Job description | Presiding officer of the City Council, the city’s governing body. Term is two years. |
Duties | Represents city at official functions Enacts city laws and ordinances Determines city policies Adopts city budget Appoints city manager to administer city government |
Annual salary | $29,000; reimbursed for official city expenses. |
Meetings | Council meetings three times per month; special meetings called as needed. |
City contact information | Contact City Secretary csoadmin@fortworthtexas.gov 817-392-6150 |
Recent News Articles
- “Mattie Parker, Deborah Peoples runoff to determine Fort Worth’s political future,” Fort Worth Report (5/1/21) https://fortworthreport.org/2021/05/01/mattie-parker-deborah-peoples-runoff-to-determine-fort-worths-political-future/
- “How much do PACs influence local elections? The answer is sometimes elusive,” Fort Worth Report (4/27/21) https://fortworthreport.org/2021/04/27/how-much-do-pacs-influence-local-elections-the-answer-is-sometimes-elusive/
- “Big money flows into once-in-a-decade mayor’s race,” Fort Worth Report (4/19/21), https://fortworthreport.org/2021/04/19/big-money-flows-into-once-in-a-decade-mayors-race/
- “What kind of change does Fort Worth want? Here’s our recommendation for mayor vote,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram (paywall), (4/18/21), https://www.star-telegram.com/opinion/editorials/article250598709.html
- “Compare North Texas municipal candidates side by side,” Dallas Morning News (paywall), (4/18/21), https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2021/04/18/compare-north-texas-municipal-candidates-side-by-side/
- “Our recommendation for Fort Worth mayor,” Dallas Morning News (paywall), (4/17/21), https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/we-recommend/2021/04/17/our-recommendation-for-fort-worth-mayor/
- “Fort Worth is electing a new mayor. Here’s what Black Lives Matter activists want to see,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram (paywall), (4/15/21), https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/election/voter-guide/article250439736.html
- “Fort Worth firefighters association issues endorsement for mayor ahead of early voting,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram (paywall), (4/15/21), https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/election/voter-guide/article250732634.html
- “These Fort Worth mayoral candidates say voter restriction laws are bad for business, Fort Worth Star-Telegram (paywall), (4/14/21), https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article250664674.html
- “Watch Fort Worth mayoral candidate forum, hosted by chambers of commerce, Star-Telegram,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram (paywall), (4/14/21), https://www.star-telegram.com/news/article250664654.html
- “Interested in Fort Worth mayoral candidates’ vision for business? Watch this forum.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram (paywall), (4/13/21), https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article250635424.html
- “Mattie Parker bets on Fort Worth wanting new generation of leadership as she runs for mayor,” Fort Worth Report (4/13/21) https://fortworthreport.org/2021/04/12/mattie-parker-bets-on-fort-worth-wanting-new-generation-of-leadership-as-she-runs-for-mayor/
- “CBS 11 political reporter Jack Fink talks with Fort Worth mayoral candidate Deborah Peoples,” KTVT/CBS11, (4/12/21), https://dfw.cbslocal.com/video/program/1578/5490112-fort-worth-mayoral-candidate-deborah-peoples-talks-issues/
- “Fort Worth mayoral candidate Mattie Parker talks with CBS 11 political reporter Jack Fink,” KTVT/CBS11, (4/12/21), https://dfw.cbslocal.com/video/program/1578/5490151-fort-worth-mayoral-candidate-mattie-parker-city-is-positioned-for-greatness/
- “Deborah Peoples, priming diversity support, eyes Fort Worth’s mayor seat,” Fort Worth Report (4/12/21) https://fortworthreport.org/2021/04/12/deborah-peoples-primes-diversity-support-inching-closer-to-fort-worths-mayor-seat/
- “After more than a decade, Panther Island remains at center of Fort Worth politics,” Fort Worth Report (4/11/21) https://fortworthreport.org/2021/04/11/after-more-than-a-decade-panther-island-remains-at-center-of-fort-worth-politics/
- “Another Texas congresswoman has weighed in on the Fort Worth mayoral election,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram (paywall), (4/6/21), https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article250440296.htm
- “Race to the top,” Fort Worth Weekly (4/7/21) https://www.fwweekly.com/2021/04/07/race-to-the-top/
- “Fort Worth council rejects independent commission as it prepares to redraw districts,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram (paywall), (4/6/21), https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article250474541.html
- “Fort Worth residents want better public transit. What about the mayoral candidates?,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram (paywall), (4/5/21), https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article250318079.html
- “Two Fort Worth mayor candidates boast deep pockets as others rely on small donations,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram (paywall), (4/1/21), https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article250376401.html
- “Fort Worth mayoral candidate forum features property tax, pension, and homelessness discussions,” The Texan (paywall after free articles), (3/30/21),https://thetexan.news/fort-worth-mayoral-candidate-forum-features-property-tax-pension-and-homelessness-discussions/
- “A former Fort Worth mayor has endorsed this candidate to replace Betsy Price,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram (3/22/21), https://www.star-telegram.com/article250122219.html (paywall)
- “Interviews with Mattie Parker and Brian Byrd,” Fort Worth Business Press – Mayoral Madness, Parker at 6:21, Byrd at 29:15 (3/9/21) https://fortworthbusiness.com/podcast/mayoral-madness/
- “Interview with Deborah Peoples,” Fort Worth Business Press podcast – JW and BP Get Civil podcast at 8:02 (3/1/21), https://fortworthbusiness.com/podcast/jw-and-bp-get-civil/
Candidate Q&A
1. WHY ARE YOU THE BEST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE? | |
Mike Haynes | |
Steve Penate |
|
Cedric C. Kanyinda Because I love my City. I believe that we are all call to serve one another. Jesus-Christ teaches us that it is better to serve than being served. And I hold true that each one of us will have to answer to the almighty of our contribution to mankind. I am best qualified because I am not the smartest, I am not the strongest, but because together in unison we can create a better place for the next generation. |
|
Chris Rector |
|
Mattie Parker Experience, leadership, and authenticity. Those are the three qualities that set me apart from the other candidates. For 17 years I have developed the skills and knowledge necessary to lead Fort Worth into the future. As chief of staff to Mayor and Council I served as the go to consensus builder not just for the Mayor but for all City Councilmembers across every district in Fort Worth. Our city cannot be successful if we do not have strong leadership that knows how to put politics aside and unite our city every Tuesday at City Council. I have been that leader for five years and have the experience to connect with every resident in Fort Worth, lead the council through complex problems and pivot quickly when we face difficult times to bring calm and a focused strategy for Fort Worth Most recently, I have served as the founding CEO of Fort Worth Cradle to Career and the Tarrant To & Through (T3) Partnership, advocating that every child in every neighborhood has the resources to thrive in today’s workforce. My deep understanding of Fort Worth’s education system is a strong asset. With my leadership I know Fort Worth can drastically improve FWISD, which in turn will create a more qualified workforce, attract new companies, and grow our economy. As a scrappy small-town kid, I have worked incredibly hard to be where I am today. I am a quick thinker with a strong moral compass and my candidacy for mayor is about service to our residents and leading all of us into the future. My candidacy is not a steppingstone to seek higher office. It’s about focusing on Fort Worth and making sure future generations are proud of the community they live in. |
|
