CITY COUNCIL GRADES

Home  ============ Citizens Defending Freedom vs. AISD Lawsuit ============== Taxpayers' Funds at Risk ============ March 25, 2024 Newsletter ============= Arlington City CouncilGrades ============= AISD Board Grades ============ March 18, 2024 Newsletter ============ March 11, 2024 Newsletter =========== March 4, 2024 Newsletter ============ February 26, 2024 Newsletter ============ ================D1  Jacob Franklin, Candidate for ===District1=== Tim Goss, Candidate for ===District1=== Mauricio Galante, Candidate for ===District1=== ================D2  Raul Gonzalez, District2 ============= ================D6  Long Pham, District6 ============= ================D7  Bowie Hogg, District7 ============== Chris "Dobi" Dobson, Candidate for ===District7=== ================  Jim Ross, Mayor ============= Helen Moise, District1 ============= Nikkie Hunter, District3 ============= Andrew Piel, District4 ============= Rebecca Boxall, District5 =============  Barbara Odom-Wesley, District8 ============= ================P1  Sarah McMurrough, AISDPlace1 ============= ================P2  Kendall Orr, Candidate for ==AISDPlace2== Melody Fowler, AISDPlace2 ============= ================P3  Larry Mike, Candidate for ==AISDPlace3== Kathi Arocha, Candidate for ==AISDPlace3== April Williams Moore, Candidate for ==AISDPlace3== ================  Aaron Reich, AISDPlace3 ============= David Wilbanks, AISDPlace4 ============= Justin Chapa, AISDPlace5 ============= Brooklyn Richardson, AISDPlace6 ============= Leanne Haynes, AISDPlace7 ============= Fact Sheet - November 8, 2022 Election ============ ++++++++++++  ============= Kennedale Observer Homepage =========== Kennedale City CouncilGrades ========== Kennedale Observer - Latest Newsletter ============ Prior to That Newsletter ============== ================M  Jan Joplin, Kennedale Mayor ============ Brad Horton, Candidate for Kennedale Mayor ============= ===============P2  Matthew Dyer, Candidate for Kennedale Place 2 =========== Ebony Berry, Candidate for Place 2 =========== Thelma Kobeck, Candidate for Place 2 =========== ===============P4  Bryant Griffith, Kennedale Place 4 ============= Chris Gary, Candidate for Place 4 =========== =================  David Glover, Kennedale Place 1 ============== Ken Michels, Kennedale Place 3 ============== Jeff Nevarez, Kennedale Place 5 ============== Kennedale City Council Compare ========== 1083 Bowman Springs Road Kennedale ============ What to Know About the Texas Raceway Project ================ Kennedale City Council Agenda ============== Kennedale Financial Reports ============== P&Z agenda ============== EDC agenda ==============



 

