Candidates for Arlington mayor in May 1 election
Kelly R. Burke
Age: 38
Occupation: Biz Owner
Education: Eastern Hills High School. TCC South East Campus. Tyndale Theological
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
Greater Sweet Home Baptist Church, Charter Member Ordained Minister 2005. Adamant Believers Council, Elder. Arlington Bible Pastor. Charity Community Church Asst. Pastor
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:
Class C misdemeanor, under one ounce of marijuana. Other than that only traffic violations.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Darrell Kingston. Anthony Burke. Tanner Milner
Why are you seeking this office?
To make sure the people of Arlington Texas are put first, and to keep Arlington’s Local Government, budget and spending conservative.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district?
The biggest Challenge facing the City are taxes. Property taxes and how our tax dollars are being spent. We should be a debt free city and I plan on starting the fight to make us one.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Taxes, Backing the blue and fire department, and education.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I am the most conservative when it comes to spending. My main concern is making Arlington about the people. I have no selfish ambitions and no hidden agenda. I am deeply concerned with the health, wealth and well being of the people of this city.
City leaders have encouraged redevelopment of older property as the city runs short on commercial land. What, if anything, would you propose to entice developers to rebuild?
I would look into what incentives we could create for existing older properties. I would also encourage new home owners to look into these existing older properties to invest and renovate.
The Unity Council proposed over 50 recommendations to create equity throughout the city. What are your thoughts on the final report? What recommendations from the report and/or other solutions would you advocate to enact, if any?
I think the report has some very thoughtful ideas. The main focuses are equality, in policing, housing banking loans and jobs. I like the health and wellness part I have been an advocate for health and Wellness for some time. The leading cause of the death in the USA is heart disease, obesity and other cancer health related diseases. So if we can stand behind our health and wellness in Arlington, it can help increase the life span and over all physical and mental well being of Black people and all ethnic groups in this great city.
Arlington voters approved funding for a city economic development corporation to attract large businesses while supporting local ones. What should be the group’s priority or priorities during its first year?
I believe the first priority should be to continue efforts in local businesses, helping them grow and succeed. Then looking into some of our existing local businesses to help them become a large businesses. That way we put the citizens of Arlington first, before we open the playing field to an out side Big Business.
Last year’s Term Limits Advisory Committee recommend letting candidates serve for eight years, then return two years after. Would you support a proposal to place the recommendations on the ballot? Why or why not?
No I would stand behind the current term limits. They posed this to the citizens of the city and the people spoke. They wanted the terms as they are now, so I stand behind that. But I would be open for a new poll and vote so that we would still align with what the people desire.
Does Via, the citywide rideshare program, adequately fill the demand for transportation in Arlington? What, if any, programs or services should the city consider to complement Via?
Yes I think Via does work very well. Once the funding runs out I think we could contract the service to other ride share companies and bid them out to those with the best rate. Making them compete against each other driving the price down. We would then accept the company with the best bid.
How would you grade the city’s response to the loss of power and water from the winter storm, and what steps should the city take to better prepare for the next extreme weather event?
I think the City did what they could. But for the future The city needs a back up source of power, we would just need to explore all those options and choose what is economically best.
If elected, how will you make yourself accessible to all constituents?
I would meet with the public and take calls as much as I could.
Michael Glaspie
Age: 74
Occupation: Minister
Education: BA Math & MBA Marketing/Finance from UT Austin, BA Biblical Studies from Southern Bible Institute & College, MA Religion from BH Carroll Theological Institute
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Elected to the City Council and School Board.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
The City Council, School Board, Arlington Chamber, Arlington Memorial Hospital, Tarrant Appraisal District, United Way, Senior Citizens Services of Tarrant County and Leadership Arlington are a few of the boards/commissions on which I have served. I am still serving on boards and have chaired and held leadership roles in most, such as, Mayor Pro Tempore, School Board President, Chair Arlington Memorial Hospital Board and Chair of Arlington Chamber Foundation Board.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Atkins, Pierson and Wilemon
Why are you seeking this office?
I love this city and have unique experience and relationships to lead Arlington into our next journey.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district?
The biggest challenge is getting this pandemic under control and carefully but effectively reopening and stimulating our economy into new levels of prosperity.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
The people of Arlington are my priority with their protection, their prosperity and their possibilities foremost. First, our people should be safe and secure. We must get the pandemic under control and make vaccinations convenient for everyone. We should follow CDC guidelines to speed the destruction of this invisible enemy. We must ensure our first responders have resources to care for the safety and security of our city while developing an engaged partnership with the community. Second, we need to embrace Arlington’s uniqueness with our educational, economical and cultural resources to attract new business opportunities while promoting the success of our local businesses. Great jobs and a robust economy will result. Third, life is not static and we need to continually position ourselves to take advantage of the dynamics of tomorrow. We should ensure we continue to provide a world class education for our students and training to excel in a changing world.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I believe my experience, my relationships and my unwavering commitment to this city set me apart. I am the only candidate that served in governance in the city (City Council), our educational system (AISD School Board), healthcare (Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital), business (Arlington Chamber of Commerce) and county (Tarrant Appraisal District). This gives me a broad awareness of the issues and concerns of our community with an existing relationship with those who are critical in helping build a better future, thus, minimizing a learning curve.
