Fort Worth City Council District 8 candidates
Kelly Allen Gray
Age: 52
Occupation: Public Servant
Education: Bachelor Arts-English, Texas A&M Commerce
What’s the best way for voters to reach you? 817-688-9586
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Current Councilmember City of FW District 8
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
Texas Association Black City Councilmembers-Past President, Trinity Habitat for Humanity - Advisory Committee-Board Chair, Texas Wesleyan University Trustee Board, North Central Texas Council of Governments-Secretary
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:
Involved in Civil Lawsuit with a Creditor that has been dismissed; Involved in Voter Fraud Lawsuit in 2019 with a Judgment Awarded to me
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Mallick Group, Warner Enterprises, FW Police Officer Association
Why are you seeking this office?
I’m seeking re-election to continue to continue to serve the citizens of District 8 and the City of Fort Worth.
What are the biggest challenges facing your city/district?
Mixed Income Housing, Water, Transportation
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
My THREE priorities for District 8 are:Create quality affordable and mixed income housing choices for homebuyers and rentersCreate more economic development throughout the district with a combination of large and small businessesWork to create and protect those services that have a positive impact on senior citizens, children and families
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I have proven my ability to work well within the communities I serve by bringing people together, listening to their concerns and formulating a plan to effectively address them.
COVID-19 has radically changed our country and city. What would have done differently than current leaders to navigate the pandemic?
When the pandemic hit, I immediately went to work with our Community Partners to support the residents of District 8 and Fort Worth with rental, mortgage and utility assistance, food deliveries, food pantries, COVID testing sites, COVID vaccination sites, and other vital health services. To date, we are still doing this work and work related to the Winter Storm aftermath.
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?
We need to have a dedicated economic development revenue fund which can be used to draw corporate relocations, attract jobs and economic development.
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 of Fort Worth does not carry this disparity alone. In order to effectively address these issues it will take collaboration from Tarrant County, Private Partners, Health Care Providers and the Community as was witnessed on Saturday, March 20th with the Mercy Clinic Pop-up Clinic in partnership with District 8.
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 American Rescue Act signed in early March by President Biden addresses revenue recovery and makes it retroactive to 2020. Therefore, the budget may not experience as detrimental of a loss as we once believed.
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 work to draw more moderate to large corporate entities into the city which will help to offset the burden that homeowners are paying in 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?
I believe Trinity Metro should provide a better detailed account of how tax payer dollars will be spent and not just making a blanket ask for monies. Additionally, public transportation should be designed for the “actual users” versus those who “may” want to use the system. We cannot afford to redesign a system that is not equitable to those who truly depend on public transportation.
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?
There should be better coordination including master planning of infrastructure projects between the city, housing and commercial developers prior to new developments being platted.
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 an independent board selected by the Office of the Police Monitor and not the Mayor and Council.
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?
Last year’s, Crime Control Prevention District Budget reflected many of the changes that were brought forth by the community. We need to continue those conversations each budget cycle in order to have services/programs that are reflective of the special crime tax district.
As Fort Worth grows and diversifies, how should the city’s leadership improve equity?
Everything that directly affects our citizens should be looked at through an equity lens and by analyzing community data it will allow for services to be equitably dispersed across the city.
Tyrone King
Age: 59
Occupation: Self Employed Carpenter
Education: Bachelor Business Administration UTA
What’s the best way for voters to reach you? healingfortworth@yahoo.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):
Board Member Fort Worth Indie Film ShowcaseFounder STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) youth outreach program
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:
I suffered an on the job injury when I was in my 20’s and couldn’t work for several years. My employer’s insurance company stopped paying medical benefits, so I had to hire an attorney and file a lawsuit to have medical bills covered.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
I’m funding my own campaign.
Why are you seeking this office?
I’m seeking office because our City is divided on several issues, and I believe that my platform of Healing Fort Worth provides a framework to begin the process of healing our City.
What are the biggest challenges facing your city/district?
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing Fort Worth and District 8 are: Economic, Racial, and Healthcare inequalities, along with strained relationships between police and the community.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
My top 3 policy priorities would be to improve the relationship between police and the community through community policing, begin the process of improving racial relationships through community partnering, and addressing economic inequality through community revitalization programs.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Voters should choose me over my opponents because I’m the only candidate that has a clear, concise plan on how to begin the process of uniting Fort Worth.
COVID-19 has radically changed our country and city. What would have done differently than current leaders to navigate the pandemic?
For the most part I believe that our City leaders did a good job. However, I would have acted sooner with mask mandates and scaling back on business occupancy guidelines.
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?
Fort Worth should invest in a better public transportation system, by possibly creating some type of rail or bus rapid transit system that serves all of Fort Worth. Our City should also have more economic investment East of I-35 in the form of a quality entertainment/performing arts venue and increased incentives to promote small business development. If we take those steps, I believe it will begin the process of making Fort Worth more desirable for corporate relocations and future economic development.
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?
If Fort Worth wants to improve circumstances in 76104, we should simply begin the process of investing more resources in a community that has been neglected far to long. My platform of Healing Fort Worth begins that process by immediately creating jobs, encouraging small business development and fostering community involvement. It’s not a problem that can be solved in a year or two because it didn’t get in the current situation in a year or two, but we can begin a process that will continue to improve the quality of life with each passing year.
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?
My top priority would be trying to unite our City by making Fort Worth work for all of our citizens, and I think we begin that process by redistributing funds East of I-35. I also believe we should redistribute funding to foster relationships with police and the community through community policing and outreach programs.
