A controversial leftist activist involved in this year’s protests-turned-riots in Dallas also supports the move to raid $7 million from the police overtime budget. For years, he has had a seat at the table of Dallas city politics, including the hiring of Police Chief Renee Hall.
Dominique Alexander is the leader of the Next Generation Action Network, founded six years ago with the mission to “lobby for social change and equality for all regardless of race, religion, gender, sex, or age.” NGAN is also a member of the leftist Dallas Police Oversight Coalition, which pushed last year for more power and funding for the city’s ineffective Citizen’s Police Review Board.
NGAN was involved in organizing the protests-turned-riots in Dallas this year after the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. DPOC—at the request of Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins—submitted a list of demands that had little to do with delivering police accountability and transparency.
While the far left has been pushing for city council to raid $200 million from the Dallas police department (to spend on other government projects, not give back to the taxpayers), the city council is currently heading toward a much smaller raid of $7 million from the police overtime budget, instead. This $7 million raid was proposed by Councilmember Adam Bazaldua, and Alexander publicly praised him for it.
For those observing Dallas politics closely, Alexander’s involvement is nothing new. He was involved in the hiring of Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall, and he also campaigned for Democrat Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot.
During a marathon city council meeting on June 17, 2020, Councilmember Casey Thomas moved to suspend council rules so Alexander could speak before the council. Councilmember Adam Bazaldua seconded Thomas’ motion.
Days earlier, Alexander threatened to protest in front of Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold’s house, saying in part, “I’m not playing with her at all.”
That threat seems to correspond with Alexander’s history as an activist. He is a convicted felon, has been said by a close associate to have anger issues, and has repeatedly been accused of abusing women. Last year, he interrupted a press conference within Dallas City Hall and angrily confronted Dallas Police Association President Mike Mata.
“The anger that pervades Dominique is a sickness,” said Jeff Hood, a Dallas pastor and partner with Alexander, after an accuser filed charges with the police last year. “It has to be addressed and dealt with.” Hood argued Alexander should be given an opportunity to be rehabilitated.
He was arrested on September 5 of this year for 10 outstanding warrants after an incident during a “Walk Away Rescue America” rally that same day. He was released the following day.
In July 2016, after five Dallas police officers were ambushed and killed at the end of a “Black Lives Matter” rally Alexander organized, he refused when then-Chief of Police David Brown asked him to stop demonstrations out of respect for the fallen officers.
“I think the problem here is the Chief of Police [Renee Hall] gave him credibility,” Mata told Texas Scorecard. “Other organizations within city leadership gave him credibility without actually seeing … is he doing something positive? And is he an individual that will keep his word? … We have found out time and time again: he is not an individual that you can trust.”
Texas Scorecard sent inquiries to every member of Dallas City Council regarding the nature of their relationship with Alexander and what each of them discussed with him in regards to the city budget and police department since Floyd’s death.
“I have had no communication with Mr. Alexander in several years,” Councilmember Jennifer Gates wrote. “I have had no discussions with him regarding this budget, the police department, or the tragic death of Mr. Floyd.”
Councilmembers Cara Mendelsohn and Chad West both said they have never spoken with Alexander.
No other member of council has replied. An open records request sent to city hall resulted in no records found of communications between Bazaldua and Alexander.
“He is not an individual that when he gives his word, he sticks to his word,” Mata said. “He doesn’t care about endangering the public nor police officers. There’s a reason why Chief Brown never gave him the time of day.”
The city council is scheduled to adopt the budget and tax rate on September 23. Concerned voters may contact the Dallas City Council and Mayor Johnson.
Lee Kleinman: sophia.figueroa@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-7817
Adam Medrano: adam.medrano@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-4048
Tennell Atkins: maria.salazar2@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-4066
Adam Bazaldua: Yesenia.Valdez@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-4689
David Blewett: david.blewett@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-5415
Adam McGough: adam.mcgough@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-4068
Chad West: Chad.West@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-0776
Casey Thomas: richard.soto@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-0777
Carolyn King Arnold: District4@DallasCityHall.com; 214-670-0781
Jaime Resendez: jaime.resendez@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-4052
Tennell Atkins: maria.salazar2@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-4066
Paula Blackmon: District9@DallasCityHall.com; 214-670-4069
Adam McGough: adam.mcgough@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-4068
Cara Mendelsohn: cara.mendelsohn@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-4067
David Blewett: david.blewett@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-5415
Jennifer Gates: jennifer.gates@dallascityhall.com; 214-670-7057
