Monty Bennet’s effort to influence local politics through Dallas Hero proposals yielded mixed results Tuesday; This reflected the city’s deep division over the potential impact of the proposals.

Bennett, a prominent hotelier and conservative donor, managed to get the necessary votes for two of the three proposals, the Dallas Morning News reported. reported. According to the results, 55 percent of voters approved Proposition S, 50.52 percent supported Proposition U, while Proposition T received only 45 percent support.

The proposals, submitted by the Dallas Hero nonprofit, are designed to bring significant changes to the city’s governance and police funding structure.

The nonprofit group, backed by Bennett and the Dallas County Republican Party, argued the changes are vital to improving public safety and ensuring greater accountability in government. But many elected officials and civic organizations have raised alarm about the potential negative impact on city services, with some warning that the proposals could lead to severe budget cuts.

Proposition S would allow residents to sue the city if it fails to comply with local or state laws. Proposition U would require the city to allocate 50 percent of surplus revenue to the police and fire retirement system and increase the police force by 900 officers, along with law enforcement pay increases. Proposition T required an annual survey of at least 1,400 residents to evaluate the city manager’s performance; the consequences would potentially lead to termination or financial bonuses.

Opponents include the entire 15-member Dallas City Council; the full five-member Dallas County Commissioners Court; former Dallas mayors Mike Rawlings, Tom Leppert, Laura Miller, Ron Kirk and Steve Bartlett; and others argued that the three proposals would make it difficult for the city to operate efficiently.

They warned that additional funding requirements for the police could lead to serious cuts to other departments and put pressure on resources for essential services. Former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, who joined a coalition of former officials campaigning against the proposals, expressed concerns about possible unintended consequences.

“That’s been our challenge from the beginning, educating people about the ill-considered consequences of these proposals,” Leppert said. “If they seem to fail, then maybe we actually did some education there.”

With two of the three proposals passed, Bennett’s influence on Dallas politics left a strong mark, moving the city’s policies closer to its goals of accountability and safety. He also suggests that Dallas Hero can continue to shape local government.

—Andrew Terrell

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