Arlington District 3 City Council candidates
Nikkie Hunter
Age: 44
Occupation: Healthcare Administration
Education: Bachelors in Business Management, Master’s in Healthcare Management
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):
Chair Arlington North YMCA, Campaign Chair Arlington North YMCA, Arlington Highlands Rotary Club President, Arlington Rotary Clubs Area Governor, Rotary District 5790 Public Image Committee, Arlington Unity Council, Arlington Community Relations Commission, Friends and Foundation of the Arlington Public Library, Special Olympics annual volunteer
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?
Team Tarrant Pac, Arlington Police Association, Arlington Relators Association
Why are you seeking this office?
One of the main reasons I decided to run for this seat was because no other candidate was focusing on our neighborhoods and crime and safety. I have a back ground of strong leadership and building community relationships , this is exactly what’s needed in District 3 . We need someone that’s not only willing to do the hard work to support our district, but that’s willing to build positive community relationships with other leaders, as well as both our Police department and fire department . My history shows over the years the amount of strong leadership, community involvement and advocacy and I want to bring that same focus to District 3.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district?
Right now, one of the biggest challenges is the increase in crime in our area. Since 2019 we have seen an increase of 35%, the challenge is to get the crime rates back down. I am seeing a lot of reports on Next door and neighborhood apps about things neighborhood crimes ( car break ins, burglaries, etc). This is one of the main reasons I decided to jump into the race. There was not a main focus by any candidate on the raising crime rate in our neighborhoods and district. We need someone that’s willing to work with our police department to provide the resources and any help needed to make sure our neighborhoods are safe
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
There’s several priority areas, so it’s hard to just mention the top 3 but I want to chime in on the following: Safe and clean neighborhoods, Keeping property taxes low, Street repairs , also we need to make sure our police and fire departments are properly funded and supporting our small businesses.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I have a long history of strong leadership and community involvement. I am the only candidate that from the start that has made my main focus on our neighborhoods in District We have to make neighborhoods a main focus because we all deserve to live in safe and clean neighborhoods. I am known as a woman of action, I am no stranger to getting out doing the hard work and advocating for my community. Last but certainly not least, I am a woman of my word. I am a communicator. I answer every call, email, text that I get and if I can’t answer right away I return calls at the same rate, I am dependable and I keep my promises. My promise to Southeast Arlington is I will fight for our neighborhoods and make sure your voices are heard. I invite anyone who wants to chat with me to do so, I want to hear the concerns of district 3, because your concerns are my concerns, we’re all in this together.
City leaders have encouraged redevelopment of older property as the city runs short on commercial land. What, if anything, would you propose to entice developers to rebuild?
I think it’s a good idea to rebuild to beautify our community, but we also need to make sure we’re mindful of anything we’re rebuilding and its best for the District. I want to encourage small business growth, especially in district 3. We have an amazing and diverse district and there’s so much opportunity for a variety of businesses in our area.
The Unity Council proposed over 50 recommendations to create equity throughout the city. What are your thoughts on the final report? What recommendations from the report and/or other solutions would you advocate to enact, if any?
As a member of the Unity Council, I am very happy with the final report. We spent long, hard hours coming up with our final report and I couldn’t be more proud of each and every member on the council as well as our Chair, Dr. Shelton.
Arlington voters approved funding for a city economic development corporation to attract large businesses while supporting local ones. What should be the group’s priority or priorities during its first year?
The main focus has to be to support our local businesses that are already in place. The pandemic left a lot of businesses struggling and we must support these businesses to make sure they continue to grow.
Last year’s Term Limits Advisory Committee recommend letting candidates serve for eight years, then return two years after. Would you support a proposal to place the recommendations on the ballot? Why or why not?
The voters have spoken, they want term limits. I respect the vote of those that voted for term limits just as much as I respect the vote of those that voted against. Term limits is a very important subject and I know our residents are very passionate on both sides of the debate. The committee only made a recommendation. For me I am open to hearing both sides, I want to make sure I am fair in whatever recommendation that I choose. At the end of the day it’s about respecting the vote and the citizens.
Does Via, the citywide rideshare program, adequately fill the demand for transportation in Arlington? What, if any, programs or services should the city consider to complement Via?
Via helps to get residents that do not have transportation to specific areas they need to go. I do think we need to look at an extended distance for Via to take resident’s to more places around the DFW area. My hope is to see the program extend out and give resident’s the opportunity to travel to places like Dallas or Fort Worth for work if needed.
