Better Together
Campaign:


DeSoto, TX

Better
together
campaign

Author anderson, MPP, Ed.M.

MAYORAL CANDIDATE 2025

Desoto, tx

Author Anderson is a proud community advocate and experienced leader with a proven track record of delivering
innovative and effective solutions. With expertise spanning public policy, education, business, real estate, and
social justice, Author is committed to building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous DeSoto for every family.


A lifelong learner, Author has earned degrees from Northwestern University, the University of Southern California
(USC), and Harvard University, equipping him with a world-class education and the tools to tackle complex
challenges. Over the course of his career, he has worked tirelessly to improve lives—locally, nationally, and
globally.


A Proven Leader

Author’s leadership has brought transformative change to communities and organizations around the world:

  • As the head of strategy for a social innovation lab in the San Francisco Bay Area, he developed cutting-edge
    solutions for young children and families.
  • He relaunched a statewide policy and advocacy organization focused on ensuring every child has access to
    high-quality education.
  • Working with the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, he elevated the
    voices of young people and partnered with stakeholders to drive meaningful reforms in child welfare.


Author has also led a global strategy consulting firm, working alongside governments, nonprofits, and businesses
to deliver real, lasting impact. He has shared his expertise with: a sitting First Lady, elected officials, ministers of
education, universities, nonprofit organizations, police departments, and community leaders. Across a range of
critical issues—including educational reform and anti-violence initiatives—Author has expanded access to
education and made schools safer for thousands of children. His ability to unite diverse voices and craft
innovative, effective solutions has earned him recognition as a results-driven problem solver.


A Champion for Justice and Equity

As a creative thinker and advocate for fairness, Author has:

  • Partnered with filmmakers, The Innocence Project, and the USC School of Cinematic Arts to explore the costs
    of policing, prosecution, and incarceration through film and storytelling.
  • Advised the City and State of Rio de Janeiro on the redevelopment of its historic port area, driving economic
    development, promoting social justice, and ensuring equitable growth in preparation for the World Cup and
    Olympics.
  • Designed data-driven strategies for some of the world’s largest companies, helping them embrace diversity
    and inclusion in meaningful ways.


Locally, Author has been addressing pressing issues that impact families in DeSoto for many years. More than a
decade ago, he served as a Deputy Clerk in Dallas County Criminal Courts, where he gained firsthand experience
in the criminal legal system and developed a deep understanding of the importance of fairness, integrity, and
accountability in public service. As a REALTOR® since 2018, Author has helped families build and pass down
generational wealth through real estate, life insurance investments, and trusts. He is also actively working with
legislators to tackle unregulated spaces like HOAs and storage facilities, where too many families are unfairly
abused and exploited with little legal protection.


A Vision for DeSoto

Author’s global experiences have shaped his vision for DeSoto: a community where every family feels safe, every
child has access to excellent schools, and every resident has the opportunity to thrive. He understands the
importance of public safety, economic development, and the critical necessity of transparency, integrity, and
accountability in government. Author is committed to addressing these priorities head-on.


Author was previously appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the DeSoto Development Corporation,
where he contributed to initiatives that foster growth and opportunity in the community. He believes that DeSoto
deserves bold, compassionate leadership that truly listens to its residents, values collaboration, and drives real
progress. Author is running for mayor to ensure DeSoto’s best days are ahead and that every resident—regardless
of their background or connections—has a seat at the table.


A Commitment to Community

From supporting a child welfare reform movement to shaping inclusive policies for multinational companies,
Author has built his career on creating better futures for communities. Now, he’s ready to bring that same
dedication and expertise to DeSoto. With Author Anderson as mayor, DeSoto will be a city that champions
opportunity, innovation, and equity for every family.


Together, we can create a brighter, more prosperous future for The People of DeSoto.


Let’s make DeSoto BETTER TOGETHER.


Better
together
campaign

Author anderson, MPP, Ed.M.

MAYORAL CANDIDATE 2025

Desoto, tx

Author Anderson is a proud community advocate and experienced leader with a proven track record of delivering
innovative and effective solutions. With expertise spanning public policy, education, business, real estate, and
social justice, Author is committed to building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous DeSoto for every family.