Experiencia, liderazgo y autenticidad. Esas son las tres cualidades que me distinguen de los demás candidatos. Durante 17 años he desarrollado las habilidades y el conocimiento necesarios para guiar a Fort Worth hacia el futuro. Como jefe de gabinete de la alcaldesa y el Concejo, me desempeñé como el consejera no solo para la alcaldesa sino para todos los Concejales de la Ciudad en todos los distritos de Fort Worth. Nuestra ciudad no puede tener éxito si no tenemos lideres fuertes que sepan dejar la política a un lado y unir a nuestra ciudad todos los martes en las juntas del Ayuntamiento. He sido ese líder durante cinco años y tengo la experiencia para conectarme con todos los residentes de Fort Worth, dirigir al consejo a través de problemas complejos y girar rápidamente cuando enfrentamos tiempos difíciles para traer calma y una estrategia enfocada a Fort Worth. Recientemente, me desempeñé como la primera CEO de Fort Worth Cradle to Career y Tarrant To & Through (T3) Partnership, defendiendo el lema, que cada niño en todo vecindario tenga los recursos para prosperar en la fuerza laboral. Mi profundo conocimiento del sistema educativo de Fort Worth es una gran ventaja. Con mi liderazgo, sé que Fort Worth puede mejorar drásticamente el FWISD, a lo cual creará una fuerza laboral más calificada, atraerá nuevas empresas y hará crecer nuestra economía. Como niña de pueblo pequeño, he trabajado increíblemente duro para estar donde estoy hoy. Pienso rápido, tengo buenos cimientos morales y mi candidatura a la alcaldía se tratará de servir a nuestros residentes y guiarnos a todos hacia el futuro. Mi candidatura no es un trampolín para buscar un cargo más alto. Se trata de centrarme en Fort Worth y asegurarme de que las futuras generaciones estén orgullosas de la comunidad en la que viven. |
|
W. Brian Byrd |
|
Ann Zadeh I have a Master's Degree in City and Regional Planning and spent my professional career as a Certified City Planner. My educational and professional career has been spent learning and understand how cities run and how they can most efficiently operate. I believe I am the most qualified person to serve as Mayor, and will focus my attention on the core issues facing Fort Worth, not politics or posturing for a higher elected office. |
|
Daniel “DC” Caldwell, I I told the Fort Worth Business press I believe that selflessness as a motivation is among the best of my qualifications. I am volunteering to serve as Mayor not for my own benefit but as a public servant. Beyond that, my professional qualifications are on par with other candidates who have served as city staff, on the city council, or as chair of the local Democratic party. I am sincere in my desires to protect, improve, and pass on a high quality of life for residents of Fort Worth, to faithfully steward taxpayer dollars by voting against spending which would be excessive or wasteful, and to be responsive to suggestions and concerns raised by members of the community. As I told the Dallas Express, I am honestly a seeker of consensus and common ground, as demonstrated by my recent record. In both 2018 and 2020 (virtually), I attended both the Texas state conventions of the Republican and Democratic parties, having been separately elected as a delegate to each of them. Some people claim to want to collaborate with those they disagree with, but their 'bipartisan' efforts are not credible in our polarized political landscape. I want to bring back the kind of unity that Allan Shivers demonstrated when he was nominated as governor by both the Republican and Democratic parties. I told the Star Telegram that voters I hear from tell me that my world-class education, experiences, and knowledge of issues are not what matters to them. They tell me that the struggles I have endured and grown from, my background that we don't really have time for in the forums, is what impresses them the most about me because those trying times, tough stories, and challenges to overcome are what gives real perspective into my heart of hearts. |
|
Yo le dije a la Prensa de Fort Worth Business que creo que el altruismo por motivación es una de mis mejores calificaciones. Me pongo como voluntario para servir en la oficina del alcalde, no para mi propio beneficio, sino como servidor público. Tambien con eso, mis calificaciones profesionales están a la misma nivel con otros candidatos que se han desempeñado como empleos de la ciudad, en el consejo de la ciudad o como presidente del partido demócrata local. Soy sincero en mis deseos de proteger, mejorar y transmitir una alta calidad de vida a los residentes de Fort Worth, de cumplir el deber fiduciario fielmente con el dinero de los impuestos y votar en contra de las expensas que serían excesivas o derrochadores, y de responder a las sugerencias y preocupaciones mencionadas. por miembros de la comunidad. Yo le dije al Dallas Express, que honestamente soy un buscador de consenso y temas de interés mutuo, como lo demuestra mi historial reciente. Tanto en 2018 como en 2020 (virtualmente), asistí a las convenciones estatales de Texas de ambos los partidos republicano y demócrata, habiendo sido elegido como delegado de cada uno de ellos. Algunas personas pretenden querer colaborar con aquellos con quienes no están de acuerdo, pero sus esfuerzos 'bipartidistas' no son creíbles en nuestra cultura política polarizada. Quiero renovar el tipo de unidad que demostró Allan Shivers cuando fue nominado gobernador por ambos los partidos republicano y demócrata. Yo le dije al Star Telegram que los votantes me dicen que mi educación de primera clase, experiencias y conocimientos sobre los asuntos no son lo que les importa. Me dicen que las dificultades que he soportado y de las que he crecido, mis antecedentes para la que realmente no tenemos tiempo en los foros, son lo que más les impresiona de mí porque son esos tiempos difíciles, historias difíciles y desafíos que superar lo que da una perspectiva real a mi corazón de corazones. |
|
Mylene George | |
Deborah Peoples I'm running for mayor to use my experience as a mother, business leader, and progressive change-maker to unite us into One Fort Worth. Our city has so much untapped potential, but previous leadership has overlooked the changes and growth that have taken place in Fort Worth. We can’t afford to continue to be a city for only the wealthy and well-connected. This historic crisis has made it painfully clear that our city suffers when leaders prioritize one group over another. Now more than ever, we need a mayor who will listen to community members of all geographic, racial, and sexual identities to unite us into One Fort Worth. |
|
2. THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS AFFECTED FORT WORTH’S BUDGET AND SERVICES, AS WELL AS THE LIVES OF RESIDENTS. HOW WOULD YOU GRADE FORT WORTH’S RESPONSE AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY? | |
Mike Haynes | |
Steve Penate |
|
Cedric C. Kanyinda Decisions taken by the city has negatively affected people way of life, and businesses alike. Lockdowns and mask mandate has caused more harm than good. Many have lost their means of making a living, others their homes, and businesses. Although wearing a mask is a good measure against COVID-19, locking down our city, and criminalizing not wearing a mask was a big failure. |
|
Chris Rector |
|
Mattie Parker The decisions we make as a community coming out of the pandemic will determine the trajectory of Fort Worth for generations. Playing armchair quarterback and criticizing the decisions of elected leaders is unproductive. Right now, we need to focus on a safe and smart recovery from COVID, taking care of our health and safety as well as our economy that have all been ravaged by the pandemic. As mayor, I will ensure the city’s primary focus regarding the pandemic are: 1. Business Recovery – Business recovery must continue, including the successful work Fort Worth has done distributing PPE loans, but we cannot stop there. We need to support our small business and entrepreneurs in new and innovative ways, cutting any unnecessary regulatory red tape and connecting as many resources as possible across multiple sectors to help businesses recovery and our residents pivot into new businesses post-COVID. 2. Public Health – City leaders must coordinate with every partner who has worked together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic - Tarrant County, UNT Health Science Center, first responders, hospital systems – and do a full evaluation of the impact of this pandemic and understand what public health changes must be met to better meet the needs of our residents. 3. Learning Loss – Fort Worth students and families need every available resource and support to help students get back on track. Multiple city departments have already stepped up to support students, from neighborhood services, libraries, the police department and others, and as public gathering becomes possible again, fully activating our city facilities and employees to support students in after school and summer programming must remain a priority. |
|
