Here are the candidates for Fort Worth mayor in the May 6 election
Kenneth Bowens Jr.
Age: 32
Campaign Website: bowensformayor.com
Best way for voters to reach you: 817-349-1421
Occupation: Business Owner
Education: Some College
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): No
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth: Advocate For The East Fort Worth Area
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?: N/A
Why are you seeking this office?: For New Commitment, A New Character, A New Consistency For The Entire City
What are the biggest challenges facing the city of Fort Worth?: Public Safety, Community Policing, Not Enough Effective Programs For Our Youth and Elders
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?: Amend And Revise Current City Policies, Focus On Public Safety, Also Create Community Taskforce That Focus on the day to day issues that all community faces
How will you measure your success as mayor?: Someone is very effective to the needs of the citizens of the city and very real transparent.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?: I am one the most prepared candidates that going to focus on city as whole and not as certain communities
How will you reduce the city’s reliance on residential property taxes?: Come up with multiple solutions with our city manager who oversees that with our city council
What’s your plan to lower property taxes and not just the tax rate?: Try to decrease the rates with multiple solutions
How should Fort Worth manage its explosive growth?: Make sure we have the right city infrastructure to handle the growth of the city
What (if anything) should the city do to make it easier for locally owned small businesses to flourish in Fort Worth?: Have Small Business City Funded Program To Help Them Out Financially
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?: Make Sure We Help Promote Other Areas of the City To Potential Future Developers
What’s the appropriate balance between Fort Worth’s rapid growth and its culture as the “largest small town in America?”: Just Continue To Balance The City Experience As Whole To Show Tours That Not From Here That We Large City With Small Town Vibes And Atmosphere.
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?: Making Sure Our TPW Department Has The Necessary Tool They Need To Control Any City Infrastructure Problem And The TIF Program Is Actually Benefiting Our City Infrastructure
What needs to be done in the wake of the Aaron Dean trial to improve community-police relations?: Making Sure We Are Having That Open Dialogue And Open Line Of Communication Between The Community And Police In All Areas Of Fort Worth
How would you assess the performance of city manager David Cooke?: I Give Him A C- as of right now but he definitely needs to improve his performance as a whole and stop strong arming our city budget
Jennifer Castillo
Age: 35
Campaign Website: www.castilloformayor.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Email jennifer@castilloformayor.com or my social media @castilloformayor
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Education: Associate of Arts in Arabic- Defense Language Institute, Bachelors of Business Management - Pepperdine, Masters of Business Administration Candidate - TCU (2024)
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): No I have not run for office before.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth: I was an elections judge for the Tarrant County Republican Party.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No I have not.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No I have not.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: At the request of my constituents, I have made a deliberate choice not to accept any campaign contributions from any organization that may be deemed a conflict of interest with the city of Fort Worth. As a result, the majority of my campaign is funded from grassroots efforts.
Why are you seeking this office?: I wholeheartedly want to make a difference in the city of Fort Worth. As an Air Force Veteran, I have a passion for service and I am looking to bring transformational leadership that will bridge the gap across all communities.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city of Fort Worth?: Transparency and accountability are the two themes that continue to be expressed among the citizens of Fort Worth. This election comes at a time where our city is facing unprecedented challenges. Fort Worth is gaining negative attention on a national level, and as a city, we need to come together and call for change. Affordable housing, rising property taxes and police oversight are some of the most pressing issues facing the city of Fort Worth.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?: As an elected official, my top policy priorities would be to create a climate where people have access to their leadership to voice their concerns, get a grasp on property taxes, and implement transparency and accountability across all sectors of the local government.
I would hold regular town hall meetings where residents can share their concerns and provide feedback directly to their elected officials. I would also establish a “Mayor’s Office Hours” program where I would set aside a certain amount of time each week to meet with residents on a one-on-one basis.
To address property taxes, I would work with county and state officials to advocate for changes to the property tax policy at the state level that can benefit the local community.
