Barbara Odom-Wesley, District 8

 

1. Protection of Taxpayers' Dollars – please respond by March 2, 2023

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?

The fiduciary responsibility of the City Council is one of sacred trust. Making decisions regarding taxpayer dollars is a top responsibility. The Council must make decisions regarding investing tax dollars and spending those dollars for the public good. It is important to always provide a public benefit through tax dollars including basic city services and preparing for the future through economic development.

 

2. Density – please respond by March 9, 2023

How do you feel about changing commercially zoned properties to multi-family zoned properties? What if the area already contains many, many apartments such as southeast Arlington in the Hwy 360 corridor? How do you feel about RMU (Regional Mixed Use) zoning and its potential 100 units/acre? Why?

We have a housing shortage, yet we have unprecedented growth.  It is critical to provide housing choices and adequate inventory.  We must also be responsive to emerging trends in housing demand.  I appreciate the combination of residential and commercial in regional mixed use developments.

 

 

3. Transportation – please respond by March 16, 2023

VIA's current funding has taxpayers paying about 60% and federal grants paying 40%. What are your thoughts on how much is coming from the general fund and why?

Public transportation is another responsibility of local governments. As we invite national and International visitors, it is critical that we are able to provide regional mobility for residents and visitors.

 

 

4. Corporate Welfare – please respond by March 23, 2023

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 the taxpayers-- and lowering tax rates-- should become a higher priority than development? Why?

The tax rate has been reduced to a 30-year low. This is possible because economic development projects have produced significant increase in sales tax. Thereby benefitting taxpayers.

 

 

5. Communications – please respond by March 30, 2023

If you receive an e-mail from a constituent similar to the top of this webpage

[ http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html ], will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not? What actions will you take?

It is my policy to respond to citizens and address their concerns.

 

 

 

6. Issues – please respond by April 6, 2023

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?

An important issue is public transportation. VIA needs to expand and other components of a complete transportation system added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent May 25, 2022 -

Did not respond.

 

1. Term Limits Committee – please respond by March 4, 2021

Last Summer a Term Limits Advisory Committee was named and then fast-tracked recommendations to the city council within only four meetings and over 13 hours of deliberation between July 14 and July 28. Do you have an opinion about this whole situation? Do you have an opinion about the outcome? Why or why not?

I support term limits for all elected officials: federal, state and local.  I think it is important to keep our elected representatives responsive and accountable to the electorate.  Arlington voters approved term limits in 2018.  I did not vote to establish the term limits committee last summer.  Although I believe all policies/legislation should be subject to review for continuing relevance, we didn’t have enough experience with the term limits that had been implemented.  It takes time to identify advantages and disadvantages prior to reassessment.  After some additional time, I see the advantages and some disadvantages.  It has resulted in increased diversity on the City Council which means new perspectives and emphasis.  It has also resulted in the loss of much institutional knowledge and a constantly new Council membership.  I would support longer terms to recapture some of the historical knowledge, preserve continuity and minimize the constant learning curve.

 

2. Sales Tax – please respond by March 11, 2021

This past November voters passed a measure to increase the sales tax another ¼ cent to 8.25% for the funding of an Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Seemingly wild claims were made, selling voters on this. What are your thoughts on the EDC's purpose and the tax? Why?

I voted in favor of increasing the sales tax to 8.25% to fund an EDC.  This takes Arlington up to the allowable limit which is also the tax rate in all other cities in the Metroplex.  Arlington was receiving no benefit from having the lowest sales tax rate in the region.  People didn’t drive here to take advantage of the lower tax rate.  Basically, we were leaving money on the table.  Some merchants charged the 8.25 rate assuming it was the same as surrounding cities.  All of that goes to the state and they reimbursed Arlington at the lower 8.0% rate and kept the remaining already collected quarter cent for the state budget.  So, in essence, we were being penalized for charging the lower rate. 

