Decriminalizing marijuana likely, fate of changes to Dallas government and police less clear
Many Dallas voters have come out in favor of a proposed charter amendment that would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana — but the margins were much narrower on proposals that could significantly change how city government and the police department operates.
More than 66 percent of the votes cast by Dallas residents that had been counted as of 2:45 a.m. Wednesday favored "Proposition R," which which would decriminalize up to four ounces of marijuana in the city and also mandate other changes in how Dallas police officers enforce and use cannabis as evidence for probable cause.
A group called Ground Game Texas got enough signatures on a petition to get Proposition R added to the ballot.
It was added to the ballot because a group called Ground Game Texas got enough signatures on a petition.
Dallas voters also weighed in on three controversial propositions on the ballot that were promoted by a group called Dallas HERO, which is headed by businessman Pete Marocco, who's previously listed a University Park address when registering to speak at city council meetings.
Proposition S would empower Dallas residents to bring legal action against the city to compel city leaders to "comply with any of the provisions" of the charter." According to the he 2:45 a.m. results report, about 55 percent of the votes counted supported it and almost 45 percent opposed it.
.Proposition T would tie the city manager's compensation to "citizen satisfaction" with city services. About 55.2% of the votes cast opposed it and about 44.8% supported it.
And Proposition U would mandate that the city increase the number of sworn police officers to "at least 4,000" — adding about 900 officers to the force. A slim margin separated the "for" votes from the "against" votes — about 50.5% versus about 49.5%.
Dallas HERO has said the propositions will keep elected officials accountable and strengthen the city's police department.
But business leaders and elected officials have said if even one gets approved — it could have drastic consequences for the city.