Las decisiones que tomamos como comunidad al salir de esta pandemia determinara la trayectoria de Fort Worth y sus generaciones. Jugar árbitro y criticar las decisiones de los líderes electos no es productivo. En este momento, debemos enfocarnos en una recuperación segura e inteligente después COVID. Esto consiste en cuidando nuestra salud y seguridad, así como nuestra economía que ha sido devastada por la pandemia. Como alcaldesa, me aseguraré que el enfoque principal de la ciudad con respecto a la pandemia sea: 1. Recuperación empresarial: la recuperación empresarial debe continuar, y no excluye el trabajo exitoso que Fort Worth ha realizado en la distribución de préstamos PPE, pero no podemos detenernos allí. Necesitamos apoyar a nuestras pequeñas empresas y emprendedores de formas nuevas e innovadoras, eliminando cualquier burocracia regulatoria innecesaria y conectando recursos como sea posible en múltiples sectores para ayudar a las empresas a recuperarse y a nuestros residentes a crear nuevos negocios después de COVID. 2. Salud pública: los líderes de la ciudad deben coordinarse con todos los equipos que han trabajado juntos para combatir la pandemia de COVID-19 (el condado de Tarrant, el Centro de ciencias de la salud de UNT, los primeros en responder, los sistemas hospitalarios) y hacer una evaluación completa del impacto de esta pandemia y comprender qué cambios de salud pública deben cumplirse para satisfacer mejor las necesidades de nuestros residentes. 3. Pérdida de aprendizaje: los estudiantes y las familias de Fort Worth necesitan todos los recursos y el apoyo disponibles para ayudar a los estudiantes a volver al camino correcto. Varios departamentos de la ciudad ya han dado un paso al frente para apoyar a los estudiantes, desde los servicios del vecindario, las bibliotecas, el departamento de policía y otros, y volver abrir nuestros centros comunitarios y traer sus empleados de nuestra ciudad para apoyar a los estudiantes en la programación después de la escuela y durante el verano deben seguir siendo una prioridad. |
|
W. Brian Byrd |
|
Ann Zadeh I would say Fort Worth's response to COVID19 has been hit and miss. There are things we have done well, but too many in State, County, and Local Government have spent too much time worrying about politics and public opinion at the expense of good public health policy. Wearing a mask is uncomfortable. Nobody like to wear them. But masks are a scientifically proven method of inhibiting the transmission of the virus. Wearing masks for a limited period while we get people vaccinated and improve our ability to deal with the virus. I believe the Governor rescinded the Emergency Orderbefore it was scientifically warranted and risked causing another increase in infections. I believe it was an unnecessary risk. I believe leaders should model the behavior they believe is in the public's best interest. |
|
Daniel “DC” Caldwell, I I give a D-. We should not have forced businesses to close, isolated individuals and families, and muzzled literally everyone. As I told the Star Telegram, I opposed the censorship of doctors that disagree with Fauci. I did and do oppose the unconstitutional mandates restricting speech, assembly, religion, travel, work, shopping, and other activities. Rather than catering to the panic of the new normal, I would have allowed 99% of people to continue their lives as normal, knowing that ~1% of the population will unavoidably die any given year just as a matter of mortal life span. In a normal given year, almost 3 million Americans will die, with the average life expectancy of 78 years holding steady. With that in mind, I would not have shut everything down and cost millions of jobs that are essential to surviving and thriving for tens of millions of Americans young and old. |
|
Doy una D-. No deberíamos haber forzado el cierre de negocios, aislado a individuos y familias, y amordazado literalmente a todo el mundo. Como yo le dije al Star Telegram, me opuse a la censura de los médicos que no están de acuerdo con Fauci. Me opuse y me opongo a los mandatos inconstitucionales que restringen la libertad de expresión, el derecho de reunion, la religión, los viajes, el trabajo, las compras y otras actividades. En lugar de atender al pánico de la nueva normalidad, habría permitido que el 99% de las personas continuaran con sus vidas de manera normal, sabiendo que ~ 1% de la población morirá inevitablemente en cualquier año dado solo por rutina de vida mortal. En cualquier año normal, casi 3 millones de estadounidenses morirán, y la expectación de vida promediose mantendrá estable de 78 años. Con eso en mente, yo no habría cerrado todo y perdido millones de trabajos que son esenciales para sobrevivir y prosperar para decenas de millones de estadounidenses, jóvenes y viejos. |
|
Mylene George | |
Deborah Peoples I would grade Fort Worth’s response as unsatisfactory. A number of decisions by the city have made the pandemic response less effective and efficient—including the city’s previous decision to eliminate the public health department. For too long, Fort Worth has areas with shocking health disparities: the zip code with the lowest life expectancy and the zip code with the worst infant mortality rate. We’re only as healthy as our sickest neighborhood—the pandemic has proved as much. My campaign is committed to ending pharmacy deserts to ensure all our neighborhoods have access to vaccines, boosters, and other necessary medical care. I am focused on targeted, efficient public health measures to make Fort Worth an attractive place to work, raise a family, and have access to quality healthcare. |
|
3. FORT WORTH WILL BE RECEIVING OVER $184 MILLION IN RELIEF FUNDS FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN. HOW SHOULD THAT MONEY BE SPENT? | |
Mike Haynes | |
Steve Penate |
|
Cedric C. Kanyinda These funds should be allocated to address the pertinent issues in our city. I proposed that the city work with churches and local organization to identify where and how we can bring relief to our most affected residents. |
|
Chris Rector |
|
Mattie Parker Three priorities: 1. Prioritizing efforts to promote economic recovery for our businesses and families and our students. We must align our city budget to ensure we are supporting our community in recovery and long-term success economically. This includes how to distribute our CARES Act funds and the additional federal stimulus money. Streamlining city services and departments that cuts down on regulation and burdens to business and residents to encourage more investment and development in all areas of the community is critical. Developing a robust effort to support our employees to be client-facing and focus on serving our residents as customers. We have incredible employees that deserve to be empowered to make decisions with a “get to yes” attitude. 2. City Infrastructure: as one of the fastest growing cities in the country, our public infrastructure is strained, and critical investment is needed in many areas across our city. In North Fort Worth, we know transportation infrastructure, especially with our arterial streets leave residents in major congestion and concern for more growth. In other neighborhoods we have neglected street maintenance and neighborhood investment is needed. A continued investment through the Neighborhood Improvement Strategy should continue as a priority. 3. Public Safety, Public Health and Safe Neighborhoods: Our city’s foundation is in our neighborhoods and without strong public safety, including police and fire, we cannot continue our efforts to neighborhood improvement and investment. Emerging from COVID, we also know our needs for public health investment and coordination is critical for residents. Optimizing our partnership with Tarrant County Public Health, UNTHSC, JPS and all our hospital networks must be a priority. |
|
Tres prioridades: 1. Priorizar los esfuerzos para promover la recuperación económica de nuestros negocios y familias y nuestros estudiantes. Debemos alinear el presupuesto de nuestra ciudad para asegurarnos de que estemos apoyando a nuestra comunidad en la recuperación y el éxito económico a largo plazo. Esto incluye cómo distribuir nuestros fondos del CARES ACT y el dinero adicional del estímulo federal. Es fundamental simplificar los servicios y departamentos de la ciudad que reducen la regulación y las cargas para las empresas y los residentes para fomentar una mayor inversión y desarrollo en todas las áreas de la comunidad. Desarrollar un esfuerzo sólido para ayudar a nuestros empleados de la ciudad a estar enfocados al cliente y servir a nuestros residentes como clientes. Tenemos empleados increíbles que merecen ser empoderados para tomar decisiones con una actitud de "llegar al sí". 2. Infraestructura de la ciudad: como una de las ciudades de crecimiento más rápido en el país, nuestra infraestructura pública está sobrecargada y se necesita una inversión crítica en muchas áreas de nuestra ciudad. En el norte de Fort Worth, sabemos que la infraestructura de transporte, especialmente con nuestras calles arteriales, deja a los residentes en una gran congestión y preocupados por un mayor crecimiento. En otros vecindarios hemos descuidado el mantenimiento de las calles y se necesita inversión en el vecindario. Una inversión continua a través de la estrategia de mejorar del vecindario debe continuar como una prioridad. 3. Seguridad pública, salud pública y vecindarios seguros: la base de nuestra ciudad está en nuestros vecindarios y sin seguridad pública, esto incluye la policía y los bomberos, no podemos continuar nuestros esfuerzos para mejorar e invertir en los vecindarios. Saliendo COVID, también sabemos que nuestras necesidades de inversión y coordinación en salud pública son fundamentales para nuestros residentes. Optimizar nuestra asociación con Salud Pública del Condado de Tarrant, UNTHSC, JPS y todas nuestras redes hospitalarias debe ser una prioridad. |
