Tarrant Regional Water District candidates in May 1 election
James Hill
Age: 42
Occupation: Banking/ Finance
Education: UT Austin BBA, TCU MBA
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
TRWD Board of Directors: 2017 - Present
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
Real Estate Council: Exec. Committee, Treasurer/ChairTexas Bankers Association Government Relations Council Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate: Board Member City of Fort Worth Commercial Board of Adjustment: Vice Chair (appointed)City of Fort Worth Residential Board of Adjustment: (appointed)State of Texas Housing and Health Services Coordination Council (appointed)Tarrant County Bankers Association: Past President John Peter Smith Hospital Foundation: Past Board Member
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?
Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors, Friends & Family
Why are you seeking this office?
Our community is a great place to raise a family, work, and retire. As a lifelong resident of Tarrant County, I have long understood that public involvement is an inherent responsibility for our citizens. I believe the Tarrant Regional Water District Board needs energetic, business-minded individuals to ensure the region will never have a shortage of water supply from our reservoirs. Water is our most precious natural resource and we must treat it as the valuable commodity it is for the continued growth of our region. Over my first term I have brought the weight of my experiences to bear on the issues before the TRWD Board of Directors. My background in finance provides me with critical insight into the operations of the District.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Regional Water District?
From my perspective, the District has allowed certain distractions to take away from its primary focus on the core mission of raw water supply and flood control. The Tarrant Regional Water District must continue to be innovative leaders in its approach to both delivering one of our most precious, life-giving resources while at the same time responsibly managing our flood protection infrastructure. To do this, open and collaborative communication between our community partners will be critical; especially given the increased growth and expansion across the region.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
My first-term approach has been to bring to the Board a financial watchdog perspective- both as a homeowner and a taxpayer- concerned about budgets and expenses. First, I will continue my efforts to ask the right questions and insist upon the organization increasing transparency and optimizing our corporate governance. As a public entity citizens should have confidence that the TRWD is forthright and purposeful in its work on behalf of those it serves. Second, we must work with our community partners to ensure we have the appropriate and necessary funding mechanisms in place to complete projects on behalf of our citizens. Consideration of alternative options, including private-public partnerships, must be part of the conversations between community stakeholders going forward. And, third, I will continue to be a good steward of resources we manage, the most important of which is taxpayer dollars.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
On the TRWD Board, my professional experience and financial background allows me to address challenges facing the District from a business-focused perspective. I have also spent a great deal of time educating myself on the issues facing the District and understanding the complex dynamics. As long as I am blessed to serve this community I will work tirelessly to protect our citizens as well as collaborate with my fellow Board Members and community partners.
Fort Worth is driving the region’s population growth, driving up the need for water. How should the Tarrant Regional Water district position itself to meet the growing demand for water?
While we have enjoyed significant growth, both in population and economic prosperity, there continues to be a strain on our resources like transportation, infrastructure, and most critically, water. I believe the issue of water will continue to be one of the most important issues for our society in the coming years. The District needs to continue to consider innovative means of water supply/delivery to accommodate our needs as well as collaborative efforts with our regional partners. This approach can yield significant cost-savings as evidenced by the coalition established to complete the Integrated Pipeline Project.
One answer to the region’s water needs is the proposed $4 billion Marvin Nichols Reservoir planned for Northeast Texas. While regional water planners and DFW officials say the reservoir is needed to met the Metroplex’s water demands, officials in Red River County want the metro to conserve more water and look for alternatives before building a lake in their area. Are you familiar with this proposal and how would you move forward with it?
As the North Central Texas region continues to experience exponential growth, we must deliberately and thoroughly evaluate a multitude of options regarding our current and future water needs. While evaluating the prospect of building a multi-billion reservoir is a terribly complex issue, we must not be myopic when it comes to providing citizens with our most precious natural resource. Careful thought and consideration must be given to the cost/benefit analysis of our water supply needs.
How should the district move forward with water supply planning?
TRWD must continue to work with our regional partners in a collaborative manner to solve our challenges with water supply--today and well into the future. Working in a coordinated effort has the potential to leverage resources throughout North Central Texas. This creates an environment where we are not directly competing with our neighbors for water supply but actually working in concert to achieve a common goal.
TRWD and partners like Fort Worth Water have encouraged water conservation. Would you change conservation efforts or make them more aggressive?
I am committed to making sure Tarrant County families and businesses have a sufficient supply of water so we do not have to experience problems like water rationing or outright shortages that have taken place in other regions. Water conservation is an important part of our strategic plan and will continue to be included as a part of the overall solution to our future water needs.
TRWD is the local sponsor for the $1.17 billion Central City Project, also known as Panther Island or Trinity River Vision. Briefly describe your familiarity with this project and its goals.
I am extremely familiar with the flood control project as a TRWD Board member and the organization’s representative to the TRVA Board of Directors. In these roles I have spent a great deal of time meeting with community stakeholders as well as independently performing my own due diligence of the project and its impact on our community. It is critical that we work with our community partners in solving for the completion of the Trinity River Vision flood control project but must do so in a realistic, transparent and fiscally responsible manner in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. My commitment to demand accountability and improve transparency on behalf of the taxpayers will not waiver.
Panther Island requires significant federal funding. While Congress approved funds, the project has not received allocations for a few years. Should the water district play a larger role in lobbying for funds? What would that look like?
I believe the effort to procure funding needs to be a community-wide endeavor. Establishing a coordinated and deliberate coalition with the common goal of securing appropriate funding for the Central City project is the responsible approach. Because of the funding gap experienced over the past few years we must consider all viable options and strategies to realistically move forward- including, but not limited to, private-public partnerships.
