Best Public Official: Jennifer Staubach Gates
Dallas City Council, District 13. (Photo: Tanner Garza)
Jennifer Staubach Gates is serving her third term as Dallas City Council’s District 13 representative.
She chairs the Government Performance and Financial Management Committee and sits on the Public Safety as well as the Arts and Culture and Libraries committees, according to dallascityhall.com. She is also the co-chair of the Visit Dallas Board of Directors.
As chair for the Domestic Violence Taskforce, she holds regular meetings to bridge communication between the Dallas Police Department, the District Attorney’s office, judges, and community partners fighting to end domestic violence in Dallas.
A lifelong Dallasite, she attended Ursuline Academy, then went on to get her bachelor of science in nursing from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, and she is still licensed as a Registered Nurse.
She has been married to John Gates for more than 30 years. They have two adult daughters. The Gates attend St. Rita Catholic Church, where Jennifer serves as an Eucharistic minister. She also enjoys running, reading and traveling.
Why is it important to you to serve north Dallas?
I was raised by parents who taught me from a very young age to give back to your community and Ursuline instilled in me the motto serviam “I will serve.” Being a council member has given me the opportunity to give back to the community and city I love as well as leave it a better place for future generations.
What’s your favorite place to visit in Preston Hollow?
My favorite places are those filled with the great people who make Preston Hollow a wonderful place to live. The best places to find Preston Hollow residents are the places of worship and the busy shopping districts. The community is blessed to include many beautiful congregations. My favorite is my home parish of St. Rita Catholic Church. Preston Hollow is also filled with plenty of eating and shopping destinations including my favorite corner Preston Royal and the best all time mall in the U.S., NorthPark Center.
What changes do you hope to see this year in your district?
I look forward to beginning the 2017 Bond Program that includes street and alley improvements, a new library for Vickery Meadow and beginning plans for the Preston Center garage. The big news for District 13 in 2018 will be the opening of the Northaven Trail west of Midway and beginning construction between Preston and Midway. I am thrilled District 13 will finally be part of the Dallas Trail Plan.
