Bobby Goff, Candidate for Kennedale Place 1

1. Past Decisions – please respond by February 27, 2025

Although the city council cannot dwell on past councils' decisions and it must move forward, we would like to know if current council members have learned from past decisions, including those made by previous councils. From history, were each of the following zoning case items a good decision or a poor decision, and why?

a) “UV” zoning on Kennedale Sublett Road just east of Kennedale Parkway?

I don’t think the “UV” zoning has helped anyone except the apartments that were built on Joplin Rd. and a few folks who ride bikes. I know that the road has just been completed prior to this past winter and folks are just now getting out in better weather; I drive on that road a couple of times a week. Other than seeing people from the apartments walking to the store it seems like nothing has changed but the road. I have had a couple of conversations with people who live in the neighborhood and there have been issues with the apartments and the lights shining in their backyard. From my understanding what was finally built was not what was represented to the Council. I don’t think this has helped as far as small businesses. I do not think this was a good idea in the long-term for Kennedale.

b) “MF” zoning on Joplin Road just south of Kennedale Sublett Road?

The “MF” Zone could be an example of the council voting on something before having all the information. I believe the city is not getting the tax revenue that was projected. Joplin Road itself seems to be cluttered with parking from the apartments (and many cars are parked facing the wrong direction), and I have a concern that there an issue could occur which will cause difficulty with first responders arriving in a timely fashion. I’m not picking on prior city councils, but this seems to be another case of voting on something without having the complete data. I think sometimes votes are cast because the council sees revenue, and voting for “revenue” sounds good to some people. I’m all for growth, but we need our infrastructure fixed before we start building anything new in town.

2. Property Taxes – please respond by March 6, 2025

Kennedale is the fifth highest taxing city of the 41 cities in Tarrant County. What are some viable potential solutions to alleviate the tax burden on the citizens or is this just something that the citizens of Kennedale must learn to accept? Why?

Tax revenue are what primarily fund the city services. However, I think there has been a lack of responsibility from prior councils on how to manage the taxpayers’ money. It seems like prior councils’ idea and answers to everything is to build more rooftops. There are other ways to increase our revenue, such as bringing in more businesses. But it would seem that the Number One priority from some members of council is how many rooftops can we add? Wise decisions need to be made with both businesses and growth in order to continue to fund city services while easing the tax burden on residents.

3. Senior Tax Freeze – please respond by March 13, 2025

Back in June of 2023 the city council approved a senior tax freeze. Details of some of the issues can be seen at: http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_7.html . What is your opinion of the actions of:

a) the city attorney?

b) the city manager?

c) the June 2023 City Council?

Why do you hold these opinions (what supports your viewpoint)?

a) I have not formed any opinions yet about the actions of the city attorney.

b) While I am sure he is a fine man, I have to wonder if he the man for the job. Being a senior citizen myself, I was not pleased with his office dropping the ball on turning in the paperwork on time. When in that position, the responsibility is solely resting on the shoulders of the people who are assigned the task. Listening to the council meeting during discussions, many people stated that it was not his fault, or he is a great guy, and someone else dropped the ball. While that could be true, the proverbial buck stops with him. I think the city should look into hiring an assistant city manager who is highly qualified as a backup should his contract not be renewed or he retires or just to help the city manager’s office operate more efficiently.

c) As far as the 2023 city council, I think there were a lot of closed door or back room deals made that the citizens were not aware of. We need full transparency from our government and nothing less.

Why do you hold these opinions (what supports your viewpoint)? Nobody has taken responsibility for any mishaps, but it seems like it is easier to point the finger. While my viewpoint is just that-my viewpoint, I have asked many questions of my neighbors and others in town about this and other issues; many of them seem to see things the same way I do. It is very difficult to gather information because while we are in a small town, there is a sad lack of credible news information and this makes a person go out and seek answers. I might be somewhat old school, but I find having a conversation with people has served me better than relying on Facebook or other social media. There is certainly a place for that; I just do not think it can replace a conversation.

4. EDC Grant for Community Garden – please respond by March 20, 2025

The EDC (Economic Development Corporation) awards grants to spur business growth with the idea being that helping a business expand will help generate more revenue for the city, thus paying for the grant and more in several years.

In July 2024 the EDC (with three council members serving on the EDC) approved a grant of $24,300 for a community garden. Thankfully, several months later the EDC came up with much improved guidelines/requirements for issuing the grants. What are your thoughts on using grant money, meant to spur business activity and leading to more city revenue, on a community garden?

I think the EDC grants are a great idea if done correctly. As far as the community garden is concerned, I believe that while more should be done to get folks involved in the community, that was probably not a correct use of EDC funds. If the EDC grants can in fact spur growth, and it is shown there will be an economic impact for both business and citizens, then why not? If not, then what does the EDC actually do for us as Kennedale citizens?

5. Communications – please respond by March 27, 2025

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

Yes, I would respond to a constituent. It is our responsibility to respond addressing their concerns or questions. Having a “open door” communication is necessary if you intend to serve the public. How else would we know what issues need to be addressed? I will reply to the constituent with an email and follow up with a visit or phone call if necessary. If it looks like the situation is something that is best turned over to city staff, I will help the constituent contact the appropriate city staff and will follow up later to ensure that the constituent’s issue is addressed.

6. Issue – please respond by April 3, 2025

What is the most important issue the city council is currently facing? Why? What are your suggestions for addressing this issue?

It seems to me that some on the city council are only concerned about being noticed as being on council and are serving for what they see as a status position. Our current council is divided and there doesn’t seem to be much willingness to mend fences and get the job of serving the citizens done. Common ground is not difficult to achieve if you are willing to work at it. We need to eliminate the egos, and the mindset of some that seem to only want to do the same thing over and over and get the same results.