Arlington City Council Grades                    
Item   Mayor District1 District2 District3 District4 District5 District6 District7 District8
Name Potential Points Jeff Williams Helen Moise Sheri-Capehart Marvin Sutton Andrew Piel Ignacio Nunez Robert Shepard Victoria Farrar-Myers Barbara Odom-Wesley
Next Election   2021 2020 2020 2021 2021 2021 2020 2020 2021
Communications 50 1 1 0 50 1 49 0 50 48
General/Other 10 0 3 0 10 3 7 1 10 6
TRE $200K 10 0 0 0       0 0  
TIRZ#5 40 0 0 0       0 0  
High-density Townhomes 5 0 0 0       0 0  
Outside Law Firm 25 0 0 0       0 0  
VIA Pilot Extended 50 0 0 0       0 0  
30mph on Cooper 10 0 0 0       0 0  
no accountability 101 Center waiver 10 0 0 8       8 0  
TIRZ#1 30 0 0 0       0 0  
Suspend the Rules 40 30 30 30       30 40  
3year terms 50 0 0 0       0 0  
Cornerstone Drill Site Again 10   0 0       0 0  
Parking Lot R Bridge 20 0   0       0 0  
Rangers Golf Club 50 0   0       0 0  
Another Downtown Master Plan 10 0   0       0 0  
Failed to hold accountable 10 0   0       0 0  
More Apts? 10 0   0       0    
Six-story super high density apts 25 25   25       25 25  
Ride-share Pilot 50 0   0       0 0  
Five-story 848 Mitchell 25 0   0       0 0  
Comfortable with Lies 30 0   0       0 0  
Extend Viridian TIRZ 15 0   0       0 0  
Reverse QT sign variance 10 0   0       10 10  
2017 MAX 50 0   0       0 50  
Paying Parking Lot R 15 0   0       0 0  
New Sapphire PD 25 0   0       0 0  
TAC 10 0   0       0 0  
Texas Rangers on the ballot-August 2, 2016 voted to put Texas Rangers on the ballot. 40 0   0       0 0  
TIRZ#44 5 0   0       0 0  
Continued the MAX 40 0   0       0 40  
Parking Lot R 10 0   0       0 0  
Another Dodson Deal 30 0   0       0    
2909 E Arkansas Ln welfare 15 0   0       0    
Texas Live 50 0   0       0    
Bowling 10 0   0       0    
101 Center 5 0   0       0    
Arlington Commons 20 0   0       0    
Lamar St 20 0   0       0    
DAMC contract 5 0   0       0    
Televising/Recording of Citizen Participation 20 12   0       0    
DR Horton corp welfare 20 0   0       0    
Renew MAX bus 10 0   0       0    
TRE Bus Pilot 20     0       0    
Center Court Apartments 25     25       10    
Free Speech of Citizens 15     0       0    
TRE payment 10     0       0    
Hike & Bike 25     0       0    
Renewable Energy Credits 20     0       0    
                     
Total 1110 68 34 88 60 4 56 84 225 54
Percent 100.00 6.90 10.00 7.93 100.00 6.67 93.33 7.57 28.85 90.00
Grade   F- F F- A F- A F- F A
Base Points 1110 985 340 1110 60 60 60 1110 780 60
                     
