An interview with Mayor Sugarland Texas David Wallace
Mayor Wallace is presently serving his third term as Mayor of Sugar Land. Previously, the Mayor served on the Sugar Land City Council representing Single Member District 4. Mayor Wallace graduated from North Texas University earning a Bachelors degree in Real Estate Finance. Before becoming Mayor of Sugar Land his last private sector position was Chairman of Investment Committee of Perry Properties Realty Investment Fund & Perry Properties.
He and his wife, Kathy, have two daughters. The Wallace family has been proud Sugar Land residents since 1993.
Sugar Land, being part of greater Houston neighborhood, has a large number of Pakistani-American residents playing an important part in the social and economic progress of the city. Mayor Wallace has always supported Pakistani-American community and is a regular visitor to various programs organized by the community. We met with the Mayor in his City Hall office to discuss various issues confronted by South Asian immigrants as well as to understand his views on various international issues.
getPakistan.com (GPC): There has been speculation that when Mr. Tom Delay decided to quit the congressional race, President Bush called you to the White House to discuss future strategy for Texas. It was also said that you are the candidate of choice for the Republican Party. Can you shed some light on the events afterwards when Sheila Sekula Gibbs, a city council woman, was nominated as republican candidate and why you decided not to run in the congressional elections?
Mayor Wallace: Yes, I visited White House and met with members of National republican Congressional Committee. The national leadership told me that they would support my candidature but it is up to the precinct chairs to decide according to the local situation. Although I had support from the National leadership but some precinct chairs decided to nominate another candidate for this seat. It confirms the old adage that all politics is local.
GPC: The consensus in the media seems to be that Republicans might lose their Congressional and Senate majority. Please comment.
Mayor Wallace: Yes, I think the Republican Party might lose some seats in the upcoming congressional and senate elections. It seems the media is favoring the democratic platform and promoting a change. The Republican Party needs to put their act together and effectively communicate their plans to the community at large. For example, Congressional District 22, which was represented by Tom Delay, is a constituency of middle class people who are interested in reforms in healthcare, immigration and improvement in quality of life. They need a representative who can focus on these local issues.
GPC: During the recent arrest of suspected terrorists in England it has come to light that most of them are second and third generation immigrants born and raised in UK. How can we prevent the future generations of immigrants in US to be radicalized? How is the City of Sugar Land addressing integration of immigrants?
Mayor Wallace: Sugar Land is a diverse community both in terms of faith and ethnicity. It is human nature to hang on to long established cultural and traditional values. When these diverse cultures come together they add to the richness of the city of Sugar Land. To create a bridge between these communities I have created a multi-cultural sub-committee of 25 people which reach out to all communities and their leaders to sit around a table and discuss matters in detail. When the new City Hall was inaugurated couple of years ago, I invited people of all faiths to read prayers. To create a homogenous community I work with the education department to teach different cultures to our youth so that they have an appreciation for it. As our youth interact in class rooms and sports fields it helps creates understanding between them. We have also created a committee of youth leaders which now has 121 members.
GPC: there has been talk in favor of racial profiling to prevent future terrorist attacks. What is your view on this matter?
Mayor Wallace: I think terrorism is an important issue for all Americans regardless of their religious orientation. Timothy McVeigh was not a Muslim but he killed innocent people. Terrorism has no religion and we have to find ways to prevent it. I am co-chairman of Homeland Security’s Task Force and of US Conference of Mayors and I emphasize that we can not fight terrorism unless all citizens cooperate as one unit.
GPC: Do you think Patriotic Act has lived up to its expectations? Do you think Patriotic Act is anathema to the principles laid out by founding fathers of an egalitarian America with equal opportunity for all?
Mayor Wallace: Patriotic Act was a necessary evil in the aftermath of 911. Some of its elements certainly go too far and coincide with the principles laid out by our founding fathers and Bill of Rights. I am confident as we move forward our legislators will amend the act to eliminate those elements.
