Hunter Crow, Candidate for Mayor

 

1. Protection of Taxpayers' Dollars – please respond by February 26, 2026

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?

Protecting taxpayers' dollars should be the highest priority, requiring strict vetting of companies and mandatory, transparent application processes for economic development grants. This ensures accountability, prevents fraud, and guarantees that public funds generate a genuine, measurable return on investment for the community rather than corporate welfare.

Why Stringent Controls are Necessary

Accountability: Public funds are finite; misuse erodes trust and drains resources from essential services like infrastructure, public safety, and education.

Vetting Prevents Fraud: Thoroughly vetting companies ensures they are financially stable and capable of delivering promised jobs or development, reducing the risk of taxpayer money disappearing into failed ventures.

Application Requirements: A formal, standardized application creates a public record, allows for comparative analysis, and ensures that projects align with community goals.

 

 

 

2. Density – please respond by March 5, 2026

a. How do you feel about SB840 which allows changing commercially zoned properties to mixed-use or multi-family zoned properties without an approval from P&Z and/or the city council? Why?

b. How do you feel about RMU (Regional Mixed Use) zoning and its potential 100 units/acre? Why?

I would typically approach policy through the lenses of affordability, environmental sustainability, and grassroots democracy. My likely responses would include:

On SB 840: I would likely support the goal of increasing housing supply but might criticize the method. As a proponent of local engagement, I would argue that removing city council and P&Z approval silences residents. I would advocate for discounts for residents in need and might view by-right conversion as a way to break the "tyrant's veto" that prevents affordable housing.

On RMU (100 units/acre): I will likely favor high-density mixed-use development if it includes guaranteed affordable units and promotes "walkable" urbanism. I frequently emphasize reducing car dependency; therefore, 100 units/acre would be acceptable to him only if paired with robust public transit investment and green building standards.

Overall Stance: I would focuses heavily on fiscal transparency. I would likely ask whether these high-density projects receive excessive "corporate welfare" or tax breaks that could be better spent on direct social services or property tax relief.

 

 

3. Citizen Participation – please respond by March 12, 2026

In 2023 the city council voted to require preregistration and reduce speaking time for citizen participation (at the end of the meeting). Do you agree with this move? Is two minutes enough time to describe a situation and make desired comments/solutions/etc.?

I, would likely oppose these restrictions based on his platform of grassroots democracy:

- Opposition to Barriers: I have often emphasized that the voice of the community should be the driving force in local government. I would likely view the 5:00 p.m. preregistration deadline as an unnecessary hurdle that disenfranchises residents who cannot plan their day around a strict government cutoff.

- Support for More Time: Due to having a prior background in advocacy and student government, I would likely argue that two minutes (or one minute) is insufficient for meaningful dialogue, potentially calling for a reversal of these rules to allow at least the original three-minute standard.

- Transparency Focus: I have historically criticized the use of executive sessions to hide details from the public; I would likely link the reduction in speaking time to a broader trend of limiting transparency in Arlington City Hall.

 

 

 

4. Corporate Welfare – please respond by March 19, 2026

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

I would likely take a hardline stance against corporate subsidies:

Ending "Corporate Welfare": I have consistently criticized the use of public funds for private profit. I would likely argue that millions of dollars currently "given away" to companies should instead be diverted to social services, such as affordable housing, food security, and education.

Taxpayer Priority: I would likely state that taxpayers have already done enough "encouragement." I have emphasized in the past that government should serve the people, not private equity or developers. I would favor lowering the tax burden on working-class residents over providing incentives to wealthy corporations.

Transparency over Incentives: I have specifically targeted the lack of transparency in executive sessions where these deals are often brokered. I would likely demand a full audit of existing development agreements to ensure the city is receiving a fair return on its investment.

Community-Led Growth: Instead of top-down corporate development, I have advocated for grassroots and community-led initiatives that keep wealth within the local economy rather than exporting it to corporate headquarters.

 

 

 

5. Communications – please respond by March 26, 2026

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

Almost all of my political views is built heavily on accessibility and grassroots accountability. I would like to emphasize. I do consider constituents not just as "voters," but as active partners in governance.

A "Yes" with Substance: I will almost certainly commit to a personal response. I have a history of engaging directly with the public through social media and community organizing, often positioning myself as an outsider fighting against "gatekeeping" at City Hall.