                     
Communication-   subjective score by our staff to evaluate members ability to communicate with citizens by e-mail
General/Other-   subjective score by our staff
TRE $200K 05/21/2019 council voted 9-0 to pay over $200K for each of the next 2 years
TIRZ#5 05/07/2019 council voted 8-0 to extend the TIRZ another 30 years, now 44 total. 48%, over $200 million is for economic development grants.
High-density Townhomes 03/26/2019 council voted 9-0 for 53 townhomes on 2.6 acres for bud Mojy Haddad.
Outside Law Firm 01/08/2019 council voted 8-0 to hire overpriced law firm that cost $100K to fight citizens petition, to defend friendly lawsuit of Robert Johnson
VIA Pilot Extended 12/04/2018 council voted 7-0 to extend the VIA pilot with $1.8 million contract.
30mph on Cooper 12/04/2018 council voted 7-0 to extend 30mph on Cooper from Division to Hwy303
no accountability 101 Center waiver 08/21/2018 continued public hearing, then Sept 4, voted 6-3 to not need to have the commercial development for 5 years.
TIRZ#1 08/21/2018 started the process, Jan 8, 2019 voted to approved extending TIRZ#1, as if 20 years already wasn't enough.
Suspend the Rules 08/19/2018 at hastily called Sunday evening mtg, council with their panties in a wad because of citizen term limit petition, called to suspend rules so they could add their own term limit ballot item.
3year terms 08/14/2018 council voted for 3 year terms, vs. current 2 years
Cornerstone Drill Site Again 05/22/2018 council voted 7-1 for addtl wells after denying if Feb with minor differences.
Parking Lot R Bridge 03/20/2018 council approved over $1.7 million for a bridge for Parking Lot R, they already paid over $1.3 million for engineering and paving so the Rangers can pay $10/year (as in less than $1.mo to lease.
Rangers Golf Club 01/09/2018 council approved more free Texas Rangers give-aways, giving away the name rights to the new golf course.
Another Downtown Master Plan 01/09/2018 council approved $200K (most master plans cost $50K) for another downtown master plan. The last one is less than 14 years ago.
Failed to hold accountable 01/09/2018 council approved allowing AmeriCredit Financial to generate $3.5Million instead of the contracted $5 million.
More Apts? 12/12/2017 continued, January 3, 2018, they approved “no opposition” tax credit resolution for east Arlington apts
Six-story super high density apts 11/07/2017 council denied 8-0 super high density apts at se corner of Center & 3rd.
Ride-share Pilot 11/07/2017 council approved $922K for extremely limited ride-share.
Five-story 848 Mitchell 10/10/2017 council approved more high-density apts at 848 Mitchell
Comfortable with Lies 06/27/2017 Wilemon flat out lies about TAC attendance while reporting out on committee meetings. Council made aware, but do not care.
Extend Viridian TIRZ 03/28/2017 council voted 9-0 extending the TIRZ from 30 to 35 years.
Reverse QT sign variance 12/13/2016 on 2nd reading, council reverses awarding sign variance.
2017 MAX 12/06/2016 another year extension passed, 6-3.
Paying Parking Lot R 11/29/2016 council votes to use $1.5 million street funds for Parking Lot R.
New Sapphire PD 09/20/2016 council approves even higher density development plan.
TAC 09/06/2016 Transportation Advisory Council created, hand-picked vs. proper procedure of applying
Texas Rangers on the ballot 08/02/2016 voted to put Texas Rangers on the ballot.
TIRZ#44 08/02/2016 council voted to set up TIRZ for warehousing and corporate welfare for 48 acres of sw corner I-20 & Hwy360.
Continued the MAX 06/28/2016 council voted 6-2 to continue the MAX
Parking Lot R 06/28/2016 council approves $1.4 million for parking lot R to lease to the Rangers for $10/year (as in less than $1/mo).
Another Dodson Deal 03/22/2016 council approved another Dodson Corporate Welfare deal for $846K for less than 1 block
2909 E Arkansas Ln welfare 02/23/2016 council approved TIRZ, March 1 approved deal with Southwest Restaurants and all those high-paying degree required jobs.
Texas Live 12/15/2015 council approved $500 million corporate welfare deal, plus giving away all tax revenues for 30 years.
Bowling 10/13/2015 Transportation Advisory Council created, hand-picked vs. proper procedure of applying
101 Center 10/13/2015 corporate welfare deal continued even though developer failed to get bond.
Arlington Commons 10/13/2015 Arlington Commons Phase I approved with 63 units/acre.
Lamar St 10/13/2015 special interest buddy wants Lamar reduced from 6 to 3 lanes on Throughfare Development Plan.
DAMC contract 09/15/2015 council renews Downtown Arlington Management Contract with major expense being salary of “friend”.
Televising/Recording of Citizen Participation 08/04/2015 finally the citizen participation is again part of broadcasts/records. Council opinions over May and June.
DR Horton corp welfare 08/04/2015 council awards $5.5 million corporate welfare for $20 million campus.
Renew MAX bus 06/16/2015 council renews MAX contract with DART even though it has failed to meet expectations.
TRE Bus Pilot 06/04/2013 council voted 8-0 to start TRE Bus Pilot no matter how ridiculous the subsidized value/rider was.
Center Court Apartments 11/06/2012 council approved 6-1, the 97 units/acre apts, then Nov 6 corporate welfare deal passed, 5-3.
Free Speech of Citizens 05/00/2012 mayor announced new guidelines regarding speech of the citizens at city hall. None of the council members stood up for the citizens.
TRE payment 09/13/2011 council voted 8-0 to pay $237K/yr for 3 years to NCTCOG for the TRE.
Hike & Bike 06/28/2011 council voted 5-4 to approve Hike & Bike Plan despite approximately 100 people opposed.
Renewable Energy Credits 12/14/2010 council approves $70K for worthless paper (renewable energy credits) from a company in Norcross, GA.





















