Rojo Meixueiro, Candidate for District 4

1. Protection of Taxpayers' Dollars – please respond by February 26, 2026

How much of a priority should be placed on protecting taxpayers' dollars? If we are granting dollars for “economic development” should the company be vetted? Should an “economic development” grant require an actual application? Why or why not?

My campaign is built on making the Arlington, the American Dream City, more affordable. That means protecting taxpayers’ dollars must be a top priority, especially in a city where the dollar doesn’t go as far as it once did. Every dollar that Arlington spends comes from working families, homeowners, renters, and small businesses who deserve not only results but transparency on how those results were delivered.

If public dollars are granted for economic development, the company should be vetted. Reviewing financial stability, track record, ethics, community impact, and wage standards are essential. As well as that, critical analysis on whether the project aligns with Arlington’s long-term infrastructure capacity and workforce needs is necessary. Incentives should be considered only when there is a clear and measurable return on investment for residents.

A formal application process would strengthen transparency and allow for public review. I’m open to discussing the specifics with working families and business owners in District 4, but I believe a structured, consistent process ensures decisions are fair, accountable, and shaped by the people who fund them.

2. Density – please respond by March 5, 2026

a. How do you feel about SB840 which allows changing commercially zoned properties to mixed-use or multi-family zoned properties without an approval from P&Z and/or the city council? Why?

b. How do you feel about RMU (Regional Mixed Use) zoning and its potential 100 units/acre? Why?

A) Too many working families are being priced out of housing while commercial spaces sit underused. Arlington certainly needs more housing options, especially mixed-use or multi family housing in commercial areas. It’s how empty, unused, or struggling properties can become homes for teachers, service workers, young families, and any resident of Arlington who isn’t ready to or can’t buy a house.
In the effort of preserving all there is to enjoy about our District 4 neighborhoods, we should make sure new development strengthens our them through good design, infrastructure, and investment. Most importantly, though, we must choose the right land developers: the ones that work for the people over their pockets. New development provides the unique opportunity to bring good paying, safe, secure union jobs, whether for those building new developments or those living in them. I know that the City of Arlington and District 4 wants sustainable smart growth that helps keep the American Dream within reach for all, and I am the one who will bring it home.
B) RMU zoning can bring great benefit to our city. A good example to look to is the Sound at Cypress Waters in Coppell or Legacy West in Plano. Walkable neighborhoods with easy access to small business and community spaces means safer streets, which means safer communities. Not only would local businesses thrive, but residents would have more choices about how and where they live! With strategically placed transportation corridors, these RMU districts can weave seamlessly with existing development in District 4 and Arlington.
The real goal here is for an Arlington resident to have vibrant and livable neighborhoods to choose from. If we responsibly invest in infrastructure, RMU districts can help Arlington grow in a way that is more affordable, more sustainable, and better for working people.

3. Citizen Participation – please respond by March 12, 2026

In 2023 the city council voted to require preregistration and reduce speaking time for citizen participation (at the end of the meeting). Do you agree with this move? Is two minutes enough time to describe a situation and make desired comments/solutions/etc.?

I believe access to public comment is one of the most important ways residents participate in local government, so any changes to that process should be made carefully and with the goal of strengthening trust and expanding opportunity.

As a community organizer, I’ve experienced how restrictions can affect that trust. At the Tarrant County Commissioners Court I saw speaking time limited, and in Fort Worth City council meeting rules around public comments change and then later reverse course. Those kinds of shifts can create unnecessary confusion and make residents feel like their voices are being rushed and their opportunity taken away.

Research shows public participation is already limited. A study by the National League of Cities found that fewer than 5% of residents typically engage directly in public meetings or civic participation processes, which means the people who do show up are often representing many others in their community. Two minutes can work for a quick point, but it can be difficult to explain a real neighborhood issue in that time.

That’s why I believe education and prevention are key in this issue. Council members should make themselves available before meetings — through town halls, office hours, and neighborhood conversations — so residents have a real space to share concerns and work toward solutions before they ever reach the microphone at City Hall.

When people feel heard early and consistently, it builds the trust that good local government depends on. We are ready to listen to our residents, because we are also ready to serve them well.

4. Corporate Welfare – please respond by March 19, 2026

The City Council has given away millions of dollars and/or potential revenues to companies to encourage development. At what point has there been enough “encouragement” and when should the taxpayers-- and lowering tax rates-- become a higher priority than development? Why?

5. Communications – please respond by March 26, 2026

If you receive an e-mail from a constituent on an Arlington issue and the constituent logically laid out and well documented the issue, will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not? What actions will you take?

6. Issues – please respond by April 2, 2026

Other than public safety what is the most important issue the city council is currently facing? Why? What are your suggestions for addressing this issue?