SAGA Pod / Learning Curve 7.31.14

We talk to Jim Schutze about the biggest news story in Dallas in 2014: the indictment of County Commissioner John Wiley Price. Jim, who has covered JWP for three decades, talks about how JWP went from being a “ray of sunshine,” and “a very brave guy” -- someone who “taught courage” to southern Dallas  — to someone under indictment. Jim tells great stories from covering Price in the ‘80s (the one about how Price would intentionally sweat on editors at the Dallas Times Herald is gold). He discusses about how the money for votes has always traveled form North to South, and how Price wanted his cut from the minster networks. He tells about the time Price told Jim the reason "Our Man Downtown" always aligned with downtown interests vs. progressive, East Dallas interests. (“Becuase you’re a bunch of hippies.”)

We also talk DISD and I scream the eff word, because Jim wound me up and I’m easily enraged. We look at just how stupid the effort to fire Mike Miles was, and look with hope toward the reform efforts targeted for this year. As always, thanks for downloading, and listen with your ears.