Onward and Upward!

One Week till the Election!

2009-05-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family of District 8,

One week to go until the election! As always, this has been a very grass roots and community based campaign.

We still need your help!

We really need supporters to phone bank at our

Campaign Headquarters

1301 Evans Avenue

Fort Worth, Texas 76104

We also need lots of help on Election Day, May 9^th.

Please email me at khickscampaign@sbcglobal.net or call me at 817-817-0007 if you can join us!

Please urge people to go vote! Early voting ends on Tuesday, May 5^th

Thank you for everything,

Onward and Upward District 8!

-Kathleen

Star-Telegram Endorsement!

2009-04-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Family and Friends of District 8,

Please find below the endorsement by the Star Telegram of me for a 3rd term as your City Council Representative for District 8.

The endorsement means so much to me. However, I am more moved by all the great work we have been able to do together for District 8 and our great city over the past 4 years!

We have just two weeks to go until Election Day! Thanks to all of you for your support and friendship and prayers!!!

Onward and Upward - District 8!!!!!!

- Kathleen

Recommendation: Hicks for Fort Worth City Council District 8

Fort Worth Council District 8

Fort Worth City Council District 8 runs primarily along the east side of Interstate 35 from roughly Texas 121 in the north to past Farm Road 1187 in the south. It includes central city and rapidly growing suburban areas, and has some of the city’s most depressed areas within its boundaries.

Under council member Kathleen Hicks, it has made great strides in the past four years.

Hicks, also mayor pro tem, is high-energy, hardworking and independent, but she has proved that she can bridge the needs of district residents and the city staff for the betterment of both. District 8 has shown a steady decrease of crime during her council tenure.

Hicks, 36, who is the executive director of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Tarrant County, understands that the issues of transportation in Fort Worth affect the entire region — and vice versa.

Her keen interest in the development of the city’s 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness stems from the fact that the majority of the city’s homeless men, women and children seeks services and help at agencies located in her district.

Hicks pledges to focus in a new term on seeing that Code Compliance works with other city departments and government agencies to improve neighborhoods not only in District 8 but throughout the city.

The Star-Telegram Editorial Board recommends Kathleen Hicks for Fort Worth City Council District 8.

http://www.star-telegram.com/242/story/1336715.html

Come Phone Bank for my Re-Election Campaign!!!

2009-04-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Come phone bank for my re-election campaign for Fort Worth City Council, District 8! We are meeting on the dates below. Come one day or come to them all! Food! Fun! Great people! And working for a good cause!

Bring your cell phone and speak to the people in your community about the great strides we’ve made in District 8!

Volunteer Schedule
Tuesday April 21st
6PM - 8:30PM

Wednesday April 22nd
6PM- 8:30PM

Thursday April 23rd
6PM - 8:30PM

Saturday April 25th
11AM-7PM

Sunday April 26th
2PM-6PM

Kathleen Hicks Campaign Headquarters
1301 Evans Ave
Fort Worth, Texas 76104

For More Information Call: 817-810-0007

A Busy Saturday in District 8!

2009-03-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy day indeed in our district. My mother joined me at Texas Wesleyan University to hear noted Professor Dr. Bartley L. McSwine, a Fort Worth naive. The historic Saint Andrews United Methodist Church help sponsor Dr. McSwine who lectured on African-American studies. I was then off to address the retired Fire Fighters of Fort Worth who have been long-time supporters and engaged and involved in our great Fort Worth community.

From there, I toured through the Historic South side. Some of the most unique architecture in Fort Worth can be found in this jewel of a neighborhood so very near downtown. This area of our city is truly on the cusp of a new positive chapter of renaissance. It is a pleasure to see all the new buildings in the area including the Hazel Harvey Center for Neighborhoods, the Shamblee Library and lot more to come!

