Best Public Official: Lee M. Kleinman
Lee M. Kleinman is serving his third term as Dallas City Council’s District 11 representative.
He chairs the Transportation and Trinity River Project Committee as well as the Legislative Ad-Hoc Committee, according to dallascityhall.com. He also serves on the Budget, Finance and Audit Committee, the Economic Development Committee, North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Executive Committee, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC), Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition, and the Dallas Employee Pension System.
Kleinman is a Dallas native who attended St. Marks School of Texas. He got his degree in economics and psychology from Pitzer College, then later went on and got his MBA from SMU.
He and his wife, Dr. Lisa Umholtz, have two children, Michelle and David. Kleinman enjoys hiking, skiing, bicycle touring, vegetable gardening, and traveling.
Why is it important to you to serve north Dallas?
I grew up in this neighborhood and my family’s been here for generations. I’m very attached to the quality of life in this area and feel strongly about that for all of Dallas. I recognize what this community gave to me growing up, and it’s important that we provide those opportunities for children as well. Things like safety, a good education, green space, and clean drinking water all matter.
What’s your favorite place to visit in Preston Hollow?
The Northaven Trail. This linear Park stretches 2 miles and is being expanded to 10 miles across north Dallas. It connects neighborhoods and communities to schools, churches, restaurants and shopping. It takes some of the big city out of Dallas and makes us smaller community. My wife and I laugh about how many dogs’ names we know but don’t know the owners’ names. You can’t help but be in a good mood when you’re on the trail.
What changes do you hope to see this year in your district?
Continued focus on the quality of neighborhoods, walk-ability and more green space, decent streets, crime reduction and overall improvement of the quality of life.