Secondly, Arlington needs to create jobs by attracting more business here.  This requires incentives, abatements and other incentives to compete with surrounding cities who already have an EDC.  The ¼ cent sales tax yields $15million per year.  Currently 60% of our sales tax revenue comes from visitors/tourists to our city.  I am eager to put this additional revenue to work to bring jobs to Arlington, to create more affordable housing options and to expand transportation choices and regional connectivity.  There are stringent guidelines regulating how the EDC can use this money.  In this case, I see a win-win for Arlington.

 

3. Density – please respond by March 18, 2021

How do you feel about changing commercially zoned properties to multi-family zoned properties? What if the area already contains many, many apartments such as southeast Arlington in the Hwy 360 corridor? How do you feel about RMU (Regional Mixed Use) zoning and its potential 100 units/acre? Why?

During my first term on city council, we have approved development of 1700 affordable housing units with another 1700 in development.  There is an increasing need for affordable multi-family housing.  Two main factors contribute: the rapid growth of the North Texas region and the changing characteristics of the population.  Millions will relocate to this region over the next decade.  We need to provide housing for the entry-level employee as well as the C-suite executives.  Secondly, we have a generation that prefers rental property over the expense, long-term debt and maintenance of home ownership.  This generation wants to live, work, learn and plan within a 15-20 minute walk.  We must be responsive to the shifting demand of the housing market.

It is difficult to calculate the perfect balance of commercial land use with multi-family housing.  I’m not sure where the saturation point is for either.  However, I think we must study the trends, learn from the experts and be forward thinking in our planning.  You mentioned the Hwy 360 corridor.  Frankly, that’s where the undeveloped land is, so of course it will see more development.  Regional mixed use is another option that deserves more study. 

 

4. Transportation – please respond by March 25, 2021

VIA's December 2019 contract renewal has increased the geographical coverage area to 41% (and is available to 49% of the population) of the city. Meanwhile, the contract was to be paid at a rate of 53% by Arlington taxpayers (general fund), 31% by Federal Grant, and 16% by the people taking the rides. Currently CARES funds are paying for VIA, but that will eventually stop. When things return to “normal” funding, let's assume that the Federal Grant will cover 25%. At that time, what should be the pricing structure between the general fund and riders? Why?

Arlington’s current public transportation system consists of VIA’s rideshare program and Handitran for the physically disabled.  VIA expanded citywide in January, 2021.  Unlike other rideshare companies, VIA does not provide door-to-door service.  However, the rider satisfaction rates are outstanding. 

I believe all citizens of Arlington would benefit from more public transportation options.  Public transportation increases access to work, healthcare, schools and universities as well as entertainment and other amenities.  Additionally, public transportation would help ease traffic congestion and reduce harmful emissions. 

Three (1980, 1995, 2002) transportation proposals have been defeated by the voters, and the city has tried several pilot projects.  A 31-member citizen advisory committee studied transportation in 2017 and provided guidance and concerns going forward.  However, transportation still remains a top concern for citizens. 

I have served on the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) and the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition (TRTC).  There is much planning for regional connectivity and research on innovative transportation modes. 

I am willing to work regionally to study the best mobility options for Arlington.  The critical component is public input throughout the process. The time has come to bring transportation back to the voters to adopt a workable plan, vetted and based on data along with funding options.

 

5. Corporate Welfare – please respond by April 1, 2021

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 the taxpayers, and lowering tax rates, should become a higher priority? Why?

Anytime the City has offered incentives to attract business and jobs, the City receives benefits to provide substantial return on investment. Taxes are kept low as the commercial property tax and sales tax increase.

 

6. Communications – please respond by April 8, 2021

If a constituent emails you a question or comment on an issue about which you disagree and asks you for a response, will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not?

I always try to respond to constituents whether or not I disagree. If I am unable to answer, I will refer the constituent to city staff. Citizen engagement is important and I want to be inclusive.

