A Park Board political campaign has led to an ethics complaint and new headaches. The Park Board is already facing separate discrimination complaints due to Juneteenth actions.
Now Dallas Parks and Rec has a new issue: political campaign social media posts by a board member.
JR Huerta, representative for District 1, has posted to Facebook about a campaign. Posts started showing up in May 2022 when rumors Chad West would run for Mayor. West is the city council member for District 1 and appointed Huerta.
In an email response, West denies running for Mayor at this point. He says, “I am focusing on my responsibilities to the constituents and neighbors in District 1.” West goes on to say his focus is “crime reduction, expansion of parks and trails, and West Oak Cliff Action Plan.”
West had not seen the social media statements by Huerta. Reports are that Huerta was talking about political plans at a Parks’ Teen All Access pass event.
While West denied knowing of these statements, one city staff member stated “JR should know better.”
Huerta runs Dallas Youth Sports which has contributed significantly to the Oak Cliff area. That nonprofit consistently donates thousands of dollars to the community in free gifts for back to school events or at Christmas.
Park Board Political Campaign Another Black Eye
It is unclear the status of the ethics complaint, but it is another example of unclear ethics rules. It is also another example of little to no oversight of city appointees.
As we began this investigation there were no other signs JR Huerta was running for city council or mayor. To date he has not filed a Campaign Treasurer Appointment notification. His social media posts do appear to be testing the waters and would put him in violation of the city charter.
These violations would be like Adam Bazaldua’s failed campaign for Precinct Chair.
Adam Bazaldua lost his most recent election – for Precinct Chair of 1084 in South Dallas. That news came per Dallas County Elections returns.
The city charter appears to prevent those types of political events.