Fort Worth City Council District 5 candidates
Gyna M. Bivens
Age: 66
Occupation: President & Executive Director
Education: Bachelor’s in Radio TV Film 1977-North Texas State U
What’s the best way for voters to reach you? gmbivens@gmail.com
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Yes, City Council District 5
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
Past Chair of Fort Worth Transportation Authority, Past member Board of Adjustment, current member of the National League of Cities, past board member of National League of Cities, former Board member Fort Worth Metropolitan YMCA, past board member of Women’s Policy Forum
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?
Gary Havener, Ken Newell, Fort Worth Police Officers association
Why are you seeking this office?
I saw challenges facing my district in terms of housing, economic development and service delivery and wanted to address those challenges
What are the biggest challenges facing your city/district?
Infrastructure, housing and lack of economic development
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Infrastructure, economic development and housing for all
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I’ve delivered on all fronts: every major arterial in my district has been repaired/upgraded, we have a 66% increase in new housing in the underserved part of my district and areas like Sun Valley and Centreport are attracting jobs. I have an established rapport with BELL and American Airlines (headquartered in my district) to ensure they are accessible to meet with citizens when needed.
COVID-19 has radically changed our country and city. What would have done differently than current leaders to navigate the pandemic?
I would have communicated the need to the citizenry of the importance of following successful reactions seen abroad and shut the city down except for clearly defined essential workers.
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?
Promoting all of Fort Worth has never been a priority. Promoting has always gone to the impressive donors of the Chamber. A true assessment of what each part of the City should be our approach. I have become cynical at the way we award tax abatements. Companies in the Sun Valley PID are paying wages that sometimes exceed what we incentivize for via abatements.
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?
1. Partner with TCCD whose leadership is on a mission to communicate the financial benefit of certification provides. 2. I brought the Ban the Box program to City Hall, other employers should be encouraged to embrace Ban the Box. 3. Incentivize grocery store landings to offset the food desert. 4. Encourage employers to aggressively promote federally subsidized transit options to their employees. TXU included information on the program as part of their orientation for new employees.
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?
Return to the basics and cut the fluff. Improving neighborhood streets, install curbs and gutters in neighborhoods that need them, identify strategy to repair streets where heavy truck traffic has severely damaged them (Parker Henderson), address stormwater deficits
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 should resume reducing residential property taxes.
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?
On several occasions I have reminded citizens that the money to assist with transit has been earmarked for CCPD. I never thought the creation of CCPD would become a permanent fixture. Several council members (including myself) were not anticipating the request. With that in mind, a closer working relationship with Trinity Metro is obviously needed. We must also keep in mind the need to attract additional members. as a key component to increasing revenues.
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?
I think it is irresponsible to grant permits for hundreds of houses on streets we know cannot handle the traffic and lack the infrastructure. Developers already feel overburdened taking on cost many see as a city responsibility. I would like to see a round table discussion that includes not just big builders, but the smaller builders to discuss their points of view. this is another example where eliminating fluff from our budget could go toward a greater need.
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?
Although there is not support for it, I believe the public would embrace an election of members of the civilian review board. I believe members should elect their own officers. I also believe there should be some presence from the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office.
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 would like to see more emphasis on youth programs focused on establishing trust with officers. This would help with officer recruitment and community policing.
As Fort Worth grows and diversifies, how should the city’s leadership improve equity?
We must communicate differently so that all people believe their ideas will be heard. I am proud to have led the move to convene a daytime meeting. This is designed to show FWISD students how government works with the hope they will engage. We must treat people with dignity and respect when they call with a simple request about trash pickup or helping translate a permitting application. We need to treat people the way we want to be treated.
