Fort Worth City Council District 3 candidates
Michael Caceres
usmcounserlor4council Facebook Page
Age: 41
Occupation: Counselor
Education: Masters Level
What’s the best way for voters to reach you? usmcounselor4council Facebook page
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
No, I have not.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
My leadership experience stems from my leadership and community service.
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?
I have none.
Why are you seeking this office?
Dr. Byrd served our District well in my opinion, especially the area where I live. When he decided to run for Mayor it lined up with my willingness to serve the city of Fort Worth in a Council position. However, I now understand that Michael Crain helped run the office for some time while assisting Dr. Byrd. I can’t help but like the guy, he has great energy and experience. We have some good people running for Council in my district.
What are the biggest challenges facing your city/district?
I think we can focus more attention in the Como and Las Vegas Trail areas. Homelessness is increasing and I have heard from people in both areas that feel like they need more help, and more resources. Good things that might include clean parks, less shuttered businesses, good grocery stores, and an open ear to growing the area in positive ways.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Listen; Learn; and Live. I want to listen to the community and work with those people that are looking to join their efforts with community needs. I also want to learn from the people who are serving now about what worked, works, and needs work. They were elected by the people, chosen; they have some great knowledge accessible. The right person can help access it, grow it, and share it. I will live in the community I serve; talking with business owners and consumers often. Then, taking their shared ideas and helping to craft meaningful change where needed, and continue positive development where it’s already in motion.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Well, this is tough to answer. I really like some of the candidates I have talked with in District 3. We are in good shape. Tonya is passionate, you can feel her power over the airwaves when she speaks. Katy is on fire. She is linking cognitive theories with youth services. What a combo! Michael Crain seems like he’s got enough energy for two candidates. Plus, he worked for Byrd so that means he probably shares some of the same ideas; I like that.
COVID-19 has radically changed our country and city. What would have done differently than current leaders to navigate the pandemic?
I like that Texas is less restrictive, but seeing reductions thanks to responsible citizens. I think that adding grocery workers, gas station workers, all of those people that have been working straight through the pandemic might have helped. They were out there, and are out there everyday.
Though Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, a 2018 economic development study noted we risk becoming a bedroom community to Dallas County, where job growth is strong. What should the city do to attract jobs, corporate relocations and other economic development?
Amazon recently built a huge hub in District 3. There was nothing on that land for a long time. I am sure there are other opportunities available for businesses that would rather not move into Dallas when they have all of goodness of Cowtown available to them. There is opportunity for growth in the medical areas too. We have a new medical school partnership in Fort Worth, but we also have a huge need for medical workers. Linking programs with growing industry and then extending those resources to job and education seeking students could be effective in growing while filling necessary gaps in our economy, gaps that allow for job security and good pay.
Last year the Star-Telegram highlighted disparities in the 76104 ZIP code that led to the area having the worst life expectancy in Texas. The investigation revealed a lack of access to jobs, transportation, groceries and health care. What should the city do to improve circumstances in the area?
That type of need is heartbreaking. A full review of available retail space and areas where fresh food can be delivered to citizens would be essential. Teaming up with churches and community leaders could help provide the necessary information needed to craft a plan with substance. The need to prioritize what citizens need now is evident. A full account of bus routes, and distance between those routes is also important. Reaching out to Blue Zones could be the beginning of a wonderful partnership to deliver wellness to those that need it most.
The city’s budget will take a hit from COVID-19 in the coming years, particularly in the form of lost sales and tourism revenue. What priorities would be in your city budget?
Ensuring that business have what they need to stay open would be top of the list for me. Talking with those individuals looking to grow or open small businesses would also be included. There are benefits available to citizens who would like to start small businesses, attend educational institutions, and purchase land. If there are groups like this in our community missing out on resources and benefits for growth, we should start sharing that information.
Fort Worth’s property taxes are out of balance, with the vast majority of revenue coming from homeowners rather than commercial property taxes. How would you correct this?