A lifelong learner, Author has earned degrees from Northwestern University, the University of Southern California
(USC), and Harvard University, equipping him with a world-class education and the tools to tackle complex
challenges. Over the course of his career, he has worked tirelessly to improve lives—locally, nationally, and
globally.


A Proven Leader

Author’s leadership has brought transformative change to communities and organizations around the world:

· As the head of strategy for a social innovation lab in the San Francisco Bay Area, he developed cutting-edge
solutions for young children and families.

· He relaunched a statewide policy and advocacy organization focused on ensuring every child has access to
high-quality education.

· Working with the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, he elevated the
voices of young people and partnered with stakeholders to drive meaningful reforms in child welfare.


Author has also led a global strategy consulting firm, working alongside governments, nonprofits, and businesses
to deliver real, lasting impact. He has shared his expertise with: a sitting First Lady, elected officials, ministers of
education, universities, nonprofit organizations, police departments, and community leaders. Across a range of
critical issues—including educational reform and anti-violence initiatives—Author has expanded access to
education and made schools safer for thousands of children. His ability to unite diverse voices and craft
innovative, effective solutions has earned him recognition as a results-driven problem solver.


A Champion for Justice and Equity

As a creative thinker and advocate for fairness, Author has:

· Partnered with filmmakers, The Innocence Project, and the USC School of Cinematic Arts to explore the costs
of policing, prosecution, and incarceration through film and storytelling.

· Advised the City and State of Rio de Janeiro on the redevelopment of its historic port area, driving economic
development, promoting social justice, and ensuring equitable growth in preparation for the World Cup and
Olympics.

  • Designed data-driven strategies for some of the world’s largest companies, helping them embrace diversity
    and inclusion in meaningful ways.


Locally, Author has been addressing pressing issues that impact families in DeSoto for many years. More than a
decade ago, he served as a Deputy Clerk in Dallas County Criminal Courts, where he gained firsthand experience
in the criminal legal system and developed a deep understanding of the importance of fairness, integrity, and
accountability in public service. As a REALTOR® since 2018, Author has helped families build and pass down
generational wealth through real estate, life insurance investments, and trusts. He is also actively working with
legislators to tackle unregulated spaces like HOAs and storage facilities, where too many families are unfairly
abused and exploited with little legal protection.


A Vision for DeSoto

Author’s global experiences have shaped his vision for DeSoto: a community where every family feels safe, every
child has access to excellent schools, and every resident has the opportunity to thrive. He understands the
importance of public safety, economic development, and the critical necessity of transparency, integrity, and
accountability in government. Author is committed to addressing these priorities head-on.


Author was previously appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the DeSoto Development Corporation,
where he contributed to initiatives that foster growth and opportunity in the community. He believes that DeSoto
deserves bold, compassionate leadership that truly listens to its residents, values collaboration, and drives real
progress. Author is running for mayor to ensure DeSoto’s best days are ahead and that every resident—regardless
of their background or connections—has a seat at the table.


A Commitment to Community

From supporting a child welfare reform movement to shaping inclusive policies for multinational companies,
Author has built his career on creating better futures for communities. Now, he’s ready to bring that same
dedication and expertise to DeSoto. With Author Anderson as mayor, DeSoto will be a city that champions
opportunity, innovation, and equity for every family.


Together, we can create a brighter, more prosperous future for The People of DeSoto.


Let’s make DeSoto BETTER TOGETHER.


Political ad paid for by Author Anderson Campaign, Wendy J. Johnson, Treasurer.

DeSoto, TX

Transparency.

Integrity.

Accountability.

DeSoto residents have been expressing an urgent need for
change.


Change in Policy & Practice

Change in Systems

Change in Leadership


Many DeSoto residents have expressed that they are unable to
participate and engage in City Council meetings due to the
scheduled time. Other cities have made use of technology as a
regular practice to allow the public to appear and speak virtually.
We can increase participation and hear diverse voices by
meeting people where they are in our 21st Century world.


