ALonda Kusimo (DeSoto City Council, Texas, candidate 2025)
ALonda Kusimo (Nonpartisan) ran for election to DeSoto City Council in Texas on May 3, 2025.[1]
Elections
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
ALonda Kusimo completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kusimo's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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A’Londa L. Barber-Kusimo is a dedicated community advocate, accomplished entrepreneur, and proud Texan with a lifelong commitment to service and leadership. She is running for DeSoto City Council - Place 3 to bring transparency, bold decision-making, and inclusive representation to the city she loves.
A’Londa’s commitment to the citizens of DeSoto runs deep. She believes that effective leadership begins with listening and understanding the needs of the community. By actively engaging with residents, attending neighborhood meetings, and creating open channels of communication, she ensures that every voice is heard and valued.
She is dedicated to fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among all citizens. Her platform emphasizes initiatives that directly benefit the community, including enhancing public safety, supporting small businesses, and creating programs that empower youth and families. A’Londa also prioritizes transparency in decision-making, ensuring that residents are informed and involved in shaping DeSoto’s future.
Her approach to leadership is grounded in service. She consistently puts the needs of the community first, working tirelessly to create opportunities and address challenges. A’Londa believes that by investing in people, infrastructure, and programs, DeSoto can thrive as a city where everyone feels included, safe, and supported.
A’Londa’s campaign is built on the belief that this is the Right Time for bold leadership and she is the Right Choice.
- Communicating Clearly: Clear, consistent communication is vital to the success of any community. I am committed to keeping the residents of DeSoto informed about the issues that matter most and the steps we’re taking to address them. Transparency: I will ensure that city policies, decisions, and projects are communicated openly and clearly, so every resident understands the impact on our community. Engagement: I will make it a priority to engage with DeSoto residents through regular town halls, open forums, and accessible online platforms. Your voice will always be heard. Responsiveness: I will be accessible and responsive, providing a direct line of communication for concerns and ideas that can help improve our city.
- Leading Boldly: DeSoto’s revitalization starts with bold leadership that focuses on improving and enhancing what we already have. Whether it’s updating our aging infrastructure or reimagining community spaces, we must act decisively to build a stronger, more vibrant city. Revitalizing Existing Infrastructure: Instead of starting from scratch, I will focus on improving and maintaining our current infrastructure, including roads, parks, and public facilities, to make sure they meet the needs of today’s residents. Creative Solutions: I will seek innovative ways to address challenges such as homelessness, code enforcement, and safety concerns, ensuring that every decision leads to meaningful improvements for our community.
- Serving DeSoto: Revitalizing DeSoto means serving its people and making sure we improve the quality of life for everyone. Supporting Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs: I will focus on providing resources and opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow, strengthening DeSoto’s local economy. Honoring Our Seniors: Our senior citizens are the foundation of DeSoto, and we must ensure they have the services, support, and amenities to continue leading active, fulfilling lives. Investing in Our Youth: The future of DeSoto depends on our young people. I will work to provide opportunities for education, employment, and mentorship to help them succeed and contribute to our city’s revitalization.
I look up to Mary McLeod Bethune because of her faith, resilience, and her commitment to education and empowerment. She believed with faith and determination one can overcome any obstacle.
Her quote, "Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible," resonates with me deeply and I believe that faith drives action and with determination and purpose, we can create lasting change in our communities.
Her legacy inspires me to lead with courage, compassion and conviction.
I bring a unique combination of leadership, integrity, and community engagement that I believe will make me a successful officeholder. With 28 years of experience in communications, branding, and strategic planning, I understand how to listen, analyze, and act effectively to address community needs.
As a proactive and independent thinker, I remain accessible and responsive to the concerns of the people I serve. My commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration ensures that I will work tirelessly to make decisions that reflect the best interests of DeSoto
I would like to leave a legacy of empowerment, service and lasting community impact. I would like to leave a legacy where Communities thrive because of the opportunities I have created and the voices I have amplified; Future women and young people are inspired by my integrity, resilience and unwavering faith; and my children continues pressing forward with the values of hard work, faith, compassion and a servant leader heart which I have modeled.
In my view, the most important characteristics for an elected official include integrity, accountability, transparency, empathy, and a strong commitment to public service. Integrity means standing by your principles, making decisions based on what is right rather than what is politically expedient, and maintaining honesty in all dealings. Accountability involves being responsible for your actions and decisions, openly communicating with constituents, and welcoming feedback to ensure the public’s voice is heard and respected.