How would you grade the city’s response to the loss of power and water from the winter storm, and what steps should the city take to better prepare for the next extreme weather event?
The power outage was an unexpected disaster that we have never seen in Texas. I was very pleased with the outpouring of support from resident’s helping other residents. I saw so many people offering water, food, shelter it was really heartwarming . I was pleased to see the warming centers that was offered by the city, this was needed for our resident’s that had extended power loss. We need to have a plan in place to make sure number one this doesn’t happen again. For the power outage that was state wide, but we need a specific emergency plan here in Arlington for any time of major emergency such as what happened. This needs to be priority because honestly you never know how soon it could happen again. We need to come up with emergency shelters that would already be in place , water, food, etc. You hope that was a one time situation, but you never know and we want to be prepared just in case it does happen again.
If elected, how will you make yourself accessible to constituents in your district?
I’m a phone call, text or email away. I know it’s easy to say you’re available but it’s the action that really matters. I am a communicator so I make myself available for anyone that needs me. If I can’t take a call right away I call back that same day. Communication is key in any leadership position and for anyone that takes on a leadership position it’s their duty to make their self-accessible.
Alixis Lupien
Age: 35
Occupation: Business owner/clothing designer
Education: Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences - UNT
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):
I am/have been involved in multiple diversity and inclusion groups.
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?
Me, myself, and I
Why are you seeking this office?
I see some issues that I’d like to change/fix, including the way our children our handled by the school system, bargaining rights for our public service workers, economic development for those who live within our community.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district?
Children feeling unsafe and unprotected in school, the pandemic, and people who don’t have a big enough stake in their own community and aren’t being treated as equals
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Safe Education, supplying our fire department with the right to collective bargaining as well as providing more education on deescalation tactics for our police force, and leveling the playing field and providing more support for minority and female owned businesses (whether for sustainability purposes or start up)
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Because I’m a regular person who listens. I don’t have any investors and cannot by swayed by money. I’m simply a citizen looking to better the community for my neighbors.
City leaders have encouraged redevelopment of older property as the city runs short on commercial land. What, if anything, would you propose to entice developers to rebuild?
I would suggest that developers rebuild wherever there are abandoned buildings, condemned buildings, or buildings that haven’t been occupied in some time. However, I would also push that our city assist our own community members with starting and sustaining their own businesses within these new redeveloped properties, especially minorities and women.
The Unity Council proposed over 50 recommendations to create equity throughout the city. What are your thoughts on the final report? What recommendations from the report and/or other solutions would you advocate to enact, if any?
Quite a few recommendations are fantastic. I would especially advocate for implanting more mental health services/counselors made available to the police as well as more education about and immersion into the culture that they are hired to protect. I’m also pushing for more counselors and mental health advisors for both students and teachers, within our local education system. This would help identify any serious home issues, school issues, and hopefully correct them before they become a larger problem. I also support more contractual requirements for women and minorities within business, in addition to more funding for these groups toward business ownership and sustainability.
Arlington voters approved funding for a city economic development corporation to attract large businesses while supporting local ones. What should be the group’s priority or priorities during its first year?
The priority should always be to our local businesses....not only the existing ones, but new ones as well.
Last year’s Term Limits Advisory Committee recommend letting candidates serve for eight years, then return two years after. Would you support a proposal to place the recommendations on the ballot? Why or why not?
No. I don’t think any local candidates should serve for 8 years. Our community changes rapidly and should be lead by new voices often, to avoid becoming stagnant and outdated.
Does Via, the citywide rideshare program, adequately fill the demand for transportation in Arlington? What, if any, programs or services should the city consider to complement Via?
I think Via does a decent job. I think we should also consider ways to have more free rides for our community.
How would you grade the city’s response to the loss of power and water from the winter storm, and what steps should the city take to better prepare for the next extreme weather event?
Personally, the city cooks have done a better job of disseminating information, prior to the storm, since we knew it was coming. I think the biggest ball drop was before the storm. A lot of damage could have been avoided, had the city utilized mass texts or social media advertisements to better equip the community with knowledge, i.e. how to keep your pipes from freezing and bursting, how to stay warm in a place with no heat, etc.
If elected, how will you make yourself accessible to constituents in your district?
If elected, constituents would always be welcome to contact me through email or phone anytime. I will always make time to listen to issues and respond appropriately and speedily.