Those who have appeared in-person to voice concerns or ask
questions and those who have submitted written
correspondence have often not received appropriate responses,
if any response at all.


  • Public Safety concerns and calls for a change in leadership of the
    Police Department have been coming from inside and outside of
    the Police Department.

Better
together
campaign

Better Together Campaign: DeSoto, TX

These specific commitments aim to make DeSoto a more

transparently governed city,

strengthen the integrity of City government, and improve the

accountability of those serving the City of DeSoto.

Let’s rebuild public trust.

City Council Commitments:

  • Establish a way for the public to speak at DeSoto City Council meetings
    virtually.
  • Respond to ALL citizen concerns raised during the Citizen Appearances
    portion of the City Council Meeting Agenda within 48 hours, making use
    of the contact information already collected from each speaker.
  • Provide comprehensive answers to all posed questions.
  • Acknowledge the value of the shared information: grievances,
    compliments, announcements, etc.
  • Present proposed solutions to issues within 7 business days.
  • Employ City Attorneys who only work for the City of DeSoto &
    consistently follow Robert’s Rules of Order.
  • Ensure ALL City Councilmembers’ & City officials’ meetings, in their
    official capacity, are on their respective City calendars, and that the
    calendars are accessible & archived by the City Secretary’s Office.


Commitments for City Council, City Manager, Chief of Police, and ALL City
staff:

  • Respond in writing to citizen emails, letters, and other written
    correspondence within 48 hours of receipt.


Commitments for City Council to Institutionalize Systems for

Transparency, Integrity, & Accountability throughout the City and in the
DeSoto Police Department:

  • Establish an Ethics Advisory Commission, Develop a Code of Ethics,
    and Hire an Inspector General to monitor city officials’ compliance with
    the Code of Ethics, investigate complaints, and hold officials
    accountable.
  • Eliminate the Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC).
  • Establish an Office of Community Police Oversight (OCPO), led by a
    Police Monitor who reports to the OCPO Board. (The OCPO Board, like
    other Boards & Commissions, should be overseen by City Council.)
  • Ensure diversity and inclusion on the OCPO Board, and intentionally
    include DeSoto citizens who have expressed prior serious concerns
    about the DeSoto Police Department.
  • Grant the OCPO Board independent investigative authority and
    mandate compliance from the Chief of Police, Police Department, and
    City Departments & employees who may be part of a related
    investigation.
  • Mandate that public information be released upon request, instead of
    seeking to withhold. Show the public that the DeSoto Police Department
    has nothing to hide.

Public Service is a Commitment...

Public Service is a Commitment...

DeSoto... So Much to Love.

Let’s Make it Better Together.

DeSoto residents have been expressing an urgent need for
change.


Change in Policy & Practice

Change in Systems

Change in Leadership


Many DeSoto residents have expressed that they are unable to
participate and engage in City Council meetings due to the
scheduled time. Other cities have made use of technology as a
regular practice to allow the public to appear and speak virtually.
We can increase participation and hear diverse voices by
meeting people where they are in our 21st Century world.


Those who have appeared in-person to voice concerns or ask
questions and those who have submitted written
correspondence have often not received appropriate responses,
if any response at all.


  • Public Safety concerns and calls for a change in leadership of the
    Police Department have been coming from inside and outside of
    the Police Department.

These specific commitments aim to make DeSoto a more

transparently governed city,

strengthen the integrity of City government, and improve the

accountability of those serving the City of DeSoto.

Let’s rebuild public trust.

City Council Commitments:

  • Establish a way for the public to speak at DeSoto City Council meetings
    virtually.
  • Respond to ALL citizen concerns raised during the Citizen Appearances
    portion of the City Council Meeting Agenda within 48 hours, making use
    of the contact information already collected from each speaker.
  • Provide comprehensive answers to all posed questions.
  • Acknowledge the value of the shared information: grievances,
    compliments, announcements, etc.
  • Present proposed solutions to issues within 7 business days.
  • Employ City Attorneys who only work for the City of DeSoto &
    consistently follow Robert’s Rules of Order.
  • Ensure ALL City Councilmembers’ & City officials’ meetings, in their
    official capacity, are on their respective City calendars, and that the
    calendars are accessible & archived by the City Secretary’s Office.


