Cyndi Golden, Candidate for District 7

Home  ============ Citizens Defending Freedom vs. AISD Lawsuit ============== Taxpayers' Funds at Risk ============ March 25, 2024 Newsletter ============= Arlington City CouncilGrades ============= AISD Board Grades ============ March 18, 2024 Newsletter ============ March 11, 2024 Newsletter =========== March 4, 2024 Newsletter ============ February 26, 2024 Newsletter ============ ================D1  Jacob Franklin, Candidate for ===District1=== Tim Goss, Candidate for ===District1=== Mauricio Galante, Candidate for ===District1=== ================D2  Raul Gonzalez, District2 ============= ================D6  Long Pham, District6 ============= ================D7  Bowie Hogg, District7 ============== Chris "Dobi" Dobson, Candidate for ===District7=== ================  Jim Ross, Mayor ============= Helen Moise, District1 ============= Nikkie Hunter, District3 ============= Andrew Piel, District4 ============= Rebecca Boxall, District5 =============  Barbara Odom-Wesley, District8 ============= ================P1  Sarah McMurrough, AISDPlace1 ============= ================P2  Kendall Orr, Candidate for ==AISDPlace2== Melody Fowler, AISDPlace2 ============= ================P3  Larry Mike, Candidate for ==AISDPlace3== Kathi Arocha, Candidate for ==AISDPlace3== April Williams Moore, Candidate for ==AISDPlace3== ================  Aaron Reich, AISDPlace3 ============= David Wilbanks, AISDPlace4 ============= Justin Chapa, AISDPlace5 ============= Brooklyn Richardson, AISDPlace6 ============= Leanne Haynes, AISDPlace7 ============= Fact Sheet - November 8, 2022 Election ============ ++++++++++++  ============= Kennedale Observer Homepage =========== Kennedale City CouncilGrades ========== Kennedale Observer - Latest Newsletter ============ Prior to That Newsletter ============== ================M  Jan Joplin, Kennedale Mayor ============ Brad Horton, Candidate for Kennedale Mayor ============= ===============P2  Matthew Dyer, Candidate for Kennedale Place 2 =========== Ebony Berry, Candidate for Place 2 =========== Thelma Kobeck, Candidate for Place 2 =========== ===============P4  Bryant Griffith, Kennedale Place 4 ============= Chris Gary, Candidate for Place 4 =========== =================  David Glover, Kennedale Place 1 ============== Ken Michels, Kennedale Place 3 ============== Jeff Nevarez, Kennedale Place 5 ============== Kennedale City Council Compare ========== 1083 Bowman Springs Road Kennedale ============ What to Know About the Texas Raceway Project ================ Kennedale City Council Agenda ============== Kennedale Financial Reports ============== P&Z agenda ============== EDC agenda ==============



 

1. Sales Tax – please respond by March 3, 2022

In November 2020 voters passed a measure to increase the sales tax another ¼ cent to 8.25% for the funding of an Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Claims supporting this measure included helping small shops recover from the pandemic. Have they performed what was promised? What are your thoughts on the EDC's purpose, effectiveness, and the tax? Why?

The Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit authorized by the Texas Government Code 505.155. This document authorizes and guides the EDC under certain guidelines. I do not see in the uses that it is authorized to help in covid recovery specifically. The second paragraph of the Texas code does give the board of directors discretion in granting projects to new or developed business which will create or retain primary jobs. I’d say it’s a stretch, unfortunately, to include covid recovery to most shops under the definition of the Texas code. In reviewing the budget of the EDC I do not see where this has occurred.

The EDC does have a purpose and essentially it is outlined in the comments above. It’s purpose has more to do with promoting businesses which provide jobs which pay a livable wage, rather than supporting what is commonly thought of as small business such as mom and pop type.

In other communities especially in the metroplex EDCs have been helpful in attracting and promoting businesses meeting the qualifying description. Ours is rather new in Arlington so I can’t speak to the effectiveness at this point. If it works correctly citizens will benefit from the higher paying jobs and greater overall increase to the economy.

No one enjoys additional taxes. However the benefit of this tax is that our volume of tourists and visitors pay a large share of it. According to VISA 52% of credit card charges in Arlington are from people who reside elsewhere. This does help in that the citizens aren’t saddled with the entire burden. All surrounding cities in the Metroplex have used the entire amount of sales tax as allowed by the state for quite some time.

Arlington has jobs, but a large percentage of those jobs are in the service sector, and retail. These often don’t offer our citizens a sustainable wage. As a member of the City Council I will push for more jobs with better wages that will truly sustain and advance our families in Arlington.

 

 

2. Density – please respond by March 10, 2022

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?

I do believe we need to take a careful look at the development of apartments. Many of the apartments in Arlington are ancient and dilapidated, leaving residents in potentially unsafe and unaccommodating living space. Likewise, their neighbors are likely finding them most undesirable for many reasons. Any new apartments or multifamily housing units should be approached very cautiously with an eye to sustainability and quality construction and maintenance. I favor multifamily housing in the form of ownership by the occupant, such as townhomes or condominiums. This insures investment by the resident to keep the property in shape and values up. Mixed use development is not new, but a rather new concept for us. Arlington is now an urban city with almost 400,000 people. Continued growth is good, but we need to have housing available an affordable. Mixed use provides communities with anchors of retail and services that are enjoyed by residents. We have to build up, as available land is at a premium. High density is a different way of thinking, but in some ways helps with less concrete, and less footprint of the building, while maximizing the occupancy. Economic reports are showing there is growing demand for this form of housing as boomers downsize and millennials delay starting families and owning homes.