Antonio Harris
Age: 53
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Education: Cedar Valley College
What’s the best way for voters to reach you? harris.dist5@gmail.com/phone
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Student Council President
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
Youth programs, work force, presence at city council meetings, Boy Scout, Youth In Action, CETA, PAL, YMCA, Magnet program,Young Life Christ Association, Dads of Dunbar, The ribbon cutting for the Fort Worth Water Garden, Mentor to countless youths, School Volunteer, Meals On Wheels, Feed The Homeless, Afrocentric Curriculum passing through into FWISD, Scared Straight Program, Masters of Motivation public Speaking
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:
Accused, charged, and convicted of crime I did not commit.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Inspirators, motivators and supporters.
Why are you seeking this office?
Popular demand, most qualified, plus I care about The city of Fort Worth and its citizens.
What are the biggest challenges facing your city/district?
Unrest and uncomfort of the citizens due to police excessive and deadly force.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Rebuilding relationship police/ citizen, gentrification, and transportation
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Most qualified, transparent, hands on, approachable, influential, experience
COVID-19 has radically changed our country and city. What would have done differently than current leaders to navigate the pandemic?
I wouldn’t have changed anything about it, because it was at the hands of the professionals.
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?
Increase mobility, cultural amenities, educate citizens.
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?
Give small businesses a chance for growth and development. Build transportation in thay area so those citizens have a way to access stores, health services, and jobs.
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?
Provision of power to residence, replacements of water and waste lines. Transportation, small business the opportunity, while reaching out to bigger companies.
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?
Balance property taxes by allowing industries a limited amount of years taxes break
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?
I support the city’s allocation to Trinity Metro because transportation is one of my top priorities. Fort Worth should expand its public transportation because of futuristic growth by having a railway stop through the stop 6 area running up towards alliance area.
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?
Correlated traffic signals, intelligent transportation signals.
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?
First subpoena must be giving for real change. Review board should be composed of a diverse group of law enforcement and citizens.
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?
Changes I would like to see is more relationship building with programs funded by the police and monthly meetings with police and citizens. School classes on law enforcement and procedures.
As Fort Worth grows and diversifies, how should the city’s leadership improve equity?
We must make sure spending budget and plans are known and available to citizen
Mar’Tayshia James
Age: 25
Occupation: Financial Advisor
Education: Bachelors Degree
What’s the best way for voters to reach you? mjamesccd5@gmail.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):
Student government representative (Secretary/Vice President)| University Ambassador | Pre-Alumni Council (Secretary/Community Service Chair) | Residential Assistant | NAACP | Royal Court. Honors: Radiant Ram | Outstanding CJ Major Feb.15-Feb.16 | Dean’s List Fall 16- Spring 17. Volunteer:Nicole Collier Campaign: Field Organizer | Marc Veasey Campaign: Field Organizer | Wendy Davis Campaign: Field Organizer | Beto O’Rourke Campaign: Field Organizer | Sunrise McMillian Elementary
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?
Myself & Donors
Why are you seeking this office?
City Council District 5
What are the biggest challenges facing your city/district?
The biggest challenges facing the city and District 5 I would say to be is communication. Communication is something that is vital and a challenge that I feel as though we as one struggle with. Often to many the community is unaware of what is taking place from things such as roads being improved, rezoning, and even redistricting taking place. A better job could be done with this situation and I feel as though if communication was done then a lot of things would be different.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Crime rates, Police relationship with the community, and Housing. I believe that I can help steer those because I am one who has already begun to take action in the way in which things have gone. Just saying the crime and death rates doesn’t fix nor bring back the lives lost. Police restoring their relationship within the community is something that is imperative and needs to take place fast. Not just by orchestrating functions or gatherings but the people of Fort Worth knowing and seeing these changes. Housing is something that continues to be an ongoing issue, I am not saying I will change things overnight but I plan on hosting and educating residents and seniors on grants and funding that are available to and for them when restoring their homes and rebuilding our city.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
People residing in the District 5 area should vote for me because I am a candidate who is very open minded and wants to do what should’ve already been done. Which is speak for the people in which I am fighting to represent, rather than just speaking I have been a candidate who has been about action that means going door to door passing out my literature, getting petitions signed giving the citizens a voice, volunteering and organizing programs prior to my decision to run.