Diana Saleh
http://www.dianaforarlington.com
Age: 32
Occupation: Account Manager - Business Development & Commercialization
Education: Bachelors Degree in Pharmacy, Masters in Business Administration
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
N/A
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
Former PR Chair for Junior League of ArlingtonPresident-Elect and Former Board Member for the Arlington Great Southwest Rotary Club Current Partner of Social Venture Partners Dallas
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:
N/A
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
N/A
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Our campaign is a grass-roots effort with the top contributors being my closest family and friends.
Why are you seeking this office?
In the decade since I chose to make Arlington my home, I have experienced both the exciting promise our City holds and gained a deep understanding of the areas that need to be addressed in order to ensure that our community has the resources it needs to truly flourish. I want to be a voice for those who often feel unheard and bring a community-focused agenda to City Hall that will improve the lives of all Arlington residents.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district?
Too many Arlington residents feel like our city government only works for those already at the top, which is why I want to be an advocate for my constituents and ensure their best interest is being served. Public safety is a top concern with many residents expressing their frustrations related to increased crime in our neighborhoods. My district also suffers from unequal access to economic opportunities and, like most of the region, health concerns like poor air quality and the fear of oil and gas well sites being approved too close to their homes, schools, and businesses.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
My top priority will be pursuing policies that (1) expand economic opportunities, especially for small and minority-owned businesses and new entrepreneurs, (2) increase transparency so residents have a better idea what’s going on at City Hall and how to make their voices heard, and (3) prioritize efforts to ensure that our communities and the individuals that serve them are safe as well as expand available mental health resources.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I will bring both business expertise and a heart for service to City Hall. As a first-generation American, young professional, and community advocate, I have a unique perspective to provide and a proven track record of leading teams to hone operational efficiencies, increase revenue generation, expand business development, and collaborate cross-functionally. If honored with District 3’s vote, I will serve with the guiding principles of equity, empathy, and action.
City leaders have encouraged redevelopment of older property as the city runs short on commercial land. What, if anything, would you propose to entice developers to rebuild?
The city has several economic levers it can pull to incentivize developers and business owners to invest in Arlington. Although I will gladly and thoughtfully consider any of those methods, the priority for me will be to ensure members of the community get a high enough return on investment to warrant the use of taxpayer funds in each development proposal that crosses my desk. And, I think we should be transparent with the public about how those incentives are used.
The Unity Council proposed over 50 recommendations to create equity throughout the city. What are your thoughts on the final report? What recommendations from the report and/or other solutions would you advocate to enact, if any?
The Unity Council’s final report represents an exceptional effort by its members, particularly given the time constraints under which they served. The first recommendation the city needs to implement is establishing a more permanent task force to continue to explore these issues and hold the City Council to account as it works to implement the proposed solutions. Other top priorities for me include anti-poverty efforts and increasing measures of racial disparities so we can better understand and address areas where we’re falling short.
Arlington voters approved funding for a city economic development corporation to attract large businesses while supporting local ones. What should be the group’s priority or priorities during its first year?
The economic development corporation’s priorities should be to focus on attracting large businesses that provide livable wages while supporting local small and minority-owned businesses that typically receive less municipal funding. These efforts will help keep residents in Arlington, reduce income inequality, and provide significant economic benefits to the community.
Last year’s Term Limits Advisory Committee recommend letting candidates serve for eight years, then return two years after. Would you support a proposal to place the recommendations on the ballot? Why or why not?
Arlington voters made it clear in 2018 that they want council members to have term limits, but they were only given a choice between no limits and restricting service to three two-year terms. If the committee’s proposal is supported by enough residents to earn it a place on the ballot, I would be supportive of that chance for community members to give more clarity on their term limit preferences.
Does Via, the citywide rideshare program, adequately fill the demand for transportation in Arlington? What, if any, programs or services should the city consider to complement Via?
The recent expansion of Via’s service to a larger geographic area was a positive step forward toward providing sufficient public transportation. What remains to be seen is if it is enough. In addition to considering subsidizing rider fees for residents in the lowest income brackets, the city should evaluate our community’s current transit needs and whether an alternative or complimentary service would more efficiently address them.
How would you grade the city’s response to the loss of power and water from the winter storm, and what steps should the city take to better prepare for the next extreme weather event?
The most heartening aspect of the winter storm was the way community members and organizations throughout Arlington and the region stepped up to provide critical services to residents in need. To be better prepared for a future extreme weather event, Arlington should look at policies related to housing, public transit, infrastructure, and food security to determine how we can better support citizens before tragedy strikes. The city should also review its communication methods to assess room for improvement to ensure advisory information is reaching our residents.