This would take careful review of what worked in the past, what seem to be the hinderances to balance now, and who has the know-how to help move us in the direction we want to go. We would also take a close look at any unfair practices or partnerships to even the playing field. What’s important is a careful review of the data so there is little question as to why or where we have to move in a different direction.
Fort Worth’s public transportation lags behind other major cities in Texas both in the scope of the system and the amount of public money spent on transit. Trinity Metro is in the process of redesigning the bus network and has requested additional funding from the city. Do you support boosting the city’s allocation to Trinity Metro? How should Fort Worth improve its public transportation?
Public transportation in an ever-growing and more populated city...yes please! When I stayed in Austin in 1995 I almost never rode in a car. At 15/16 I learned the routes and rode the bus. It was easy to incorporate into my day; for school, going home; heading to the store, etc. I fully support growing our public transportation options and availability.
A chief complaint from residents in Fort Worth’s suburban neighborhoods are congested arterial streets. Often new subdivisions outpace street capacities. What can be done to improved this?
Yes, this happens in my area. People sometimes have to cross two lanes of traffic to merge into another. It is dangerous. Crosswalks, access to side streets, and a fair chance of merging into your lane have to be part of the planning process when new homes come into our areas.
The current City Council accepted the Race and Culture Task Force recommendation for a civilian review board for the police department, but the board has not been established. What form do you think this review board should take?
An inclusive board. Include long-time city residents who have helped to lay out the need for the board. Let’s start with what was successful in gaining support for the board while including the community stakeholders. Let those who did well communicating the need for the board share in making it successful.
There has been an ongoing cry to improve equity in Fort Worth, including a campaign last year to end the special police sales tax and devote that money to transportation or social services. Are there changes you’d like to see to the police department?
More community engagement. I have this idea I like to call Pictures with the Police. We could hang a screen in front of the police stations in those areas that need more connection than correction right now. Play a movie, crack a soda pop, eat a candy bar, and hang with some officers in uniform. Soon, that uniform takes on connection qualities. Blue Zones promotes wellness in mind and body. Zumba, yoga, HIIT training with the police is another great opportunity to grow connection, promote healthy eating, and exercise.
As Fort Worth grows and diversifies, how should the city’s leadership improve equity?
Equity for all of us is important. The worst thing might be feeling like you’re misunderstood, or worse, that your feelings don’t matter. We shop at the same stores, breath the same air, drive the same streets. If the idea is grace and peace, and efforts to grow and achieve wellness are combined with respect for feeling and emotion, well, we can’t lose.
Tonya Carter
Did not respond
Michael D. Crain
Age: 48
Occupation: Real Estate Broker
Education: Texas A&M University, Bachelors of Business Administration; Texas A&M University School of Law, Juris Doctorate; Rutgers University, Masters in Business Administration; The Culinary School of Fort Worth
What’s the best way for voters to reach you? michael@michaeldcrain.com/ 817-458-8446
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):
Foodie Philanthropy, Founder; The Texas Lyceum, Director; LVT Rise; Fort Worth Sister Cities International; Entrepreneurs Organization; Leadership Fort Worth; Rotary of Fort Worth; Fort Worth Food + WIne Foundation; SteerFW; Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Tanglewood PTA. Various event committees including Gladney Center for Adoption and Catholic Charities of Fort Worth to name a few.
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. A past business venture required signing long-term personal guarantees and legal counsel advised filing. All employees were paid, all taxes were paid and vendors were paid.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
See Campaign Filing Report
Why are you seeking this office?
I have long been involved in the public service arena. Having worked for Congressman Pete Geren, Congresswoman Kay Granger, Mayor Kenneth Barr and President George W. Bush in The White House. I have also worked in the private sector at a major worldwide law firm, American Airlines, with Uber as their sole Texas government affairs representative and owned a restaurant for a time. I have been in real estate for the last 6 years, and recently partnered with Will Northern to create Northern Crain Realty. In addition, over the last 4 years, I have served as the District 3 Director where I have been able to work closely on the issues facing the district and the city as a whole. I have an intimate knowledge of the city, how it works and how it doesn’t work sometimes. My vast experience in both the private and public sectors means I will be ready on day one to continue pushing for better policies and processes so all Fort Worthians can continue to thrive and prosper.