|
W. Brian Byrd |
|
Ann Zadeh Supporting local businesses and residents to assist their recovery from the pandemic. Many residents need immediate assistance to help them with the costs of housing and utilities, but we should also make efforts to address those immediate needs in a way that has longterm benefits. For example, the city recently used Federal COVID assintance funding to procure Casa de Esparanza which will provide 119 units of permanent supportive housing which have helped people bridge the COVID epidemic and will continue to support the city's needs in this area for years to come. |
|
Daniel “DC” Caldwell, I The money allocated by the federal law should be spent as directed by that federal law. Federal funds are subject to many applicable federal laws, and I have not yet read the 242-page ARP Act to know how the various chunks of that money have been earmarked. Some thousands of residents will probably ask that this federal money be allocated as grant funding for social services, while other thousands would argue that the money should be used to pay for road construction projects to relieve traffic congestion, and other thousands would argue the money should be used to lower the local property tax rate. I believe that some amounts of the funding may be applied toward each of these goals along with others. The money will come with instructions, and I intend to follow those instructions in good faith. |
|
El dinero repartido por la ley federal debe gastarse según como dirige esa ley federal. Los fondos federales están sujetos a muchas leyes federales aplicables, y todavía yo no he leído la Ley ARP de 242 páginas para saber cómo se han destinado las distintas partes de ese dinero. Algunos miles de residentes probablemente pedirán que este dinero federal se asigne como subvención para los servicios sociales, mientras que otros miles argumentarían que el dinero debería usarse para pagar proyectos de construcción de carreteras para aliviar la congestión del tráfico, y otros miles argumentarían que el dinero debería utilizarse para reducir la tasa de impuestos locales a la propiedad. Creo que algunos montos de los fondos se pueden aplicar a cada uno de estos objetivos tanto con otros. El dinero vendrá con instrucciones y tengo la intención de seguir esas instrucciones en buena fe. |
|
Mylene George | |
Deborah Peoples First and foremost the money should support the coordinated COVID-19 relief efforts. Leading our city out of this crisis and paving the way to a post-covid world means taking bold action. And we have a unique opportunity to take bold action without putting undue burden on city taxpayers. My long-term priorities for the budget will be looking at what sectors provide the highest return on investment: chiefly infrastructure projects, efficient public health initiatives, and nuanced means of attracting businesses. As I’ve explained, these investments will not only pay the best dividends in the future but will also achieve the incalculable benefit of healing the longstanding divisions in our city. In an environment where the federal government is aggressive with investments for healthcare and public works initiatives, our city leaders need to put Fort Worth on the map for federal funding. |
|
4. THE RECENT “BIG FREEZE” CAUSED MANY RESIDENTS TO GO WITHOUT POWER OR WATER FOR HOURS OR EVEN DAYS. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CITY’S RESPONSE (WARMING CENTERS, TRANSPORTATION, AND EMERGENCY WATER DISTRIBUTION)? HOW WOULD YOU WORK TO IMPROVE ELECTRIC/GAS/WATER INFRASTRUCTURE SO THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN? | |
Mike Haynes | |
Steve Penate |
|
Cedric C. Kanyinda My family was without electricity for 3 days. It was an extremely traumatic experience for all us. We must work together with other cities across our great state to demand that only Texans be appointed to board of director roles at ERCOT. And strive for self sufficiency. We must assume control of our own destiny and future. I do believe that the monopoly that ERCOT is enjoying must be shaken, and bring in a competitor that can address our power needs. |
|
Chris Rector |
|
Mattie Parker The recent state of emergency Fort Worth encountered several weeks ago demonstrated that communication, especially in times of crisis, is lacking in Fort Worth. Emergency communication is key – messaging needs to be streamlined and meet residents where they are at. We must create a trusted and well-organized communication system that meets our “on-demand” culture in every mode possible – telephone, social media, email, news media etc. so residents know where to turn to get accurate information. Fort Worth is scheduled to receive an unprecedented amount of CARES Act funds and additional federal stimulus. We must be smart and organized on how these dollars are utilized and make sure there is collaboration among all jurisdictions. It is essential we continue our work in neighborhood revitalization with investment in critical city infrastructure both above and below ground. As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, our public infrastructure is strained, and critical investment is needed in many areas across our city. A continued investment through the Neighborhood Improvement Strategy should continue as a priority. |
|
El reciente estado de emergencia que Fort Worth encontró hace varias semanas demostró que la comunicación, especialmente en tiempos de crisis, es deficiente en Fort Worth. La comunicación de emergencia es clave: los mensajes deben simplificarse y llegar a los residentes de modo rápido. Debemos crear un sistema de comunicación confiable y bien organizado que cumpla con nuestra cultura de alta demanda. Esto abarca todos los modos posibles: teléfono, redes sociales, correo electrónico, medios de comunicación, etc. para que los residentes sepan dónde acudir para obtener información precisa. Está previsto que Fort Worth recibirá una cantidad sin precedentes de fondos del CARES ACT y un estímulo federal adicional. Debemos ser inteligentes y organizados sobre cómo se utilizan estos dólares y asegurarnos de que haya colaboración entre todas las jurisdicciones. Es esencial que continuemos nuestro trabajo en la revitalización de vecindarios con inversiones en infraestructura crítica de la ciudad. Como una de las ciudades de más rápido crecimiento en el país, nuestra infraestructura pública está sobrecargada y se necesita una inversión crítica en muchas áreas de nuestra ciudad. Una inversión continua a través de la estrategia de mejora del vecindario debe continuar como una prioridad. |
|
W. Brian Byrd |
|
Ann Zadeh I was one of those citizens who was without power for days. Infrastructure is not an exciting issue. It is not an issue that gets voters pumped up to go to the polls and vote. But Infrastructure is is one of those critical issues that if cities dont keep up with, they will come back to bite you in the worst way at the worst time. I have spent my entire career learning how cities should run and I will take a more proactive rather than reactive approach to these kinds of important issues. |
|
Daniel “DC” Caldwell, I Despite being overwhelmed with calls for help and service when many of its own buildings lost power, I believe the city's responses were fairly well-executed. The hardest part for the city and residents was handling the ice, which caused pipes to burst, vehicles to crash, and other injuries and property damage. I am one of the residents who keeps my gas tank mostly full and keeps a couple cases of bottled water handy in the event of an emergency, so I did not have to rush to the grocery stores or gas stations for water like others did. Instead, I was able to informally contribute with transportation and refreshment on the Uber and Lyft ride-sharing networks as someone who learned growing up in the north how to drive on ice and snow. If government alone were responsible to recover from the Texas freeze, we would never make it. Fortunately, we have socially responsible private partners who deserve a great deal of credit, including Walmart, Walgreens, Winco, Target, Aldi, CVS, Shell, 7-11, QuikTrip, RaceTrac, and so forth. To improve, we should think back on the decision in 2004 when Fort Worth decommissioned its power plant, reducing available electrical generation infrastructure and power supply that would have been great to have two months ago. Our options are either to reopen the facility as a municipal utility or to rely on the city's electrical and natural gas utility partners (Oncor, Tri-County Electric Co-operative, and others) to build additional capacity and redundancies into their distribution systems. As for putting in new pipes, I would like to put new ones in without having to remove the old, and we could even perhaps build pump stations and water treatment facility into the flood control plans. |
|