 

 

communication. The ability for elected members to communicate and reply to e-mails of the citizens.

general/other. Our staff awards points based on general feelings and integrity.

TRE $200K - on May 21, 2019, the city council voted 9-0 to pay over $200K for each of the next 2 years.

TIRZ #5 - on May 7, 2019, the council voted 8-0 to extend the TIRZ another 30 years, now 44 total. 48%, over $200 million, of the extension financial plan is economic development grants. They flat out lied to the public trying to claim it is development that will not happen because of the poor existing infrastructure [which they have been using the TIRZ to supply for 14 years already].

High-Density Townhomes - on March 26, 2019, the voted 9-0 for 53 townhomes on 2.6 acres for bud Mojy Haddad.

Outside Law Firm - on January 8, 2019, the council voted 8-0 to hire the same law firm that cost $100K to fight against the citizens' petition term limits in August to defend the friendly law suit of Robert S Johnson.

VIA pilot extended - on December 4, 2018, the council voted 7-0 to extend the VIA pilot with a $2.1 million contract, only 14.3% paid by the service's revenues.

30mph on Cooper - on December 4, 2018, the council voted 7-0 to extend the 30 mph speed limit from Division to Pioneer Pkwy.

no accountability 101 Center waiver - on August 21, 2018 they continued the public hearing to waived the requirement that work/live units be required to have the commercial piece. on September 4, 2018 they voted 6-3 to not need to have the commercial development for five years.

the extending downtown TIRZ - the downtwon TIRZ has been siphoning funds off the top of the general fund for almost 20 years, and on August 21, 2018 they voted to start the process to extend the time period. on November 13, 2018 the council voted, 8-0 to make official. On January 8, 2019 they approved, 8-0.

Suspend the Rules - at a hastily called SUNDAY evening meeting, August 19,2018, the council, with their panties in a wad because of a citizen driven petition for term limits, called to suspend the rules of the city, so they could add items to the ballot.

voted for 3-year terms - August 14, 2018, the council with their panties in wad because the citizens generated a petition for term limits decide to also try to add 3-year terms as part as their proposal.

Autonomous Vehicles RFP - June 12, 2018, as part of the consent agenda, the council approved going out for RFPs for Autonomous Vehicles.

Conerstone Drill Site Again. May 22,2018, after denying the request for additional wells in February, the council approved the additional wells, 7-1, with minor differences.

Paying CA company, vs. done in house. March 20, 2018 the council approved two contracts, well over half a million, 9-0, to do computer work which could have been done in house. Invest in Arlington.

Parking Lot R brdg. March 20, 2018 the council approved over $1.7 million for a bridge for Parking Lot R. They already paid over $1.3 million for engineering and paving all so the Rangers can pay $10/year (as in less than $1/month) to lease. As if the first Ballpark, $500,000,000 towards a second ballpark, $500,000 for Texas Live plus all tax revenues for many years, just isn't enough.

Rangers Golf Club - January 9, 2018, the council approved more free Texas Rangers give-aways as if stadiums, parking lots, Texas Live was not enough. Now they got free naming right at the Ditto Golf Course that the taxpayers are in the process of spending close to $20 million to make a new and improved course and club house.

Another Downtown Master Plan - January 9, 2018, the approved $200K (most master plans clost about $50K) even though the last one was less than 14 years old.

Failed to hold accountable - January 9, 2018, the council approved to hold AmeriCredit Financial accountable to the signed 380-agreement, deciding the corporation only need to generate $3.5 million instead of the contracted $5 million to get benefits.

More Apts? - On December 12, 2017, the council voted, 8-0, for a continuance on a "No Opposition" Tax Credit in East Arlington. On January 3, the council appoved the "No Opposition" at that site for senior housing, now the developer only wants to do 25% senior housing.

Six-story super high density apts - On November 7, 2017, the council denied, 8-0, super high-density apartments at the southeast corner of Center and 3rd.