What are the biggest challenges facing your city/district?
Our city faces more than a few challenges in the immediate future. Increased public safety with the rising crime rate, ballooning property taxes and the loss of businesses and jobs due to the pandemic are just a few. How we handle these issues as a city will set us on the path for future success or failure. My role if I am elected would be to ensure our citizens feel safe, we utilize taxpayer dollars wisely and we do everything possible to encourage our businesses and entrepreneurs to continue to invest and build in the city.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Continuing to address high property taxes while balancing necessary city services.Reducing the increased crime rate while focusing on our community policing policies.Encouraging investment and jobs through development, business attraction and support of the efforts of our entrepreneurs.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
From my past extensive public and private involvement, I am the only candidate who is ready on day one to continue to work on behalf of the citizens of Fort Worth. I have an intimate knowledge of District 3 having worked for 4 years with the neighborhoods on issues they face and addressing areas of concern. With a new Mayor and at least 2 new councilmembers, District 3 will need steady, capable leadership in order to keep moving Fort Worth forward.
COVID-19 has radically changed our country and city. What would have done differently than current leaders to navigate the pandemic?
Looking back, the pandemic definitely hit certain industries harder than other industries. I would have worked harder to ensure those industries and their workers have a support system which would have meant they personally felt the effects less. The pandemic and current vaccination distribution has also brought to light more clearly our city’s inequity in access to health care. Those are two ongoing issues we must continue to address.
Though Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, a 2018 economic development study noted we risk becoming a bedroom community to Dallas County, where job growth is strong. What should the city do to attract jobs, corporate relocations and other economic development?
In Fort Worth, we have a thriving entrepreneur ecosystem which needs to be fostered and grown as it has the ability to be a job multiplier. The city needs to implement more resources to ensure we keep those future Fortune 100 companies here and they don’t abscond to other places. This would include access to capital and a climate that appreciates their spirit to create something new. In addition, we must ensure we have a ready workforce to attract companies to our area. A United Way study found that an average family of 3 in Tarrant County needed to make at least $45,000 to meet basic needs. That same study shows that the path forward for our students to achieve that minimum amount is to be college or career ready when they graduate from high school. We must continue to focus on such programs and fund them so we have an adequate workforce for those companies seeking to relocate or build their businesses here.
Last year the Star-Telegram highlighted disparities in the 76104 ZIP code that led to the area having the worst life expectancy in Texas. The investigation revealed a lack of access to jobs, transportation, groceries and health care. What should the city do to improve circumstances in the area?
My brokerage (Northern Crain Realty) operates from the 76104 zip code, so I see the disparities daily. Just a few streets over you have South Main Street which is thriving due to revitalization and development. This is bringing much-needed jobs to the area, which I think is a good first step. While I would represent District 3, I think the city council should be looking at all parts of the city to increase access to services so all residents can reap the benefits of the city’s growth.
The city’s budget will take a hit from COVID-19 in the coming years, particularly in the form of lost sales and tourism revenue. What priorities would be in your city budget?
When the pandemic hit, city officials immediately recognized we would lose sales tax and hotel occupancy tax revenue. Quick action was taken and a city hiring freeze was implemented, which saved hundreds of thousands of dollars. The budget was tightened in other areas as well. Because of these actions, Fort Worth will not feel the pressures other cities are facing in the wake of their own tax revenues. We will have to defer some long-term maintenance and postpone some projects but with the recent allocation of federal funds we should be on a firm footing to continue to invest in our city as it continues to grow.
Fort Worth’s property taxes are out of balance, with the vast majority of revenue coming from homeowners rather than commercial property taxes. How would you correct this?
We have to continue to support growth that corrects what I see as an imbalance with residential comprising roughly 65% of our current tax base and commercial comprising roughly 35%. The tax burden falls heavily on the residential homeowner now, so we need to continue to foster commercial growth and attract commercial businesses so we can relieve some of the residential tax burden. This will continue to take efforts by the City’s Economic Development office working closely with all the city’s chambers of commerce. In addition, we need to do all that we can to foster our entrepreneurial community in the city so they can continue to grow, create jobs and invest in our city.