Criticism of "The Bubble": I would use this question to point out that current leadership often relies on executive sessions and "closed-door" culture. I would argue that ignoring well-documented constituent input is a form of soft corruption or negligence.

Specific Actions my administration Might Take:

Public Integration: I suggest bringing the constituent’s documentation directly into the public record during a council meeting to ensure it cannot be ignored by city staff.

Transparency: I have previously advocated for greater transparency in how the city handles grievances; I might propose a public "tracking system" for constituent inquiries so the community can see how long it takes for the city to resolve documented issues.

Direct Advocacy: Due to my background within the progressive movement. I would likely treat a logical, well-documented email as a "brief" to be used in his own advocacy for policy shifts, especially if it concerns environmental justice or economic equity.

 

 

 

6. Issues – please respond by April 2, 2026

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?

I would likely focus on economic justice and environmental sustainability. I often frames city issues through the lens of how they affect the working class and marginalized communities.

- The Issue: Crow I likely identify public transportation and housing affordability as the primary issues. He frequently argues that Arlington’s lack of a traditional mass transit system is a "tax on the poor" and a barrier to social mobility.

The "Why": I would point out that current city priorities favor corporate interest and wealthy developers over the 15% of Arlington residents living below the poverty line.

My Suggestions for improving Arlington

Rent Control & Tenant Protections: I would likely propose city-level protections for renters to prevent displacement as redevelopment occurs.

Climate Resilience: I would likely push for "green infrastructure," such as expanding the tree canopy and implementing solar mandates for new commercial builds, to lower utility costs for residents.

End Subsidies: I would suggest an immediate moratorium on corporate welfare, redirecting those millions toward a municipal fund for food security and social services.

"Beyond public safety, the most vital issue is our lack of connectivity. My Vision 34 Corridor proposal addresses this by transforming SH 34 into a hub of fixed-route transit and affordable, mixed-use living. We must stop spending millions on stadium parking lots and start investing in a corridor that moves people, supports local business, and finally connects North and South Arlington."

I do point to the Vision 34 Corridor as one of my comprehensive solution.

1. The Core Concept: Redefining "Development"

While the city focuses on the Entertainment District, My Vision 34 Corridor focuses on State Highway 34 (SH 34). I view this corridor as an untapped resource for connecting residents to jobs, healthcare, and education.

The Shift: Instead of "pockets" of luxury development, I propose a continuous artery of growth that benefits the neighborhoods it passes through, rather than bypassing them.

2. Solving the Transit Crisis

I would argue that Arlington is the largest city in America without a fixed-route mass transit system.

The Vision: I propose using the SH 34 corridor as the primary spine for a high-capacity transit system (potentially light rail or dedicated bus rapid transit).

The Goal: By connecting the northern and southern ends of the city via this corridor, one of my aims to reduce car dependency and lower the "transportation tax" currently paid by working-class families who must maintain vehicles to survive in Arlington.

3. Economic Justice and "Small-Scale" Mixed Use

In the context of the RMU (Regional Mixed Use) and SB 840 questions discussed earlier, my Vision 34 proposal advocates for a different kind of density:

Human-Scale Growth: Along the Corridor, I envision high-density, mixed-use housing that is permanently affordable.

Local Business Priority: I would use the Corridor to incentivize local small businesses and "mom-and-pop" shops over the massive corporate chains usually found in the Entertainment District.

4. Environmental and Fiscal Sustainability

I frame Vision 34 as the future for Arlington:

Green Infrastructure: my proposal includes solar-powered transit stops, permeable pavement to help with Arlington's flooding issues, and significant expansion of the urban tree canopy along the highway.

Fiscal Responsibility: I would argue that the Vision 34 Corridor creates a sustainable tax base. Unlike stadium deals that require constant public subsidies, a transit-oriented corridor creates a permanent increase in property values and local commerce that pays for itself over time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Crow ran for AISD Place 7 in 2023

 

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

Currently the AISD has the highest M&O rate of any ISD in Tarrant County. In February staff did a budget adjustment of close to $1 million to start planning for the paying recapture (“Robin Hood”). How fiscally responsible should the board be with taxpayers' dollars? How high of a priority should fiscal responsibility be? What are your suggestions to be more fiscally responsible?