COVID-19 has radically changed our country and city. What would have done differently than current leaders to navigate the pandemic?
With this pandemic it has caused us to really see what our city is willing and is doing for us, but as I’ve gone through this past year with the COVID-19 I would have made sure that the senior citizen communities and make sure when the vaccines came out that they had the proper way of getting to and from the locations to get vaccinated. Make sure that funding and programs to assist in situations like rent and food, help them with filling out the applications and accessibility to know what it is that they have at their fingertips.
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?
What we should do is invest in institutions of higher education as engines of innovation and job creation, particularly leveraging their ability to attract international talent. Be able to have the open mind to foster diverse communities, utilizing untapped talent to drive higher economic returns as well as greater equity and to build basic infrastructure to ensure future growth and to retain a highly-trained local workforce. This would help to shine some light on Fort Worth itself and bring opportunities as such.
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?
The city could help improve the circumstances in this area by bringing better options with grocer stores to neighborhoods and ones like such, and offering jobs that has decent pay so that people are able to afford to stay within the city and able to make a fair means of living in the area. We could do this by actively listening to what it is the citizens are asking for and or wanting to see changed within their communities. These communities are not silent, improvement is something that is vital to the area and something that will help build and restore the area, community and people.
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?
I would do my best to access the budget and see exact the amount of funding left within the budget to see what it can be allocated towards and once that decision is made see how much of a loss we are still at to govern myself accordingly within so.
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?
Begin receiving taxes from commercial properties, residents are making revenue to pay for their home oppose to businesses that receive multiple guest making purchase and not paying little to anything in the light of the homeowners it is seen as unfair.
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?
I do support the boosting the city’s allocation to Trinity Metro. I feel as though that Trinity Metro itself needs some updating that being more stops, enough funding to get more drivers to be able to function these buses and treat the people who rides the buses with a little more respect. We should improve public transportation by just doing that improving it. Often times we go to other states and or cities and see how their citizens are taken care of with their public transportation and we are lacking, even with accessibility.
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?
NA
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?
The civilian review board should be selected at random, citizens within the community know what it is they are wanting in the community and relationships that needs to be developed within specific areas so that the men and women who promise to protect and served are able to do just that.
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?
There are changes that I would like to see in the police department, such as our police officers being more active. Instead of it taking them 30 min to show up within the black and brown communities. Familiarize seeing officer being more involved with the community rather than just arresting them. More adequate training that teaches officers on how to identify, citizens with mental issue. Seeing more officers commit to community service being a mentor so that people are able to see that there are good officers out there and you can too be one.
As Fort Worth grows and diversifies, how should the city’s leadership improve equity?
City’s leadership should improve equity by restoring and rebuilding our communities instead of gentrification. If we took the time the to assist residents with grant, and bond applications to help assist with the improvements of their homes and businesses we could help with bringing a better light to shine on fort worth, no longer labeled as murder worth, no longer neglected with job opportunities but yet welcoming the idea of different.
Ricky Vazquez
https://www.rickyvazquezforcitycouncildistrict5.com/
Age: 29
Occupation: Chairman
Education: Legal Studies
What’s the best way for voters to reach you? (817) 677-0111 Or rickyvfordistrict5@gmail.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):
United States Marine Vet, Precent Chair, Election Judge, Community Leader,
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?
Conley Foods, Clyde Down, Nieves Communications
Why are you seeking this office?
Fort Worth City Council District 5
What are the biggest challenges facing your city/district?
gentrification, youth Development, and public safety
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Improve Business Relations and Public Safety, Improve Transparency and Efficiency, and Local Economic Growth
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
People should vote for me because I am about action and have always been. My mission is to not just prepare District 5 for success but prepare in a way that can benefit the next generation of Fort Worth residents. I know that these tasks will take a lot of work, which I am prepared to do and whole- heartedly understand the road ahead. But my ideals are not impossible and that road can lead to victory
COVID-19 has radically changed our country and city. What would have done differently than current leaders to navigate the pandemic?
