Here are the candidates for Fort Worth City Council District 4 in May 6 election

Charles Lauersdorf

Age: 40

Campaign website: www.CharlieForFortWorth.com

Best way for voters to reach you: Email or phone 817-381-5236

Occupation: Business Owner (Real Estate Media Firm)

Education: Executive MBA from TCU

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): State House 2018

Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth.: Until recently, duties in Marine Corps and small business have precluded me from doing much. I do take part in a lot of volunteer work throughout the city, to include being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in 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?: Tim Pregler, Jake Ascher, Des Whittall

Why are you seeking this office?: Because there is too much at stake to hope someone else steps up to fill this new seat. Every day we hear in the news how large cities are tearing themselves apart from the top down and I’d hate to see Fort Worth do the same.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city of Fort Worth?: With explosive growth comes growing pains. We are seeing an increase in homelessness, skyrocketing property taxes, and development that is hard to keep up with the infrastructure.

If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?: Public safety first and foremost. It doesn’t matter how clean or nice our streets are and doesn’t matter how low we get property taxes, if our police and fire don’t have the resources they need to effectively keep us safe, it’s for nothing. After public safety, finding ways to cut the property tax rate even more, along with making sure our roads and communities are clean and well-taken care of are my next two priorities.

How will you measure your success as a council member?: There are a number of key performance indicators that can be used to measure success. The number of new businesses, the response times of our first responders, the amount of people seeking resources for homelessness, public school ratings, bond ratings and more. But I think for an elected official the people decide with their vote how one did in their capacity.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent?: Because they know with my nearly 20 years (and counting) of service in the Marine Corps that I’m not afraid of fighting for what’s right. As a small business owner I understand what many of our small businesses are going through and how to budget. As a husband and father I know how important it is to keep a family safe — and I’ll take that same level of determinedness to city council.

How will you reduce the city’s reliance on residential property taxes?: By ensuring we have a sound budget and sticking to that budget. Studies have shown that an over reliance on property taxes tends to reinforce inequities between poor and rich communities. We can close that gap and reduce over reliance by taking a closer look at how the city invests its funds and the health of services the city provides.

What’s your plan to lower property taxes and not just the tax rate?: We have the revenue growth to have a real property tax cut. And we need to continue to bring in new businesses that will help shoulder a bigger proportion of the property taxes rather than homeowners.

How should Fort Worth manage its explosive growth?: Having explosive growth is not really a problem. Other American cities have the opposite problem. But room to grow is limited, so we must work to make sure that we preference businesses that can carry their own weight in taxes to cover city services.

How should the city approach development in areas of district 4 with inadequate infrastructure?: We must ensure that projects that fit the space, get the space. If there isn’t room to improve on surrounding infrastructure, that’ll largely dictate what type of property a particular lot can be used for. So the city, in partnership with developers, needs to make sure there is adequate infrastructure either already in place, or able to be expanded.

What should the city do to improve police and fire response times in far north Fort Worth?: Best answer: hire more police and fire. If the budget doesn’t allow that, then we have a real problem. We can’t keep our streets safe if we don’t have the resources to do it. But I believe there’s room in the budget, we just need to make it a priority!

What (if anything) should the city do to make it easier for locally owned small businesses to flourish in Fort Worth?: Small businesses that don’t have billions in backing from venture capitalists or other large investors are the backbone of America. The city should ensure the barriers to entry for small businesses aren’t such that they discourage Fort Worth citizens from starting their business here. We must ensure that the procedures are easily understandable and make sure much of the bureaucratic red tape is removed. We also need to make sure new businesses understand city regulations and procedures, so it’s one less thing they have to worry about.

Alliance Texas has seen huge economic growth in its 30+ year existence. How can Fort Worth replicate that success in other parts of the city?: Alliance is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We will not replicate it. But when we make sure that Alliance continues to be a model of success, the tax revenue it brings helps the entire city.

What’s the appropriate balance between Fort Worth’s rapid growth and its culture as the “largest small town in America?”: Fort Worth is a city where people still wave when you let them in on the highway. To remain being the largest small town in America, the city must focus on city issues - and that means city council must focus on issues that directly impact the daily lives of those in Ft Worth. Unlike other large cities like Dallas and Austin, council can not be bogged down with state and federal level issues. While we must work with our state legislators, it is not the job of council to get involved in those affairs for the sake of it. We must stay focused and that is my plan once elected.

What should Fort Worth do to prevent a repeat of the infrastructure problems north of Loop 820 as the city continues to add residents in areas west and southwest of the loop?: I am not as familiar with that part of the city. Being the city that so many people want to come to is indeed a a good problem to have. But it will not always be our situation, so we should focus on making decisions for the long run. Depending on how well planned it is, infrastructure can require constant repairs and updates or it can last for years. I will focus on that.