 

7. Issue – please respond by April 15, 2021

What is the most important issue the city council is currently facing? Why?

 

COVID recovery and restoration is the most important issue today. Small businesses and the arts will need city assistance to restore their operations. Families and neighborhoods will also need COVID recovery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Term Limits – please respond by March 14, 2019

Last November, voters approved term limits for the Arlington City Council. What is your opinion of these term limits?

I support the term limits amendment passed by residents. This is the will of the people. Philosophically, I believe in term limits for federal, state and local elected officials. I think it is important for our elected representatives to be responsive and accountable to the electorate. “Career” politicians tend to become less and less responsive or accountable. Also, new ideas and perspectives can help assure that a community does not become stagnant or unbending.

 

2. Transportation – please respond by March 21, 2019

Please describe, including price maximums to taxpayers, your thoughts on public transportation.

I believe all citizens of Arlington would benefit from more public transportation options. Public transportation increases access to work, healthcare, schools and universities as well as entertainment and other amenities.

Additionally, public transportation would help ease traffic congestion and reduce harmful emissions.

Currently, Arlington offers VIA rideshare program, MILO autonomous shuttle, Entertainment District shuttle and Handitran. All of these serve only a small segment of the population in need of transportation. We must identify and implement a solution that serves all segments of the city and is accessible by every citizen. Even though three proposals have been defeated by the voters, (1980, 1995, 2002) and the city has tried several pilot projects, transportation still remains a top concern for citizens. Arlington is viewed as a transportation desert.

NCTCOG is working on 2040 mobility goals for the region. Arlington has representation on the Metropolitan Transportation Committee and must insure we are connected to the entire region.

I do not come with a pre-conceived plan but a willingness to study best practices from similar cities, and work to improve the quality of life by designing a mobility plan that works for Arlington. The critical component is public input throughout the process.

The time has come to bring transportation back to the voters to adopt a workable plan, vetted and based on data, along with funding options.

 

3. Communications – please respond by March 28, 2019

If a constituent e-mails you a question or comment on an issue where you disagree and asks you for a response, will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not?

Yes, I will always respond to constituents even when we disagree. I believe everyone’s voice should be heard. In order to be an effective representative I plan to listen to all residents for understanding about their concerns and opinions.

 

4. Taxes (Part I) – please respond by April 4, 2019

Currently, Arlington has 1/4-cent of sales tax that could be used, but is not used. What, if anything, do you see yourself approving to place in front of the voters, for uses for the 1/4-cent of sales tax? Why?

As I visit with residents, I consistently hear the lack of public transportation is a concern and oftentimes, it is a problem.  The 1/4 cent sales tax yields $15 million per year.  I would support allocating this 15 million to develop and implement public transit options that effectively connect people to jobs, healthcare, education and entertainment.  The report produced in September 2017 by the 31 member citizen advisory committee provides several innovative options.  I am open to exploring all toward meeting the needs of our citizens.  We must all work together to consider our regional placement, funding options and solutions that work for Arlington.

 

5. Taxes (Part II) – please respond by April 11, 2019

Currently, Arlington is experiencing almost double-digit property tax evaluation increases. What do you feel is the appropriate tax rate that should be levied upon the citizens:  1) a rate a little below the rollback rate, 2) the effective tax rate, 3) the same tax rate (even if above the rollback rate), or 4) something else? Why?

The City of Arlington will lower its property tax rate for a third consecutive year because of rising property values.  Arlington’s property tax rate, which remained flat for 14 years, has dropped by 1.32 cents overall since 2016.  
This rate exceeds the lower of the effective or rollback tax rate.  The rate is really dependent on city priorities and what we want to accomplish.

 

6. Issue – please respond by April 18, 2019

What is the most important issue the city council is facing? Why?

In my opinion, The most important issue is really not an issue but an attitude.  It is imperative that Arlington citizens feel they have ample opportunity to participate in their city government.  I will work to increase inclusiveness at every opportunity.