Meet Charles Lingerfelt

You haven't heard much from the local media about it, but local businessman Charles Lingerfelt (left) is running against Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price. Many don't give a white Republican much hope in this race, but that hasn't stopped him from traveling the district in a search for votes. To learn more about the man and his fight against the corrupt political machine, click right here to read my new article for Yahoo News.

Oak Cliff Home Tour this weekend!

The Old Oak Cliff Conservation League is holding their annual Home Tour this weekend, with proceeds benefiting various local civic projects. To order tickets or for more info, click right here to visit the OOCCL website.

The 2012 Top Ten Most Powerful People in Dallas

Note: This column was originally published on Yahoo News.

In 2011, our ranking of the 10 most powerful people in Dallas stirred much debate. It seems everyone who read the list disagreed over who was on it and how they ranked. Of course, that makes doing another a no-brainer.

For 2012, changes were made in the criteria that determined who made the list. Last year, individuals were ranked on their ability to influence the daily lives of Dallas citizens. While this is still a major criteria, one's influence on the national and international perception of Dallas is also included. That means several new additions to the list.

First, we must note those who fell out of the top 10 from last year. That includes last year's No. 2, Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price. Just days after making the list, his home and office were raided by the FBI as part of a corruption investigation. It severely limited his influence, as his supporters ran for political cover.

Former Dallas Observer writer Robert Wilonsky also drops off the list. He is now the editor of DallasNews.com and not as vocal and controversial. Dallas County Republican Party chairman Wade Emmert also drops off, after a subdued year locally for the GOP.

Here is the list:

Links to my latest news and political work

Here are links to some of my recent work for Examiner.com and Yahoo. Thanks for reading!

Is the Dallas County Twitter Account Campaigning for Obama?

Dallas' Latino Vote Still Mired in Apathy

Is the American Flag Politically Incorrect?

Did Money Motivate DC's Gay Green Lantern? 

David Dewhurst May Have Won the Battle, But Ted Cruz May Win the Political War

Domingo Garcia Can't Spell the President's Name Right

Negative Ads Dominate North Texas Political Races

Despite Funding, DFW Planned Parenthoods Do Not Provide Mammograms

TV Has-Beens Attack Kirk Cameron

Outrage over Starbucks' Support of Gay Marriage

Michelle Obama: Money Can Buy Barack's Love

Obama Administration's Double Standard on Healthy Meals

Are "beer barns" affecting your neighborhood?

When Dallas was considering allowing alcohol sales in a voting referendum, opponents were characterized as some sort of uptight, church lady party poopers who were keeping everyone from having wine at their favorite restaurant. Now, it seems what all those opponents were really protesting is coming true. With a number of proposed beer barns ready to invade neighborhoods across Oak Cliff, the vague language and loose regulations of the alcohol sale regulations are coming home to roost in all the worst ways. If you are directly affected by these possible establishments, email me at vic@victormedina.com. I'm working on an article for Yahoo News about the subject, and I want to hear from you!

Vote for me in the Rondo Awards!

Every year, the Rondo Awards recognize the best in classic horror, sci-fi, and fantasy media. Best Movie, TV show, and book are recognized, as are best website, best toy, and best article. Best DVD reviewer (Category 30) is a write in category, and open for any voter to nominate anyone they want. The website I write DVD reviews for, TheMoviePool.com, is pushing to get me votes for the award, and I need your help! Click here to visit RondoAward.com and write in "Victor Medina, TheMoviePool.com" in Category 30, Best DVD Reviewer. You will have to submit your vote via email, and copy and paste the categories you are voting on. You have until midnight, April 1 to vote. Please have as many friends and family as possible vote, as each is appreciated! Thanks for your support!