What needs to be done in the wake of the Aaron Dean trial to improve community-police relations?: I believe FWPD is already doing a good job of being involved in the communities they serve. Being a police officer is one of the most dangerous — and nowadays, thankless — jobs in society. Yet without them, there would be complete lawlessness and chaos. As we grow, I will work with FWPD in ensuring they “police their own” as they have in the past. I will also work to get them the resources they need for additional training, to include more live scenario based training, should that be something they want.

How would you assess the performance of city manager David Cooke?: Having not served with him, I am not prepared to rate his performance yet.

Teresa Ramirez

Age: 57

Campaign website: Teresa4d4.com

Best way for voters to reach you: Email

Occupation: Community Liaison

Education: General Education Diploma, USA Real Estate Webster TX, Full-time Student

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): Yes, I was in the 2022 Special Election

Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth: Fort Worth Police Department - Neighborhood Crime Watch Block Captain, Pathway of Blessings VP, Korean Tiger Martial Arts, Korean Tiger Martial Arts Tournament Team Safety Director and USA TKD Coach, Birdville ISD - Read Aloud Volunteer, PTA Treasurer - Richland Middle School, Aspire Instructor Volunteer - Richland Middle School, Latino Family Literacy Program Volunteer - Richland Middle School, Tarrant County Elections Dept. - Bilingual Clerk and Voter Registrar, Panther Pond Clean Up Coordinator, Partnered with The Goodness Project During Covid-19 Pandemic Shutdown to provide families with meals.

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?: Kate Min, Jeffery L Mueller, Cynthia Silva

Why are you seeking this office?: I am a passionate to to serve in the city council by providing an opportunity to make a positive impact on the community by influencing policies and decisions that affect the Fort Worth’s District 4 and its residents. It will be my honor to serve the community and continue to give back to the community and contribute to its betterment through public service opportunities. I would be a voice and advocate to address specific issues the residents of District for are facing and be able to work towards implementing policies that support their beliefs and values. Nevertheless, to have a say in local decision-making: City council members have a direct role in shaping the policies and decisions that impact the city and its residents. By serving on the city council I’ll be a voice in these important matters.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city of Fort Worth?: Fort Worth faces significant challenges, including rapid population growth, economic development, education, traffic congestion, and public safety. These issues are complex and require innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for all residents.

As a candidate running for City Council, I firmly believe that by focusing on these challenges, we can make Fort Worth a safer, healthier, and more vibrant place to live. By investing in infrastructure, education, and public safety initiatives, we can create a stronger community and foster a more prosperous future for all residents. I’m committed to addressing these issues head-on and working tirelessly to find solutions that benefit everyone in our city.

If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?: As a City Council member, my top three priorities will be centered around improving the quality of life for our residents. This includes ensuring public safety through effective law enforcement strategies, reducing the tax burden on our hard-working families, and increasing access to affordable housing for those in need. These are the issues that matter most to the people I represent, and I am committed to working tirelessly to address them and make sure these needs are met.

How will you measure your success as a council member?: Being a longtime resident of this area, I am proud to say that I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that we face. I believe that the key to effective leadership is not just about talking, but also about listening. That’s why I am always willing to listen to the concerns and ideas of my constituents and work tirelessly to address them. I am passionate about making a positive impact in my community and ensuring that everyone has a chance to thrive. Whether it’s advocating for better infrastructure, promoting economic growth, or ensuring public safety, I am fully committed to using my skills and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve. I will put in the time and effort to work collaboratively with other leaders, community members, and stakeholders to ensure that we are moving forward in a positive direction. My goal is to make Fort Worth a city that we can all be proud to call home.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent?: As a lifelong resident of District 4, I understand the challenges and changes our community has faced. That’s why I am passionate about running for City Council - to be a dedicated and effective representative who listens to residents’ concerns and takes action on their behalf. Volunteering throughout District 4 since 2017 has given me invaluable experience in public service and a deeper understanding of the needs of our community. Through collaborating with community members and local businesses, I have made a positive impact on the district and gained a well-rounded perspective on community issues. With my experience, qualifications, and unwavering passion for service, I am confident in my ability to serve as a strong representative for the district. My leadership is grounded in integrity, transparency, and accountability, and I am dedicated to bringing about positive change for the betterment of all Fort Worth residents.

How will you reduce the city’s reliance on residential property taxes?: I am dedicated to finding solutions that benefit our community. One issue that concerns me is the city’s reliance on residential property taxes. That’s why I am committed to advocating for and implementing economic development initiatives that will help attract businesses to our area. By doing so, we can increase our commercial tax base and alleviate some of the burden on our residents. As a representative of the people, I am determined to find ways to make our city more financially stable and sustainable for generations to come.

What’s your plan to lower property taxes and not just the tax rate?: I am passionate about finding ways to lower property taxes and provide much-needed relief to residents. I strongly believe that we can achieve this by increasing the tax base through economic development initiatives, which can bring new businesses and industries to the area and generate additional revenue without burdening existing residents with higher taxes. Moreover, I am committed to working tirelessly to identify areas where we can cut unnecessary spending and prioritize the most essential budget items to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. I believe this is a how we can create a more affordable and prosperous community for all residents.