How would you improve the district’s outreach and communication?
Ensuring residents of our community are well informed with the facts is critically important. We must work diligently to keep all stakeholders up to date on the District’s plans with well-designed and thoughtfully-executed communication. For example, on the Board I led the effort to initiate the creation of a quarterly progress report for the TRVA project which is published online in an effort to provide clarity and a common understanding of project status. Similar opportunities should be considered across the organization. Ultimately information sharing and open communication is vital to the establishment of trust and the commitment to partnership.
Mary Kelleher
Age: 59
Occupation: Rancher/Asst. Court Coordinator for 323rd District Court
Education: Bachelor’s Psychology; Master’s Educational Psychology; Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Yes. 2013, 2017, 2019 TRWD Board
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
John T. White Neighborhood Association; Historic Randol Mill Valley Association; Stormwater Development Committee; Urban Forestry Committee
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?
Mike and Susan Kennemer; Teri Kramer; Pat Salinas
Why are you seeking this office?
I am passionate about flood control and water issues. I served on the TRWD Board from 2013 to 2017 with honesty and transparency, always representing the people. I asked questions about nepotism and conflicts of interest at TRWD and spoke out publicly about these matters. I was not well-liked by other board members at first, but eventually they realized I was really trying to improve TRWD’s board by asking questions and challenging the status quo. More work is needed and I’m hoping to get back onto the board.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Regional Water District?
Board members who don’t ask questions and discuss difficult issues; lack of governmental oversight; administration who do not allow their employees to be creative; gross mismanagement of TRV
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Securing new water supply for our rapidly developing area; ensuring flood control for all property owners along the Trinity River; requesting a feasibility study of TRV
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I don’t like politics, and simply want to serve the people on the TRWD Board. I have experience on the board and demonstrated my ability to ask questions and challenge the status quo in that agency.
Fort Worth is driving the region’s population growth, driving up the need for water. How should the Tarrant Regional Water district position itself to meet the growing demand for water?
TRWD has always been pro-active about providing water supply to our growing area, but is too dependent on a pipeline system. I’d like to get the ideas of the very-talented staff at TRWD and allow them to think outside of the box. I was able to get a pilot project for Aquifer Storage Recovery while I served on the board from 2013-2017 and I’d like to promote more proven methods of water storage.
One answer to the region’s water needs is the proposed $4 billion Marvin Nichols Reservoir planned for Northeast Texas. While regional water planners and DFW officials say the reservoir is needed to met the Metroplex’s water demands, officials in Red River County want the metro to conserve more water and look for alternatives before building a lake in their area. Are you familiar with this proposal and how would you move forward with it?
I am familiar with this proposal and I believe there are other ways to meet our water demands. I can’t stand the idea of taking peoples’ property in Red River County by eminent demand for a reservoir. People often think a reservoir is a new water supply, but it’s not. A reservoir only stores water. TRWD has successfully used reservoirs and pipelines for our water supply in the past and present but I believe there are other methods that can be used in combination with water conservation strategies to meet our growing water demands without having to take peoples’ homes and farms in Red River County.
How should the district move forward with water supply planning?
TRWD has always been proactive in water supply planning. TRWD needs to continue their current pace of water planning and look at what other large/growing metropolitan areas are successfully using.
TRWD and partners like Fort Worth Water have encouraged water conservation. Would you change conservation efforts or make them more aggressive?
I believe TRWD does an excellent job of encouraging conservation. I don’t particularly care for being more “aggressive” with water conservation efforts as much as putting more emphasis on education relative to the importance of water. I’d listen to what subject-matter experts have to say.
TRWD is the local sponsor for the $1.17 billion Central City Project, also known as Panther Island or Trinity River Vision. Briefly describe your familiarity with this project and its goals.
I am very familiar with TRV and its goals and strongly believe the goal of this project is NOT flood control, but economic development. A cost-benefit analysis is required by the USACE for all flood control projects and Congresswoman Kay Granger managed to get this waived and then facilitated having her son JD Granger named as director. In 2006, the levees could have been improved for $10 million but TRWD opted for a then $435 million project (TRV). Fast forward to today and now the estimated cost of TRV is a whopping $1.2 billion and there is nothing about flood control to show for it. An independent review of the project recommended changes in project management and oversight but JD Granger continues to manage the project and even more taxpayer money is going to a retired USACE employee who is being paid $25,000 a month to act as the new project manager. TRWD has failed the people relative to TRV.
Panther Island requires significant federal funding. While Congress approved funds, the project has not received allocations for a few years. Should the water district play a larger role in lobbying for funds? What would that look like?
Congresswoman Kay Granger was able to convince Congress to approve funds when people actually believed it was a flood control project. Congress stopped allocating funds once it realized it wasn’t about flood control and that a cost-benefit analysis was never done. I don’t believe Congress will allocate more funding without a cost-benefit analysis. Funds were allocated for a cost-benefit analysis but TRWD rejected the money as they know the TRV will NEVER pass a cost-benefit analysis. TRWD should stop lobbying for funds as this is not about flood control. TRWD should start by following the recommendations in the independent study, which they are not doing. JD Granger is still the project manager and taxpayers are paying a retired USACE $25,000 a month to act as the TRV project manager. I would think a report from another independent agency regarding how to proceed would be a start, but none of this matters if you don’t have board members who ask questions and discuss difficult issues.