City leaders have encouraged redevelopment of older property as the city runs short on commercial land. What, if anything, would you propose to entice developers to rebuild?
First of all, we must identify where we can redevelop and best options for developing in an area. Does it have potential for commercial development or residential? What amenities could be added to enhance attraction for and success of a redevelopment? How is the area zoned? Each redevelopment opportunity must be assessed uniquely and incentives defined based on the opportunity cost and and potential for success. Economic incentives, rezoning and special district designations are some of the tools that can be used to stimulate a redevelopment. However, since redevelopment opportunities are limited, we must assure we have identified the highest and best use of these opportunities.
The Unity Council proposed over 50 recommendations to create equity throughout the city. What are your thoughts on the final report? What recommendations from the report and/or other solutions would you advocate to enact, if any?
First of all, I was a member of the Unity Council. Our report won prestigious recognition by being rewarded with the National League of Cities’ Cultural Diversity Award. Accordingly, I want the entirety of the report analyzed and detailed for how it can be implemented. I would be there to guide that implementation as mayor.
Arlington voters approved funding for a city economic development corporation to attract large businesses while supporting local ones. What should be the group’s priority or priorities during its first year?
The first year should prioritize defining and then using criteria to support business opportunities. There should be a priority on identifying the needs of our local businesses and developing appropriate strategies to address them.
Last year’s Term Limits Advisory Committee recommend letting candidates serve for eight years, then return two years after. Would you support a proposal to place the recommendations on the ballot? Why or why not?
I am interested in whatever the citizens of Arlington want. Though I am open to the interests of the community, we have more pressing concerns that demand our attention than Term Limits at this time. My focus would be on stabilizing our lives after the devastation of the pandemic and getting to a sense of normalcy along with other priorities.
Does Via, the citywide rideshare program, adequately fill the demand for transportation in Arlington? What, if any, programs or services should the city consider to complement Via?
I was on the Council when the transportation study was done. The implementation of Via has provided a basic level of transportation, however, there should be more options for moving around in our city and the region. We also need to educate the public on the benefits of using public transit to reorient our mindset from individual driving to the advantages of public transportation. It would help reduce congestion and pollution while, hopefully, extending the life of our streets. We should review realistic options for enhancing our mobility such as using autonomous vehicles and their implications such as is now in test. Additionally, we should follow closely new technologies that may be applicable in moving our citizens around efficiently and cost effectively.
How would you grade the city’s response to the loss of power and water from the winter storm, and what steps should the city take to better prepare for the next extreme weather event?
Overall, the city did a good job of partnering with community institutions, such as, religious organizations and other non-profits to provide shelter and resources to care for those who lost power or were vulnerable to the weather. The city did a good job of recognizing there was a water problem and communicating it to the public while identifying and rectifying the problem. There were two concerns. What happened to our water system and how do we prevent it from happening again? And, how do we get the state electrical grid “weather proofed” so do not have a recurrence of what happened? As city leaders, we have to emphasize the important of our utilities holding up under adverse circumstances. We must do an assessment before recurrence of whether our utilities can deliver under such stressful conditions and make appropriate enhancements.
If elected, how will you make yourself accessible to all constituents?
I would be available through the usual media phone, email, text, etc. but I would like to conduct periodic virtual interactions with constituents to hear their concerns as well as feed back on the things we are doing. Also, I would like to meet different constituents in familiar environs to them, such as, religious institutions, cultural groups, neighborhood groups, clubs, etc. There is a desire on my part to create a true sense of “we ness” in our community. I want to have advisory groups representing segments of the city so that all voices are heard. We are Arlington, “The American Dream City.”:
Jim Ross
Age: 60
Occupation: Business Owner
Education: Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice from Dallas Baptist University. Juris doctorate degree from Texas Wesleyan School of Law.
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
Served on the Board of the Greater Chamber of Arlington, the Margarita Society and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Arlington Police Foundation. Served on the following committees: Special Olympics, Inspiring Hope Luncheon, Junior League, Boys and Girls Club, and the American Heart Association. Appointed by Mayor Williams and the Arlington City Council to serve on the Economic Recovery Task Force for the City of Arlington.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
John Moritz, Mojy Haddad, David Sargent
Why are you seeking this office?