Finally, to implement transparency and accountability, I would establish an open data portal to provide residents with easy access to information about local government activities and spending.
How will you measure your success as mayor?: As Mayor, my success would be measured primarily by the satisfaction and well-being of the people in my community. I would continually seek feedback from residents through regular town hall meetings, surveys, and other means of communication to understand their needs and concerns.
I would work to ensure that the community’s priorities are reflected in the policies and programs implemented by the local government. I would also seek to build trust and transparency with residents by ensuring that they have access to information about government activities and decisions.
If residents are thriving and enjoying a high quality of life, I would consider that a measure of my success. And if there are areas where we can do better, I would adapt and evolve to meet their growing needs, seeking input and feedback every step of the way.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?: First and foremost, I have a proven track record of bringing people together and finding common ground. I understand the importance of respecting diverse perspectives and working collaboratively to build a strong and vibrant community.
Additionally, as a military veteran and business owner, I bring a conservative fiscal approach to government. I understand the importance of responsible financial management and will work tirelessly to ensure that every tax dollar is used wisely and efficiently.
Finally, I am passionate about serving this community and making it the best it can be. I am committed to working with residents, businesses, and community organizations to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing our community.
How will you reduce the city’s reliance on residential property taxes?: I am committed to exploring innovative solutions that can help to diversify the city’s revenue streams and reduce the burden on local homeowners.
One approach is to attract new businesses and industries to the area, which would help to increase the city’s commercial tax base. This could be accomplished by providing incentives for businesses to locate in the city, streamlining the permitting process to make it easier for businesses to set up shop, and investing in infrastructure improvements that support economic growth.
What’s your plan to lower property taxes and not just the tax rate?: Currently, a significant portion of our property taxes, about half, goes towards funding the Fort Worth Independent School District. To alleviate this burden on local taxpayers, one possible solution is to collaborate with state officials to secure increased funding for education at the state level. This would help to reduce the amount of funding that local taxpayers are required to provide for the school district, thereby easing the burden on their wallets.
By advocating for more state funding for education, we can help ensure that our schools have the resources they need to provide our children with a quality education, while also ensuring that local property owners are not shouldering an unfair amount of the burden. This approach would require cooperation and coordination with state officials, and I am committed to working with them to secure the funding our schools need to thrive.
How should Fort Worth manage its explosive growth?: Managing explosive growth is a critical challenge for Fort Worth. It is important to approach this issue with a long-term, strategic perspective that prioritizes sustainability, equity, and responsible development.
One key strategy is to invest in infrastructure that supports growth while also reducing congestion and improving quality of life for residents. We must also work to address the root causes of growth, such as housing affordability and access to education and job opportunities. This means investing in affordable housing, job training programs, and educational initiatives that support residents and help to create a more resilient community.
As Mayor, I am committed to working with city officials, community leaders, and residents to achieve these goals and ensure that Fort Worth continues to thrive in the years ahead.
What (if anything) should the city do to make it easier for locally owned small businesses to flourish in Fort Worth?: As Mayor, I am committed to supporting locally owned small businesses in Fort Worth. One approach is to reduce regulatory barriers, streamline permitting processes, and eliminate unnecessary regulations that impede business growth. Financial assistance could be provided through grants, loans, or other funding mechanisms. Promoting local small businesses through marketing campaigns and social media can also help. Small business incubators, co-working spaces, or other shared resources can help reduce costs and access the resources they need to succeed. Overall, supporting locally owned small businesses requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses regulatory and financial barriers while also promoting the unique character of Fort Worth’s small business community.
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 has been a tremendous success story for the region. As Mayor, I believe we can replicate that success in other parts of the city through a combination of strategic planning, infrastructure investments, and collaboration with private sector partners.
Identifying areas with growth potential and developing targeted plans for infrastructure improvements and economic development are key. This requires investing in affordable housing, workforce training programs, and other initiatives that support job creation and economic mobility for residents in these areas.