How would you improve the district’s outreach and communication?
When I served on the board from 2013-2017, I improved the Water District’s outreach and communication by starting the videotaping of all board meetings and making them available for people to view on the TRWD website. I also had contact information for board members placed on the TRWD website. These were recommendations made by people who voted for me and I listened to them. I would improve TRWD’s outreach and communication by making myself available to the people I represent on that board.
Leah M. King
Facebook @LeahKingCampaign
Age: 52
Occupation: Nonprofit CEO
Education: Some college
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Yes. TRWD Board of Directors
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
TRWD Board Secretary - elected 2017; Fort Worth Club Board of Governors; Cook Children’s Medical Center Board of Directors; Texas Wesleyan University President’s Advisory Board; TCU Chancellor’s Advisory Board; Trinity River Vision TIF; DFW COVID-19 Prevalence Study Community Advisory Board; Fort Worth (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
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?
Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors; PSEL PAC; Good Government Fund
Why are you seeking this office?
In February, many of us got a taste of how challenging life is without access to water. It was difficult and something none of us wishes to experience again. TRWD met the skyrocketing water demands but if power had been lost, or if a major pipeline was damaged the results could’ve been catastrophic. I’m seeking re-election because I care deeply about our region’s ability to respond to crises such as Winter Storm Uri just as much as I care about our ability to thrive and compete. Having a predictable water system is key to meeting the demands of one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Since moving to this area 25 years ago, I have been involved in a variety of community service activities including serving on the Trinity River Vision TIF Improvement board for more than 10 years. Serving on the Board for TRWD has only strengthened my desire to lend my experience and skillset to this critically important matter.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Regional Water District?
Rapid growth within its area of responsibility, and the impact on providing ample water supply. Our region’s success at attracting new development does pose a dilemma which must be proactively managed. Our current levee system was not designed for the level of flood protection that is currently needed, which places us at an increased risk for the potential of catastrophic flooding. The frequency of extreme weather events like prolonged drought conditions, excessive rain, and as we’ve seen with the most recent winter storm, access to ample power in order to safely operate pump stations, all have a significant impact on District operations. Also, a lack of understanding of when or if funds for the federally approved Central City project will be appropriated. The District has done a great job at remaining “shovel ready” for the Army Corps of Engineers but without clear visibility to the timing of prospective funding allocations, alternative plans must be prepared .
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
(1) With the recent retirement announcement of the current General Manager and the magnitude of the initiatives and operations of the District, it is imperative that the next GM be an experienced professional who possesses expertise in water infrastructure, strong leadership and communications skills, as well as an earnest commitment to proactively engaging partners, customers and other stakeholders. (2) In addition, continued planning for future water supplies to ensure the District is able to meet growing demands; identifying opportunities to partner much like the joint IPL (integrated pipeline) project with Dallas Water Utilities. This project is a perfect example of regional partners understanding their respective needs and delivering a project that will sustain our growing water needs for years. (3) Additionally, we need a clear roadmap for completion of the Central City project especially since we are in yet another year without receiving federal funds.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
There are currently three open seats to fill, so voters are able to select up to three candidates for this race, and they are fortunate to have a group of deeply dedicated, committed and caring public servants from which to choose. As a person who has been actively engaged in a number of community-based organizations for many years and an incumbent of one of the open seats, voters should have confidence in my demonstrated understanding of the issues before the District. Voters should also have the expectation that any vote I have made or will make continues to be in the best interest of taxpayers. Voters should also continue to count on me to ask the hard questions and press the District to be more transparent in its approach, especially when its decisions may place an unintended burden on our valued community stakeholders.
Fort Worth is driving the region’s population growth, driving up the need for water. How should the Tarrant Regional Water district position itself to meet the growing demand for water?
Well, it’s already been started. The Integrated Pipeline (IPL) is an excellent solution that serves to move water from the District’s East Texas reservoirs to support the growing needs of its clients. On time and on budget, the IPL is a great example of regional partners coming together and working collaboratively to share financing and project management in development of a 150-mile pipeline that will deliver water to the region for years to come. TRWD also has built the George W. Shannon Wetlands Water reuse project and has another facility at Cedar Creek Lake which, once fully operational, will provide enough water supply to serve an additional one million people. But of course, we can’t stop there, the District must continue to identify solutions that enhance the environment and support our region’s growing demands.
One answer to the region’s water needs is the proposed $4 billion Marvin Nichols Reservoir planned for Northeast Texas. While regional water planners and DFW officials say the reservoir is needed to met the Metroplex’s water demands, officials in Red River County want the metro to conserve more water and look for alternatives before building a lake in their area. Are you familiar with this proposal and how would you move forward with it?
What we all need to realize, and keep in mind as we evaluate viable options, is that projects of this magnitude can take decades to get to completion. If re-elected I will continue to look at all cost-effective and practical solutions for our present and future water supply needs. As one of the nation’s fastest growing areas, we need to continue our best efforts at looking 20 to 50 years down the road.
How should the district move forward with water supply planning?
Water supply planning has to include investing. Investing in maintenance of existing infrastructure but also planning and designing the infrastructure of the future. Having an eye on our water supply needs in 2050 requires proactive planning today.
TRWD and partners like Fort Worth Water have encouraged water conservation. Would you change conservation efforts or make them more aggressive?
