By Glitch Hunter, Connoisseur of Controlled Chaos#

DALLAS, TEXAS – A neon mirage sprawls across the Texan landscape, a city teetering on the precipice of a nervous breakdown. Inside this boiling cauldron of wealth, power, and paranoia, one man has risen like a specter, quietly and relentlessly recalibrating the gears of local governance. Enter Monty Bennett, the hotel magnate turned political puppet master, a man whose fingerprints are smeared all over Dallas’ HERO Initiative. It’s a name designed to evoke images of gallant knights and noble crusades, but the reality is far murkier.

The Stage is Set#

To the untrained eye, the HERO Initiative seems harmless enough—a trio of city charter amendments (Propositions S, T, and U) aimed at “improving” Dallas governance. But dig just a little deeper, and you’ll find yourself staring into the gaping maw of a political power play wrapped in a velvet glove. The changes include stripping the city of governmental immunity (Proposition S), forcing a bloated police hiring mandate (Proposition U), and implementing a nebulous oversight of the city manager’s authority (Proposition T).

In the words of local council member Paula Blackmon: “This isn’t reform—it’s sabotage. A deliberate attempt to strangle our city government under the guise of public safety and accountability.” But sabotage for whom? And at whose behest?

Monty’s Shadow#

Bennett isn’t your average power player. His fortune comes from Ashford Inc., a luxury hotel empire with deep pockets and a knack for influence peddling. But lately, Monty’s tastes have shifted from gilded lobbies to the gritty theater of Dallas politics. With the HERO Initiative, he’s the puppet master pulling strings behind a curtain of nonprofit organizations, front groups, and—you guessed it—money.

For months, the Dallas Express, a conservative news outlet owned by Bennett, has been banging the drum for the HERO amendments. “Objective journalism,” they call it, but the lines between editorial and propaganda have blurred to the point of farce. Their articles champion the HERO Initiative as the solution to all that ails the city, conveniently ignoring Bennett’s central role in its creation.

Crowds for Hire#

If the Dallas Express is the mouthpiece, then Keep Dallas Safe, a nonprofit campaigning for the amendments, is its PR muscle. But here’s the twist: the grassroots fervor surrounding this movement is about as organic as a Big Mac. Investigations reveal that Keep Dallas Safe contracted a California-based firm specializing in astroturf campaigns—fake grassroots activism, complete with protests for hire.

And the funding? Monty Bennett, naturally. Through his various companies, Bennett has poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into the HERO campaign, effectively turning Dallas into his personal political chessboard.

The Fallout#

On November 5, 2024, the voters finally had their say. The results were a mixed bag. Proposition S (lawsuits against the city) and Proposition U (police expansion) squeaked by with narrow approvals, while Proposition T (oversight of the city manager) was soundly rejected. The city now faces a looming budget crisis, with the police hiring mandate threatening to suck millions from public services like parks, libraries, and infrastructure.

Former Mayor Mike Rawlings called the amendments “a ticking time bomb,” warning that the rushed hiring spree could compromise the quality and training of new officers. Meanwhile, the city council is scrambling to figure out how to implement these mandates without bankrupting Dallas in the process.

The Big Picture#

In the cold, fluorescent light of Dallas’ City Hall, one question remains: What does Monty Bennett want? The HERO Initiative may be a political gambit, a test run for bigger ambitions, or simply a power flex from a man who thrives on control. Whatever the case, Dallas is left to grapple with the fallout of this millionaire’s crusade.

There’s no moral to this story, no tidy resolution. Just a sprawling mess of money, power, and manipulation—classic Texas, with Monty Bennett standing smugly at the center of it all. One thing’s for sure: this isn’t the last we’ll hear of him. The beast never sleeps.

Sources and References#

  1. Dallas HERO Amendments: Props S, U Passed

    • Source: FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth
    • Link: Archived Version
    • Summary: This article reports on the approval of Propositions S and U, highlighting Monty Bennett’s significant financial contributions to the HERO amendments campaign.

  2. Dallas Voters Approve 2 of the 3 HERO Amendments in the 2024 Election

    • Source: CBS News Texas
    • Link: Archived Version
    • Summary: This piece provides an overview of the HERO amendments, detailing the propositions and the election outcomes.

  3. The GOP Megadonor Behind the Bid to Break Dallas City Government

    • Source: Texas Observer
    • Link: Archived Version
    • Summary: This investigative article explores Monty Bennett’s involvement in the HERO Initiative, including the use of astroturfing tactics and financial influence.

  4. Monty Bennett and the Shadowy Dallas HERO Crew

    • Source: D Magazine
    • Link: Archived Version
    • Summary: This article examines the connections between Monty Bennett, the Dallas Express, and the HERO Initiative, shedding light on the intertwined relationships and potential conflicts of interest.

  5. North Texas CEO Throwing Support and Cash Behind HERO Initiative

    • Source: WFAA
    • Link: Archived Version
    • Summary: This report discusses Monty Bennett’s financial and logistical support for the HERO amendments, including his provision of office space and monetary contributions.

  6. Dallas Charter Amendment Proposals: Who’s Behind the Initiative?

    • Source: WFAA
    • Link: Archived Version
    • Summary: This article investigates the individuals and organizations backing the HERO amendments, highlighting Monty Bennett’s central role.

  7. Dallas Propositions Results: How Dallas Voted, HERO Amendments

    • Source: WFAA
    • Link: Archived Version
    • Summary: This piece provides detailed results of the Dallas propositions, including the outcomes of the HERO amendments.

  8. Dallas Says It Meets Requirements of Ballot Proposition on Hiring Police

    • Source: WFAA
    • Link: Archived Version
    • Summary: This article discusses the city’s response to Proposition U, including statements from Monty Bennett regarding potential legal actions to enforce the proposition’s mandates.

  9. Election 2024: What Are the Dallas HERO Amendments?

    • Source: FOX 4 News
    • Link: Archived Version
    • Summary: This piece explains the details of Propositions S, T, and U, providing context for voters ahead of the election.

  10. Dallas, Texas: City Threatened With First Lawsuit Over Homeless Camps After Proposition S Passes

    • Source: WFAA
    • Link: Archived Version
    • Summary: This report covers the potential legal implications of Proposition S, including Monty Bennett’s statements on enforcing city compliance with the new amendment.