Fort Worth’s public transportation lags behind other major cities in Texas both in the scope of the system and the amount of public money spent on transit. Trinity Metro is in the process of redesigning the bus network and has requested additional funding from the city. Do you support boosting the city’s allocation to Trinity Metro? How should Fort Worth improve its public transportation?
Fort Worth’s public transportation system continues to be a challenge. If we want citizens to have better access to jobs and businesses, we must work on a viable, comprehensive plan for the city and region. A recent Real Estate Council study shows overwhelmingly that respondents are in favor of some type of rail system as well as an expanded road and street construction and maintenance. The same study showed citizens would be in favor of a 1/2 cent sales tax increase to help the city fund it. Based on those fundings, I believe we should continue having those conversations with our constituents to get an accurate picture of what they would want and how they see their tax dollars being allocated.
A chief complaint from residents in Fort Worth’s suburban neighborhoods are congested arterial streets. Often new subdivisions outpace street capacities. What can be done to improved this?
Council recently called for an overall evaluation of our infrastructure to ensure we are managing our growth in areas which have the capacity to handle. City planners should continue to evaluate where that growth is headed and plan accordingly with major capital projects. Developers also have a responsibility to develop the infrastructure to help handle the increased capacity as well. The city’s comprehensive plan addresses such issues and should be evaluated and re-evaluated on a regular basis.
The current City Council accepted the Race and Culture Task Force recommendation for a civilian review board for the police department, but the board has not been established. What form do you think this review board should take?
As a first step to exploring the Race & Culture Task Force’s recommendation, the Office of the Police Monitor was created last year and Director Kim Neal came on board in March 2020 just as the pandemic hit. She had a good working relationship with former Police Chief Kraus, who retired in January. Chief Noakes is now on the job and I understand that they too have a good working relationship and access to past and present instances is being openly shared for review. Because Ms. Neal has been on the job less than a year, a very unusual year at that, I would like to allow her the space to continue to work and staff her office as she deems appropriate. That being said, I would continue to push for increased appropriate reform and am open to all conversations about any next steps on the Race & Culture Task Force recommendations and how she and the community might see them being implemented.
There has been an ongoing cry to improve equity in Fort Worth, including a campaign last year to end the special police sales tax and devote that money to transportation or social services. Are there changes you’d like to see to the police department?
I stand fully behind our first responders because I know they have been sworn to serve the public. In my role as the District 3 Director, I have had the privilege to work with many of our first responders and know they leave their families every day to ensure yours and mine are protected. Like any organization, there are changes which need to be made and I know Chief Noakes is committed to making the department fair and transparent for all. The reauthorization of the CCPD passed overwhelmingly by the citizens of Fort Worth, which outside basic police needs does include funds for social services. These changes will make a big difference on how our police service our citizens.
As Fort Worth grows and diversifies, how should the city’s leadership improve equity?
As Fort Worth continues to grow, we must make sure that all of our citizens prosper and reap the benefits of that growth. I am a firm believer that rising tides should raise all ships. I also believe that our growth is not a win-lose game but there are parts for all segments to play. The city’s policies and processes should allow all to enjoy the benefits and their own individual successes. Taking a hard look at those policies and processes to ensure equity and fairness across the board would be a priority.
Danny “Double T” Fattori
Website: NA
Age: 40
Occupation: Detention Officer
Education: BA In Criminal Justice
What’s the best way for voters to reach you? @2_TforDistrict3
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):
10 years US Army, 9 years Law Enforcement
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?
Self
Why are you seeking this office?
Trying to make and difference in my children’s lives.
What are the biggest challenges facing your city/district?
Criminal Justice Reform while supporting the police
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Teachers wages, Criminal Justice Reform, Small businesses
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Almost 20 years of public service means I actually do care about those I serve and I will take all of the lessons learned along the way to improve the lives of our neighbors and family.