Water conservation is essential for all of us. If we all aren’t playing a proactive part in voluntarily practicing conservation, educating our community about the benefits of conservation and seeking creative conservation measures, our ability to support our rapid growth can ultimately be compromised. The wetlands projects that the District has so successfully built are perfect examples of environmentally friendly methods of conservation as is the ongoing community education initiative sharing the benefits of water conservation. Living in Texas, we know it is just a matter of time before we are faced with the next drought, or other extreme weather event, and during those times it may be necessary to consider imposing water restrictions in order to maintain adequate supply and the overall health of the water system.
TRWD is the local sponsor for the $1.17 billion Central City Project, also known as Panther Island or Trinity River Vision. Briefly describe your familiarity with this project and its goals.
The Central City Project is a large, complex project involving a number of local, state and federal partners. Once complete, the project will provide flood protection to thousands of acres of property, which is a core element of TRWD’s mission. As we are all aware, the project has experienced major issues over the years but it is a critically important initiative to complete.
Panther Island requires significant federal funding. While Congress approved funds, the project has not received allocations for a few years. Should the water district play a larger role in lobbying for funds? What would that look like?
The District has several major assets working in its favor in its efforts to have funds appropriated to the Project; a fully authorized project, an actively engaged member of Congress and the services of a former high-level official from the Army Corps of Engineers. That said, the District has to be able to demonstrate broad community support, especially with the local partners and full congressional delegation. Bringing these groups together would be a great initial signal that our community is working cohesively to see this important project through to completion. These key stakeholders should map out a complete educational and communications campaign to clearly demonstrate the public safety benefits of the project.
How would you improve the district’s outreach and communication?
The District does participate in a fair amount of community engagement and outreach and has run several highly effective ad campaigns encouraging the public to conserve water, such as the ‘Water is Awesome’ campaign. I’m a proponent of there being a more centralized approach for communications to ensure consistency in messaging across the organization. This should be a senior level public affairs executive reporting into the general manager with responsibility for marketing communications, advertising, public relations and community engagement. Additionally, the need for proactive communication with the District’s partners and community stakeholders in advance of policy changes cannot be overstated. Open, frequent dialog helps to build trust and confidence amongst partners and other stakeholders and reduces the potential for misunderstandings.
Jeremy Raines
Age: 38
Occupation: President, RMP Industrial Supply
Education: BS - Industrial Technology from Tarleton State University
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):
Current - City of Fort Worth Community Development Council Member; The WARM Place Board Member – Vice President; The WARM Place Volunteer; Camp Fire El Tesoro De La Vida Volunteer; Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Greeting Committee; National Small Business Association Leadership Council; Past - Fort Worth Panther Club Member; FWSI Magnolia Parking and Circulation Steering Committee
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?
Jeremy Raines & Logan Konty, Dave Wysong, Steve & Cindy Raines
Why are you seeking this office?
Tarrant County is my home, and I will work hard to see that the objectives of the TRWD meet the needs of the families who live here now and those that will live here well into the future. We have a real opportunity to work together as a community to provide for the basic needs of our entire community here and to reimagine life with and along the Trinity River. I am running to serve on the TRWD Board because my record of service in this community, coupled with a background in both business and industrial engineering, will bring a fresh, open minded and helpful perspective to plan for the challenges ahead.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Regional Water District?
Our water supply must meet the needs of the people that depend on it today and be prepared for the growth that will occur in North Texas over the next 50 years. The combination of this growth and the unpredictable weather patterns presents challenges to our water supply. This critical mission should continue to be the focus of the TRWD. Flood control is also a core mission of TRWD and as such our partnership with the USACE is essential to minimizing flooding events by thinking ahead. The current bypass channel project must be completed to prevent a serious future flooding event. I will work with our local city-county-state and federal officials to move this critical flood control project to completion in a responsible manner. Working toward accomplishing these objectives guided by a smart and cooperative plan will add to the quality of life we all enjoy today and will allow future generations the same opportunities.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
The combination of the growth our area will see over the next 50 years, combined with unpredictable weather patterns present challenges to our water supply. It is essential these challenges are evaluated, planned for, and acted on so that our community can continue to grow and prosper. The current bypass channel project north of downtown must be completed to prevent a serious future flooding event. TRWD has completed its local responsibilities with environmental clean-up and water retention related to this project. I will work with our local city-county-state-and federal officials to move this critical flood control project to completion. I will ensure that flood control remains a priority for the district. I will advocate for the extraordinary recreational opportunities that the TRWD provides us with its lakes, parks, trail system, and the river. These provide a greater quality of life for the people in our community and serve as tangible amenities that attract people to our area.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I am prepared to do the work to accomplish TRWD’s promise. I am a forward thinker who is interested in planning for the worst, while at the same time getting things accomplished. I believe that the mission of providing a safe, clean, reliable water source, along with protecting our community from flooding are crucial to the wellbeing and growth of Fort Worth and surrounding areas. It is our responsibility. I am a good listener, collaborator, and never approach a challenge from a zero-sum perspective and will focus on solutions for the citizens the district serves. As a 4th generation resident of Fort Worth, I have been volunteering and serving on boards and committees in this community for over 20 years. This commitment and history of service, coupled with my engineering background and business experience, will bring a fresh perspective to the board.
Fort Worth is driving the region’s population growth, driving up the need for water. How should the Tarrant Regional Water district position itself to meet the growing demand for water?
It should meet the growing demand for water by taking a holistic approach to the challenge and building a plan. There should first be a continued focus on conservation, to keep water usage as low as possible. We then need to continue to carefully examine our current infrastructure and sources of water. Once we are confident those are adequate, dependable, and efficient systems for fulfilling the water needs of the 2.1 million people that depend on, we can start examining and planning for improvements and expansion of those resources. I would like to see more water reuse projects, like the Shannon Wetlands near Richland Chambers Lake, be part of that. These types of projects are a win-win for the taxpayer, the environment, and our water supply needs. We should also continue to explore groundwater storage as an option to meet our future water demands.
