Some of you are probably reading this blog doing your final research before heading to the polls. Thanks for visiting! I'd like to personally ask you for your vote, and to tell you why I believe I'm the best candidate for the job.
I'm running for city council because I love this city, and I have a vision of how it can be the most liveable city in the country. I'm NOT running because of political ambitions... I have no political ambitions beyond city hall. I'm not a longtime politician like Rangel; I haven't been entrenched in city hall for 10 years like Burns; I wasn't asked to run by special business interests downtown like Beckman; and I'm not a partisan lobbyist like Turner.
I'm a small business owner, a regular guy, who genuinely wants to serve this city. In the process, I want to give all the other regular guys and gals who love this city (that's you) a voice down at city hall.
And while I've picked three hot-button issues to run a campaign on, they are by no means the scope of my plans at city hall. I have a vision for the future of Fort Worth, and I won't rest until that vision is realized.
Fort Worth is a lucky city, because in the past we've grown a lot slower than other big cities. That slow, steady growth has allowed us to preserve a lot of the history and architectural fabric that gives Fort Worth its identity. Some cities (ahem- Dallas) demolished most of their historic downtown buildings in the 70s and 80s, but we kept ours. That's what makes Sundance Square a destination today.
Things are changing, though. Fort Worth is now the fastest growing city in the U.S., putting our historical resources and quality of life in danger. Did you know that F.W. landmarks like the Tarrant County Courthouse, Will Rogers Memorial Center, and the Botanical Gardens have no historic preservation protection whatsoever?
What about the fact that the fastest-growing city in the U.S. hasn't been trying very hard to get its transportation system ready for the new residents? Former mayor Kenneth Barr started the ball rolling on a light rail project, but our current mayor let it die because Federal funding was unlikely.
I don't think it's the Federal government's responsibility to build us a transit system. It would be nice if they were willing to help, but if they won't we still must take the initiative to build it on our own.
When I dare peer into the future of Fort Worth, I see a city as grand as the ones this great country used to build. Think of New York, Boston, or Chicago.
I see diverse neighborhoods, where the wealthy live near the less wealthy, and both are richer for it. I see citizens that get involved in their local government and work together to make their city better.
I see a city with a transportation system so complete that car ownership is a luxury, not a necessity. That way, poorer families can get out from under the financial burden of old, maintenance-hungry cars.
I see a city that sticks together. I see folks who buy from their local small businesses, instead of from the carpetbagging big-box stores. I see a city that doesn't give tax abatements to big-box stores, expecting them to pay their fair share of city taxes just as the small business owner does.
I see a city with something for everyone: world class cultural and recreational opportunities, a vibrant night life, and the best school system in the country. I see top-tier companies relocating here because they can recruit the best talent here, not because we gave them breaks on paying taxes. Quality of life is the key here; we want companies that value their employees.
I see a city that holds on to its heritage while simultaneously planning for the future.
If this sounds like the kind of city you want to live in, then go to the polls on November 6 and cast your vote for Bernie Scheffler.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
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9 comments:
Amen!
Gosh, it's so refreshing to see an "ordinary" (EXTRAordinary) Joe willing to run for office and serve the people. I'm not in your District; however, I will do all I can to help you get elected due to the fact that we are ALL in this together and every vote on the Council matters.
I know you will vote smartly and be a champion for this grand City of Ft. Worth, it's citizens, it's parks, and our environment. Furthermore, the fact that you will actually answer emails and return phone calls without us having a well known last name or a million dollars in our pocket, is remarkable!
Thank you for your willingness to serve and I know that you will keep your corner of City Hall "real" and transparent! I am looking forward to the day!
Best to you and your family! Vote Bernie Nov. 6th. You won't be disappointed.
You so blithely dismiss Juan Rangel as a "longtime politician."
Juan Rangel has been a community leader for many years fighting for representaion for the voiceless. Juan was an original plaintiff to get a single member district at the FWISD that a Hispanic candidate could win because of the wonderful Anglo habit of racial bloc voting.
He has done more on a given week to solve regular peoples' problems, parents, teachers, poor kids who cannot afford a pair of shoes without holes, than most likely have done in a given year, my friend. So a little perspective and respect is in order.
Don't get me wrong I think it is great you are running and more power to you and your issue. But c'mon.
We should meet sometime, we live on the same street.
Bernie - I've been to every forum and listened to every candidate. You are the clear choice for this position. All the rest are politicians, and that's a fact. I see more than a million dollars being spent on this election by these guys and I wonder, "is this the way to campaign for city council?" You are the only guy that's taken a responsible, sustainable approach to your campaign. IMO, it's irresponsible to spend as much money as these guys have on a city council race. But whatever. You're the only guy running a true grass roots campaign. I have respect for any person who pursues public service, but I reserve true respect for the people who pursue such goals with only public service in mind. That's you. You have a vision for Fort Worth today - not Fort Worth a decade ago. I blithely dismiss other politicians who have intentionally positioned you as a happy-go-lucky candidate with no experience while the experience they claim to have is hopelessly distorted and irrelevant to the challenges at hand. I see you working on your campaign 18 hours a day while other candidates have hired call centers and buy billboards to do the work for them. You've worked hard, you've researched the issues, you've met with every single persont that you can - you've earned the votes you're going to receive on Nov. 6. I look forward to your term in City Council.
Juan Rangel not a politician? Check this out: http://thecaravanofdreams.blogspot.com/2007/11/trinity-trees-biggest-supporter.html
I've not had the pleasure of meeting you, but I can tell you that you got my vote today. I couldn't take any more recorded phone messages from various people supporting the other candidates. I like your ideas about public transportation and keeping Fort Worth a place that we recognize down the road. Best of luck in the election!
You've won my vote hands down. You oppose urban drilling, you're pro-public transportation, you want to preserve Fort Worth's historic architecture and infrastructure and you know the term big-box stores. You sir, are a breath of fresh air.
There were once servants of the people.
Those who worked on city councils and local commissions just to serve.
Local government was handled locally.
Local representatives were your neighbors.
Well, that's what our grandparents told us anyhow.
Would you count any of those currently in FW City Council as your neighbor?
How many of those currently seeking District #9's seat?
I suggest there's one!
Vote Bernie!
Jim Wilson
Good luck tomorrow, Bernie.
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