mexican heritage and civic duty, she now carries on his legacy as the current president of the Kleberg Neighborhood Association and Crime Watch.
For the last two years, she has been striving to instigate change in her community, collaborating with other associations to address pressing issues like crime, infrastructure, and illegal dumping sites that plague her neighborhood.
Yet, despite the growing concerns, the community engagement remains dishearteningly low.
In the recent municipal elections held on May 3, only 2,860 residents of her district voted, reflecting a mere 8% turnout of registered voters countywide.
This lack of political engagement is particularly striking given that District 8 presents a critical opportunity for change, especially with a runoff scheduled for June 7 for a City Council member to replace the outgoing Tennell Atkins.
The candidates, Erik Wilson, a former council member, and Lorie Blair, endorsed by Atkins, are vying for a chance to represent the district.
Both candidates are seen as having positive attributes; however, the community’s voice is crucial in determining which candidate will bring more benefits to the area.
The concerns of the residents are numerous, including a dire need for better infrastructure.
Children in the area are forced to navigate through mud and traffic because of insufficient sidewalks along South Belt Line Road and Lawson Road.
There’s a pressing demand for road improvements along Lawson and Lasater Roads, as well as between Edd Road and Jordan Valley Road.
Additionally, the community is calling for more police presence and faster response times to improve safety.
The lack of proper drainage exacerbates flooding problems on major roads, such as St. Augustine Drive, Belt Line Road, and Haymarket Road, necessitating immediate action from local authorities.
Furthermore, residents are eager for the parks and green spaces that have sat unfulfilled since 2007, which could provide essential recreational areas for children and families.
Acknowledging the potential for change, the local leader urges her neighbors to go out and vote in the upcoming elections.
She emphasizes that civic engagement should not cease after casting a vote; rather, residents must remain vigilant and active in holding their elected officials accountable.
The message is clear: if the community fails to demonstrate their commitment to voicing their concerns, streets will continue to deteriorate, and children will lack safe spaces to play.
The leader passionately challenges her fellow Mexican Americans to stand up, reclaim their rights, and cast their votes.
She believes that unity and determination can lead to significant improvements within the neighborhood, echoing a larger cry for representation and change in civic duty throughout Dallas.
With the imminent elections, the call for increased participation resonates louder than ever, urging residents to step up and take action for their community’s future.
image source from：https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2025/06/06/hispanics-in-kleberg-in-south-dallas-need-to-show-up-and-vote-in-this-runoff-election/