Commitments for City Council, City Manager, Chief of Police, and ALL City
staff:

  • Respond in writing to citizen emails, letters, and other written
    correspondence within 48 hours of receipt.


Commitments for City Council to Institutionalize Systems for

Transparency, Integrity, & Accountability throughout the City and in the
DeSoto Police Department:

  • Establish an Ethics Advisory Commission, Develop a Code of Ethics
    (ordinance), and Hire an Inspector General to:
    • monitor city officials’ compliance with the Code of Ethics,
    • investigate complaints, and
    • hold officials accountable.
  • Eliminate the Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC).
  • Establish an Office of Community Police Oversight (OCPO), led by a
    Police Monitor who reports to the OCPO Board. (The OCPO Board, like
    other Boards & Commissions, should be overseen by City Council.)
  • Ensure diversity and inclusion on the OCPO Board, and intentionally
    include DeSoto citizens who have expressed prior serious concerns
    about the DeSoto Police Department.
  • Grant the OCPO Board independent investigative authority and
    mandate compliance from the Chief of Police, Police Department, and
    City Departments & employees who may be part of a related
    investigation.
  • Mandate that public information be released upon request, instead of
    seeking to withhold. Show the public that the DeSoto Police Department
    has nothing to hide.

October 1, 2024

DESOTO POLICE KILLINGS & Mental Health:

Michael Nunez & Jesse Martinez



CENSURE REQUESTS

DeSoto City Coincilmember Crystal Chism, liaison to the Citizens Police Advisory Committee
(CPAC), has been the subject of THREE (3) formal requests for censure within a
timeframe of less
than FIVE (5) months:

October 15, 2024 + January 7, 2025 + March 3, 2025




October 15, 2024 - A formal request for censure was delivered on the public record following
evidence of retaliatory conduct in the form of defamation of DeSoto residents.



December 13, 2024

DESOTO POLICE KILLING: Arthur L. Armstrong, Jr.



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  • March 3, 2025 - A formal request for censure was delivered in writing to the City Secretary following Crystal Chism’s blatant public violation of the
    Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) and resident’s First Amendment rights.
  • January 7, 2025 - A formal request for censure was delivered in writing to the City Secretary following Crystal Chism’s public statement released on
    December 14, 2024, via Chism’s Facebook in response to the DeSoto Police killing of Arthur L. Armstrong, Jr.


As a resident and as a Precinct Chair, I have been listening to the
concerns and experiences of the residents of DeSoto over the span
of several years, and I support changes that will make DeSoto
better in the areas of Transparency, Integrity, and Accountability.


Remember these are 3 ways that we can make DeSoto BETTER
TOGETHER.


  1. Vote Intelligently
  2. Require Transparency, Integrity, & Accountability
  3. Take Action


Social Media

When posting about the BETTER TOGETHER CAMPAIGN in
DeSoto, TX,

Be sure to use the following:


Hashtags:

#BTCDESOTOTX

#somuchtolove #SoMuchWorkToDo


TAG @cityofdesoto

TAG @authoranderson


Click Here to Get Merch

Better Together Campaign

Youth Voter Registration Initiative

with Dallas County Elections,

DeSoto High School,

& Lancaster High School

Every City. Every Citizen. Every Voice. Every Vote.















Democracy makes the world better.

Let’s do it together.

guiding philosophy

Click the button below

to learn about the

Better Together Campaign

DeSoto, TX

Click the button below

to learn how you can

Register to Vote

DeSoto, TX

Sign up below for

Better Together Campaign

News

City of DeSoto


Dallas County


State of Texas


United States of America


Change starts with you.

VOTE Intelligently

REQUIRE

Transparency

integrity &

accountability

TAKE ACTION

Our Journey to Change

WHO

Which candidates

should we put in office?

WHAT

What should we require
of those occupying
leadership roles?