As a marine I learned the difference between right and wrong. As a police officer I know what it takes to keep our community safe. As a business owner, I know what it takes to create good paying jobs, keep businesses open and running safely. These life experiences have equipped me with the skill set to lead this great city to the next level. It’s not about my accomplishments, it’s about relationships, and about giving back and lifting up. I have served our country. I have served our community. I am ready to serve the residents of Arlington as Mayor.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district?
1. Arlington, like the rest of our state, is facing the repercussions of COVID. We must ensure that our businesses stay open and continue to grow. We also must keep Arlington attractive to entrepreneurs, developers, and businessmen. 2. With our continued growth, we face traffic congestion and parking issues. We must continue to be forward thinking regarding the mobility of our residents and those who visit this great city. We must continue to explore safe, convenient, and cost-effective alternatives which connects our businesses to our residents and other communities in the D/FW metroplex.3. As people across the country continue to call for the defunding of our police, we must ensure that that rhetoric does not permeate into our city.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
1. Promoting small businesses to grow the economy and attract quality jobs as we recover from the economic losses of the pandemic.2. Ensuring that Arlington has well-funded police and fire services.3. Improve our roads and expand smart transportation options.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I’ve spent decades in public service. As a marine, police officer, attorney, and businessman, I am accustomed to dealing with adverse situations. For 4 years I served this country as a United States Marine. In 1984 I was hired by the Arlington police department. During my 13 year career I was a member of Arlington’s first SWAT team and police academy and spent over 6 years investigating illegal narcotics trafficking. In 1996 I attended law school. During my early years of practice I represented environmental exposure cases. In 2009 I decided to pursue private practice. I am endorsed by all four Arlington Police Associations, Arlington Professional Fire Fighters Association, Arlington Board of Realtors, Young Men of Arlington, Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, former Mayor Richard Greene, former Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson and Sheriff Bill Waybourn. I am equipped to join this caliber of leadership and continue the momentum in Arlington.
City leaders have encouraged redevelopment of older property as the city runs short on commercial land. What, if anything, would you propose to entice developers to rebuild?
The redevelopment of older properties is always more difficult and costly than developing green lands. Consequently, City leaders must look for ways to entice developers with tax breaks, EDC financial assistance or other such incentives to help overcome or offset such costs and delay.
The Unity Council proposed over 50 recommendations to create equity throughout the city. What are your thoughts on the final report? What recommendations from the report and/or other solutions would you advocate to enact, if any?
The 132 page report of the Unity Council contain 59 specific recommendations. While not all recommendations are within the complete control of the city, most are and need to begin implementation as soon as possible. I felt the report was well intended, thought provoking and we written. The health and education recommendations of the report are critical but they would require a collaboration of leaders in the city, school district, advanced education and health leaders. One area that would need immediate attention is the policing matters and appropriate recommendations.
Arlington voters approved funding for a city economic development corporation to attract large businesses while supporting local ones. What should be the group’s priority or priorities during its first year?
As the Unity Council’s Report has demonstrated, our City lacks sufficient representations of minority business owners. During the first year, I would want to make sure that the protocols established with the disbursement of EDC monies takes into account the immediate need for more minority owned businesses.
Last year’s Term Limits Advisory Committee recommend letting candidates serve for eight years, then return two years after. Would you support a proposal to place the recommendations on the ballot? Why or why not?
Not necessarily, the citizens of Arlington have voted on the term limits we have now. I believe that the modification or revision of such term limits should come at the request of the voters and not other elected officials.
Does Via, the citywide rideshare program, adequately fill the demand for transportation in Arlington? What, if any, programs or services should the city consider to complement Via?
No, I like Via and I believe it certainly is good for Arlington. But Via alone is not the only answer. We should explore how to adequately utilize Via and Handitran collaboratively so as to ensure we are addressing the majority of peoples needs, including the elderly, disabled and poverty stricken. Furthermore, we need to have some sort of smart mass transit options moving people in and out of Arlington and to and from business centers in North Texas.
How would you grade the city’s response to the loss of power and water from the winter storm, and what steps should the city take to better prepare for the next extreme weather event?
While Arlington did create their own online storm recovery site on its website it wasn’t sufficient to adequately inform our elderly, disabled or poverty-stricken citizens and ensure they were properly taking care of. We should support Governor Abbott in his desire to investigate the disaster and ascertain exactly what happen. I would grade the physical response as a B and the communication a C.
If elected, how will you make yourself accessible to all constituents?
I will be dedicated to serving as Arlington’s Mayor full time. My office will be open to meetings will all members of our community and will attend events across our city to ensure we have a grasp on the beat of the city. Furthermore, in addition to the continued social media, city website and e-mails, the City should provide some sort of written communication to it’s elderly citizens who typically do not have access to electron communications.