Additionally, promoting shopping, dining, and entertainment options in these areas can help contribute to their explosive growth, as seen in Alliance. Fort Worth needs a strategic and collaborative approach that engages all stakeholders, leverages unique strengths and assets, and promotes sustainable and equitable economic growth in all areas of the city.
What’s the appropriate balance between Fort Worth’s rapid growth and its culture as the “largest small town in America?”: Fort Worth’s small town feel is one of our greatest assets, and we must preserve it as we grow. This requires taking the perspectives of citizens into consideration when making major decisions that will shape the city’s future. By engaging with the community, we can ensure that new development aligns with their values and priorities, and incorporate their feedback to guide the city’s direction. With a collaborative and citizen-driven approach, we can maintain our unique culture and identity while also promoting responsible and sustainable growth.
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?: To prevent a repeat of the infrastructure problems experienced north of Loop 820, Fort Worth must prioritize responsible and proactive infrastructure planning and investment as the city continues to grow. This means identifying potential issues before they arise and addressing them proactively through smart planning, strategic investments, and ongoing maintenance.
Specifically, this could involve conducting regular assessments of our infrastructure needs, investing in the latest technologies and solutions to improve system performance and efficiency, and collaborating with stakeholders to identify and address issues before they become major problems.
What needs to be done in the wake of the Aaron Dean trial to improve community-police relations?: In the wake of the Aaron Dean trial, Fort Worth must prioritize efforts to improve community-police relations. This includes increasing transparency and accountability in policing.
Moreover, we need to tackle police attrition to retain good officers and attract qualified candidates who uphold our values of community service and proactive policing. By raising the bar for incoming officers, we can foster a culture of excellence and ensure that Fort Worth continues to have a professional and effective police force.
How would you assess the performance of city manager David Cooke?: As a candidate, I recognize the importance of a strong and effective city manager in achieving the goals of our city. To assess the performance of city manager David Cooke, I would prioritize the perspectives and satisfaction of the community.
Alyson Kennedy
Age: 72
Campaign Website: www.themilitant.com
Best way for voters to reach you: swptexcampaign@gmail.com
Occupation: Cashier
Education: Warren Central High School, Indianapolis, In and Indiana University Bloomington, In
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): Socialist Workers Party candidate - 2016 and 2020 elections for US President. Socialist Workers Party candidate for mayor of Dallas Texas in the 2019 election
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth: Participated in protests against police brutality and the conditions of the jails and rallies for Ukraine’s independence and against Putin’s invasion. Also participated in rallies for women’s rights and union picketlines.
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: When I worked as a underground coalminer at the Co-Mine in Utah, I was part of a union organizing battle. The owner of the mine filed a federal civil suit against the United Mine Workers union, its officers, and 17 miners, including myself and 120 organizations and individuals who gave solidarity to our fight for a union. We were accused of “unlawful labor practices” and “defamation.” The company dropped the lawsuit in 2006 after the miners received widespread solidarity in the U.S. and internationally leading to a federal judge dismissing the defamation claims against the miners calling the company’s slander charges against the miners “an attempt to intimidate [Co-Op’s] employees and quell honest discussion concerning labor issues”.
Like millions of working people, I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013 due to lack of jobs during the economic downturn enabling me to get back on my feet.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: My campaign is funded by $10 and $20 contributions from many working people.