How should Fort Worth manage its explosive growth?: Personally, I prioritize managing Fort Worth’s explosive growth. One way to do this is by developing a comprehensive growth management plan with input from local stakeholders. This plan would address issues such as land use, transportation infrastructure, and zoning regulations while considering the needs of residents and businesses.

Investing in infrastructure and public services is also important to support the growing population, including improving public transportation and affordable housing. Attracting and retaining businesses that provide good-paying jobs is key for economic growth.

Sustainable and responsible growth management requires collaboration and thoughtful planning. As a council member, I am committed to working with my colleagues, community leaders, and residents to ensure that Fort Worth remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

How should the city approach development in areas of district 4 with inadequate infrastructure?: I understand firsthand the importance of addressing inadequate infrastructure in District 4. This is not just a matter of convenience, but a matter of safety and quality of life for our residents. I am committed to working with local stakeholders to identify areas in need of improvement and developing a comprehensive plan to address them. By investing in infrastructure projects and prioritizing public services, we can make District 4 a safer, more vibrant, and more attractive place to live and work.

What should the city do to improve police and fire response times in far north Fort Worth?: The timely response of firefighters and police is crucial for the safety of our community and is of high importance. It is our responsibility to ensure that our first responders are fully equipped and staffed to handle emergencies in a prompt and efficient manner. In addition to providing necessary resources, we must also consider improving the infrastructure to prevent any delays in emergency response time, such as improving roads and addressing traffic congestion. It is imperative that we prioritize the needs of our first responders, as they are the ones who protect us in times of crisis. By supporting and investing in their capabilities, we can ensure that our community is prepared to handle any emergency effectively.

What (if anything) should the city do to make it easier for locally owned small businesses to flourish in Fort Worth?: Supporting the growth and success of locally owned small businesses is a top priority. To make it easier for these businesses to flourish in Fort Worth, we need to reduce unnecessary regulations and bureaucratic red tape. Additionally, we should provide resources and support such as access to capital, business development programs, and marketing assistance. By doing so, we can help create a more diverse and vibrant local economy, while also preserving the unique character and identity of our city. Another important aspect is providing tax breaks for businesses.

Alliance Texas has seen huge economic growth in its 30+ year existence. How can Fort Worth replicate that success in other parts of the city?: I am inspired by the economic growth that Alliance Texas has seen over the past 30+ years and I believe we can replicate it in other parts of Fort Worth. This means investing in infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and fostering partnerships between public and private sectors. We should also seek to attract outside investors to help balance the development of businesses and foster growth across the city. I am confident that it is possible to continue the build of a strong and vibrant economy that supports and benefits all of our residents in Fort Worth.

What’s the appropriate balance between Fort Worth’s rapid growth and its culture as the “largest small town in America?”: I believe our goal should be to prioritize the needs of Fort Worth residents while also welcoming newcomers who are eager to contribute to the success of the city, while striking a balance between maintaining the city’s cultural identity and allowing for growth and progress. One way to approach this would be to involve both longtime residents and newcomers in community decision-making processes, which can help ensure that the needs and perspectives of all members of the community are taken into account when making important decisions that impact the city. Ultimately, we are committed to preserving the unique cowtown culture that combines the charm of a small town with the amenities of a big city, as we believe that by honoring our city’s traditions while embracing new ideas, we can ensure a bright and prosperous future for all who call Fort Worth home.

What should Fort Worth do to prevent a repeat of the infrastructure problems north of Loop 820 as the city continues to add residents in areas west and southwest of the loop?: As a resident of District 4, I’m aware of the infrastructure challenges that occurred north of Loop 820, and it’s crucial to prevent such problems from arising in the west and southwest areas of the city as we continue to welcome new residents. We need to work proactively with developers and other stakeholders to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with growth, including the availability of utilities, transportation, and other essential services. I’m committed to prioritizing responsible and sustainable development to preserve the quality of life for the betterment of our residents in Fort Worth, TX.

What needs to be done in the wake of the Aaron Dean trial to improve community-police relations?: I’m deeply concerned about the Aaron Dean trial’s impact on community-police relations. We need to listen to our residents, prioritize transparency and accountability, and invest in community and police engagement initiatives. I believe implementing community oversight boards and working collaboratively with law enforcement and community leaders can help us rebuild trust and create a safer, more inclusive Fort Worth.

How would you assess the performance of city manager David Cooke?: Though I do not know Mr. Cooke personally, but I do understand that the role of City Manager comes with a significant amount of responsibility. As a member of the City Council, I am committed to working collaboratively with all elected officials (regardless of political affiliation), including the City Manager, to ensure that Fort Worth continues to grow and prosper. I am ready to contribute in any way I can to help our city thrive and become an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.