Yo creo que las reacciones de la ciudad fueron bastante bien ejecutadas a pesar de estar abrumado por las llamadas de ayuda y servicio cuando muchos de sus propios edificios se quedaron sin energía. La parte más difícil para la ciudad y los residentes fue aguantar el hielo, lo que provocó que las tuberías estallan y los vehículos se estrellan y causaron otras lesiones y daños materiales. Soy uno de los residentes que mantiene mi tanque de gasolina casi lleno y tiene un par de cajas de agua embotellada a la mano en caso de una emergencia, por lo que yo no tuve que apresurarme a ir a las tiendas de comestibles o gasolineras por agua como lo hacían otros. En lugar de entrar en pánico, yo pude contribuir de manera informal con el transporte y el refrigerio en las redes de viajes compartidos de Uber y Lyft como porque yo aprendia al crecer en el norte a conducir sobre hielo y nieve. Si el gobierno solo fuera responsable de recuperarse del congelamiento de Texas, nunca lo lograríamos. Afortunadamente, tenemos asociaciones privados socialmente responsables que merecen una gran cantidad de crédito, incluidos Walmart, Walgreens, Winco, Target, Aldi, CVS, Shell, 7-11, QuikTrip, RaceTrac, etc. Para mejorar, debemos recordar la decisión de 2004 cuando Fort Worth desmanteló su planta de energía, lo que redujo la infraestructura de generación eléctrica disponible y el suministro de energía que hubiera sido genial tener hace dos meses. Nuestras opciones son reabrir la instalación como un servicio público municipal o confiar en los asociaciones de servicios públicos de gas natural y electricidad de la ciudad (Oncor, Atmos, Tri-County Electric Co-operative y otros) para construir capacidad adicional y redundancias en sus sistemas de distribución. Al pensar a la instalación de nuevas tuberías, me gustaría instalar nuevas sin tener que quitar las viejas, e incluso podríamos construir estaciones de bombeo e instalaciones de tratamiento de agua en los planes de control de inundaciones. |
|
Mylene George | |
Deborah Peoples We will do everything in our power to ensure resilient, efficient energy sources power our neighborhoods and we avoid another mass utility failure. At the end of the day, dollars invested in public infrastructure provide some of the best return on investment possible for the city, and this should be a priority as we continue to grow. Regarding the specific response, I would use my 30 years of executive experience to bring all involved leaders to the table to ensure we avoid another mass failure and stunted response. It is a shame taxpayer dollars were wasted on the city sending out a robo-call with inaccurate boil water advisory information. We need to have plans in place to avoid the panic and scrambling we saw from city departments and officials across North Texas. |
|
5. HOW SHOULD FORT WORTH ADDRESS THE AVAILABILITY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING? WHAT ROLE SHOULD CITY GOVERNMENT PLAY IN RESPONDING TO PANDEMIC-RELATED EVICTIONS? | |
Mike Haynes | |
Steve Penate |
|
Cedric C. Kanyinda Tarrant County is responsible for addressing eviction issues as it falls under the county court. Nevertheless, the city government must work closely with Tarrant County leadership to provide relief to those greatly affected. The city should work with local housing developer to fast track building permit and open up more land for construction that will alleviate our exacerbated housing market. |
|
Chris Rector |
|
Mattie Parker A study commissioned by the National Association of Home Builders shows that for every $1,000 increase in the price of a home that 22,000 Texans are priced out of their place of residence. This study and the statistic provided should be a wakeup call for any local elected leader in Texas, paying close attention to the policies that move our residents further away from home ownership. In Fort Worth, we seem to have allowed the incorrect belief that affordable housing is section 8, vouchers or a responsibility that belongs to the Fort Worth Housing Authority. This is absolutely incorrect, and we have to retake the narrative. We have not adequately included our private sector partners and homebuilding community at the table to understand the opportunity and industry best practice to ensure we have additional affordable housing inventory in the pipeline. Additionally, our tax base is approximately 40% commercial and 60% residential. We will never be able to lessen the tax burden on residents until we flip this. We must continue to attract new businesses and help grow our established businesses here in Fort Worth. Economic Development efforts that focus on corporate relocation and true commercial growth is the only way to rebalance our tax base in Fort Worth to take the burdens off of individual homeowners. As mayor, I will work to refocus our efforts through: 1. New City of Fort Worth led strategy that includes an emphasis on affordable housing in a multitude of products across the city. 2. Better leverage City owned property in our neighborhoods in the urban core to match and provide more affordable housing options built by the private sector. 3. Attract new businesses and maintain relationships with the amazing local companies we already have to help lessen the burden of property taxes for citizens. |
|
Un estudio hecho por la Asociación Nacional de Constructores de Viviendas muestra que por cada aumento de $ 1,000 en el precio de una casa, 22,000 tejanos pierden su lugar de residencia. Este estudio y la estadística proporcionada deberían ser una llamada de atención para cualquier líder electo local en Texas, prestando mucha atención a las políticas que alejan a nuestros residentes de la propiedad de vivienda. En Fort Worth, parece que hemos permitido la creencia incorrecta de que asistencia de vivienda es para la sección 8, o la responsabilidad que le pertenece a la Autoridad de Vivienda de Fort Worth. Esto es absolutamente incorrecto y tenemos que retomar la narrativa. No hemos incluido adecuadamente a nuestros socios del sector privado y la comunidad de constructores de viviendas para comprender la oportunidad y las mejores prácticas de la industria para garantizar que tengamos un inventario adicional de viviendas con precios razonables. Además, actualmente nuestra base de impuestos es aproximadamente 40% comercial y 60% residencial. Nunca podremos reducir la carga fiscal sobre los residentes hasta que cambiemos esto. Debemos seguir atrayendo nuevos negocios y ayudar a crecer nuestros negocios establecidos aquí en Fort Worth. Los esfuerzos de desarrollo económico que se enfocan en la reubicación corporativa y el verdadero crecimiento comercial es la única manera de reequilibrar nuestra base de impuestos en Fort Worth para aliviar la carga de los propietarios individuales. Como alcaldesa, trabajaré para reorientar nuestros esfuerzos a través de: 1. Nueva estrategia liderada por la ciudad de Fort Worth que incluye un énfasis en viviendas con precios razonables en una multitud de productos en toda la ciudad. 2. Aprovechar de las propiedades de la Ciudad en nuestros vecindarios en el núcleo urbano para igualar y proporcionar opciones de vivienda más económicas por el sector privado. 3. Atraer nuevos negocios y mantener relaciones con las increíbles compañías locales que ya tenemos para ayudar a reducir la carga de impuestos a la propiedad para los ciudadanos. |
|
W. Brian Byrd |
|
Ann Zadeh Affordable housing is an issue I am passionate about. I have supported numerous affordable ousing projects including several the council as a whole ultimately did not support. Fort Worth needs more affordable housing options. Our recent unprecedented growth has caused a significant increase in the price of local housing putting local housing prices out of reach of even many two income first time buyers. I am very concerned about the potential for a surge in COVID related evictions. It is a difficult issue and there are arguments that the city may be limited in how it can legally respond to this crisis, but we should nonetheless make every effort to support our citizens in a critical time. |
|
Daniel “DC” Caldwell, I I told Ballotpedia that I have personal experience with transience, "My personal struggles have included poverty as a child and homelessness[.]" I gave the Dallas Express several answers to related questions. (1) I believe the first step is to review the city zoning to allow residential occupancy where sleeping overnight is currently restricted, and increasing available housing supply by allowing people to rent or buy as potential housing properties that are currently commercial space. (2) I do not tend to look at lack of affordable housing as a property tax issue but primarily as a development and resource issue. As for development, there are parts of the city with limited mobility and access (thru roads) where more housing might be built if the city provided a simple two-lane bridge or road. (3) As for making housing more affordable to the large homeless population, I would suggest to formally allow the Parks & Recreation Department to designate campsites in some city parks for a nominal camping fee with plumbing for showers and electricity at a pavilion. With regard to pandemic-related evictions, all 1-year residential leases have expired since the onset of the pandemic austerity measures. Any role the city should have played in compelling landlords to retain holdover tenants would be an unlawful taking in violation of the 5th Amendment at this point. Meanwhile, there is high demand for local housing from people who are willing and able to pay rent, and I want to let them rent. |