Why are you seeking this office?: To be a voice for the millions of working people in Fort Worth and beyond – in cities, small towns and on farms and ranches – who face rising housing costs, home and farm foreclosures, increasingly unsafe working conditions, working two and three jobs to survive, drug epidemics, and falling life expectancy. People ask me a lot, “What would you do as mayor? I explain that if I were elected mayor, it would mean working people in large numbers want to fight for an independent working-class program and a labor party based on fighting unions. The Socialist Workers Party would help advance that development. The question isn’t what I would do, it’s what working people would be doing to transform ourselves in struggle, becoming capable of taking control of the government and our destiny. That is the lesson of the mass fight for Black rights that changed things in this country forever; that’s the lesson of the Cuban Revolution which I defend along with ending the U.S embargo against Cuba.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city of Fort Worth?: We face a moral and social crisis caused by the capitalist system that prioritizes profits, not human solidarity. We face inflation, lack of affordable medical care, childcare, and housing, drug addiction, domestic violence — all of which bear down on the families of working people, women especially. There are opportunities ahead to fight and win better conditions. More and more working people are saying ““enough is enough.” I am representing the Socialist Workers Party in this election that believes we need a fundamental class change — a government of workers and farmers. We also must defend constitutional freedoms — freedom of the press, freedom against arbitrary search and seizure, freedom of assembly — needed by working people to carry out our struggles for better conditions.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?: 1.Supporting unions and the fight for jobs with wages and schedules so workers can survive and raise a family. The train disaster in East Palestine, Ohio shows the importance of the railroad unions fight for safety, shorter trains, and bigger crews.
2. Amnesty for undocumented workers in the U.S. to able to organize unions and build unity.
3. Building solidarity with the struggles of workers around the world like the battle by the Ukrainian people against Putin’s invasion and the protests in Iran against the repressive regime.
How will you measure your success as mayor?: When working people in large numbers begin to stand up and fight for better conditions and a better society. Today we are seeing more examples of workers and their unions who are doing this. One example is the railroad workers unions fighting for safety, shorter trains and bigger crews. The importance of this is underscored by the train disaster in East Palestine, Ohio. The people in East Palestine have stood up and are forcing Norfolk Southern Railroad to clean up the contaminated soil.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?: It is better to vote for something you are for and not get it, then to vote for something you are against and get it.
How will you reduce the city’s reliance on residential property taxes?: Workers are weighed down by high property taxes, regressive payroll taxes, sales taxes, gasoline taxes, cigarette and liquor taxes, fees for driver’s licenses, schools, marriages, birth and death certificates, and myriad things too dizzying to list. Instead, the city should rely on the massive profits that working people produce through their labor in the factories and workplaces. We could begin to organize this when working people take political power and establish a government of workers and farmers.
What’s your plan to lower property taxes and not just the tax rate?: See answer to question above.
How should Fort Worth manage its explosive growth?: The problems working people face here are not because of too many people or “over population.” The problems we face are a result of a class divided society and the crisis of capitalist system. Building a powerful revolutionary-minded working-class movement that can organize to take political power and transform society’s priorities to meet human needs is what is necessary for the future of humanity.
What (if anything) should the city do to make it easier for locally owned small businesses to flourish in Fort Worth?: We need to build a fighting alliance between workers, small farmers and ranchers and small business people to begin solving the problems we face.
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?: The economic growth of Alliance, Texas is based on tens of thousands of non-union, low wage jobs. We need to fight to organize unions so we can fight for better conditions not only in Alliance but throughout Fort Worth.
What’s the appropriate balance between Fort Worth’s rapid growth and its culture as the “largest small town in America?”: Building the labor movement here and organizing strong unions to establish Fort Worth as “the largest union town in America” where working people can survive without having to work two or three jobs.
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?: We need a mass government funded public works program to create jobs at union scale wages to build the things we need - schools, hospitals, childcare centers, and especially roads and highways that are designed safely.
What needs to be done in the wake of the Aaron Dean trial to improve community-police relations?: To emulate the example of the family of Atatiana Jefferson, who was killed by Aaron Dean, and protest police brutality whenever it happens.
How would you assess the performance of city manager David Cooke?: The city manager represents a local government that represents the interests of the rich. That is why working people need to continue to organize to stand up and fight for our rights and our interests.