One answer to the region’s water needs is the proposed $4 billion Marvin Nichols Reservoir planned for Northeast Texas. While regional water planners and DFW officials say the reservoir is needed to met the Metroplex’s water demands, officials in Red River County want the metro to conserve more water and look for alternatives before building a lake in their area. Are you familiar with this proposal and how would you move forward with it?
Yes I am. New reservoirs in some form will likely always play a big role in ensuring that North Texans have adequate water to get us through the dry months that will inevitably come. They shouldn’t, however, be the only thing the district considers when planning to meet future water supply needs. We should also continue to study best practices for water conservation and then educate our local and regional partners as to our findings and educate the community. There are also very effective means of water supply that include water reuse projects and groundwater storage. Should all those options be exhausted and the demand for water be such that moving forward to build the Marvin Nichols Reservoir is our best opportunity to meet the needs of the people in our community, I would be in favor and work to do so in a manner that is consistent with the law and is managed effectively, taking into consideration all the stakeholders involved in a project of this size.
How should the district move forward with water supply planning?
It is essential that thoughtful planning take place to meet our future water supply needs. The district currently operates a 50 year water supply plan to help coordinate those needs to the region. This plan is developed in cooperation with the region C water planning group, one of 16 regional water supply planning groups in the state of Texas. I would favor continuing this practice and cooperation with local and regional partners to ensure proper planning for our water supply is in place. The types of projects water supply is responsible for taking on, sometimes take upwards of 20 to 30 years to bring from concept to functional use.
TRWD and partners like Fort Worth Water have encouraged water conservation. Would you change conservation efforts or make them more aggressive?
The people of Fort Worth and the surrounding area are largely in favor of good environmental and conservation practices. This is a very proud community in North Texas and the people that live here understand and are in favor of taking care of our natural resources so that the next generations can enjoy them, just as we have. It is also essential, because future demand, as our population continues to grow, will demand that we are better stewards of our water. Again, the good news is that the community supports these efforts.
TRWD is the local sponsor for the $1.17 billion Central City Project, also known as Panther Island or Trinity River Vision. Briefly describe your familiarity with this project and its goals.
TRWD is nearing completion of its local responsibilities with environmental clean-up and water retention related to the bypass channel. The district must continue to work closely with local city-county-state-and federal officials to move this critical flood control project to completion. One component of the project is the USACE Central City Flood Control piece, which cuts a channel, rerouting the Trinity River along the north end of downtown Fort Worth, as well as the creation of valley storage sites at Gateway Park. This critical piece of the project will protect both property and prevent an est $2.4 billion of damage from a serious flood. The TRWD is responsible for keeping the project “shovel ready” so that when USACE is funded from the feds, they can get to work. The second piece of this project is Panther Island, which no federal money is being used to develop. Panther Island is, and should be, developed in cooperation with the City of Fort Worth’s Comprehensive Plan.
Panther Island requires significant federal funding. While Congress approved funds, the project has not received allocations for a few years. Should the water district play a larger role in lobbying for funds? What would that look like?
It is absolutely the job of the district to fight to get the Central City Project on track, because part of their mission is to provide vital flood protection to the community. This can be accomplished by working closely and openly with our partners in the city, county, state, and federal government, who all have a responsibility to protect the people in this area. It is my belief that all of us should take a larger role in lobbying the federal government to allocate the funds to the USACE so that they can do the work our city needs done to protect us from a major flood event. We recently witnessed what happens when infrastructure isn’t prepared and we don’t have a good enough plan in place for a 100 year weather event -- and many people suffered dearly because of it.
How would you improve the district’s outreach and communication?
From water supply, flood protection, recreation, conservation, and reimagining life on the Trinity River, the TRWD has a large message to communicate, and the people of North Texas need to hear it. The district does a great job educating the public about environmental concerns with projects like its streams trailer. They also do a great job promoting the Trinity River itself as an asset to the community. Not very long ago the river was thought of as a dumping ground. Today thousands of people are tubing on the river all summer long. That is all thanks to the TRWD. Both components, education and outreach, should continue and should be expanded. Once people in our community understand the goals of the district and that they are working for the public good, they will get involved and be a part of that good will. I will encourage more open engagement with community organizations and get out in front of the community personally.
Jack Stevens
Age: 77
Occupation: Retired Engineer, Vought/Air Force Veteran
Education: UTA, Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Currently serve as elected member of the Tarrant Regional Water District Board of Directors. Have not sought other elected posts.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
President of Tarrant Regional Water District Board of DirectorsMember of Texas Water Development Board Region CPast President, Board of Community WaterPresident & Co-founder of Azle Education FoundationBoard Member, Azle Chamber of CommercePast President of Azle Rotary ClubActive Member of United Methodist Church
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, local Police Association & friends
Why are you seeking this office?
To ensure we have a sufficient supply of water to meet our present and future water needs.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Regional Water District?