If elected, how will you make yourself accessible to constituents in your district?
In addition to responding to constituent phone calls, text messages and emails, I plan to hold regular town hall meetings throughout the district and attend community events where I can both learn from and be accessible to residents.
Dora O. Tovar
Age: 57
Occupation: Business owner, Tovar Public Relations and Marketing
Education: Undergraduate Degree in Political Science with concentration in local government and master’s degree in Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Yes, in 2015 for Mansfield ISD Trustee, Place 6
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
Board Member, Arlington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2004-2009, Hispanic Advisory Member, Texas Rangers Ball Club 2005-2010, Texas Ranger Ball Club Foundation 2009, Board Member, Lake Port Village Homeowners Association 2019-2021.
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, Mayan Meza Tovar, Barbara Aguirre,
Why are you seeking this office?
To serve District 3 residents especially in the face of so much growth. Many residents feel neglected and that their input is only sought when focused on projects such as the construction of our first-class sporting facilities. Issues of inclusion of District 3 priorities in city-wide development goals, projects and funding have only recently seen attention and investment. I want to continue that investment but they still need a strong voice to advocate for closing the gap on years of underinvestment. I want to be that strong voice for District 3 at the Council table. I have over three decades in public sector roles in state and federal government and policy. I welcome the opportunity to give back to the community that welcomed my family after 9-11; and, that has been a safe community for my children to grow and prosper. District 3 needs and deserves a strong advocate at the council table.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district?
Rapid growth and cultivating community engagement in city decisions especially economic development and long-range planning. Demonstrate a real and quantifiable commitment to inclusion, equity and investment in District 3 during the upcoming bond package.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Serve as a strong voice and advocate on economic development along 360 and related traffic planning. Ensure that the city invests adequately and reflecting the priorities of District 3 residents. Promote small business support for microbusinesses like we invest in tech and sports marketing.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
My knowledge of public policy and decades long public service representing Texas, internationally, in Washington, D. C., Austin in advancing community engagement of diverse communities. A track record of service as an a Board Member of the Arlington Hispanic Chamber 2004-2011, service on Texas Rangers Foundation Board and contractor with the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee.
City leaders have encouraged redevelopment of older property as the city runs short on commercial land. What, if anything, would you propose to entice developers to rebuild?
Arlington has no lack of developers interest in redevelopment. Residents want a voice on such projects and deserve to hear about these projects with the necessary projected traffic reports completed well before these projects are submitted to Planning & Zoning.
The Unity Council proposed over 50 recommendations to create equity throughout the city. What are your thoughts on the final report? What recommendations from the report and/or other solutions would you advocate to enact, if any?
I think all the recommendations are reasonable and reflect the will of the residents of Arlington. As a member of council, I want staff to prepare timelines and budgets tied to these recommendations and the Council should accept these as goals not suggestions or recommendations.
Arlington voters approved funding for a city economic development corporation to attract large businesses while supporting local ones. What should be the group’s priority or priorities during its first year?
I want to ensure that we didn’t over-invest in the city’s position as a venue for sports marketing. We saw the impact of the pandemic on the reduced revenue from such events impacting our revenue plans. We need to ensure we have a plan that is balanced and brings other assets to the forefront with the input of residents as part of the corporation board and plans.
Last year’s Term Limits Advisory Committee recommend letting candidates serve for eight years, then return two years after. Would you support a proposal to place the recommendations on the ballot? Why or why not?
No. I think residents have spoken on the term limits already. I would let the city adjust and heal from the division that the initiative had on communities advocating on both sides of the issue.
Does Via, the citywide rideshare program, adequately fill the demand for transportation in Arlington? What, if any, programs or services should the city consider to complement Via?
No. I do think we need the Mayor to appoint a citizens taskforce to address our long-term transportation needs post pandemic.
How would you grade the city’s response to the loss of power and water from the winter storm, and what steps should the city take to better prepare for the next extreme weather event?
I haven’t yet seen a comparison of how it was handled expect my perceptions on the media which I believe is inadequate. I saw Councilman Sutton reach out to me and many neighbors. However, in no way did I see a coordinated response. This suggests that either leaders didn’t have access to a pre-approved emergency response plan or the plan was insufficient in addressing a crisis of the magnitude we experienced.
If elected, how will you make yourself accessible to constituents in your district?
Phone, email, social media, community-wide messaging and in-person meetings. When necessary and appropriate using zoom.
Tamiko Brown
Did not respond.
This story was originally published April 13, 2021 at 1:55 PM.