GPC: what kind of grants, funding and investments incentives are offered by the city of Sugar Land to minority businesses?
Mayor Wallace: City of Sugarland has initiated many programs in the form of tax abatement and direct incentives to attract businesses. As Board member of Governor’s Texas One Economic Development Corporation I work closely with SBA and banking community to help all businesses including minority owned.
GPC: Do you think US invasion of Iraq has damaged the American image in the world and especially in the Muslim World? How do you see the future of Iraq and US involvement in it?
Mayor Wallace: War on terrorism is a multilateral struggle and we have to work together as a global community to snuff out terrorism. The mission in Iraq was to fight terrorism where it was created and bred. It is imperative for US to support the Iraqi government to create the security apparatus for the safety of its people. I support President Bush’s policy in Iraq and consider our presence in Iraq an important step in strengthening democratic values there.
GPC: What are your views on immigration reforms specially related to illegal immigrants and quota for new immigrants?
Mayor Wallace: The US is a community of immigrants. It is in our roots. People from around the world come here to pursue the American Dream. We definitely need to address the issue of illegal immigrants. But I don’t support a carte blanche amnesty and grant citizenship to people who have broken the law. But since it is also a humanitarian issue, one solution is to grant guest worker visa to these people so they can become part of the process to become citizen after paying their dues.
GPC: Do you think police should be empowered to ask an individual’s immigration status during routine traffic stops?
Mayor Wallace: The Police Department has a lot on their hands to ensure the safety of our citizens. To ask them to enforce federal immigration laws is too much to ask for.
GPC: Pakistan has played an important role in fight against terrorism but the US media still casts doubts about the sincerity of the Pakistani government. What are your thoughts on this?
Mayor Wallace: Pakistani American community has worked shoulder to shoulder with other communities to ensure safety of our homeland. I believe all of us want to eradicate terrorism.
GPC: How can relations between the US and Pakistan be improved at grass roots level?
Mayor Wallace: We have to understand each other’s point of view at a national level. Leaders have to lead by example for the masses.
GPC: The US approval of a nuclear deal with India has created an environment of arms race in South Asia. How can Pakistan feel secure in this new shift in US policy?
Mayor Wallace: I agree that this shows a shift in US policy. A feel there is spirit of cooperation at the highest level and at some point there might be a civil nuclear cooperation with Pakistan as well.
GPC: In the recent conflict between Israel and Lebanon, the world views Israel’s reaction to the Hezbollah kidnapping of Israeli soldiers as unbalanced. This view is confirmed from the death toll on each side. How do you see the situation in Middle East and a probable solution to prevent future conflicts?
Mayor Wallace: I wish I had a solution to the Middle East problem. It is sad to have loss of life on both sides. I have been to the region many times and I wish I could formulate a lasting solution. A long term solution is only possible when people on both sides show appreciation and respect for the beliefs, values and rights of the other.
GPC: Do you believe UN is still relevant as an arbiter of conflicts between the nations when US is the sole superpower? If yes, why UN was sidelined to address the threat of Saddam?
Mayor Wallace: There is a genuine concern about the viability of UN. The latter should be a forum where nations can sit down and talk out various issues. I am concerned about the future of UN.
GPC: do you think adding a Muslim nation to get a permanent seat in the UN Security Council would help make it more effective?
Mayor Wallace: UN Security Council is composed of nations, not faiths. Muslims also live in countries that are permanent members.
GPC: What are your future plans?
Mayor Wallace: I love this position as Mayor of Sugarland -to have positive impact on people’s lives through promotion of education and sense of community. May aim in life is to impact larger number of people but in what position and station is something I don’t know whether it will be federal or state level. I will continue to explore those opportunities.
GPC: What is your message to the Pakistani-American Community?
Mayor Wallace: My message to all of you is one of engagement. To encourage your community to become part of the political process; to caste your votes, to run for elections and to serve on various boards formed at city, state and federal level. As we work together we tear down each and every barrier that exists.