Our population is expected to double in the next 50 years. To keep up with that growth, we will need additional water supplies and flood control investments. These are complex issues that need leadership that understands how to supply dependable, clean water and effective flood control. Also, most folks don’t realize 80% of Tarrant County water supply comes from TRWD’s East Texas lakes. Because of this, the final completion of our new IPL water pipeline project (which is on time and budget) is essential. Other key TRWD projects currently in the works include expansion of our wetlands programs (which naturally filtrates raw river and lake water making it easier and cheaper for cities to treat); continuation with our new aquifer storage program; and staying the course with our annual award-winning water conservation campaigns.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
The Water District’s top priorities are straight forward— to deliver a dependable supply of water for the present and future Tarrant County populations (TRWD built and managed lakes include Lake Bridgeport in our northern sector to Eagle Mountain Lake in Tarrant County to Cedar Creek and Richland Chambers Lakes in East Texas); to maintain proper flood control along our River corridor; and to be good stewards of the park land and trail systems we manage.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I don’t take our supply of water for granted. As the only Tarrant Regional Water District Board Member with an engineering background, and as the only Board member who has served as a member of the Texas Water Development Board’s State Water Planning Group (Region C), I offer my technical and water-related background to help plan and deliver a dependable supply of raw water for Tarrant County’s growing population and expanding economy.
Fort Worth is driving the region’s population growth, driving up the need for water. How should the Tarrant Regional Water district position itself to meet the growing demand for water?
Because of TRWD’s long-range thinking, we have strategies in place that will provide enough water for Tarrant County families and businesses over the next 50 years. Also, our work in water conservation education has won numerous awards and saved the public millions of dollars. We should continue with these conservation programs. We are also in the planning phase of building additional wetlands, an environmentally sustainable way to provide additional water to the public. And we are about to build an innovative water supply strategy that puts water into the ground and pulls it out later when needed (i.e. “aquifer storage and recovery”). This is the kind of Innovation, conservation, and long range planning (i.e., new lakes and pipelines) I have pursued as President of TRWD’s Board of Directors to insure we have water now and in the future to meet the region’s growing population needs.
One answer to the region’s water needs is the proposed $4 billion Marvin Nichols Reservoir planned for Northeast Texas. While regional water planners and DFW officials say the reservoir is needed to met the Metroplex’s water demands, officials in Red River County want the metro to conserve more water and look for alternatives before building a lake in their area. Are you familiar with this proposal and how would you move forward with it?
Last year TRWD customers saved 19.5 billion gallons of water by using water more efficiently. Outdoor watering is lower than ever before as people are making use of TRWD’s sprinkler system evaluations and weekly watering recommendations. And indoor watering continues to drop as more efficient fixtures are used in homes. This is why TRWD is a recognized leader in water conservation. But water conservation alone will NOT provide enough water to meet the needs of our rapidly growing DFW population. This is why we need the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir and other strategies to insure we have enough water on down the road. As mentioned above, we are also building more wetlands to clean and supply more water. We are also building an innovative aquifer storage and recovery project. And when Marvin Nichols is needed, it will be built in partnership with other DFW communities.
How should the district move forward with water supply planning?
More or less, it’s the same answers as above. To meet our present water needs (and guard against shortages when droughts occur) we must maximize our conservation and innovative delivery of the water we currently have; and to meet the future needs of our rapidly growing population, we must be forward thinking and plan in advance. As stated earlier, we don’t take water for granted at TRWD— we understand our responsibility and we act on it.
TRWD and partners like Fort Worth Water have encouraged water conservation. Would you change conservation efforts or make them more aggressive?
Our current water conservation education and awareness campaigns are award-winning and recognized as among the best in the country. Last year TRWD customers saved 19.5 billion gallons of water by using water more efficiently.
TRWD is the local sponsor for the $1.17 billion Central City Project, also known as Panther Island or Trinity River Vision. Briefly describe your familiarity with this project and its goals.
We need the federal government to fulfill its commitment to fund the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s flood control engineering work on the Trinity River channel bypass (which is the largest cost component of this project). TRWD is near completion with its environmental clean-up and water retention work; and the City of Fort Worth and TxDOT are near completion on the project’s three bridges. Our local partners including TRWD, the City of Fort Worth and Tarrant County stand collectively at the ready to complete this flood control project. Our local funding has been done in a fiscally responsible manner. The remaining TIF District funding (which is derived only from the increased value of property in the impacted project area) will mostly be dedicated to updating city utility infrastructure once the US Army Corps of Engineers completes the bypass channel.
Panther Island requires significant federal funding. While Congress approved funds, the project has not received allocations for a few years. Should the water district play a larger role in lobbying for funds? What would that look like?
Based on population growth over the past few decades, our river corridor’s levy flood control system is antiquated. The federal funding in question for completion of this project is for the US Army Corps of Engineers to complete work they have previously deemed essential to prevent mass flooding along the Trinity River. TRWD, the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and our local congressional delegation should continue working together. Specifically, the pending federal funding will pay for the US Army Corps of Engineers to construct a new bypass channel which will re-route Trinity River flood waters away from existing homes and businesses. This project has also involved extensive environmental reclamation of a former polluted industrial area to ensure we have clean and safe water.
How would you improve the district’s outreach and communication?