I wish this issue were taken more seriously by the Arlington ISD administration management. I do think that each individual Arlington ISD Board member  hasn't been all that responsible with taxpayers funds. We have had multiple board members over the years that have constantly been raising taxes just advance the interest of the wealthy and corporate interest. I don't wanna sound harsh but wasting all of tax payers dollar on Football and other athletics is not the solution it is the problem. We instead should be focusing on investing tax payers dollars to ensure that students succeed in the key area's of their academics that they would actually need to either advance their education further or seek employment. We have many Arlington ISD Students who transfer into institutes of higher education like Tarrant County College who can't  pass the TSI assessment in mathematics or reading or writing which is a problem. I think the issue concerning fiscal responsibility should be a high priority on the Arlington ISD Board. I can think of many ways that Arlington ISD Board could be held accountable for their actions. I would support requiring  AISD Board members to be elected from single member districts or implementing term limits or require the district to balance their budget. I do however think some of these ideas could worth pursuing if the AISD board can't get their affairs in order.

 

2. Transgender – please respond by March 9, 2023

Which locker rooms/restrooms, etc., should transgender students be using? Should there be a District policy? Why or why not?

I do agree that there should be District policy that would properly accommodate the needs of these students. I do think that for the most part that the Texas legislature has adapted discriminatory policy in the public education system that would punish school districts for providing accommodations to these students. I do know that these group of students would prefer to have transgender restrooms on each campus. I do think it is a question of budget at this point. I think this would either require building new faculties on each AISD campus or change the label's on existing restrooms with alterations. I have heard a few years ago that some campus administrators has allowed transgender students to use teacher's or staff restrooms. I don't have a definite answer to these problems but this issue will continue to be a topic of discussion in future school board elections.

 

 

3. Teachers' Salaries – please respond by March 16, 2023

Is having the highest teachers' salaries in the north Texas area a good thing? Why or why not?

Did not respond.

 

4. Citizen Speakers – please respond by March 23, 2023

Currently citizen speakers are given a two minutes to make their points on a subject. Do you feel that is an appropriate amount of time? Why or why not?

Did not respond.

 

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 ], but concerning an AISD issue and/or problem, will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not? What actions will you take?

Did not respond.

 

6. Issues – please respond by April 6, 2023

Other than selecting a new superintendent, what is the most important issue the board is currently facing? Why? What are your suggestions for addressing this issue?

Did not respond.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Crow ran for City Council District 7 in 2020.

 

1. Term Limits Committee – please respond by August 27, 2020

A Term Limits Advisory Committee was named and fast tracked recommendations to the city council with four meetings, and over 13 hours, between July 14 – July 28. Do you have an opinion of this whole situation? Do you have an opinion of the outcome?

Did not respond.

 

2. Sales Tax – please respond by September 3, 2020

This November's ballot includes a measure to increase the sales tax another ¼ cent to 8.25%. Would you have voted to put this on the ballot? Why or why not? How do you plan to vote on this issue? Why?

I am opposed to the sales tax and no I would not put this on the ballot at all. Instead I would have rather seen another ballot Proposition in its place that would amend the Arlington City Charter to require the City to adopt a balanced budget each fiscal year.
With that being said we shouldn't be raising taxes at all so I see no alternative but to work to amend the Arlington City Charter to prohibit the City of Arlington From spending more than its income this balanced budget amendment would provide taxpayers some relief. but as far as the sales tax ballot measure is concerned
I will definitely vote no at the polls and work to eliminate any future spending that may proposed by the City.

 

3. Density – please respond by September 10, 2020

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?

I am not completely opposed to this however I am not to familiar with the zoning regulations. I do believe it is important not to overcrowd a nayborhood with to many apartments the more we construct new apartments the higher the property taxes will be and it is best not to raise them any further than they have to be and  I am not opposed to Regional Mixed Use but I will need to research this further to determine if it is right for arlington residents.

 

4. Transportation – please respond by September 17, 2020

Via's December 2019 contract renewal has increased the geographical coverage area to 41% (and is available to 49% of the population). Meanwhile, the contract is paid 53% by Arlington taxpayers, 31% by Federal Grant, and 16% by the people taking the rides. Is this fair to the taxpayers, most of whom are not covered, but are paying 53%? How do you plan to vote on future funding? What is your solution? [the staff report: https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/481268/Staff_Report_-___MF__RK__-_FINAL.pdf].

Did not respond.

 

5. Communications – please respond by September 24, 2020

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?

Did not respond.

 

6. Issue – please respond by October 1, 2020

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

Did not respond.