An interview with Mayor Sugarland Texas David Wall…
October 5, 2006 at 4:55 pm · Filed under Political Commentary
An interview with Mayor Sugarland Texas David Wallace
Mayor Wallace is presently serving his third term as Mayor of Sugar Land. Previously, the Mayor served on the Sugar Land City Council representing Single Member District 4.
Mayor Wallace graduated from North Texas University earning a Bachelors degree in Real Estate Finance. Before becoming Mayor of Sugar Land his last private sector position was Chairman of Investment Committee of Perry Properties Realty Investment Fund & Perry Properties.
He and his wife, Kathy, have two daughters. The Wallace family has been proud Sugar Land residents since 1993.
Sugar Land, being part of greater Houston neighborhood, has a large number of Pakistani-American residents playing an important part in the social and economic progress of the city. Mayor Wallace has always supported Pakistani-American community and is a regular visitor to various programs organized by the community. We met with the Mayor in his City Hall office to discuss various issues confronted by South Asian immigrants as well as to understand his views on various international issues.
getPakistan.com (GPC): There has been speculation that when Mr. Tom Delay decided to quit the congressional race, President Bush called you to the White House to discuss future strategy for Texas. It was also said that you are the candidate of choice for the Republican Party. Can you shed some light on the events afterwards when Sheila Sekula Gibbs, a city council woman, was nominated as republican candidate and why you decided not to run in the congressional elections?
Mayor Wallace: Yes, I visited White House and met with members of National republican Congressional Committee. The national leadership told me that they would support my candidature but it is up to the precinct chairs to decide according to the local situation. Although I had support from the National leadership but some precinct chairs decided to nominate another candidate for this seat. It confirms the old adage that all politics is local.
GPC: The consensus in the media seems to be that Republicans might lose their Congressional and Senate majority. Please comment.
Mayor Wallace: Yes, I think the Republican Party might lose some seats in the upcoming congressional and senate elections. It seems the media is favoring the democratic platform and promoting a change. The Republican Party needs to put their act together and effectively communicate their plans to the community at large. For example, Congressional District 22, which was represented by Tom Delay, is a constituency of middle class people who are interested in reforms in healthcare, immigration and improvement in quality of life. They need a representative who can focus on these local issues.
GPC: During the recent arrest of suspected terrorists in England it has come to light that most of them are second and third generation immigrants born and raised in UK. How can we prevent the future generations of immigrants in US to be radicalized? How is the City of Sugar Land addressing integration of immigrants?
Mayor Wallace: Sugar Land is a diverse community both in terms of faith and ethnicity. It is human nature to hang on to long established cultural and traditional values. When these diverse cultures come together they add to the richness of the city of Sugar Land. To create a bridge between these communities I have created a multi-cultural sub-committee of 25 people which reach out to all communities and their leaders to sit around a table and discuss matters in detail. When the new City Hall was inaugurated couple of years ago, I invited people of all faiths to read prayers. To create a homogenous community I work with the education department to teach different cultures to our youth so that they have an appreciation for it. As our youth interact in class rooms and sports fields it helps creates understanding between them. We have also created a committee of youth leaders which now has 121 members.
GPC: there has been talk in favor of racial profiling to prevent future terrorist attacks. What is your view on this matter?
Mayor Wallace: I think terrorism is an important issue for all Americans regardless of their religious orientation. Timothy McVeigh was not a Muslim but he killed innocent people. Terrorism has no religion and we have to find ways to prevent it. I am co-chairman of Homeland Security’s Task Force and of US Conference of Mayors and I emphasize that we can not fight terrorism unless all citizens cooperate as one unit.
GPC: Do you think Patriotic Act has lived up to its expectations? Do you think Patriotic Act is anathema to the principles laid out by founding fathers of an egalitarian America with equal opportunity for all?
Mayor Wallace: Patriotic Act was a necessary evil in the aftermath of 911. Some of its elements certainly go too far and coincide with the principles laid out by our founding fathers and Bill of Rights. I am confident as we move forward our legislators will amend the act to eliminate those elements.