Under my tenure as President of the Board, the Tarrant Regional Water District has greatly expanded our communications effort including a more aggressive outreach with community presentations and through social media. We have also developed a new website which has received great reviews, and produced dozens of award winning education videos. Related in part to our community outreach we are also very committed to our MWBE programs to involve local businesses. Additionally, each year we send an annual report to every voter in the District and run a multi-media water conservation education effort (current theme: “Save Tarrant Water”). Also, on my watch as Board President, we started broadcasting our board meetings online. This is in addition to the monthly newsletters we mail (and email) to thousands of residents across TRWD keeping them up to date and informed about our many endeavors including River clean-up projects, Fly-Fest, the trial system, Panther Island activities including music and tubing, and many other community related river activities. Looking ahead, one of my communication goals will be to help the public better understand the differences between TRWD’s role as the wholesale supplier of water to our cities versus the responsibility of our cities to convert raw water into drinking water and then deliver it to families and businesses. In this vain too, we need to educate the public as to the difference between TRWD’s responsibility with river flooding versus their City’s responsibility with street flooding. Overall, TRWD is very committed to keeping the public informed about the work we do and with encouraging public involvement and participation in the river corridor. I am very proud that through our past summer droughts and the recent winter storm, even in one of the nation’s fastest growing markets, TRWD’s track record with delivering raw water to our cities has been without fail because of our elected Board’s stewardship and the dedication and expertise of our excellent staff.
Charles “C.B.” Team
Age: 38
Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Broker
Education: BA - UT Austin 2005
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
In 2019, I ran for TRWD Board of Directors.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
Former Chair of the City of Fort Worth Appeals Board, Former Chair Society of Commercial Realtors, Member Board of Directors Texas REALTORS, Member Fort Worth Airport Advisory Board, Former Chairman Society of Commercial REALTORS, Former Chairman Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS Governmental Affairs Committee, 2009-Present Livestock Superintendent Fort Worth Stock Show
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?
My wife and I are the biggest campaign contributors followed by the Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS, an organization that I have been involved with for over 15 years. The remaining contributors are a variety of close friends, family, business associates, and wonderful people I have met during this campaign process.
Why are you seeking this office?
My belief is I can bring a much needed new perspective to the board. For more than 5 years, I have attended board meetings to better understand the District’s responsibilities, successes, and shortfalls. My family has been in Fort Worth for more than 100 years and I plan on our family being here for the next 100 years making the missions of the District very personal to me. I have owned and managed a small business since 2012 and take the responsibility of providing jobs in our community very seriously. My experience and skillset will allow me to draw from my experiences as a business owner, property owner, and real estate broker to tackle any problems that arise.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Regional Water District?
The district has 4 core missions: Flood Control, Water Supply, Conservation, and Recreation. The major issues facing each of these core missions are: funding for the TRVA, completion of the Integrated Pipeline Project, investing in new technology along with public awareness, and expanding access to the Trinity Trails and other lands owned and managed by TRWD.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
1. Continue to increase transparency: I have been attending TRWD board meetings for more than 5 years and seen first-hand that we need to increase public awareness and input into all of the District’s activities.2. Determine funding plans for bond repayment should the TIF not be extended or not extended in the very near future. 3. Maintaining a high level of water quality and stormwater management to increase river recreational opportunities and provide flood protection throughout the TRWD service area.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
From my perspective, I truly do not view this race as campaigning against any particular individual but instead showing the voters I have the ability to work with any of the other candidates who may be duly elected by the voters to serve on the TRWD Board. My desire is to earn votes during this campaign by demonstrating I can bring a much needed new perspective to the board. My goal is to show the electors that I can bring transparent and collaborative leadership to the TRWD Board.
Fort Worth is driving the region’s population growth, driving up the need for water. How should the Tarrant Regional Water district position itself to meet the growing demand for water?
Without an adequate and affordable water supply the city and region will be unable to continue our growth like we have experienced in recent years. In my experience, no single solution will be effective in meeting our region’s future needs for water therefore, I will advocate for a water supply strategy which incorporates continued reservoir development and conservation while at the same time also investigates new technologies like aquifer storage and additional wetlands reuse projects.
One answer to the region’s water needs is the proposed $4 billion Marvin Nichols Reservoir planned for Northeast Texas. While regional water planners and DFW officials say the reservoir is needed to met the Metroplex’s water demands, officials in Red River County want the metro to conserve more water and look for alternatives before building a lake in their area. Are you familiar with this proposal and how would you move forward with it?
I am certainly familiar with the long and expensive planning process for Marvin Nichols Reservoir. Given my professional experience and studying these issues for years, it is not my belief that the region’s growing water needs can be met by any single method or by conservation alone. If we put the brakes on one of the country’s major economic engines the consequences of reduced economic activity and prosperity would outweigh the consequences of building the reservoir.
How should the district move forward with water supply planning?
By closely evaluating and thoroughly analyzing every aspect of water supply and consumption. We should be very thoughtful and innovative on where we can gain efficiencies in supply. Additionally, we must determine where we can best utilize new and emerging technologies to help reuse what we already have today, while creating a guarantee for a robust supply of water in the future.
TRWD and partners like Fort Worth Water have encouraged water conservation. Would you change conservation efforts or make them more aggressive?
According to the Texas Water Development Board between 1/3 to 1/2 of our processed water is used outside to water our yards and gardens. I believe new partnerships with customer cities can be forged that would help modify landscaping ordinances to help reduce the amount of costly processed water used in landscape irrigation.
TRWD is the local sponsor for the $1.17 billion Central City Project, also known as Panther Island or Trinity River Vision. Briefly describe your familiarity with this project and its goals.
The Trinity River Vision project is now two decades into its existence and has tripled in estimated cost with still more “room to run”. The flood control project is a partnership of major stakeholders including the Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Fort Worth, and Tarrant County with the end goal of reducing the flooding hazard caused by an aging levee system and rapid urbanization around a large bend in the Trinity River. The resulting project will create a bypass channel to divert water to valley storage areas downstream while creating a constant level lake and canals just to the north of downtown which could spur development close to the city’s core in an area that was previously under-utilized.
