Self-storage owner Sanders Dallas III lives in Winston-Salem, N.C., but has jumped into the political fray in nearby High Point, organizing a group of local business owners after he lost an eminent domain battle with the city.
Dallas isn’t eligible to run for office in High Point because he resides in another city. As a business owner in High Point—where he runs a real estate business and self-storage operation—he’s been spurred into action. Dallas recently lost a battle with the city over a proposed intersection that would cut through one of his properties.
Dallas organized a group of 40 prominent business people that has encouraged candidates to run against High Point incumbents, including Mayor Becky Smothers and city council members Latimer Alexander and Chris Whitley. The group, which has no formal name, has regular meetings to discuss ways to improve business in High Point.
Some members of the city council, however, said Dallas’ political interest is based on the eminent domain case.
The city recently took a right-of-way across Dallas' property by eminent domain for an intersection at Eastchester Drive/Deep River Road, which is already under construction. The development cuts across a 3-acre property Dallas owns.
The city rejected a proposal by Dallas which asked the city to fill in his property with topsoil, making it buildable. According to High Point City Attorney Fred Baggett, the city, in a mediated agreement, paid Dallas $250,000 for the right-of-way, but the topsoil would have cost between $500,000 and $700,000.
Dallas said he has no political aspirations, and rejected any suggestions that he's motivated by the eminent domain case. His only goal is to improve the local economy in High Point.
Source: RhinoTimes, High Point Politics May Have New ‘Kingmaker’
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