1. Why did you decide to run?
I decided to run because, after 8 years, we feel that our Residents and small businesses have been neglected to our needs, while our City Council has shown that they lean more towards big business and tourism.
2. What is the biggest difference between you and your opponent?
The biggest difference between my opponent and myself is like night and day; I have shown that I have always been for our Community by being a youth volunteer on a daily basis since 1985 and not just there for a photo opportunity.
3. Have you run for office at any level?
Other than running for President of USA Boxing of all North Texas and winning the election I have not run for local office, but I am ready and fully prepared for this position.
4. What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?
The biggest surprise was that I was not aware that there are this many people that are ready for a change, and why they are ready for a change; our streets, property taxes, increased crime, and all types of car racing in heavily President of USA Boxing of all North Texas. As a Coach since 1985, l have always run with our youth boxers; in 2020, at the urging of my Daughter, I entered the Cowtown 5k and, in 2022, won this event in the 65 – 69 age division, so yes, I am in good health. Populated areas, and many are tired of my opponent’s photo ops. Since my opponent was elected 8 years ago, his priorities have also been the same with no results, especially for our working residents and small Mom and Pop businesses. While I live, sleep, eat, and breathe District 2 (Northside, Diamond Hill, Brookside, and Marine Creek, my opponent, spends lots of time in the Stockyards. Even the steers in the Stockyards get their needs before our Residents!!!
5. What has been the best and worst that has happened since you announced?
I can’t really say that there has been a worse time for myself since announcing my run for City Council, it’s been It was really exciting, especially meeting all the new people and all the meetings. As a youth mentor and a boxing coach for over 30 years, I have learned to fight for what is right and As always, I am prepared to do just that!!!
6. What are your first three priorities in your first year if elected?
Fix or replace terrible streets. Lower our overinflated property taxes. More effective youth programs, as a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club Comin” Up Program we (my Wife) were given extensive training in working with “At Risk.” youth and also told that at that time, it cost upwards of $200,000 yearly to house an incarcerated youth, which is probably way more today. This helps our youth become responsible adults and save taxpayer dollars.
7. Do you think you can increase voter turnout?
Yes, I do; people are ready for change and want priorities completed, not just say you are running on this priority and that priority every election cycle and accomplished almost none of them.
8. 3 things we should know about you that most people don’t.
As a teenager, l was always running away from home and was sent to a couple of boys’ homes; when I was 16, l convinced my mother to fill out the application for me to I joined the Army, which I did as soon as I turned 17. l was also helped by a youth worker, and this is one of the things that made me become a youth volunteer. Many people don’t know that I started off as an amateur boxer then moved on to become the gym manager for the Texas Golden Gloves on Henderson then voted in as President of USA Boxing of all North Texas. As a Coach since 1985, l have always run with our youth boxers, in 2020, at the urging of my Daughter, I entered the Cowtown 5k and in 2022, won this event in the 65 – 69 age division, so yes, I am in good health.
9. How can the City of Fort Worth ensure the safety of the immigrant residents and their families?
This is a tough question due to the current administration at the National level, it seems that they don’t care if they arrest even a USA resident, and they get deported, they are not making an effort to bring them back. What l can say is there have been meetings that address that at the Community centers and at some forums where they pass out cards as to what to or not to do or say if you are confronted by ICE agents. Even with all that being said, ICE agents are breaking some laws as well as s o m e of o u r Constitutional rights without fear of retribution from our current administration. NOTHING! What will they stop at? I would say NOTHING.