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...as reported by former SMU Letterman Rufus Shaw, himself a leader in South Dallas politics-scroll down to District 8 report where is characterized as the frontrunner:

THE CITY COUNCIL RACES
.... Tennell Atkins has pulled off a political coup in his effort to replace James Fantroy in District 8. Mr. Atkins, who has long been a confidant of both Al Lipscomb and James Fantroy, has gotten the endorsement of both legendary District 8 leaders. But not only does Mr. Atkins have Mr. Lipscomb’s and Mr. Fantroy’s endorsements, he also has key operatives from both Mr.Lipscomb’s and Mr. Fantroy’s political organizations working for his campaign. Mr. Atkins will be challenged by a host of other candidates but primarily by former Justice of the Peace, Charles Rose, who has strong ties in District 8. Right now Mr. Atkins’ organization and his own hard work make him the front runner in District 8.

who??

Come on name-dropper-found one you don't know. Mid 70s RB-I believe he ran for about 100 yards against TCU in Ron Meyer's first victory-but that's just a recollection. He was from one of the Bishop Dunne or Lynch schools. Rufus Shaw was a very talented WR in the early 70s who teamed with Kenny Harrison and now referee Freeman Johns to run boring blocking routes in Dave SMith boring offenses. You can usually see Johns working the Red Blue Game and other SMU scrimmages. You know this may be a sign of a maturing of a university that now the school speaks from a more diverse perspective-a longtime criticism of the school. Rene Martinez who played soccer at SMU as a Club team I believe in the early 1970s is one of the top leaders in the Dallas Hispanic community.

And Tennell Atkins is present at pretty much every men's basketball game, to my recollection. I've also seen him on most of the numerous "sub-committes" and "ad-hoc" committees and "focus groups" that the athletic department have put on over the years.

Atkins easily had the most votes in the crowded field during the general election about 35% but will have to win in a runoff since he got less than 50%.

I am hopeful he is victorious in his run-off and would be utterly shocked if he is not. I have been watching his race with keen interest...it would be nice to have a mustang on the council.

Eddie P wrote:...it would be nice to have a mustang on the council.

...with the endorsement of Al Lipscomb? Hmmmmmmm.

Its tough to win in that district and the surrounding ones without his at least tacit endorsement. I dont have much productive to say in this forum about Lipscomb so I won't but a good point.

Tennell also currently serves on the SMU Lettermen's Association Board of Directors.

50's PONY wrote:Tennell also currently serves on the SMU Lettermen's Association Board of Directors.

That could be a tough obstacle to overcome.

Another example is SMU alumnus and State Representative Rafael Anchia. Many thought he would run for Dallas Mayor, but he decided against it......probably a wise decision. He is young, smart and well thought of in the Texas/Dallas political scene. He has a bright future in public service if he chooses.