Updated: Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings seeks re-election, lays out agenda

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Jake Dean

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings took a high-profile leadership role during the recent Ebola crisis in Dallas.

Bill Hethcock

Staff Writer- Dallas Business Journal

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Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings will seek re-election, ending months of speculation about whether he would run for a second term

"I want to share with you the news that I will be seeking re-election," Rawlings said Tuesday at a Dallas Regional Chamber luncheon, prompting a standing ovation from the pro-business crowd.

He said Dallas is quickly becoming one of the best places to live in the nation, with small and big businesses, culture, arts, parks, entertainment and sports teams that rank among the nation's elite.

Dallas' economy is firing on all pistons, Rawlings said. Unemployment has dropped to 5.4 percent from 6.9 percent a year ago. Taxable sales and property tax values increased over 2013, construction of industrial and office space is up and retail vacancy is down to its lowest rate since 2006, he said.

On the down side, Dallas roads are gridlocked and the city's public schools "still need a lot of work," the mayor said.

The former chief executive at Pizza Hut and ad agency Tracy-Locke was elected mayor in 2011.

Rawlings no doubt will be favored in his re-election bid next year, although he seemingly will have at least one opponent in attorney Marcos Ronquillo, who told the Dallas Business Journal last month that it is a "strong possibility" that he'll run.

Ronquillo said at he time his decision would not hinge on Rawlings' choice on whether to seek another four-year term next year.

"My decisions will not be affected by any internal or external factors," Ronquillo told me.

Rawlings, 60, indicated his decision to seek a second term before the annual "State of the City" speech at the downtown Sheraton.

Bill covers health care, law, education and general assignments. Subscribe to our email newsletters.