Panther Island requires significant federal funding. While Congress approved funds, the project has not received allocations for a few years. Should the water district play a larger role in lobbying for funds? What would that look like?
I think the Tarrant Regional Water District and local partners need to remain prepared to receive funds, while at the same time analyzing the current project for efficiencies which could potentially reduce the scope of work or evaluate the option to shift certain infrastructure costs to private developers.
How would you improve the district’s outreach and communication?
It is critically important we continue to advocate for more citizen input, assure all meetings are open, visible and welcoming to the public, and work to place as much information as possible online and easily searchable for all to access at their convenience.
Glenda Murray Thompson
Age: 66
Occupation: Business Consultant
Education: I graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School located in the Stop Six community and received my B.F.A from Texas Christian University
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 currently serve as a member of City of Fort Worth Building Standards Commission, Executive board of Ft.Worth Tarrant County NAACP, Co-Chair of the Ft. Worth Black Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee and formerly on the boards of PRSA, Arts Council of Fort Worth and Sickle Cell Disease Association of Tarrant County
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, Glenn Lewis and Andre McEwing
Why are you seeking this office?
I’ve always had an interest in conservation and environmental sustainability. Working with TRWD as a consultant gave me an even broader understanding of water management. After running my business for more than 15 years, I am positioned to be a part of a bigger whole to ensure that we all have a knowledge of the scope and significance that TRWD has in all our lives, and that we all have a voice to perpetuate that success and help meet the needs of the future.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Regional Water District?
With a growing population of Tarrant County going from 2.1 million today to more than 9 million in 2030, TRWD will be challenged to meet the needs of an exploding population. Water is a finite and irreplaceable resource that’s fundamental to human well-being. It’s only renewable if it’s well managed.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Water and environmental sustainability, Communication Equity and Transparency.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
My experiences and genuine interest in sustainability make me an ideal candidate to serve on the board. TRWD was also a former business client of my company. In working with them I got to observe and understand both the company culture and the organizational structure as well as some of the processes and general philosophy. Having worked with TRWD, I would be coming in with a much broader knowledge than other opponents.
Fort Worth is driving the region’s population growth, driving up the need for water. How should the Tarrant Regional Water district position itself to meet the growing demand for water?
Bringing water to more than 2 million people is no easy task and comes with a variety of challenges. However, TRWD has garnered awards such as The prestigious George W. Fuller award that honors association members for their distinguished service to the water supply field; The Outstanding Subscriber Award for Applied Research which honors utilities that have made notable improvements to their treatment, delivery, and/or management processes to protect both the environment and public health and many other industry acknowledgements. These awards, in and of themselves may not resonate success but the fact that TRWD is receiving such recognition should be linked to its success and innovation positions TRWD to stay on the cutting edge of science and technology to maintain the infrastructure and deliver the valuable commodity of water that we all depend on it to do.
One answer to the region’s water needs is the proposed $4 billion Marvin Nichols Reservoir planned for Northeast Texas. While regional water planners and DFW officials say the reservoir is needed to met the Metroplex’s water demands, officials in Red River County want the metro to conserve more water and look for alternatives before building a lake in their area. Are you familiar with this proposal and how would you move forward with it?
I am not familiar enough with the proposal to speak to how it should move forward
How should the district move forward with water supply planning?
The Region C Water Planning Group (RCWPG) is one of 16 regional water planning groups created by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to help develop a comprehensive water plan for Texas through 2070. TRWD also has its own Integrated Water Supply Plan (IWSP). I believe the process of updating that plan has started to update the last plan from 2013. the District can reliably supply water to its customers for another 15 years or more using current supplies, even assuming rapid population and water demand growth.The IWSP is not an endpoint (i.e., a final comprehensive plan), but is rather a platform that will be constantly evolve to include new opportunities, technologies, and strategies. These are good blueprints for moving forward based upon current knowledge and projections
TRWD and partners like Fort Worth Water have encouraged water conservation. Would you change conservation efforts or make them more aggressive?
We’re dealing with a finite supply that depends on rainfall and runoff to get replenished. But we live in Texas and droughts are a part of life here. Water management is one component but conservation is definitely something that should be encouraged. We can’t control the rainfall or runoff but we can control our behavior relative to conservation.
TRWD is the local sponsor for the $1.17 billion Central City Project, also known as Panther Island or Trinity River Vision. Briefly describe your familiarity with this project and its goals.
The City of Fort Worth’s Comprehensive Plan calls for sustainable growth in all areas in close proximity to downtown Fort Worth. The district due north of downtown, Panther Island, has been rezoned by the City of Fort Worth to provide a mixed-used district of greater density to satisfy that sustainable growth. Since the goal is to increase sustainable growth, Panther Island is a key to that development.
Panther Island requires significant federal funding. While Congress approved funds, the project has not received allocations for a few years. Should the water district play a larger role in lobbying for funds? What would that look like?
In that Lobbying simplifies the decision-making process for lawmakers and facilitates communication between the public and lawmakers, it would seem fair to say that it could be effective in moving the project forward. I cannot speak to TRWD’s current governmental affairs efforts but the more dialogue that can be had about the benefits of Panther Island the better.
How would you improve the district’s outreach and communication?
Much more needs to be done to inform the public about the state of our water infrastructure. I want to be intentional in reaching a broader segment of the community about TRWD, its role, operation and plans. That means being proactive in promoting educational programs, water sustainability, recreational activities and conservation to a broader segment of residents, students and community leaders.