Mattie Parker
Age: 39
Campaign Website: Mattieformayor.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Email: mattie@mattieformayor.com
Occupation: Mayor of Fort Worth/ Attorney
Education: University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and a law degree from Texas A&M University School of Law (formerly Texas Wesleyan School of Law)
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): Yes, I ran for Mayor of Fort Worth in the 2021 elections.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth: Board of Directors for:
· The Gatehouse’s Legacy Early Learning Academy
· Tarrant To & Through Partnership (T3)
· ACH Child and Family Services
· Read Fort Worth
· Recovery Resource Council
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?: Gary Blake, Stephen Luskey, Stephen Gilchrist
Why are you seeking this office?: I’m running for Fort Worth Mayor because I am prepared to lead with principle, bring our community together and tackle the tough issues head on. Fort Worth is soon to be the 12th largest city in the US: our leaders need to be ready to move our city forward while maintaining what makes Fort Worth the city where we all want to raise our families. I will lead with a listening ear and a united voice that speaks for neighborhoods in every part of Fort Worth. I have spent my entire career solving problems and finding solutions. Whether as a CEO of an educational non-profit, Chief of Staff for Mayor Price and City Council, or as a mother of three children, I know that solutions can only result from bringing people together to improve our city. I believe in innovation. I believe in unity. I believe in listening to everyone. For all these reasons, I believe the future will be bright for Fort Worth.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city of Fort Worth?:
Safety
Education & Workforce
Improving quality of life
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?: Economic development & workforce: We must compete in a global economy, pursuing the next corporate relocation opportunity for Fort Worth. We must embrace entrepreneurs to help develop new, high-paying jobs, open partnership opportunities for nonprofits to give our students the workforce training they need to succeed: that is how we make Fort Worth the next great American success story.
Education: The future of Fort Worth is being shaped in the classrooms of today, and we all have a role to play in working alongside our educators so that ALL students are prepared to be successful. That’s why I established the Mayor’s Council on Education and Workforce Development, to help ensure that every student in Fort Worth has access to a credential before they graduate high school.
Maintaining a Clean, Safe City: Protecting our neighborhoods starts with public safety, and I will always be a voice for strong police and fire and push back against any efforts to defund our police force.
How will you measure your success as mayor?: Every leader has the duty to leave their community better than they found it. We also have a duty always to focus on moving our city forward on the issues that matter the most, like quality of life, planning growth, and attracting businesses.
I am proud that at a time when too many other big cities are cutting or reallocating funding for public safety, public safety departments and programs represent nearly 54% of the City’s general fund.
Smart long-term planning is essential to manage Fort Worth’s growth. That’s why from 2018 to 2026, we are investing more than 3.5 billion dollars in mobility infrastructure projects, laying the groundwork for the future.
To fuel growth and alleviate property taxes, we must continue to attract brick-and-mortar businesses and regional sources of revenue. A recent example of the latter is our collaboration in bringing the FIFA World Cup to the metroplex, with an economic impact of nearly $400 million and as many as 3,000 new jobs created.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?: Quite simply: experience, and a clear demonstration from my first two years that what we are doing in my administration is working and that a continued tenure will benefit all citizens of Fort Worth. We have made neighborhoods safer, lowered property tax rates, attracted new businesses, and made infrastructure investments vital to the future..
I am a small-town kid who worked hard to get to where I am today. I am a quick thinker with a strong moral compass. I want to be mayor of Fort Worth because I want to serve its residents and help lead all of us into the future. This is not a stepping-stone to seek higher office. It’s about focusing on Fort Worth and making sure future generations are proud of our home.
As chief of staff to the Mayor and to the Council, I was the go-to consensus builder. Our City needs strong leaders who know how to put politics aside and unite our city. I have been that leader for five years and have the experience to continue being that leader as mayor.
How will you reduce the city’s reliance on residential property taxes?: In addition to remaining in dialogue with those other entities that have the greatest ability to bring property taxes down, such as our valued local school districts and our representatives in the State Legislature, we have a fourfold strategy that we use to reduce residential property taxes and the City’s reliance upon residential property taxes:
1) Continue to practice fiscal discipline, minimizing unnecessary expenditures so that we can continue to cut the property tax rate.
