Kennedale is the eighth 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?

Residents should not accept high taxes as permanent, but meaningful relief requires patience, consistency, and strategic planning. Tax rates are often a symptom, while economic structure is the cause. By continuing to support responsible growth, infrastructure improvements, and predictable governance, Kennedale can build a stronger financial foundation that allows future councils to reduce the burden on residents while maintaining essential services.

Kennedale’s tax burden is a legitimate concern, and residents should not simply be expected to accept high taxes as inevitable. However, meaningful relief does not come from short-term adjustments to the tax rate alone; it comes from addressing the underlying reasons our rate has historically remained high. For many years, Kennedale relied heavily on residential property taxes because the city lacked sufficient commercial and economic diversification to share the cost of services.

In recent years, progress has begun to occur. While the tax rate has remained relatively stable, Kennedale’s ranking among Tarrant County cities has improved, reflecting early results from efforts to strengthen the city’s economic foundation. It is important to celebrate the wins while we continue to work towards additional tax relief. Such wins include a 20-year all-time low in our tax rate, a decrease in our rate from .70 to .69, and a drop in ranking from 3rd highest in Tarrant County to 8th. This demonstrates an important reality: tax relief is a long-term process shaped by infrastructure, accessibility, and economic opportunity rather than a single vote or budget cycle.

Lowering the tax burden requires expanding the tax base so the cost of city services is shared more broadly. Infrastructure investments such as the Little School Road bridge are not simply transportation projects; they are economic catalysts that open previously limited areas of the city to responsible development and commercial investment. Access creates opportunity, opportunity attracts investment, and investment helps reduce pressure on homeowners over time.

Kennedale’s tax burden is a legitimate concern, and residents should not simply be expected to accept high taxes as inevitable. However, meaningful relief does not come from short-term adjustments to the tax rate alone; it comes from addressing the underlying reasons our rate has historically remained high. For many years, Kennedale relied heavily on residential property taxes because the city lacked sufficient commercial and economic diversification to share the cost of services.

In recent years, progress has begun to occur. While the tax rate has remained relatively stable, Kennedale’s ranking among Tarrant County cities has improved, reflecting early results from efforts to strengthen the city’s economic foundation. This demonstrates an important reality: tax relief is a long-term process shaped by infrastructure, accessibility, and economic opportunity rather than a single vote or budget cycle.

Lowering the tax burden requires expanding the tax base so the cost of city services is shared more broadly. Infrastructure investments such as the Little School Road bridge are not simply transportation projects; they are economic catalysts that open previously limited areas of the city to responsible development and commercial investment. Access creates opportunity, opportunity attracts investment, and investment helps reduce pressure on homeowners over time.

Back in June of 2023 the city council approved a senior tax freeze. 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)?

The June 2023 City Council deserves credit for unanimously approving the freeze, demonstrating a shared commitment to supporting older residents. Council members relied on staff recommendations and legal guidance as municipal governance is designed to function. The primary lesson from this experience is that complex policies require especially clear communication so residents understand not only what is being adopted but how and when it will take effect. Ultimately, Kennedale joined neighboring communities in providing stability for seniors, which represents meaningful progress for our city.

I supported the senior tax freeze when it was adopted in June 2023 and continue to support it today because helping seniors remain in their homes is both fiscally responsible and morally appropriate for a community like Kennedale. The policy itself reflected a shared commitment across council to support residents living on fixed incomes. Much of the controversy that followed stemmed not from disagreement about helping seniors, but from confusion surrounding legal timelines and implementation requirements governed by state law.

The city attorney’s responsibility is to ensure ordinances comply with Texas statutes, particularly in areas such as property taxation that are tightly regulated. Based on the legal framework governing tax freezes, the guidance provided reflected when the policy could legally take effect. While reasonable people may debate expectations about timing, the attorney’s role is to provide legal compliance, not policy preference.

