The candidates for Dallas mayor are courting minority residents for support.
Former Dallas police Chief David Kunkle won on Tuesday the endorsement of more than half a dozen top Hispanic leaders, including attorney Adelfa Callejo.
"And there has to be a recognition by the next mayor that we are there, that we're increasing every day, that we need more bilingual workers now at City Hall," Callejo said.
The 2010 Census shows an increase in the city's Hispanic population.
"I commit as mayor to be inclusive, to open the city up to people who may not have had access, to ensure that we provide services equally to all parts of the city," Kunkle said.
All four candidates have been making similar promises in person, at forums and online on their websites.
Councilman Ron Natinsky has been endorsed by most of his City Council colleagues, including several black and Hispanic members.
Former Pizza Hut CEO Mike Rawlings visits a black church in an online video, and black Councilman Tennell Atkins is a top Rawlings supporter.
Edward Okpa, a native of Nigeria, is the only person of color running for mayor. He touts several southern sector charity roles, but he lives in North Dallas.
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None of the candidates live south of the Trinity River.
Shawn Williams, editor of DallasSouthNews.org, said south-side residents are cautious about claims from north-side candidates.
"Residents are tired of empty promises," he said. "For the last 20 years, we’ve heard how Southern Dallas is going to be the new focal point. Yet it still looks the same as it did 20 years ago, so I think people are looking for real solutions versus broken promises."
The candidates have about six weeks before the May 14 election to sell voters citywide on their plans.