WHEN

What actions can we
take NOW?

Local Politics Matter

Vote Intelligently

Register to Vote


Engage, Think, & Ask Questions

  • Attend Meetings
  • Email your City Council representatives
  • Email your State Legislators


Vote in EVERY election

  • Primary Elections
  • General Elections
  • Runoff Elections

require:

Transparency.
Integrity.
Accountability.

These criteria are vital for public servants
committed to serving the public. Public
servants have one primary responsibility: to
serve their community, which includes you.


In order to serve you effectively, it is crucial to
maintain unwavering transparency, integrity,
and accountability.

You should expect transparency, integrity, &
accountability as regular and routine practice
from your local leadership, which includes:


  • City Council
  • City Manager
  • City Attorney
  • Chief of Police


Take Action

The City Council's Role


The City Council represents the will of the
people. The citizens of DeSoto have clearly
voiced their dissatisfaction, emphasizing the
essence of democracy.


The will of the people should prevail.

When it does not, there are natural

concerns and questions of

whose interests are being served.


Democracy does not end at the ballot box.

Change happens constantly.

We, The People still hold the power.

Bernadine Harrison’s

message to the Mayor

Keisha Nixon addresses use of funds
for City items being sold on Amazon
by City employee & false statements
from the City denying sales

Author Anderson addresses broad
injustices, weaponizing of police, lack
of integrity, and lack of accountability

Be Engaged & Stay Informed

Important Links


DeSoto City Council Meeting Schedule

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TAKING ACTION

No Problem! Find out NOW in seconds.


  • CLICK HERE
  • Enter your address in the top right corner of
    the map and Search.
  • Note the Place # shown on the map.
  • Select the corresponding Place number on the
    green Navigation Menu along the left side of
    the screen.
  • That is your City Council representative.

Don’t know which
councilmember represents
you?

want to Attend city council
meetings and make your
voice heard?

Want to attend a series of
peaceful DEMONSTRATIONS
to show your support?

View the Meeting Agenda by clicking HERE.


  • Arrive before 6pm to complete a Comment
    card
  • NOTE: Comment cards related to specific
    agenda items are due prior to the introduction
    of an agenda item; however,
    comment cards
    related to the citizen appearances portion of
    the agenda must be submitted to the
    ambassador's table prior to the start of the
    meeting.

Peaceful Demonstrations for a

Better DeSoto


Click HERE for T-Shirts

NEXT PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION

FEBRUARY 2025

Sign up for News to get Time & Location

Bring your signs!!!

Additional Dates, Times, & Locations TBD


Voting is a powerful tool to effect change. When it is time to vote, VOTE INTELLIGENTLY.

Voting is one part of an array of actions that you can take to do your part for a BETTER DESOTO.

During campaigns, we often see candidates sharing endorsements from other politicians.

What about your endorsement?

The voices, questions, and concerns of DeSoto residents have been routinely overlooked and
ignored, which should inspire you to take bolder collective action. Share your concerns or simply
inform the officials:

  • "I endorse the BETTER TOGETHER CAMPAIGN for a BETTER DESOTO."

E-mail Your

  • City Council
    Representative(s)

E-mail Your

City Manager &

  • Deputy City Manager

E-mail Your

  • State Legislators

City Manager

Texas Senator

City Councilmember

Deputy City Manager

Texas Representative

City Councilmember

Texas Representative

City Councilmember

City Councilmember

City Councilmember

City Councilmember

action:

E-MAIL YOUR CITY
OFFICIALS & STATE
REPRESENTATIVES


CLICK THE NAMES in the chart to the right to send an
email endorsing the

BETTER TOGETHER CAMPAIGN for a BETTER DESOTO.

You may email them individually or email them all in
one email. It’s your choice of how to make your voice
heard.




If you wish, you may also copy (cc)
desototx@bettertogethercampaign.com

when reaching out to your mayor, council member(s), city manager,
and state legislators to advocate for change.



Contact


Precinct 3602

DCDP Chair: Author Anderson, MPP, Ed.M.

2025 Author Anderson. All Rights Reserved.