Voters approved two HERO amendments last night in Dallas during the General Election despite heavy opposition from city leaders.
Proposition S will allow citizens to sue the city of Dallas if elected officials fail to comply with state law, city code, or the city charter. Proposition U will boost police staffing and raise their salaries.
The Dallas Express reported, “The HERO amendments also may serve as a blueprint for safety-conscious citizens to enact government changes in cities where crime and homelessness have impacted businesses and the quality of life of residents.”
Dallas HERO, a nonprofit organization, led a signature campaign over the summer to add the three charter amendments to the General Election ballot.
Soon after the signatures were collected for the amendments to be added to the ballot, Dallas council members added their own amendments to undermine the ones brought by Dallas HERO.
Dallas HERO filed three lawsuits, along with support from Attorney General Ken Paxton, who filed an amicus brief against the action.
In September, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of Dallas HERO and directed the city council to remove the conflicting amendments.
Proposition T, which did not pass, would have tied the city manager’s bonus to an annual resident satisfaction survey.
