DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The first public runoff debate in the Dallas mayoral election was held Tuesday at El Centro College in downtown Dallas.
State Representative Eric Johnson and Dallas City Councilman Scott Griggs squared off for an hour onstage inside an auditorium at the college in front of more than 200 people. The debate was moderated by NBC 5 and the Dallas Mornings News, and additionally hosted by the Dallas Regional Chamber.
During the debate, Griggs criticized his opponent for only garnering support of big money donors in Dallas, opposed to what he called his grassroots campaign.
“For far too long in the City of Dallas we’ve had a select group of power brokers who send out a letter and pick the next Mayor of the City of Dallas,” Griggs said.
Johnson countered, claiming he isn’t swayed by contributions.
“When you give Eric Johnson a campaign contribution, you are signing up for what I am going to do,” insisted Johnson.
Both candidates spoke about their experiences in politics providing them the ability to lead.
“I’ve been very successful in Austin working across party lines to get things done and being effective,” Johnson said.
“With my eight years at Dallas City Hall, as a lifelong Dallasite, I get things done at City Hall,” Griggs offered.
Weeks of more debates and forums are on the calendar for each candidate with election day set for June 8.
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