Ride-Share Pilot - On November 7, 2017, the council approved, 8-0, $922K extremely limited, ride-share program ($600K federal dollars).

Five-Story 848 Mitchell - On October 10, 2017, the council approved more high-density apts at 848 Mitchell St.

Comfortable with Lies - On June 27, 2017, Council woman Wilemon stated at the official afternoon meeting that attendance of the TAC meetings were averaging 90-95%. After the first introductory meeting, the committee had never reached 80% attendance (with 1 meeting to go) and when informed with this information, there was no great concern of the lies being expressed at the official meeting, nor if staff was responsible, why staff did not correct, etc.

Christian Taylor estate - On May 23, 2017 the council passed, 8-0, $850,000 to the Christian Taylor estate

New Smoking Ord - On May 9, 2017 the council passed,7-2, a new smoking ordinance, stomping on the property rights of business owners.

extend Viridian TIRZ - on March 28, 2017, the council voted 9-0 to extend the TIRZ and siphoning right off the top of the general fund from 30 to 35 years for the Virdian project.

Reverse QT sign var (iance) on the second reading on December 13, 2017 because Mike Morris (COG) thinks he might be able to get Pathfinders on HWY360 toll lanes.

2017 MAX - approved Dec 6, 2016, annother year extension passed 6-3.

Paying Parking Lot R - on Nov 29, 2016 - using taxpayers' street funds for over $1.5 million to pay for Parking Lot R construction and engineering contract for bridge.

New Sapphire PD - On Sept 20 the council approved the even higher density for the new Sapphire Plan Development, 8-1.

Negotiations - Sept 20 the council voted 9-0 to the payment of Bracewell for the Texas Rangers contract. And also approved 2nd contract modification to Parking Lot "R", now nearly 5 times the original contract.

TAC - Sept 6, 2016 -Transportation Advisory Coucnil created filled in one vote with no opportunity for ordinary citizens to apply.

Financial Stewards - August 2, 2016 rather than to act as the financial stewards of the taxpayers assets, the council voted 8-0, to place the extremely poor, one-side Texas Rangers deal on the ballot. 2nd reading on August 9 passed 9-0.

TIRZ#44 - August 2, 2016, the council voted 8-0 to set up the TIRZ for warehousing and corporate welfare for 48 acres at southwest corner of I-20 & Hwy-360.

Continued the MAX - June 28, 2016 the council voted 6-2 (Capehart absent, Parker voicing NO opinions, and Farrar-Myer just voting NO)

Vehicle Replacement - the next meeting after a citizen voiced concerns of replacing low mileage vehicles, the council get downtime instead of mileage, and approves the replacement of vehicles that would appear not to be missed based on their downtome, 8-0.

Rangers Parking Lot "R" - June 28, 2016 the council votes 8-0 for a contract modification, more than tripling the orig contract. Rangers gave the city the land so they would not have to pay property tax, the city then is to build a $1.4 million parking lot, and lease back to the Rangers for $10/year (yes, as in less than $1/month).

 underutilized vehicles - June 7, 2016, citizen brings to the attention of the council that 2 new vans are being purchased (capital outlay and future maintenance) for 2 vans that have averaged < 300miles and < 500miles per month. Council still approves 9-0. Glaspie gets a point for at least asking the city manager, who did not know the specifics.

 $500M giveaway to the Texas Rangers - May 24, 2016 council agrees to deal to give Rangers $500 million and put taxes in front of the citizens.

Another Dodson Deal, On March 22, 2016,  the council approved another Dodson Corporate Welfare Deal, $846K for less than one downtown block. Glaspie absent, but undoubtly was also for deal.

Corporate welfare for 2909 E Arkansas Ln - On Feb 23, 2016 they approved the TIRZ and Mar 1, 2016 they approved the deal for Southwest Restaurants and all those high-paying, degree-required jobs.

TexasLive, On Dec 15, 2015, the council voted 9-0 to approve corporate welfare deal of TexasLive, $50 million of Arlington Tomorrow Funds, where all the taxing revenues (the city's main benefit) goes to the developer, not the city.