Marvin Sutton
Age: 58
Occupation: Air Traffic Controller (retired-30 years of service), Arlington City Councilman (Current), United States Air Force (8 years of service secured nuclear weapons and air traffic controller)
Education: Bachelor of Science in Accounting, UTA (Magna cum Laude), Associates of Applied Science in Accounting, Tarrant County College (4.0 GPA)
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Yes. Arlington City Council District 3.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
Arlington City Council Committee (Municipal Policy, Community and Neighbor Development) Arlington Housing Finance Corporation- Treasurer
Arlington Tomorrow Foundation- Treasurer
National League of Cities- Transportation & Infrastructure Service
Tarrant Regional District Wholesale Customer Quarterly Advisory Committee
Community Crime Coordinator
Arlington Branch NAACP Co-Chair Political Action Committee
Precinct Chair & Election Judge
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
Yes. I filed an Election Contest in June 2017 and Withdrew lawsuit in October 2017
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Progress Women of Arlington, Dick Abram, Wyley Seal
Why are you seeking this office?
As a lifetime servant and leader, I had a desire to become mayor for many years. I and am seeking the leadership role of mayor of Arlington to improve the quality of life for ALL residents. I am committed to safer neighborhoods, improving public health, streets and transparent government. Effective strategic plans for responsible economic development will be implemented. As an honor graduate in accounting and budgeting experience on the council, I am confident that I will maintain or improve the city’s financial stability. As a veteran and community leader, I will continue to uphold an oath to make decisions to protect and serve ALL residents. My desire is to rebuild trust and reconnect citizens with city hall.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district?
1) Quality jobs2) Commuter transportation3) Job training centers4) MWBE contracts
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Increasing Jobs Opportunities Improving Neighborhood safety and servicesDeveloping Comprehensive Transportation System
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I currently serve on the council and possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to execute the duties of mayor. I’m actively engaged, connected to residents and staff, and committed to listening and advocating for our communities.
City leaders have encouraged redevelopment of older property as the city runs short on commercial land. What, if anything, would you propose to entice developers to rebuild?
I would consider waiving development fees and encouraging Economic Development Corporation to support these types of redevelopment projects.
The Unity Council proposed over 50 recommendations to create equity throughout the city. What are your thoughts on the final report? What recommendations from the report and/or other solutions would you advocate to enact, if any?
I commend the Unity Council on their final report. The report identified key issues and made recommendation that can address some these disparities in the short-term, mid-term, and long-term range. As a council member, we have begun to take actions to minimize economic disparities as it pertains to city contracts. Based off of the latest Availability and Disparity Study recommendations, we plan to adopt a MWBE program, create an Office of Business Diversity, and implement a Diversity Management System. These plans complement the unity council recommendations for economic disparity. I look forward to fully implementing and collaborating on the implementation of their recommendations.
Arlington voters approved funding for a city economic development corporation to attract large businesses while supporting local ones. What should be the group’s priority or priorities during its first year?
The corporation should focus on projects that create high paying quality jobs, address transportation, develop infrastructure improvements, and job training centers.
Last year’s Term Limits Advisory Committee recommend letting candidates serve for eight years, then return two years after. Would you support a proposal to place the recommendations on the ballot? Why or why not?
No. Voters clearly indicated their position on this matter. It’s been decided by the people with 6% of the votes. Votes should not be overturned.
Does Via, the citywide rideshare program, adequately fill the demand for transportation in Arlington? What, if any, programs or services should the city consider to complement Via?
Yes, Via addresses the internal transportation demands to destinations within our city limits and Centerport Station. However destination demands to adjacent cities are not being met. Collaborating with our county elected officials to create a county-wide Via may address the demand for transportation to adjacent cities.
How would you grade the city’s response to the loss of power and water from the winter storm, and what steps should the city take to better prepare for the next extreme weather event?
I think the city response went well. The major challenges were equipment failures and power restoration. Our demand for fire and police was at an all-time high and the city continued to deliver these vital services even though some of our facilities had loss power.With several water main breaks, our crews were able to restore and repair our water utility system in record time. Moving forward, I think we’ll need to purchase generators for additional city facilities and develop a strategic plan to address future unusual weather events.
If elected, how will you make yourself accessible to all constituents?
I’m retired and available to serving our city and citizens. I have a lifetime record of service. As mayor, I will be fully dedicated to serving the city of Arlington. I’ve posted my personal cell on social media platforms and encouraged citizens to reach out to me with their ideas and concerns. I would create an open door policy. I am called to serve.
Doni Anthony
Did not respond.
Cirilo “CJ” Ocampo Jr.
Did not respond.
Jerry Warden
Did not respond.
Dewayne Washington
Did not respond.