COVID-19 has radically changed our country and city. What would have done differently than current leaders to navigate the pandemic?
Taken the virus seriously from the beginning. Not allow anyone side to make human lives a political taking point. Work with local businesses to ensure their stability but also protect public safety.
Though Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, a 2018 economic development study noted we risk becoming a bedroom community to Dallas County, where job growth is strong. What should the city do to attract jobs, corporate relocations and other economic development?
District 3 is already growing steadily with new neighborhoods being built right now, but the infrastructure that is needed to support that growth is lagging behind. Parks and recreation, increase police presence, more businesses so every can work and provide for their families has to be a priority as well.
Last year the Star-Telegram highlighted disparities in the 76104 ZIP code that led to the area having the worst life expectancy in Texas. The investigation revealed a lack of access to jobs, transportation, groceries and health care. What should the city do to improve circumstances in the area?
As one area grows in the city it seems like the existing city council triaged the rest. Decreased budget, police presence and allowing businesses to board up drives down the property value and invites crime and poverty
The city’s budget will take a hit from COVID-19 in the coming years, particularly in the form of lost sales and tourism revenue. What priorities would be in your city budget?
Small businesses are the life blood of our city. They bring in jobs, tax money and tourism. If we focus on them instead of big business like Dickies Arena or Zoning for Condominiums we can bring the city around and show our citizens that “they” are the priority and not profits.
Fort Worth’s property taxes are out of balance, with the vast majority of revenue coming from homeowners rather than commercial property taxes. How would you correct this?
Redirect resources to address this problem. Some areas are being taxed to death and some high end homes barely pay anything. By bringing in outside help, we can all appreciate a neutral point of view as we ensure that businesses and families are only paying their fair share.
Fort Worth’s public transportation lags behind other major cities in Texas both in the scope of the system and the amount of public money spent on transit. Trinity Metro is in the process of redesigning the bus network and has requested additional funding from the city. Do you support boosting the city’s allocation to Trinity Metro? How should Fort Worth improve its public transportation?
Absolutely! Public Transportation brings in jobs and stability to lower income areas as they can count on a safe environment as they commute to work. By increasing route coverage and police presence we can generate revenue while lower carbon emissions and make headway into the modernization of our city’s metro. That’s a win times 3.
A chief complaint from residents in Fort Worth’s suburban neighborhoods are congested arterial streets. Often new subdivisions outpace street capacities. What can be done to improved this?
By ensuring the the city planning commission doesn’t ignore existing community problems in lieu of progress. By shrinking future projects by as little as possible we can bring into the mix the other points for view and make adjustments like future traffic patterns or bus routes. We may lose 10 hours in a tract but the ensuing problems would far outweigh the loss and everyone would appreciate the extra space.
The current City Council accepted the Race and Culture Task Force recommendation for a civilian review board for the police department, but the board has not been established. What form do you think this review board should take?
By working with local community leaders and law enforcement we can ensure that all police shooting are getting the full and serious reviews that they deserve. We can support our brave law enforcement officers but also elevate accountability for them as well.
There has been an ongoing cry to improve equity in Fort Worth, including a campaign last year to end the special police sales tax and devote that money to transportation or social services. Are there changes you’d like to see to the police department?
We can and should grow our departments to ensure that they have all of the people and equipment needed to keep our city safe. However, extra tax incentives would be better suited for city services because as the city grows so does the police department, not the other way around.
As Fort Worth grows and diversifies, how should the city’s leadership improve equity?
Work with the police and people they protect to help all understand that communication flows both ways. Keep our park & rec departments running hard as we improve our communities to a higher standard but most importantly reliance on women and minorities as equals will ensure that the right message will always speak for itself.
Andy Gallagher
Did not respond
Katie Johnson
Website: https://www.katiefordistrict3.com/
Age: 31
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Education: University of Texas at Arlington Alumni
What’s best way for voters to reach you? Text/Call 817-344-0361, Email katie@katiefordistrict3.com
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):
Founder of Freedom Voters, Local nonprofit promoting voter education and turnout
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?