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 realize that the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating to some businesses. However, homeowners are facing record numbers when it comes to unemployment, evictions, and increased overall poverty. My homeowner property taxes increased, so I believe we should slightly increase commercial property taxes to help balance our tax revenue.
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?
As I mentioned earlier, I’m in favor of, and think it should be a priority for Fort Worth to improve our public transportation system by possibly creating some type of rail or bus rapid transit system if we’re going to serve all of our citizens and become more attractive to potential corporate relocations.
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?
Again, I believe if we have a viable public transportation system (maybe light rail) especially for working commuters, it will alleviate some of our congestion issues.
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 believe the review board should be an investigation focused board, with the board investigating reports of police officer misconduct. Using this form should allow thorough, impartial, and transparent investigations. Which in turn, with community involvement should increase our trust in the board and our police.
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 primary changes I’d like to see in the police department would be a focus on community policing, which would also include community based police outreach programs.
As Fort Worth grows and diversifies, how should the city’s leadership improve equity?
We should address equity in resource allocation East of I-35 compared to West of I-35. We can start by incentivizing economic development of small businesses, revitalizing at least one entertainment/performing arts venue, and improve ease of transportation. If we do those simple things, I believe it will begin the process of making Fort Worth an equal city that works for all of us.
Chris Nettles
Age: 33
Occupation: Self-employed
Education: North Crowley High School
What’s the best way for voters to reach you? Email info@chrisnettlescampaign.com or submit a form on our website.
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Mayor of Fort Worth in 2017 and City Council District 8 in 2019.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
I have been a community leader for many years and serve as the senior pastor at Purpose Driven Ministries.
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?
Community members, local/small/community interest groups and grassroots organizations.
Why are you seeking this office?
As a lifelong resident of the district, the issues facing our community and the city as a whole are personal to me. I am seeking this office because I want to make sure the residents of district 8 have a voice they can trust on city council. I will work tirelessly for my constituents.
What are the biggest challenges facing your city/district?
We are currently facing a shortage of affordable housing, a lack of reliable public transportation, as well as the ongoing pandemic. District 8 is also facing a public health crisis with the prevalence of food deserts and being home to the zip code with the lowest life-expectancy in Texas, 76104.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Combatting low life expectancy in 76104, expanding public transportation infrastructure, and establishing the citizens review board.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Our current leadership has failed to bring the type of progress District 8 and the city needs. I will be your voice at city hall and will fight for all of my constituents every single day. I am a lifelong resident of the district and have firsthand knowledge of the problems our neighborhoods are facing.
COVID-19 has radically changed our country and city. What would have done differently than current leaders to navigate the pandemic?
During this pandemic I have been very active in supporting the community - feeding 900 children daily. As councilman, I would have used my position to help coordinate more resources and would have been a strong advocate for public health measures. But let’s be clear - the threat of COVID-19 is not over. We will need strong leadership to see us across the finish line and to lead recovery efforts.
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?
For years, Fort Worth has fallen behind Dallas and other big cities in growing our economy and increasing the standard of living of our citizens. Failure to act has led to our city being home to the zip code with the lowest life expectancy, among many other injustices.There are several common sense investments our city should make. First, we must expand and improve our current public transportation infrastructure. Next, it is vitally important that we are ensuring adequate affordable housing is available as we grow.As we grow, however, we cannot gentrify our neighborhoods and displace current residents. I will work to make sure our economy is equitable and that new investment benefits all residents of Fort Worth.
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?
Neighborhoods east of I-35, including those in district 8, have not been receiving their fair share from city hall. Our current leaders have ignored the problem instead of choosing to do something about it. I plan to address the prevalence of food deserts and food scarcity in the area during my first 100 days in office. Additionally, I will fight for accessible and affordable public transportation in the district and will work to bring in good paying jobs. Most importantly, I will take the health and well-being of my constituents seriously and will work tirelessly to rid 76104 of this distinction.
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 will make it a priority to support those businesses, especially the small and medium-sized businesses, that have been affected by this crisis. I will focus investment into medium and long-term growth by investing in transportation infrastructure, housing, and supporting education. My focus will be ensuring an equitable city budget that makes smart investments in our future.
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 look into the current tax breaks and loopholes given to commercial entities and make changes as necessary. While it is important that we incentivize business, it can’t be on the backs of our residents and they should still be 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?
I would take a look at additional funding, but I think it’s important that the city doesn’t just invest only in our bus system. We need to create a light-rail system and take a multi-modal approach to public transportation.
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?
It’s clear Fort Worth needs to reevaluate its growth model, particularly as it pertains to housing and infrastructure. We should be focusing on sustainability as a big city. We should invest in expanding our roads and other infrastructure and make sure new development doesn’t add to the existing problem.
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 have been a strong advocate for the establishment of a Citizens Review Board for years. I believe it should include a diverse group of citizens, chosen partially by members of the council and possibly members of the community chosen at random. While the exact form is not yet certain, the formation of the review board is long overdue.
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 believe we need more accountability in our police department. We also need to reevaluate how we respond to nonviolent and non-criminal situations where the presence of officers may not be necessary.
As Fort Worth grows and diversifies, how should the city’s leadership improve equity?
We should focus on investing in disadvantaged communities, supporting local small businesses, and being a voice for equality. Additionally, we shouldn’t only be focusing on just a few areas of the city - favoring some and neglecting others. All Fort Worth residents deserve the same amount of attention and respect from their leaders at city hall.
Millennium Woods, Jr.
Did not respond.