|
Yo le dije a Ballotpedia que tengo unas experiencias personal con la fugacidad, "Mis luchas personales han incluido la pobreza cuando era niño y la falta de vivienda [.]" Le dije al Dallas Express varias respuestas a preguntas relacionadas. (1) Creo que el primer paso es revisar la zonificación de la ciudad para permitir la ocupación residencial en lugares donde dormir durante la noche está actualmente restringido, y aumentar la disponibilidad de viviendas al permitir que las personas alquilen o compren propiedades de vivienda potenciales que actualmente son espacios comerciales. (2) Yo no tiendo a ver la falta de viviendas asequibles como un problema de impuestos a la propiedad, sino principalmente como un problema de desarrollo y recursos. En cuanto al desarrollo, hay partes de la ciudad con movilidad y acceso limitados (falta de carreteras a través) donde se podrían construir más viviendas si la ciudad proporcionara un simple puente o camino de dos carriles. (3) En cuanto a hacer que la vivienda sea más asequible para la gran población de personas sin hogar, sugeriría que se permita formalmente al Departamento de Parques y Recreación designar campamentos en algunos parques de la ciudad por una tarifa de campamento nominal con plomería para duchas y electricidad en un pabellón. Con respecto a los desalojos relacionados con la pandemia, todos los arrendamientos residenciales por un año han expirado desde el inicio de las medidas de austeridad contra la pandemia. Cualquier rol que la ciudad debería haber desempeñado para obligar a los propietarios a retener a los inquilinos remanentes sería una toma ilegal en violación de la Quinta Enmienda en este momento. Mientras tanto, hay una gran demanda de viviendas locales por parte de personas que están dispuestas y capaz pagar el alquiler, y quiero dejarles alquilar. |
|
Mylene George | |
Deborah Peoples One of my top priorities is making Fort Worth an attractive place to work, live, and start a family. That means ensuring sensible commutes and minimizing congestion by focusing on targeted adjustments that make it easier for the private sector to offer affordable housing. Changes to zoning and land-use policies are often charged debates, but I want to call people to their better angels and focus on the long-term goals of maximizing the benefits of our historic growth instead of doing nothing and having it become a great burden. We can avoid this worst-case scenario by allowing for more flexible zoning and land-use policies. Regarding pandemic-related evictions, we shouldn’t have a situation where the city is leaving federal relief money on the table while our neighbors are being evicted during an economic and public health crisis. We need to intervene to make sure residents and property owners aren’t shouldering undue burdens during this one-in-a-century crisis. |
|
6. NEW POLICE CHIEF NEIL NOAKES HAS SAID, “WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY NOW TO DO SOME AMAZING THINGS TO LOOK FOR THAT POSITIVE REFORM, TO LOOK FOR COMMUNITY AND CONNECTIONS.” WHAT REFORMS TO FWPD POLICIES DO YOU SUPPORT, AND WHAT SHOULD BE THE TOP PRIORITY? | |
Mike Haynes | |
Steve Penate |
|
Cedric C. Kanyinda I would promote hiring only resident of Fort Worth to patrol our streets. I applaud the fact that Police Chief Neil Noakes is a product of our onw department, which means that he knows the resident that he serve and sworn to protect. And Finally create a citizen review board that will address complaints brought forth by the community. |
|
Chris Rector |
|
Mattie Parker Let me start by saying, I know we have one of the best police departments and police officers in the country. We ask our officers to be all things, to all people, all of the time. One of the most impactful moments for me as chief of staff, was sitting at JPS hospital after Corporal Garrett Hull was shot and watch the brotherhood of men and women rally around Mrs. Hull and her daughters. I am proud to support our department and will push back against any efforts to defund our police. Any candidate for mayor must acknowledge, that no efforts to reform or improve our police department is possible without the right leadership in FWPD. Chief Neil Noakes and his command staff have the talent, the experience and the focus to make improvements from recruiting, training, discipline, enhanced multi-disciplinary teams, transparency and community building. Additionally, last year the city established the Office of Police Oversight Monitor, which provides oversight and accountability to the FWPD, led by Kim Neal. Laying this out is critical to answer this question because any lasting policing reforms and community work will require the full cooperation of both these leaders. Plan number one is working to first understand all progress plans and future implementation that is prioritized by the OPOM office and Chief Noakes. Second, is listening and talking directly with residents that have both extremely negative and extremely positive interactions with police. And lastly, is working with our department on how we recruit and retain the best and brightest into out police department. Recruitment strategies have begun to improve, but we need to do more. In order to hire from every community in Fort Worth and attract young leaders into these roles, there must be trust with police and respect for the profession. |
|
Permítanme comenzar diciendo, sé que tenemos uno de los mejores departamentos de policía y oficiales de policía del país. Pedimos a nuestros oficiales que sean todo, para todas las personas, todo el tiempo. Uno de los momentos más impactantes para mí durante mi mandato como jefe de gabinete, fue estar sentada en el hospital JPS después de que le dispararan al Oficial Garrett Hull y ver a la hermandad de hombres y mujeres reunirse en torno a la Sra. Hull y sus hijas. Me enorgullece apoyar a nuestro departamento y rechazaré cualquier esfuerzo por retirar fondos a nuestra policía. Cualquier candidato a al alcaldía debe reconocer que ningún esfuerzo para reformar o mejorar nuestro departamento de policía es posible sin el liderazgo adecuado en FWPD. El jefe Neil Noakes y su personal de comando tienen el talento, la experiencia y el enfoque para realizar mejores esfuerzos de reclutamiento, la capacitación, la disciplina, los equipos multidisciplinarios, la transparencia y la construcción de la comunidad. Además, el año pasado la ciudad estableció la Oficina para monitorear la Supervisión de la Policía, que supervisa y rinde cuentas al FWPD, dirigido por Kim Neal. Exponer esto es fundamental para responder a esta pregunta porque cualquier reforma policial duradera y trabajo comunitario requerirá la cooperación total de ambos líderes. El plan número uno está en trabajando para comprender primero todos los planes de progreso y la implementación para el futuro que priorizan la oficina de OPOM y el jefe Noakes. En segundo lugar, está escuchar y hablar directamente con los residentes que tienen interacciones extremadamente negativas y extremadamente positivas con la policía. Y, por último, está en trabajando con nuestro departamento sobre cómo reclutamos y retenemos a los mejores y más brillantes en nuestro departamento de policía. Las estrategias de contratación han comenzado a mejorar, pero debemos hacer más. Para contratar personas de todas las comunidades de Fort Worth y atraer a líderes jóvenes a estos roles, debe haber confianza en la policía y respeto por la profesión. |
|
W. Brian Byrd |
|
Ann Zadeh I have been a longstanding supporter for a citizens police review board. This recomendation that came out of the Race and Culture Task Force is one that should be worked out and created as quickly as possible. I support newly hired city Police Monitor. Policepolicies and procedures should be reviewed regularly and best practices updated just as frequently. |
|
Daniel “DC” Caldwell, I I told the women of Heart Work that before being able to effectively improve the city's law enforcement, any Mayor or council member would have to assess the current condition of the department, which has recently undergone policy changes in response to reform recommendations from a panel of national experts. Along this line of thought, prior to filing to run for Mayor, I applied to join the Fort Worth police department. The renewal of the CCPD last summer tells me the movement to defund the police is unpopular. However, I oppose growing the police force by increasing salaries to recruit and retain more officers as not the correct course because there is no shortage of applicants, with thousands being turned away each year. Instead, I support promoting the Ride-In Program as a means to encourage positive community relations and to invite citizen feedback on specific areas for improvement. I told Dallas Express that there are 44 fire stations but only 11 police stations. Besides a central dispatch center, I would seek to ensure an office at each fire station is designated for police patrol operations, and conversely at each police station for fire department communication with police patrols. |