Grassroots
Why are you seeking this office?
District 3 has seen blatant negligence in zoning, housing, infrastructure, and small business incentives.
What are the biggest challenges facing your city/district?
Lack of affordable housing, lack of job availability paying a livable wage, increased homeless population, deteriorating infrastructure.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Affordable housing, increase in small business incentives, improved infrastructure throughout
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Born and raised in the district with current residents at the top of my list for future priorities.
COVID-19 has radically changed our country and city. What would have done differently than current leaders to navigate the pandemic?
Enable financial assistance to shut the country down for the appropriate amount of time while we still were ahead of Covid-19.
Though Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, a 2018 economic development study noted we risk becoming a bedroom community to Dallas County, where job growth is strong. What should the city do to attract jobs, corporate relocations and other economic development?
Create a stable economic ecosystem through small business incentives, neighborhood associations, and new homeowner incentives.
Last year the Star-Telegram highlighted disparities in the 76104 ZIP code that led to the area having the worst life expectancy in Texas. The investigation revealed a lack of access to jobs, transportation, groceries and health care. What should the city do to improve circumstances in the area?
Improve public transportation, small business incentives, expand available resources to healthy food options, improve education programs, and increase new home owner incentives.
The city’s budget will take a hit from COVID-19 in the coming years, particularly in the form of lost sales and tourism revenue. What priorities would be in your city budget?
Cut unnecessary funding, like the need for a new city council building when we already have one.
Fort Worth’s property taxes are out of balance, with the vast majority of revenue coming from homeowners rather than commercial property taxes. How would you correct this?
Stop allowing tax incentives to investors that do not promise a livable wage and increase the ability for current residents to become homeowners.
Fort Worth’s public transportation lags behind other major cities in Texas both in the scope of the system and the amount of public money spent on transit. Trinity Metro is in the process of redesigning the bus network and has requested additional funding from the city. Do you support boosting the city’s allocation to Trinity Metro? How should Fort Worth improve its public transportation?
Yes, public transportation should be available in all areas not just in the immediate downtown.
A chief complaint from residents in Fort Worth’s suburban neighborhoods are congested arterial streets. Often new subdivisions outpace street capacities. What can be done to improved this?
Increase public transportation and improve qualified residential and commercial zoning areas.
The current City Council accepted the Race and Culture Task Force recommendation for a civilian review board for the police department, but the board has not been established. What form do you think this review board should take?
Civilian review board is necessary in holding the police department accountable.
There has been an ongoing cry to improve equity in Fort Worth, including a campaign last year to end the special police sales tax and devote that money to transportation or social services. Are there changes you’d like to see to the police department?
Improved training, yearly mental health screenings, mandatory body/dash cams, and accountability at a higher standard than that of a civilian.
As Fort Worth grows and diversifies, how should the city’s leadership improve equity?
Holding people accountable and administering trails in a timely manner.
Anne Low
Did not respond
Adrian Devine Smith
Website: N/A
Age: 41
Occupation: VETERAN
Education: Fort Worth Independent School District Graduate.
What’s the best way for voters to reach you? email adriansmith0619@gmail.com/direct contact
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
This is my first run for elected office, and I’m truly loving everything thus far.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
I’ve never directly served on any boards, or commissions. I’ve done volunteer work with the DALLAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, I’m an active youth football coach with a local organization, I have served has a teacher of both youth/adults through religious services, I have an HONORABLE DISCHARGE OF SERVICE with the TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:
I have been arrested, as well as charged with a crime in years past. All of my convictions are misdemeanor in nature, and I have become a better person form these experiences.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No I have never been involved in a civil lawsuit, or bankruptcy proceeding.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
I do not have any campaign contributors currently.
Why are you seeking this office?
I’m seeking this office for the desire for service, that’s beyond the capacity I already do so. I feel that the status quo of how Fort Worth continues to operate by, is going to further cause division within the city.
What are the biggest challenges facing your city/district?
