Chris Evans, Candidate for Kennedale Place 1

 

1. Past Decisions – please respond by March 2, 2023

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 somewhat recent history, were each of the following three zoning case items a good decision or a poor decision, and why?

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

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

c) denying “R4” zoning at the old Texas Raceway property (approximately 3830 S. New Hope Road)?

 

A) I believe that this wasn’t the best decision----not because I am against “UV” zoning, it is strictly because I don’t feel the location was appropriate and I don’t believe the existng infrastructure will be able to sustain the development. I hope I am wrong and that it is successful and flourishes, but I have concerns about its impact on the surrounding area….again, strictly due to its’ location and the overall layout of the development.

 

B) This was a good decision……the infrastructure in the area is solid and will support the growth. I have no issues whatsoever with this decision.

 

C) I am torn on this one…..I think that it could have been a good location for a nicely done R4 development…..would have been a good use of the land, but once again, I don’t think the existing road, utilities, etc. could support a development of that scale----perhaps the road construction that is taking place could change that, but I have my doubts.

 

 

2. Property Taxes – please respond by March 9, 2023

Kennedale is the seventh 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?

It’s true that Kennedale’s property taxes are still extremely high even though Kennedale has fallen from the 4th highest taxed city in Tarrant county to the 7th. In order to alleviate some of the tax burden on the citizens, the city needs to cultivate alternative sources of revenue, unfortunately, Kennedale does not have a history of being business friendly and attracting strong, viable businesses that will generate enough revenue to offset the property taxes.

The only other way to alleviate the tax burden on the citizens would be to decrease the city budget, and we all know that is not going to happen. So, if we want lower taxes there are really only a couple of options-----attract strong businesses and allow residential development that maximizes use of available land while simultaneously allowing Kennedale to maintain a “small town” atmosphere. It’s not going to be easy, but it is possible……and if nothing is done, then unfortunately, the extremely high property taxes will be something the citizens will have to learn to accept.

 

 

3. Moratorium – please respond by March 16, 2023

In January the council approved a temporary moratorium of applications for MF or TH zoning. Do you agree with the temporary moratorium? Why or why not?

This question doesn’t have an easy answer, but the fact of the matter is----this should not have ever been an issue. It’s my understanding that there are conflicting regulations within our codes concerning this type of zoning---hence the discrepancies between what was proposed and what was built in regard to the recent apartment complexes/developments. In my opinion, the City should have never been in this situation to begin with.

In general, I believe a moratorium sends the wrong kind of message to businesses, investors and developers, but in this case, the Council made the right decision but it must be as short lived and productive as possible. The city needs to make the necessary regulatory changes immediately to ensure the moratorium does not last longer than needed.

The City of Kennedale must get its own house in order if we are ever going to thrive. For far too long we have had the reputation as a city that is difficult to work with and this is a prime example. We must take full advantage of this temporary moratorium and emerge from it as a stronger and more unified Kennedale, and if we don’t, we will live up to our reputation as a city that doesn’t have their act together.

 

 

4. Removing Former City Manager George Campbell – please respond by March 23, 2023

In 2021 the city council removed former city manager George Campbell. Mr. Campbell's contract allowed him to receive the same year's additional salary even if he was removed mid-contract or if his contract was not renewed. Do you agree with the council's action? Why or why not?

I don’t believe I can answer this question fairly or accurately because I am not privy to all of the information that was discussed during executive sessions. In addition, the reasons behind his removal vary drastically depending on who you talk to, so I believe it would be irresponsible of me to offer an opinion. In regard to the contract though, I find it unfortunate that the City would agree to such one-sided employment contracts.

With all of that being said, Mr. Campbells removal paved the way for Darrell Hull and he is doing and he is doing an excellent job so far in my opinion.

 

 

5. Communications – please respond by March 30, 2023

If you receive an e-mail from a constituent on a Kennedale issue or problem 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?

 

I would absolutely respond to the constituent and would do my best to address the issue and answer any questions they might have. In answering the questions, there might be some legal constraints that would prevent me from sharing all of the details, but every inquiry from a constituent will be addressed in a timely manner.

Transparency and communication has been an ongoing issue with the leadership of Kennedale. The days of blaming previous councils, managers and mayors needs to come to an end and it is time to hold people accountable.

 

 

6. Issue – please respond by April 6, 2023

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

I believe the biggest issue the council is facing is a crumbling infrastructure and an outdated development plan. Nearly all of our critical systems are failing----water/sewer, roads, etc and the city doesn’t have enough money to address everything. We need new and thriving businesses to come into Kennedale in order to generate the revenue needed to fund the needed improvements, but our infrastructure isn’t capable of supporting the growth that is needed.

In my opinion, we must use whatever resources we have at our disposal and pave the way for business and development growth. Fix our roads, address our water and wastewater issues, update our development codes and close the loopholes…. and push forward.

At some point, the council will need to bite the bullet and make some tough decisions. We either fix our internal city issues and address our failing systems, paving the way for business and development…..or we watch the city continue to crumble as our neighbors build right up to our borders and Kennedale becomes a “drive through” community.

 

 

 

 

 

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