Ricardo Rocha -
City Council Candidate - District 6
Today an attempt was made to contact Mr. Rocha using the phone number shown on his City of Garland paperwork, 214-501-4758. There was a message saying "enter your remote access code." Since I have no remote access code, I hung up unable to leave a message. I attempted to contact mr. Rocha using the email address on his paperwork, rochaforgarland@gmail.com and got a message saying the email address was not valid.
I know very little about Mr. Rocha other than that he is 27 years old, went to high school in Garland and graduated from Texas A&M in 2005. As far as I know, he has never served on a Garland Board or Commission. I am told he works for the City of Richardson in their Code Compliance Dept.
If this is indeed the case, my concern would be a possible conflict of interest -- an employee of Richardson serving Garland in an elected capacity, being privy to executive session information, while working for Richardson, a competitive city.
Gary Slagel has served the City of Richardson for many years and he's a sharp cookie. Given Mr. Rocha's age (27) and inexperience in politics my concern is that Mr. Rocha would be taken off guard. One does not have to ask a direct question to get the skinny on matters that would benefit Richardson. Isn't that right, Mr. Slagel?
LORI DODSONGARLAND COUNCIL CANDIDATE - DISTRICT 6 Residency and Education in Garland
o From birth until 1973 my family and I lived at 2505 Lakeside (next door to my current home). In 1973 the family moved to the North Garland (District 8) area where my parents still reside.
o Attended Beaver Elementary and Jackson Middle School (both in District 6)
o Graduated from North Garland High School and Amberton (fka Amber) University
§ Hold a Certified Public Accountant license
o Returned to live on Lakeside Drive in early 1989 (from 1984 – 1989 resided on Maple Drive in District 6)
· Volunteer / Civic Activities
o Served as Plan Commissioner for District 6 since May 2006 – February 2011
o Volunteer of the Garland Police Department Criminal Investigative Division since February 16, 2004
o Member and attend quarterly meetings of the West Garland Neighborhood Association
o Participated in the Spring 2007 Garland Neighborhood Management Academy classes:
§ City Government 101
§ Becoming a 21st Century Leader
§ Conflict Resolution
§ Newsletters
o Participated in the Forest Ridge/Walnut meetings for the revitalization of West Garland
o Participated in the neighborhood meetings for Envision Garland Comprehensive Plan
o Participated in the neighborhood meetings regarding Harris Hollabaugh recreation center
o Participate in Chamber of Commerce luncheons
o Currently participating in the Downtown Revitalization meetings
o Currently attending Citizens Police Academy
o Senior Source Money Management Program – help low-income seniors who need budgeting and bill paying assistance (existing client resides in Pleasant Valley Nursing Home (www.theseniorsource.org)
o Other family and volunteer and civic activities
§ My father Bob Barnett has served on the City of Garland Electrical Board since April 3, 1984
§ Prior involvement related to my son’s activities
o Member of Garland Parent Teacher Association
o Treasurer of North Garland Little League Association
o Member of North Garland Band Booster Association
· Employment
o I have been employed by the same employer group for over 20 years - E2M Partners, LP a Real Estate Investment group (www.e2mpartners.com)
Current Endorsements
o Honorable Barbara Chick (District 6 presiding Council Member)
o Honorable Sharon Stotts (District 6 Council Member 2000 – 2005 and Mayor Pro Tem)
o David Greer Sr. (District 6 presiding board member of The Parks and Recreation Department)
o Wesley & Linda Jaresh (www.aroundgarland.com)
o Bob & Jerra Barnett (District 8 Electrical Board Member)
LORI DODSON and RICARDO ROCHA
Running for Council in District 6