Bowling. Bowling corporate welfare is continued although they cannot meet their end of the bargain (employment). Oct 13, 2015.

101 Center. 101 Center corporate welfare is continued without 101 Center people getting required bond. Oct 13, 2015.

ArlCommons. Arlington Commons Phase I approved with its 63 units/acre. Oct 13, 2015.

TDP-Lamar. Special Interest Buddy request to turn Lamar on the TDP from 6 lanes to 3 lanes, not caring what happens to the citizens passed 5-1. Oct 13, 2015.

DAMC contract. Sept 15, 2015, the council voted 8-0 (Parker absent) to renew Downtown Arlington Management Corporation's contract even though it's most major expense is to pay the salary of a special interest buddy.

Renew MAX bus. DART contract up for renewal where service has failed to meet expectations and has been a gigantic failure. 6-16-2015. Rivera&Bennett asked to show a no-vote after the vote, did not pull from consent, did not make any comments.

Televising/Recording Citizen Participation. Williams sole decision maker, others voiced opinions. (May/June 2015). finally on Aug 4, 2015 citizen participation was recorded/brocasted again. Williams lost points for delay. Glaspie never stated a position.

DR Horton corp welf - Aug 4, 2015 DR Horton awarded $5.5 million corporate welfare for $20 million campus, 8-0, liberal-spending Wilemon absent, but would have supported.

LoftsHigh-DenApt - Arlington Lofts High Density Apts were denied 3-6 on August 20, 2013. Then also denied a reconsideration vote Aug 27 that failed 4-5. 10pts for two "no" votes, 2pts for one "no" vote.

TRE Bus Pilot - on June 4, 2013 the council voted 8-0 (Parker absent) to start TRE Bus Pilot no matter how ridiculous the subsidize value/rider was.

Citzn Participation - The city stopped [live and replayed] broadcasting of the citizen participation portion of council meetings. This was never discussed in public. Mr. Rivera asked for discussion as a future agenda item. Only Mr. Parker joined in voting for that item.

Anti-Litter - on March 19, 2013 the council voted 9-0 to contribute $50,000/year to Tarrant Regional Water District's anti-litter campaign.

Center Crt Apt were approved despite many variances to city standards (including density of 97 units/acre, std is 22; and over 100 parking spaces short). Bennett absent, passed 6-1. 2nd vote LeBlanc changed to no, Bennett present. Then on Nov 6, 2012 the council approved $2.2 million of corporate welfare for the Center Court Apartments on the consent agenda 8-0. Then 3 members wanted the city secretary to record a 'no' vote on this item, stopping the changing 1 vote short of not approving, and lacking the backbone to actually pull the item from the agenda to have a real vote.

Recycle Carts - Aug 7, 2012, all about getting Republic millions of citizens' money in a very one-sided deal

Free Speech of Citizens - May 2012, the mayor announced new guidlines regarding speech of the citizens at city hall. None of the council members stood up for the citizens. The mayor has turned the mike off on citizen speakers, again with no reaction from the council members.

TRE payment. On Sept 13, 2011 the council voted 8-0 to pay $237K to NCTCOG for the TRE for each of three years. Patrick was absent. On September 26, 2017, the council again voted to pay over $200K

Hike & Bike. On June 28, 2011 the council voted 5-4 to approve the Hike & Bike Master. For fighting and voting against the plan council members score 20. Cluck for voting against the plan out of the blue, with no fight or help scored 3 points.

Renewable Energy Certificates from Norcross, GA were approved by the council in Dec 2010. They use taxpayer money to basically donate money (buy a worthless piece of paper) for renewable energy in Georgia.

downtownBID vote. September 14, 2010 creating the downtown BID. On June 16, 2015 the council renewed for 10 years. nothing more than legalized bullying as the majority of the people forced to pay do not wish to be included.

Total Points out of a possible 1230 points.

Percentage: Total Points divided by the max possible points

Grade: as a result of the percentage.