The city manager’s role is administrative implementation and communication. In hindsight, clearer explanation of how effective dates translate into tax statements may have helped better align public expectations. However, differences in interpretation or communication should not be mistaken for a lack of concern for seniors. The administration worked to implement the policy within the legal and procedural constraints that exist in municipal taxation.

In 2025 the taxpayers paid for an investigation report. What is your opinion on the investigation? What is your opinion of the actions of:

a) the “plaintiff”?

b) the city attorney?

c) the city manager?

d) the May 2025 City Council?

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

The lasting value of the investigation is that it provided clarity and encouraged the community to reflect on ethical governance, moving the conversation beyond simply asking, “Was it illegal?” to also asking, “Was it right?” When citizens raise concerns and institutions respond through established processes, self-government functions as intended, and that ultimately strengthens public trust.

The 2025 investigation should be viewed primarily as an exercise in transparency and local self-governance rather than a political victory or defeat for any individual. The purpose of the investigation was not to secure criminal findings but to address ethical concerns and restore public confidence in local government. Ethics often exist beyond what is legally enforceable, yet they remain essential to maintaining trust between citizens and their elected leaders.

A community member raised concerns, and the City Council chose to authorize an independent review rather than dismiss those concerns outright. That decision demonstrated a commitment to transparency. While the investigation did not find actionable legal violations, aspects of the report indicated that certain behaviors and circumstances were credible enough to warrant examination. That distinction matters because communities should not only ask whether actions were illegal but also whether they met the ethical expectations residents hold for public service.

The plaintiff’s actions should be understood as civic participation. Self-governance depends on individuals willing to ask difficult questions even when doing so is uncomfortable or unpopular. The city attorney fulfilled an institutional role by ensuring the investigation followed a structured and lawful process, allowing questions to be addressed through facts rather than speculation. The city manager maintained operational stability during a challenging period, ensuring city services continued uninterrupted. The May 2025 City Council demonstrated accountability by allowing an independent process to proceed openly rather than allowing uncertainty to persist.

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?

Not every issue has an easy solution, and not every conversation will be comfortable, but residents should never feel discouraged from engaging with their government. Accessibility and accountability go hand in hand, and leadership requires being approachable, willing to listen, and prepared to engage respectfully even when perspectives differ.

I will respond when a constituent reaches out with a thoughtfully presented concern. To me, a constituent means every resident of Kennedale, not only those who agree with me or supported my campaign. Public service carries an obligation to listen to all voices, especially when individuals take the time to research issues and communicate respectfully.

When I receive an email regarding a city matter, I will review the information carefully, acknowledge the constituent’s effort, and respond appropriately. Depending on the issue, this may include seeking clarification, consulting city staff to understand operational realities, ensuring the concern moves through proper city processes, and following up when possible regarding next steps. Councilmembers do not individually direct city operations, but we do serve as advocates for residents and ensure concerns receive fair consideration.

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

The most important issue facing Kennedale today is managing growth in a way that strengthens our financial future while preserving the character and trust that define our community. Many concerns residents raise — including property taxes, infrastructure, and development — are connected outcomes of how a city plans, communicates, and executes long-term decisions. When growth feels unpredictable or poorly communicated, uncertainty increases and trust declines.

Kennedale faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with the desire to maintain its close-knit identity. Responsible growth is necessary to broaden the tax base and support city services, but it must occur in a predictable and transparent manner so residents understand the direction of their city. Consistency in applying the Comprehensive Plan and development standards builds confidence among residents, businesses, and investors alike.

Addressing this issue requires continued investment in infrastructure that opens economic opportunity, support for local businesses and responsible commercial development, and clearer communication with residents about decisions and timelines. Most importantly, city leadership must focus on long-term stewardship rather than short-term political reactions. When governance is predictable and transparent, taxes stabilize, infrastructure becomes manageable, and residents feel confident about the future of their community.

Kennedale’s success depends on thoughtful leadership that listens, plans carefully, and follows through. By fostering responsible growth, clear communication, and consistent decision-making, we can strengthen our city’s financial stability while preserving the values that make Kennedale a place people are proud to call home.