Today, I also got a chance to visit Meadowbrook United Methodist Church where Pastor Jim Chandler. Rev. Chandler has done a wonderful job bringing these communities together. That was never more evident in the basketball I got to witness. My friend GiGi is one of the coaches. Not only is an opportunity for positive activities in our communities, it provides a positive and uplifting experience for kids from all walks of life.

From there I visited with West Meadowbrook President Don Boren and his wife Wanda Conlin about continued re-zoning in the area and other pro-active avenues to keep this wonderful community moving forward in a positive way.

Finally, I meet with United Communities which brings together several neighborhood associations on the south side. We discussed progress with the urban village at Berry and Riverside , the new economic development at the old Masonic Home and other issues.

It has been a long day, but extremely productive as our district continues to work so well to improve our neighborhoods.

Onward and Upward District 8!!!!

-Kathleen

A Jewel in the Heart of District 8: Cobb Park Renaissance

2009-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

As a teenager, I often took a short cut through Cobb Park leaving my home in Rolling Hills to make it to Martin Luther King Freeway. Then as is now, the park is not the most inviting. At over 200 acres, it is one of the biggest parks in Fort Worth. Yet, there is little parking and very few other amenities as opposed to Sycamore Park, down the street and also in District 8, which boosts the first new splash pad in the City of Fort Worth.

But Cobb Park is finally poised for a renaissance! At the February 3^rd Council meeting, the council unanimously passed a redevelopment plan for the park. With well over 3 million dollars, a new entrance will be constructed, there will be more parking facilities, more picnic areas, a bridge over what is currently a low water crossing and many other improvements. This is the result of a master plan that was created for the park last year. It was the first master plan since the 1960s!!!!!! Over 400 residents participated in the survey demonstrating that District 8 residents care deeply about our parks.

Reclaiming this beautiful space has been a major goal of mine as we work toward the continued renaissance of this wonderful part of our city. Once again, the improvements at Cobb Park signal that we are on positive journey toward real and lasting change for our District 8 community.

Onward and Upward!

-Kathleen

Inside Politics Tomorrow

2009-02-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

I will be on WFAA Inside Politics tomorrow at 9am on channel 8! Please watch tomorrow!

Onward and Upward!
Kathleen Hicks

Renewed and Ready for Positive Change!

2009-01-21T15:53:00.000-08:00

What an amazing experience this has been! Tuesday was the never-ending day as we wearily trudged back to the hotel after the balls at 2 a.m.! Indeed, below is a picture of my uncle IP, who was my escort for the night taking a quick nap on the Metro.

But what an experience! First Lady Michelle Obama looked exhausted by the time she and the president reached the Southern Ball around midnight. But the diverse crowd of over 4,000 was enthralled, and so was I.

We also got to hear Vice President Biden graciously thank everyone for their support. Even after returning back to the hotel, I could not help but watch the television coverage. I have never seen so many people come together in such a positive and remarkable way. During this trip, we have met and seen countless Americans who are so hopeful about our future. We saw friends who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina but were determined to share this moment in history and drove here 22 hours almost non-stop.

At the inauguration, I sat next to Palestinian-Americans who, despite the continued tormoil in the Middle East, remain optimistic. And so I leave Washington, D.C., feeling renewed. I thank the Star-Telegram for this opportunity to share this remarkable journey through this forum. I look forward to continuing to work with many other folks to bring positive and lasting change to our community. As President Obama urged us last night "let's go change America!"

Finding Fort Worth's Finest in D.C.

2009-01-20T23:24:00.000-08:00

Headed out to the We the People Ball and Southern Ball, I thought there was something really wrong with wearing a sleeveless floor-length dress in 25-degree weather AND riding the subway!

There are 100 members of our Fort Worth Police Department here, led by Deputy Chief Ramirez and Captain Salinas. Indeed, while I was complaining about getting up at 5.30 a.m., they were out at 3.30 a.m., working a full day at the inauguration, parade and balls. Law enforcement helped out from across the country, and I know FWPD was honored to be a part of this historic chapter in our nation's history. And, yes, guys, I got you lots of souvenirs!