 

 

3. Transportation – please respond by March 17, 2022

VIA's funding for the past year has been covered by federal money because of the pandemic. When things return to “normal” funding, let's assume that the Federal Grant will cover approximately 25%. At that time, how should the service level and pricing structure be arranged between the general fund and riders? Why?

The current price for riders is three to five dollars a trip depending on distance with a weekly pass of $25 allowing up to 4 rides a day. This seems fair and in line with public transportation in other cities. I believe the general fund will have to support the expense of operating above and beyond the revenue obtained from ridership. Citizens have voted down public transit three times in the form of buses. VIA provides an alternative and effective means of transportation for those without personal automobiles or unable to drive. Plus, public transit can ultimately be more affordable if organized the right way.

Personally, I am anxious to see the results of the City’s RFQ to contract for these services full time.

 

 

4. Corporate Welfare – please respond by March 24, 2022

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?

Yes the City (and now the EDC) provides incentives to business that promote jobs and economic growth to the city. Across the country, these practices help address economic disparity by bringing employment with livable wages. However, every citizen of Arlington-and including myself is concerned about property taxes. Although the city has reduced the property tax for four years in a row, it certainly doesn’t feel like it with the continued increase in property value. For our community to be sustainable, we must shift the ratio of residential property owners contributing 60 percent of what goes into the general fund when commercial property owners are only paying 40 percent. That’s absolutely backward. Moreover, I encourage all citizens to investigate if they qualify for reduced taxes either by claiming homestead exemption, over 65 freeze of certain taxes or other tax relief.

 

 

5. Communications – please respond by March 31, 2022

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?

Absolutely. It’s the responsibility of the councilperson to respond and listen to ALL citizens. Often times it’s through disagreement and discussion that new ideas and solutions emerge.

 

 

6. Issue – please respond by April 7, 2022

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

It’s hard to pick one issue, because so many are critical. Future development is probably one of the most challenging as the decisions made affect the future of the city and it’s residents in profound ways, but plans may not be implemented for many years. It includes looking at housing, jobs, transportation, infrastructure,the environment and how cities will function economically and successfully in the future. We must systematically and thoughtfully approach each aspect that factors in to these important decisions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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?

The term limits have resulted in record numbers of candidates filing for office in Arlington. The citizen vote was 62% in favor of these limits which sent a clear message to the city that term limits were needed. I like that Arlington residents will have more choice in choosing who represents them and makes vital decisions affecting their everyday life.

 

2. Transportation – please respond by March 21, 2019

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

Expand VIA citywide. Consider options specifically for the downtown area and folks who live there, or any area of great density and need. This could be greater use of autonomous vehicles, easy access to pedestrian walkways and sidewalks, scooters perhaps. Consider business initiatives for companies who actively promote and succeed in ride share and car pooling.

Arlington has been very creative in providing anything except a broad based system for wide scale public transportation. The citizens have voted down this issue three times. Thinking more globally it would be good for everyone if there was a main transport line between Ft.Worth, Dallas, and Arlington. Imagine not having to park at a Cowboys game, or the airport, but be dropped off at your destination!

I believe the 10 biggest businesses should be approached and encouraged to initiate aggressive carpooling among employees. This encompasses over 39,000 people. The company may offer the participants some incentive ie. free coffee, close in parking, recognition in a newsletter. The business could use data analysis to connect folks and give them the opportunity . The city can recognize and promote the business publicly for good citizenship and stewardship of the environment.

 

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?

Absolutely. Communication is important whether parties agree or not.  Respectful listening helps to understand other viewpoints. Whenever someone is interested and takes the time to reach out it should be acknowledged.  

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?

Arlington has 1/4-cent sales tax that could be used, but is not used. What if anything do you see yourself approving to place in front of voters, for uses for the 1/4-cent of sales tax? Why?
If property taxes are capped at 2.5% growth by the state, I would approve use of the 1/4-cent sales tax. The  2.5% cap could result in a budget shortfall resulting in cuts to city services. The sales tax could make up some of the difference. Our basic city services and especially our firefighters, first responders, and police should not suffer budget cuts.

 

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?

Arlington cannot continue on it's current path of attempting to establish a tax rate that doesn't anger its residents and is not explainable nor justifiable. I personally do not feel the effective tax rate is sustainable. It's great when growth is good, but what happens when growth is stagnant? We must place emphasis on commercial development so the tax burden is not on our residential property owners.

 

6. Issue – please respond by April 18, 2019

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

Our city is facing an aging infrastructure and a growing population.  This places great demands on city services and budget. The money available for infrastructure must be prioritized to provide citizen safety and address the most pressing issues. Collaborating with the largest businesses in Arlington for city initiatives could help. In my district there are specific issues with flooding that present a problem. The district needs responsiveness and better communication from the council.