|
Yo les dije a las mujeres de Heart Work que antes de poder mejorar efectivamente las fuerzas de la ley de la ciudad, cualquier alcalde o miembro del consejo tendría que evaluar la condición actual del departamento, que recientemente ha experimentado cambios de política en respuesta a las recomendaciones de reforma de un panel de expertos nacionales. En esta línea de pensamiento, antes de postularme para alcalde, solicité unirme al departamento de policía de Fort Worth. La renovación del CCPD el verano pasado me dice que el movimiento para desfinanciar a la policía es impopular. Sin embargo, me opongo al crecimiento de la fuerza policial aumentando los salarios para reclutar y retener a más oficiales, ya que no es el curso correcto porque no hay escasez de solicitantes, y miles son rechazados cada año. En cambio, apoyo la promoción del Programa Ride-In como un medio para fomentar relaciones positivas con la comunidad e invitar a los ciudadanos a remitir comentarios sobre áreas específicas de mejorar. Le dije a Dallas Express que hay 44 estaciones de bomberos pero solo 11 estaciones de policía. Además de un centro de despacho central, buscaría asegurar que una oficina en cada estación de bomberos esté designada para operaciones de patrulla policial y, a la inversa, en cada estación de policía para la comunicación del departamento de bomberos con las patrullas policiales. |
|
Mylene George | |
Deborah Peoples I support what the FWPD is beginning to do with its new Civilian Response Unit, and it’s long overdue that the city is following the recommendations of the Race and Culture taskforce and listening to the calls of activists long before. Making Fort Worth a safe place for all should be a top priority, and I will be actively monitoring these new initiatives. Moreover, I support providing additional funding for crime prevention programs and additional resources for community recruitment and community policing efforts so we can end the unacceptable status quo where the majority of Fort Worth police officers do not actually live in Fort Worth. |
|
7. DO YOU THINK IT IS EVER APPROPRIATE FOR STATE LAWS TO OVERRIDE LOCAL CONTROL OF ISSUES THAT AFFECT THE CITY? IF SO, PLEASE PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE. | |
Mike Haynes | |
Steve Penate |
|
Cedric C. Kanyinda Yes, it is appropriate. We have seen many times throughout history. A good example was on the issue desegregation during the Civil Right era. Many localities opposed it, but the States reinforced the laws of the land in integrating our public school system. |
|
Chris Rector |
|
Mattie Parker First and foremost, I am a huge proponent for local autonomy. Fort Worth knows Fort Worth best and is the post qualified to make decisions to protect its citizens. While I believe local government should have jurisdiction over the laws and mandates that effect its people, there are times that state and federal mandates benefit the community. For example, during times of crisis, state and federal emergency declarations can be beneficial to the city. This allows our local government to receive additional assistance and aid that we may be lacking to protect the health and safety of our community. Ultimately, I think this should only occur in parallel with the city and county. |
|
En primer lugar, definido la autonomía local. Fort Worth conoce mejor a Fort Worth y es el puesto calificado para tomar decisiones para proteger a sus ciudadanos. Si bien creo que el gobierno local debe tener jurisdicción sobre las leyes y los mandatos que afectan a su gente, hay ocasiones en que los mandatos estatales y federales benefician a la comunidad. Por ejemplo, durante tiempos de crisis, las declaraciones de emergencia estatales y federales pueden ser beneficiosas para la ciudad. Esto permite que nuestro gobierno local reciba asistencia y ayuda adicional que puede que nos falte para proteger la salud y la seguridad de nuestra comunidad. En última instancia, creo que esto solo debería ocurrir en paralelo con la ciudad y el condado. | |
W. Brian Byrd |
|
Ann Zadeh Yes, there are certain issues, particularly issues of public safety for example, where it makes more sense for laws to be implemented on a statewide basis. For example, consider the prima facie speed limit set by the state. I have fought for the state to lower the prima facie speed limit from 30 MPH to 25 MPH. Such an action would save lives and would affect cities who might otherwise fail to lower their neighborhood speel limits because the cost of posting lower speed limit signs would be one they would find prohibitive. In this instance, lives would be saved based on a change in state law which would not likely be saved if those decisions were left up to the local governments. |
|
Daniel “DC” Caldwell, I Ballotpedia asked me a very similar question. Consistent with Texas Constitution's Article 1 Bill of Rights Section 1, I support the right of local self-government having most government functions locally managed rather than dictated by bodies hundreds of miles away. The state government rightly has agencies that oversee assets extending out of the city, like roads and waterways, and city and state governments should cooperate to ensure those assets are well-managed. The state sets standards that should benefit the city by promoting reciprocity in professional licensing, reasonable expectations for businesses and visitors to and from Fort Worth, and protection of individual rights which might be infringed by a concentrated local majority. If the city government forgets that we live in a constitutional republic where the blessings of liberty should not be infringed, then state laws protecting personal freedoms should override local control. Examples of issues where a conflict may arise include the rights to unrestricted breathing, carrying of arms, and gainful employment. |
|
Ballotpedia me hizo una pregunta muy similar. De acuerdo con la Sección 1 de la Carta de Derechos del Artículo 1 de la Constitución de Texas, apoyo el derecho del autogobierno local para que la mayoría de las funciones gubernamentales sean administradas localmente en lugar de dictadas por cuerpos gubernamentalesa cientos de millas de distancia. El gobierno estatal tiene agencias que supervisan los activos que se extienden fuera de la ciudad, como carreteras y vías fluviales, y los gobiernos municipales y estatales deben cooperar para asegurar que esos activos estén bien administrados. El estado establece estándares que deberían beneficiar a la ciudad al promover la reciprocidad en la concesión de licencias profesionales, expectativas razonables para las empresas y los visitantes hacia y desde Fort Worth, y la protección de los derechos individuales que podrían ser infringidos por una mayoría local concentrada. Si el gobierno de la ciudad olvida que vivimos en una república constitucional donde no se deben infringir las bendiciones de la libertad, entonces las leyes estatales que protegen las libertades personales deben anular el control local. Ejemplos de cuestiones en las que puede surgir un conflicto incluyen los derechos a la respiración sin restricciones, a portar armas y a un empleo remunerado. |
|
Mylene George | |
Deborah Peoples Unless it prevents some extreme discontinuity in government, I am strongly opposed to such executive overreach. Local leaders, especially in a state as large and diverse asTexas, should not be governing with one hand tied behind our back. Fort Worth needs to be a partner with state leadership, not an adversary like we’re seeing now with certain restrictions. |
|
8. HOW SHOULD THE CITY PROCEED WITH THE PANTHER ISLAND PROJECT GIVEN THE UNCERTAINTY OVER FEDERAL FUNDING? | |
Mike Haynes | |
Steve Penate |
|
Cedric C. Kanyinda The city should a partnership in the private sector |
|
Chris Rector |
|
Mattie Parker Frankly, the fact that we have built three bridges over dry land with no real plan to move forward is unacceptable. The next Mayor of Fort Worth must be committed to speak the truth and bring additional transparency and resolution to this project and the problems that plague it. There will be no more closed-door deals under my watch. Elected leaders have an obligation to the citizens of Fort Worth to make sure future generations aren’t financially burdened with this project. In order to move the Panther Island project forward, we must have a contingency plan. We are going to need to shift our focus from receiving funding solely on the federal level and start looking at alternative funding mechanisms such as public private partnerships. There must be coordination between all government partners – city, county, state and federal. We can do better and should. My experience working at every level of government helps me understand the perspective and how to align priorities effectively. I am committed to doing the right thing for Fort Worth based on solutions and a commitment to citizens, not politics. |
|