GPC: what kind of grants, funding and investments incentives are offered by the city of Sugar Land to minority businesses?
Mayor Wallace: City of Sugarland has initiated many programs in the form of tax abatement and direct incentives to attract businesses. As Board member of Governor’s Texas One Economic Development Corporation I work closely with SBA and banking community to help all businesses including minority owned.
GPC: Do you think US invasion of Iraq has damaged the American image in the world and especially in the Muslim World? How do you see the future of Iraq and US involvement in it?
Mayor Wallace: War on terrorism is a multilateral struggle and we have to work together as a global community to snuff out terrorism. The mission in Iraq was to fight terrorism where it was created and bred. It is imperative for US to support the Iraqi government to create the security apparatus for the safety of its people. I support President Bush’s policy in Iraq and consider our presence in Iraq an important step in strengthening democratic values there.
GPC: What are your views on immigration reforms specially related to illegal immigrants and quota for new immigrants?
Mayor Wallace: The US is a community of immigrants. It is in our roots. People from around the world come here to pursue the American Dream. We definitely need to address the issue of illegal immigrants. But I don’t support a carte blanche amnesty and grant citizenship to people who have broken the law. But since it is also a humanitarian issue, one solution is to grant guest worker visa to these people so they can become part of the process to become citizen after paying their dues.
GPC: Do you think police should be empowered to ask an individual’s immigration status during routine traffic stops?
Mayor Wallace: The Police Department has a lot on their hands to ensure the safety of our citizens. To ask them to enforce federal immigration laws is too much to ask for.
GPC: Pakistan has played an important role in fight against terrorism but the US media still casts doubts about the sincerity of the Pakistani government. What are your thoughts on this?
Mayor Wallace: Pakistani American community has worked shoulder to shoulder with other communities to ensure safety of our homeland. I believe all of us want to eradicate terrorism.
GPC: How can relations between the US and Pakistan be improved at grass roots level?
Mayor Wallace: We have to understand each other’s point of view at a national level. Leaders have to lead by example for the masses.
GPC: The US approval of a nuclear deal with India has created an environment of arms race in South Asia. How can Pakistan feel secure in this new shift in US policy?
Mayor Wallace: I agree that this shows a shift in US policy. A feel there is spirit of cooperation at the highest level and at some point there might be a civil nuclear cooperation with Pakistan as well.
GPC: In the recent conflict between Israel and Lebanon, the world views Israel’s reaction to the Hezbollah kidnapping of Israeli soldiers as unbalanced. This view is confirmed from the death toll on each side. How do you see the situation in Middle East and a probable solution to prevent future conflicts?
Mayor Wallace: I wish I had a solution to the Middle East problem. It is sad to have loss of life on both sides. I have been to the region many times and I wish I could formulate a lasting solution. A long term solution is only possible when people on both sides show appreciation and respect for the beliefs, values and rights of the other.
GPC: Do you believe UN is still relevant as an arbiter of conflicts between the nations when US is the sole superpower? If yes, why UN was sidelined to address the threat of Saddam?
Mayor Wallace: There is a genuine concern about the viability of UN. The latter should be a forum where nations can sit down and talk out various issues. I am concerned about the future of UN.
GPC: do you think adding a Muslim nation to get a permanent seat in the UN Security Council would help make it more effective?
Mayor Wallace: UN Security Council is composed of nations, not faiths. Muslims also live in countries that are permanent members.
GPC: What are your future plans?
Mayor Wallace: I love this position as Mayor of Sugarland -to have positive impact on people’s lives through promotion of education and sense of community. May aim in life is to impact larger number of people but in what position and station is something I don’t know whether it will be federal or state level. I will continue to explore those opportunities.
GPC: What is your message to the Pakistani-American Community?
Mayor Wallace: My message to all of you is one of engagement. To encourage your community to become part of the political process; to caste your votes, to run for elections and to serve on various boards formed at city, state and federal level. As we work together we tear down each and every barrier that exists.
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