How crowded is it in D.C.?

2009-01-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

Here's a view leaving the Metro station headed to the swearing-in ceremon: a journey that normally takes 15 minutes took almost 4 hours!

Fort Worthers abound at Inauguration

2009-01-19T11:41:00.000-08:00

It's quickly becoming a family and Fort Worth friends reunion here! Had dinner Sunday night with lots of family and friends. The buzzing excitement can be felt everywhere we go!

This morning, my aunt, Deborah, braved the long lines to wait for our inauguration tickets. I joined her, and together we saw lots of Fort Worth residents also lining up for tickets. Eastside activist Regina Blair was there with her mother and sister. We also saw City of Fort Worth Economic Development director Jay Chapa with his wife. (See photo)

Also here is an old family friend, Travis Parmer, who reported that he drove the whole way here on his own!

Special thanks to members of Congress Dr. Michael Burgess, Kay Granger and Kevin Brady for our inauguration tickets. We also received the programs, which are absolutely amazing! My mum and I started crying again when we looked at them.The fact that an African-American will soon take the oath of office for the highest office in the land is still too awesome to comprehend.

(Photo of Regina Blair, Kathleen Hicks, Maryellen Hicks at office of Rep. Michael Burgess.)

To the concert on the National Mall -- and looking for the president-elect

2009-01-18T15:20:00.000-08:00

Just joined my mother for her weekly radio show, and many generations joined us. We were all crying as we contemplated what will occur in just over 48 hours.

Last night, we arrived at our hotel about 7 p.m. in Arlington, Va.

We had traveled through six states until finally hitting a blue state: North Carolina.

On Friday night, we stayed in Atlanta with my cousin Whitney, who is working on a doctorate in African-American Women's studies at Emory University. It was great to share this time with her. Whitney represents what's so great about this county: the ability to succeed through education - she is truly living the dream.

We got a late start on Saturday-- just exhausted from the long journey. However, as we drove farther north, we started to see more and more Obama signs, including an "Obama, here we come!" sign. Our excitement continued to build.

I have heard from so many old friends along the way, including a friend whom I rode my bicycle with in Ryan Place as a child. He had read about our journey and wanted to wish us the best.

We are now headed to the mall with my uncle and a friend from New York to hear the concert. We hope to see the President-Elect!

Kathleen's Journey to the Inauguration

2009-01-17T14:09:00.000-08:00

Well, isn’t it only fitting that I would start my blog in the heart of the American south? Indeed, our journey started well before dawn when a Star Telegram photographer came to my mothers, Judge Maryellen Hicks’ home to commemorate what I hope will be a very excellent adventure!

Now I will not lie. I was rather underwhelmed to be driving to Washington, DC. My mother and I had shared a rather unpleasant plane trip to Africa a few years ago. She has not been on a plane since. Swept up in a moment of election night euphoria, my best friend Dr. Camille Rodriguez and I promised my dear mother that we would drive her to Washington, DC if Barack Obama won.

And so I find myself in Meridian. Nevertheless, it is a very small price to pay to be a very small piece of history. This past summer I had driven this very same route with my mother on yet another car trip. I remember fretting about whether this country could indeed elect an African-American president. Not even six months later, I find myself on my way to being apart of something I never thought possible – at least not in my lifetime.

Over the past week, I have talked to many Fort Worth residents who are making the same journey. One lady told me she would be leaving by bus at 1 am in the morning. Another was driving with friends. We all shared the same excitement, the same hope – that despite the economic woes that plague this country, the uncertainty of the future, we remained optimistic and, yes, we wanted to share in a new day for our country.

Until next time,

Kathleen

Remarks to East FW Business Association

2009-01-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, January 8^th I was honored to address the East Fort Worth Business Association at the Trinity Hotel in Council District 8.

