For east Arlington voters, here’s our recommendation in open City Council contest
In a city known for its high-profile developments, there are plenty of needs to address in Arlington’s City Council District 5, which covers parts of central and east Arlington. Crime and economic development lead the list.
Both candidates for the open seat bring valuable experience and perspective, but we give the edge to architect and small business owner Rebecca Boxall over Kennedy Jones, a longtime local pastor.
Boxall, 63, has an impressive record of service. She’s on the Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission, and her professional experience gives her knowledge of how planning and developing a community can affect quality of life. She sees opportunities in the area’s empty commercial property.
It’s vital that this district’s next representative fights for better services and economic development in east Arlington. Boxall mentioned in our candidate interview that she wants the city to make it easier for people, especially young adults, to start businesses. Affordable housing remains an issue, and Boxall pledges to use her zoning knowledge to help improve Arlington’s stock.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
Members of the Editorial Board, which serves as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s institutional voice, decide candidates and positions to recommend to voters. The members of the board are: Cynthia M. Allen, columnist; Steve Coffman, editor and president; Bud Kennedy, columnist; Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor; and Nicole Russell, opinion writer.
Members of our Community Advisory Board may also participate in candidate interviews and offer their views, but they do not vote on which candidate to recommend.
Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
How does the process work?
The Editorial Board interviews candidates, asking about positions on issues, experience and qualifications, and how they would approach holding the office for which they are running. Board members do additional research on candidates’ backgrounds and the issues at hand. After that, members discuss the candidates and generally aim to arrive at a consensus, though not necessarily unanimity. All members contribute observations and ideas, so the resulting editorials represent the board’s view, not a particular writer.
How do partisanship and ideology factor in?
We’re not tied to one party or the other, and our positions on issues range across the ideological spectrum. We tend to prefer candidates who align with our previously stated positions, but qualifications, temperament and experience are important, too.
Jones, a 60-year-old engineer, is a passionate candidate who understands what the area needs. He served on the Unity Council that recommended changes to address equity issues in Arlington, and he helped secure a COVID-19 vaccination site for the area. He’s also concerned that growth doesn’t lead to gentrification that prices out east Arlington homeowners.
Jones’ residency in the district has become an issue. He takes his homestead exemption for property tax purposes on a house in Mansfield but is registered to vote at his east Arlington home. City officials declined to act on a complaint over the matter. Jones said that his accountant handled the issue and that he’s followed every law.
But the state comptroller’s office clearly indicates that a homestead exemption should be taken on a principal residence. Jones has deep roots in the community, but his judgment in this area leads us to question whether he is qualified to sit on the council.
The winner will replace Ignacio Nuñez, who chose not to run for re-election. Early voting starts April 19. Election Day is May 1. The winner takes a two-year term with a salary of $2,400 a year.
This story was originally published April 9, 2021 at 5:08 AM.