2) Continue to attract new businesses to Fort Worth to bring in corporate tax revenue that alleviates the burden of residential property owners (as well as the indirect burden passed on renters of residential properties).
3) Continue to encourage and boost tourism to boost sales tax revenues.
4) Further diversify revenue streams via the HOT (Hotel Occupancy Tax), as well as non-burdensome fees on new tourism products or services, like those recently passed for Short Term Rentals (STRs).
What’s your plan to lower property taxes and not just the tax rate?: Since gross tax rate increases are driven largely by appraisals, our main strategy to reduce and alleviate the burden of property taxes revolves around reducing our reliance on residential property taxes, using the fourfold approach described above.
How should Fort Worth manage its explosive growth?: First, we have to accept that we need both short- and long-term strategies to manage growth, because our quality of life is so high that growth is not stopping any time soon.
Second, we need to pay attention to the small details that make a big difference for established neighborhoods and growth areas alike. For instance, our city covers 8,129 lane miles of street surface, 64,944 street lights, 925 signalized intersections. For the 2023 city budget we have allocated $2.9 million dollars to fix street lights. Over 60% of the last $560 million bond is dedicated to mobility and streets, and additionally, one half cent of our Paygo funds will go to our ongoing capital projects.
Third, we have to take a long view and invest on a timeline of decades, not yearly or quarterly: from 2018 to 2026, we are investing more than 3.5 billion dollars in mobility infrastructure projects. They will pay dividends and bring mobility solutions across the region.
What (if anything) should the city do to make it easier for locally owned small businesses to flourish in Fort Worth?: The number one thing the City and its leaders can do is to continue to encourage partnership between nonprofits, companies and communities to encourage start-ups. A few great examples of some the best institutions today are:
· The work the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has done in investing a new Fort Worth entrepreneurship center
· CDFI’s $3MM investment-with 30% aside for minority-owned firms.
· The small business task force led by Michael Crain
These functional institutions all have a few key things in common: they open up and sustain dialogue between the City, businesses, and the community; they think up new ways to pursue prosperity, and they help cut red tape that blocks workers’ and entrepreneurs’ path to prosperity.
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?: We have to be candid: Alliance’s meteoric success arose under very particular circumstances that may never be duplicated, either in Fort Worth or anywhere else in the world.
However, there is still much we can learn from Alliance’s rise, and we’ve already applied those lessons to work building Walsh Ranch, Evans/Rosedale, Mercantile, Gran Plaza, East Lancaster Corridor.
What’s the appropriate balance between Fort Worth’s rapid growth and its culture as the “largest small town in America?”: It all comes down to quality of life and friendly civility.
The key to making sure Fort Worth stays “where the West begins” and the “largest small town in America” is preserving what makes it that way — public safety, clean, beautiful streets and parks, and a booming Gold Rush of business opportunity. So long as we do not lose sight of these fundamental goods, those who move here will continue to do so for all the right reasons.
The other side of the coin is civility.
Too many other big cities hat have started declining because they’ve prioritized politics and partisanship or honesty and over working together. Fort Worth has always been a place for people who know how to speak with candor without fighting, and how to work together on important issues like public safety, quality of life, infrastructure and growing the workforce — even if they don’t agree on who they’re voting for in partisan elections.
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 think you all know well right now — basically everything is under construction. We are working to keep up with the mobility infrastructure demands of a growing city. We are playing catch up, but we are forward-focused and making progress. From 2018 to 2026, the city and partners are investing 3.5 billion dollars in these projects. They will pay dividends and bring mobility solutions across the region.
Our city is working to develop a long range plan that can focus project development resources to expedite project design and construction. The upcoming masterplan will accomplish this by identifying project and funding needs over the short and long term, which will also better prioritize projects with funding cycles and tie them to land use and development.