The biggest challenges facing the city are, lack of accountability for decision making, disregard for the will of the people for business interests, and abuse of power within public office. The biggest challenges facing my district are, empty promises for making all areas better, over policing of the most vulnerable/disenfranchised, lack of economical consideration for the areas that need it the most.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
My top three priorities: ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY, PURPOSE.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I feel that voters should choose me, because it is truly within my heart to serve, and I will commit myself to 100% of doing just this.
COVID-19 has radically changed our country and city. What would have done differently than current leaders to navigate the pandemic?
I think our leaders handle the COVID-19 pandemic honorably, this was something no one could determine the direction of.
Though Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, a 2018 economic development study noted we risk becoming a bedroom community to Dallas County, where job growth is strong. What should the city do to attract jobs, corporate relocations and other economic development?
I would say to seek out what has worked for other cities, that makes them attractive for jobs, corporate relocation, and economic development. If this doesn’t work, start encouraging investment within the city, for local businesses, and entrepreneurs.
Last year the Star-Telegram highlighted disparities in the 76104 ZIP code that led to the area having the worst life expectancy in Texas. The investigation revealed a lack of access to jobs, transportation, groceries and health care. What should the city do to improve circumstances in the area?
It begins with holding the council representative of the district accountable, for decisions being made that have an effect directly/indirectly on the district. Advocating for more political involvement from the constituents of the district, to ensure the needs they truly desire are being meet. Seeking considerable business investments for the district, that will make the lives of all represented within better.
The city’s budget will take a hit from COVID-19 in the coming years, particularly in the form of lost sales and tourism revenue. What priorities would be in your city budget?
The priorities that would be in my city budget are, improving the services that need improvement, and doing away with anything that doesn’t represent forward progress for the city.
Fort Worth’s property taxes are out of balance, with the vast majority of revenue coming from homeowners rather than commercial property taxes. How would you correct this?
I would see what measures could be use to change this practice, to ensure all are paying their equal share towards city revenue. The business as usual model has gotten old, the will of business should never trump the will of the people.
Fort Worth’s public transportation lags behind other major cities in Texas both in the scope of the system and the amount of public money spent on transit. Trinity Metro is in the process of redesigning the bus network and has requested additional funding from the city. Do you support boosting the city’s allocation to Trinity Metro? How should Fort Worth improve its public transportation?
The transportation improvements I’m in favor of, if they’re are truly going to serve the purpose for which they are presenting. The northern sector of Fort Worth offers great employment potential for the citizens of Fort Worth, however Trinity Metro hasn’t placed this on the list of priorities. I don’t want tax dollars making Trinity Metro Board members richer.
A chief complaint from residents in Fort Worth’s suburban neighborhoods are congested arterial streets. Often new subdivisions outpace street capacities. What can be done to improved this?
Stop approving rezoning for the purpose of business interests, and listening as well as acting on behalf of the constituents of the district you represent.
The current City Council accepted the Race and Culture Task Force recommendation for a civilian review board for the police department, but the board has not been established. What form do you think this review board should take?
I think the form of the review board should be individuals who are willing to be neutral when making decisions. No one with a bias towards police, or the citizens in which they’re to serve. People are willing to listen, as well as consider all aspects of policing with regard for doing what’s right/ethical. Individuals who don’t fear getting it wrong, understanding we learn from our mistakes.
There has been an ongoing cry to improve equity in Fort Worth, including a campaign last year to end the special police sales tax and devote that money to transportation or social services. Are there changes you’d like to see to the police department?
The changes I would like to see to the police department are, more community involvement beyond the call of everyday policing. Responding to call emergency calls with a sense of urgency, and importance. Accountability for usage of body cameras during police proceedings, to ensure transparency and trust of the community. Holding their own officers within the ranks accountable for their decision making, that violates policing practices/procedures. Better recruitment efforts withing communities that don’t feel the department considers them for the ranks.
As Fort Worth grows and diversifies, how should the city’s leadership improve equity?
The city leadership should be a reflection of the diversity that it seeks to represent. We’re better together. The first improvement will begin with the current district map redrawing, and inclusion initiatives of all who consider Fort Worth home.
