Parker, Farrar-Myers for Arlington council

Arlington’s May 7 election for the City Council has a challenger facing incumbent Charlie Parker and two people seeking the at-large seat being vacated by Jimmy Bennett.

Kelly Canon challenges Parker in District 1. Parker, 66, says he’s proud of recent development plans in the entertainment district.

“I’ve [also] done some good work in the north,” he said. “The gangs are gone.”

Canon, 56, says the development around AT&T Stadium has been slow in coming, and some of it is using too much taxpayer money.

The city is looking at wants, not needs, Canon said. It needs better roads, more officers on the streets and wiser use of revenue.

If elected, she says, she would ask the tough questions when needed so she could educate voters.

Although Canon raises concerns that should be addressed, the City Council dynamic is working well.

“I don’t think it can’t be better,” Parker said.

It can with District 7 candidate Victoria Farrar-Myers on board.

The former UTA political science professor is running for the at-large seat against Chris Dobson. She doesn’t have any experience as an elected official, but she understands what Arlington needs and how to get it.

Everything that Canon wants, Farrar-Myers, 47, can bring to the council.

Dobson, 37, believes people should visit Arlington for “who we are, not what we have.” His focus would be on community development more than economic development.

“Far more people need to be included in the conversation,” he said.

Where Dobson lacks plans, Farrar-Myers is already pulling together impressive goals.

The Star-Telegram Editorial Board recommends Charlie Parker for District 1 and Victoria Farrar-Myers for District 7 in Arlington.

This story was originally published April 22, 2016 at 6:10 PM with the headline "Parker, Farrar-Myers for Arlington council."