Transparency is essential to building trust within the community. Elected officials should make information accessible, explain decisions clearly, and engage in open dialogue with residents. Empathy plays a significant role in understanding the diverse experiences and challenges faced by people within the city. Listening attentively and considering how policies affect all community members, especially those from historically marginalized groups, allows for fair and inclusive decision-making.
Additionally, collaboration is a critical principle. Effective leaders work with other council members, local organizations, businesses, and residents to find sustainable solutions. They foster partnerships that drive innovation and progress. Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills are also necessary to navigate complex challenges and make informed decisions that benefit the entire community.
Finally, dedication to public service means consistently putting the needs of residents first, demonstrating resilience in the face of obstacles, and being proactive in seeking opportunities for growth and improvement. These principles guide my leadership philosophy and my commitment to serving the people of DeSoto.
The core responsibilities of a City Council member include representing the interests of the community, making informed decisions on policies, and ensuring the effective management of city resources. A council member must listen to and engage with residents to understand their concerns and priorities, fostering open dialogue and transparent communication.
Additionally, it is essential to collaborate with fellow council members, city staff, and community stakeholders to create and implement policies that promote growth, safety, and an enhanced quality of life. Budget oversight is another critical responsibility, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively to meet the city’s needs.
Council members also play a key role in setting the city’s vision through strategic planning, supporting economic development, maintaining public infrastructure, and ensuring the delivery of essential services. Providing oversight of city departments, approving ordinances, and advocating for the needs of all residents are all essential duties.
Ultimately, a City Council member is a public servant, committed to making decisions that reflect the values and aspirations of the community while upholding transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.
I am passionate about policies that foster community revitalization, support local businesses, and enhance public safety. I believe in creating opportunities for economic growth by supporting our small businesses and entrepreneurs. I’m also committed to policies that improve infrastructure, ensuring our roads, parks, and public spaces are safe and well-maintained. Additionally, I am passionate about initiatives that promote community engagement and transparency, ensuring that residents have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. Through thoughtful policy-making, we can build a stronger, more vibrant DeSoto for everyone.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are essential pillars of effective leadership. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent and have confidence that decisions are made in the best interest of the community.
If elected, I would advocate for clear, accessible reporting on city finances, ensuring budgets, expenditures, and financial plans are easily available to the public. Additionally, I support regular audits and open forums where residents can ask questions and provide input.
Accountability also means establishing a culture of integrity and responsiveness. I am committed to making informed decisions, listening to residents’ concerns, and ensuring that city resources are managed responsibly. Transparency builds trust, and I will work diligently to uphold that trust through open communication and ethical governance.
My very first job was Grandy's and I worked there for a little over a year
23rd Senatorial District Tejano Democrats, Serving with A Purpose
Born for This by BeBe Winans. The verse I sticks with me is: Boren for this, destined for greatness, I was prepared for this; Your Strength for my weakness, I found that loving someone is easy And learned with love that comes a risk And in my quest to find the answer, Found I was born for this.
This Bible is my favorite book. It is where I draw strength, inspiration, and guidance from scripture in my personal life, leadership and community work.
There was a season where I struggled with navigating seasons of loss and restoration. Losing my job and financial stability was a difficult period, but I can never forget 2016 when I had my "But God" moment. He restored everything I lost and that was a journey which tested my faith and resilience but also deepened my trust in God's timing and provision.
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side
I would recommend "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. This book has had a profound influence on my leadership approach, emphasizing the power of effective communication, empathy, and relationship-building. Carnegie’s principles highlight the importance of listening, understanding others’ perspectives, and fostering collaboration — all of which are essential for successful public service.
As an elected official, it’s not only about making decisions but also about inspiring trust, facilitating dialogue, and building consensus. Carnegie’s insights teach us how to handle disagreements respectfully, find common ground, and create solutions that benefit everyone. By applying these principles, I believe we can foster a more inclusive and cooperative environment, where every voice is valued, and progress is achieved through mutual understanding.
The first historical event that happened in my lifetime was the end of apartheid in the early 1990s. Nelson Mandela's release from from prison in 1990 and the first democratic elections in South Africa 1994, where he became the country's first Black President. That time left a lasting impression in my 22 year old self.
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External links
[1] ↑ Submitted to Ballotpedia's candidate survey in 2025.