It is important to recognize that we as a city cannot work alone. We must continue interdepartmental and interagency coordination with TXDOT and COG to leverage projects to reduce costs and improve our infrastructure.
What needs to be done in the wake of the Aaron Dean trial to improve community-police relations?: Atatiana Jefferson’s life was senselessly taken away, it should have never happened. This tragedy for me has always been about Atatiana Jefferson — about her life as a daughter, sister, and aunt, and her lasting legacy. Many people in our community are hurting, and we must come together with compassion and grace.
The people of Fort Worth know that it’s possible to be pro-police and pro-community at the same time — but it takes continuous and smart work to succeed. Our police chief and his officers are devoted to make that work a success, and the people and the City of Fort Worth support the community engagement effort 100%, so that every resident of Fort Worth in every neighborhood will never have to doubt their safety.
How would you assess the performance of city manager David Cooke?: David has worked with our council to make Fort Worth a cleaner and safe city. He has assembled an excellent group of assistant city managers and department heads to lead one of the largest fastest growing cities in the county, managing a 1.6 billion dollar city enterprise and leading our 6,600 city employees.
Adrian Devine Smith
Age: 43
Campaign Website: NA
Best way for voters to reach you: Email or calling me directly.
Occupation: Veteran
Education: High School Graduate
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): Fort Worth City Council District 3
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth: I’m a current volunteer with the Fort Worth Independent School District - Reading Partners. I also actively participate in weekly city council meetings, for the purpose of ensuring our elected representation are doing what we elected them for.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: I’ve already went on record regarding my criminal conviction with the Fort Worth Report. Emily Wolf - Government Accountability Reporter.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: NA
Why are you seeking this office?: I have a desire to serve the people of Fort Worth.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city of Fort Worth?: 1. Childhood literacy and education, 2. Property tax rates, 3. Police and community relationships, 4. Spending priorities, 5. Equitable development.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?: 1. Childhood literacy and education, 2. Spending priorities with a clear purpose, 3. Equitable development with community and environmental consideration.
How will you measure your success as mayor?: I will have to get elected, and serve before success or failure can be determined.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?: My relentlessness desire to serve the people, I have no personal agendas other than this. Also I’m willing to accept the given salary of the position, and have no personal obligations that will keep me from being available full-time. I have no personal relationships directly, or indirectly with any developers, or business interest which can cause conflicts of interest.
How will you reduce the city’s reliance on residential property taxes?: Property taxes are what make city services operate. I will work with council, as well as county commissioners on a lower property tax that’s sustainable.
What’s your plan to lower property taxes and not just the tax rate?: Working with city council, and county commissioners on lower property tax rate that’s sustainable.
How should Fort Worth manage its explosive growth?: Ensuring that the growth is in consideration for all of it’s citizens. Making sure equality, and equitable development is at the forefront.
What (if anything) should the city do to make it easier for locally owned small businesses to flourish in Fort Worth?: Give small businesses the same considerations, and incentive initiatives given to big business.
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?: We have to first focus on areas that have been overlooked when it regards economic growth. Also we have to ensure we protect areas who’s infrastructure isn’t stable for growth, aren’t develop on.
What’s the appropriate balance between Fort Worth’s rapid growth and its culture as the “largest small town in America?”: Ensure all people that Fort Worth is a city for all, despite their ethnicity, sexual orientation, occupation, income level.
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?: Ensure that the best certified developers are building our infrastructure, while protecting areas that are deemed protected, or unstable for development.
What needs to be done in the wake of the Aaron Dean trial to improve community-police relations?: Establishment of the police and community advisory committee that was recommended by the community. It was voted down 5 - 4 by council despite being recommended by the race and cultural task force, police monitor Kim Neal, and the communities address of city council.
How would you assess the performance of city manager David Cooke?: Well considering the current Mayor has stated Fort Worth is a management run city, the success or failures of Fort Worth are more reflective on him.