No one was prepared for Covid-19. But I’m our history we have had pandemics before which makes me wonder why we didn’t have an emergency response plan. Every city should have funds in the side for things like this. First thing I would’ve done was protect eviction in our City. A lot of hard working families lost their job and couldn’t make ends meet. In District 5 the average family only brings in $25,000 a year. Let’s not forget the state was shutdown for a year. We just opened up 100 percent. We could’ve stopped evictions for everyone here and not just for people on housing.
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?
To bring businesses we have to have residents. Affordable housing in District 5 is a big issue. We relocated hundreds of families out of the community and fed into people that’ve never stepped foot here. The funny thing is we have the jobs and economic development here in our community. We have many citizens running a business out of their home because the leaders won’t give them a chance to grow. They try to buy land or abandoned buildings to build just grow the economy, or try to be a part of projects in the community and just like that they’re underbided by someone from Someone not in the metroplex or different state. Why? We have the talent here to attract more businesses. The community has the tools. Trust the people in our community are warriors. We as leaders just have to stop being complacent and trust the community. I believe their talent alone will bring corporate relocation.
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?
Have a call to action meeting and find out what the source is with the people who live in that community. I’m not talking about those meetings where people just talk and go home. I’m talking about where we come up with a solution and sign it into City law that day. There’s obviously a health crisis there. Doesn’t make sense how that area alone just by itself has the worst life expectancy rate. That area needs a clean sweep and needs to stop being ignored. I thank the media and the people for speaking out.
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?
Install financial controls and balance budget,Implement debt repayment plan,Secure grants for infrastructure improvements, Implement community Benefits agreement.
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?
Remove existing tax breaks and giveaways to businesses. If possible, charge different rates of property tax for residential and commercial and industrial properties with higher rates for higher valueland, such as a “mansion tax.” Provide exemptions for residents earning below a set income level (rather than providing exemptions based on percentage of income devoted to property taxes) and implement “circuit breakers” so there is a limit on the percentage of income any resident pays in property taxes. Ally with other municipalities to lobby to lift state property tax caps. Ally with community organizations to exert political pressure on largetax-exempt institutions to forge Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements.
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?
I am definitely for giving more to public transportation. District 5 as well as others districts in the city bus routes isn’t up to par. I’m happy they resigned the route but let’s not forget they are the least funded in the budget. Even though we see a lot of POV a good portion of people don’t have one and more they rely on this. Down side a destination that’s normally a 10 minute drive can take 30 min on public transportation. We need a better rapid system.
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?
Well Fort Worth has grown so much and that’s what’s causing congestion. We want growth. It’s not a bad thing, but now we have to start looking where to add stop signs, speed bumps, traffic lights. We will have to revisit our infrastructure and evaluate to possibly add roads to also reduce congestion. We don’t want people to stop coming here. We welcome the growth it’s not bad at all.
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?
For one the Council doesn’t need to pick the board. The people do. This needs to be a fair, diverse, and neutral board. Also summons power.
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?
Update use-of-force policies to clearly define deescalation tactics, demilitarize police forces who are not in SWAT unit, your patrol officer doesn’t need an AR 15, and ban harmful crowd control tactics that allow the use of dangerous beanbag rounds and rubber bullets
As Fort Worth grows and diversifies, how should the city’s leadership improve equity?
Racial inequities are not random; they have been created and sustained over time. Inequities will not disappear on their own. Racial equity tools must be used to change the policies, programs and practices that are perpetuating inequities. Such tools lay out a process and a set of questions to guide the development, implementation and evaluation of policies, initiatives, programs, and budget issues. While there is often a belief that change is hard and takes time, history has shown repeatedly that politics can lead to rapid reforms. The alignment of political priorities with concrete policy and behavior changes has led to important societal shifts. Similar success can be had in achieving racial equity if local officials are motivated by urgency.
Bob Willoughby
Did not respond.