Francamente, el hecho de que hayamos construido tres puentes sobre tierra firme sin un plan real para avanzar es inaceptable. El próximo alcalde(sa) de Fort Worth debe comprometerse a decir la verdad y aportar transparencia y resolución adicionales a este proyecto. No habrá más acuerdos a puerta cerrada bajo mi supervisión. Los líderes electos tienen la obligación para con los ciudadanos de Fort Worth de asegurarse de que las futuras generaciones no tengan una carga financiera con este proyecto. Para avanzar el proyecto de Panther Island, debemos tener un plan de contingencia. Tendremos que cambiar nuestro enfoque de no nada más recibir financiamiento únicamente a nivel federal y comenzar a buscar mecanismos de financiamiento alternativos, como asociaciones público-privadas. Debe haber coordinación entre todos los socios gubernamentales: ciudad, condado, estatal y federal. Podemos hacerlo mejor y deberíamos hacerlo. Mi experiencia trabajando en todos los niveles del gobierno me ayuda a comprender la perspectiva y cómo alinear las prioridades de manera efectiva. Estoy comprometida a hacer lo correcto para Fort Worth basado en soluciones y un compromiso con los ciudadanos, no con la política. | |
W. Brian Byrd |
|
Ann Zadeh As a planner, I approve of the conversion of that area from a heavily industrial area to one more fitting of our world class downtown. However, if federal funds are not made available, then significant segments of that project will need to be paid for by the developers who stand to make significant profits. |
|
Daniel “DC” Caldwell, I I told the Justice Reform League that we should stop throwing more money at it. Also known as the Trinity Valley River Project, my proposals for salvaging and making the best of that big mess include cancelling the proposal to dredge a whole new river through what would otherwise be downtown prime real estate already. The project map first increases congestion and to then requires the building of new bridges where we currently have roads. The artificial lake appears to me that it would exacerbate the flood control problems it is supposed to alleviate. Too many of the streets in that area are blocked off for construction or as planned permanent dead ends that should be opened-up. Allowing traffic flow will better contribute to the value to the city. I told the Fort Worth Business Press that, just looking at the planned compared to current maps of downtown, I would have never voted to approve or invest millions of tax dollars into the billion-dollar Panther Island project which is reported in the news as “a poster child for government boondoggles.” |
|
Yo le dije a la Liga de la Reforma de la Justicia que deberíamos dejar de desperdiciar más dinero. También conocido como el Proyecto del Río Trinity Valley, mis propuestas para rescatar y sacar lo mejor de ese gran lío incluyen cancelar la propuesta de dragar un río completamente nuevo a través de lo que de otra manera ya sería una propiedad inmobiliaria de bienes raíces en el centro de la ciudad. El mapa del proyecto primero aumenta la congestión y luego requiere la construcción de nuevos puentes donde actualmente tenemos carreteras. El lago artificial me parece que agravaría los problemas de control de inundaciones que supuestamente debe aliviar. Demasiadas de las calles en esa área están bloqueadas para la construcción o como callejones sin salida permanentes planificados que deberían abrirse. Permitir el flujo de tráfico contribuirá mejor al valor de la ciudad. Le dije a Fort Worth Business Press que, con solo mirar los mapas planificados en comparación con los actuales del centro de la ciudad, nunca habría votado para aprobar o invertir millones de dólares de impuestos en el proyecto de mil millones de dólares de Panther Island, que se informa en las noticias como " un ejemplo de los despilfarros del gobierno ". |
|
Mylene George | |
Deborah Peoples With new leaders in DC, we have an environment that will provide serious funding for infrastructure and economic recovery, and we can’t leave money on the table. With all our recent infrastructure issues, we need to make sure we’re doing the Panther Island Project right and doing it safely. As Mayor, I want to put Fort Worth on the map for federal grants and ensure the benefits from our rapid growth are enjoyed citywide. |
|
9. ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD? | |
Mike Haynes | |
Steve Penate |
|
Cedric C. Kanyinda We are gearing up to enter a defining moment for our great city of Fort Worth. it is time to trust the people to create a prosperous city for our children, to give a voice to all of the city dwellers. Together we can face any challenges as deep as the ocean and as high as the sky. Vote Cedric Kanyinda for Mayor. |
|
Chris Rector |
|
Mattie Parker Growing up as the third generation on my family’s farm in Hico, Texas, a strong sense of community was distilled in me early on. We didn’t have much, but we did have strong values centered around responsibility, respect and equality. As the granddaughter of a high school principal, I recognized at a young age the impact quality education can have on a community. Like most of you, getting an education took sacrifice and determination. I put myself through college by waiting tables, scholarships and student loans and later went on to earn a law degree from Texas Wesleyan School of Law. I continued to work hard, dedicating my career to serving our great city. My 15 years of experience has been achieved behind the scenes, caring more about solving problems for my community than getting credit for the successes. As the soon to be 12th largest city, Fort Worth is at a turning point and we need innovative and experienced leadership to make sure our success story continues. If you want leadership that isn’t afraid to tackle the tough issues, embodies strong values and believes progress starts with innovation, I ask you to join me in moving Fort Worth forward. |
|
Formo parte de la tercera generación que creció en el rancho de mi familia en Hico, Texas. Mi familia me inculco un fuerte sentido de comunidad. No teníamos todas las comodidades que las grandes ciudades podían ofrecer, pero teníamos valores sólidos centrados en la responsabilidad, el respeto y la igualdad. Como nieta de un director de una preparatoria, reconocí a una edad temprana el impacto que la educación de calidad puede tener en una comunidad. Como la mayoría de ustedes, obtener una educación requirió sacrificio y determinación. Pague mis estudios universitarios siendo mesera, obteniendo becas y préstamos estudiantiles y luego obtuve un título en derecho de la Texas Wesleyan School of Law mientras trabajaba a tiempo completo y tuve nuestro primer hijo. Seguí trabajando duro y dediqué mi carrera a servir a nuestra gran ciudad. Mis 15 años de experiencia se han logrado detrás de las escenas, preocupándome más por resolver problemas para mi comunidad que por obtener crédito por los éxitos. Fort Worth, que pronto será la decimosegunda ciudad más grande, se encuentra en un punto de inflexión y necesitamos un liderazgo innovador y con experiencia para asegurarnos de que nuestra historia de éxito continúe. Si desean un liderazgo que no tenga miedo de abordar los problemas difíciles, que incorpore buenos valores y crea que el progreso comienza con la innovación, les pido que se unan a mí mientras continúo trabajando para avanzar a Fort Worth. |
|
W. Brian Byrd |
|
Ann Zadeh I appreciate the opportunity to respond and I hope to earn your vote for Mayor. |
|
Daniel “DC” Caldwell, I I'd like to add the priorities that I gave to the Fort Worth Business Press. My first priority is to collaborate with the outgoing Mayor, other members of the City Council, and city staff in order to provide uninterrupted continuity of services to fulfill the city’s mission “working together to build a strong community” full-time to improve our quality of life as a representative of the city’s residents. My second priority is to balance the city budget so that we are paying our debts and our bills just like any household is responsible to do. My third priority is to amend or repeal unnecessarily restrictive city ordinances which get in the way of fundamental liberty or “Fort Worth [being] the most livable and best managed city in the country.” |
|
Me gustaría agregar las prioridades que le di a Fort Worth Business Press. Mi primera prioridad es colaborar con el alcalde saliente, otros miembros del Concejo Municipal y el personal de la ciudad para brindar una continuidad ininterrumpida de servicios para cumplir con la misión de la ciudad de “trabajar juntos para construir una comunidad fuerte” a tiempo completo para mejorar nuestra calidad de la vida como representante de los vecinos de la ciudad. Mi segunda prioridad es equilibrar el presupuesto de la ciudad para que estemos pagando nuestras deudas y nuestras facturas como cualquier hogar es responsable de hacerlo. Mi tercera prioridad es enmendar o derogar las ordenanzas municipales innecesariamente restrictivas que se interponen en el camino de libertad fundamental o "Fort Worth [siendo] la ciudad más habitable y mejor administrada del país". |
|
Mylene George | |
Deborah Peoples |