COUNCIL MEMBER DAN BARRIOS Place

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If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would you go and why that particular destination?

I would choose a month-long culinary tour of India. It’s a very large country filled with various culinary regions and traditions. I would love the opportunity to immerse myself and experience its food and perhaps learn to cook a few dishes.

What’s one special skill/story/hobby not commonly known about you?

I love to dance. A few years back, when I had a bit more time, I could be found dancing all types of music: Country, Salsa, Swing, Tejano, or just Top 40.

What is one ability you believe everyone should possess?

The ability to sit down and talk through disagreements. It’s an important skill, not just personally or professionally but for society. We’ve lost our ability to sit and talk about things we disagree on. I believe that it benefits one personally and society to have the ability to sit with people you disagree with and carry on a productive conversation. Not for the basis of convincing others to your stance on an issue, but for the purpose of understanding the other person’s point of view.

What is one hobby you would like to develop but have never made time for?

Ceramics. I have always wanted to learn how to throw on a wheel. I don’t have any particular artistic ability but have always thought that I wanted to try ceramics. A few years ago, I took a few classes at Quiggly’s Clayhouse in Richardson and loved it. Maybe someday I’ll make time to take it a step further.

cat’s out of the bag) decorating competition going with our awesome neighbors.

Where is your happy place?

Cuddled up on the couch with a cat in my lap, a dog by my side, reading a Greg Iles book.

What was your favorite childhood book?

Stories That Must Not Die by Juan Sauvageau. I struggled with reading as a kid and this book was the first to get me interested and excited about reading. It is a collection of South Texas folk tales. I had a teacher who would read a short story to us every week. I keep a copy of this book in my office.

What is the most flattering compliment you have ever received?

Early on in the campaign, I received a flattering compliment that made me chuckle and stood out. In talking to one of our city’s long-time community leaders, he said that his only concern about my campaign was that I was too nice. He then proceeded to ask if I had ever considered going into Ministry instead. I found it funny and a high compliment that he thought I was too nice and that he thought highly enough of me to suggest ministry instead.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Flying, just like Superman. As a child and throughout my life, I’ve had recurring dreams of flying and think that would be the coolest superpower.

What is one item on your bucket list that you have already checked off and one you’ll check off next?

Item I’ve checked off: my MBA. The next item I would like to check off…that’s tough. It would be either to visit all fifty states (I’ve visited forty-six) or write a book.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in life so far?

Surround yourself with the right people. The right people will challenge you to be better, whether that is in your personal, professional or civic life. They will support you, teach you, let you know when you are wrong, go to battle for you, and help you become a better version of yourself.

If you had a tattoo today, what would you get and why would you choose it?

The number “525,600.” It is the number of minutes in a year and was made famous in the song “Seasons of Love” in the musical Rent. The song talks about love and appreciating those small moments that make up a year of life. It would serve as a reminder to appreciate and focus on those moments that truly make life memorable: things like family, love, grief of life lost, service to others and friends. It is a way of appreciating and celebrating the little moments that we often overlook in our busy lives.