Longtime District 8 activist and resident Ms. Sarah Walker gave me a wonderful introduction. Ms. Walker has been a wonderful mentor to me. She has worked tirelessly preserving the history of South-East Fort Worth.

The Association has long promoted positive economic development in our community. I was pleased to see Council Member Frank Moss, long time friends, Attorneys Jesse Gaines & Gwinda Burns, Jim Austin, and of course President of the association Norm Bernes.

My message to the association was simple: We don’t have to re-invent the wheel in East Fort Worth; we must utilize economic tools that have worked elsewhere in our city, state, and country. One such tool is the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone which I talked about in an earlier blog. The city received a federal grant which we leveraged with private funds to revitalize the store fronts across from Texas Wesleyan University.

Also, we are well on our way to revitalizing the east side with the Gateway Park Riverside Oxbow improvements. The area will see millions of dollars of improvements in the coming years thanks to local, state, and federal dollars.

Of course crime remains a great concern to all of us across our city, especially in these rough economic times. The past week has been especially challenging. The police will have a long term presence in East Fort Worth. Indeed, the council has already approved funding for the NEW CRIME LAB that will occupy the old Stripling and Cox Building on East Lancaster. Also, a new POLICE STOREFRONT will be built near I-35 and East Lancaster.

We must continue to be vigilant and not accept anything that goes in our community. We must spread the word about the positive development. Why must we always stereotype East and Southeast Fort Worth?

I was very pleased to learn that Star Telegram columnist Bud Kennedy will be a speaker at the Association meeting in March. A few weeks ago, he wrote an awesome column about how the media loves to focus on the Negative in East Fort Worth, but rarely the positive.

With organizations such as the East Fort Worth Business Association, we will continue to revitalize our community!

Until Next Time,

Onward and Upward!

- Kathleen Hicks

Neighborhood Empowerment Zone Unanimously Passed!

2009-01-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

This week’s council meeting was another milestone for Council District 8. The Council unanimously passed the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) district for the Oakland Corners area along east Lancaster. Long-time activists were present at the council meeting, including West Meadowbrook Neighborhood President, Don Boren and Wanda Conlin.

The NEZ designation is especially important as it is a vital tool to attract positive Economic Development. Moreover, this NEZ is especially important because the Neighborhood Association was able to craft the NEZ. Applicants will have to adhere to the strict rules upon which businesses are eligible for tax abatements in the area. This will ensure positive development for years to come. More to come later on my remarks to the East Fort Worth Business Association this past week!

Onward and Upward District 8!

-Kathleen

2009-01-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

Please come out and join me at my campaign fundraiser:

Blackeyed Peas & Possibilities!

Saturday, 31 January 2009
1-3pm

1301 Evans Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76104

Hope, Progress and CHANGE!

2009-01-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Fellow District 8 Resident,

2008 was another exciting year for our district. Indeed, George Bernard Shaw once stated that “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” Change was a crucial theme this past year as we elected a new president in a historic election. Locally, positive change continued to ring throughout our district.

The last quarter of 2008 saw many more groundbreakings across the district. Mayor Moncrief, numerous city staff and community advocates joined me on a crisp October day to break ground on the new Hazel Harvey Peace Center for Neighborhoods on the corner of Terrell and I-35.

In November, I joined federal and state officials to break ground for the new multi-million dollar Veterans Hospital. The facility near Campus and 8-20 will serve veterans from across north Texas. A few weeks days later we celebrated more positive change with the opening of the newly renovated Baker Building on the campus of Texas Wesleyan University. The renovation reflects the significant progress in the Polytechnic Urban Village. Thanks to public and private partnerships, the area is coming alive with the TWU bookstore, and other commercial development to come in 2009 in buildings along East Rosedale that have stood empty for far too long.

November also saw the Go Gateway! Celebration as hundreds of residents came out to enjoy this great east side park which soon will boast numerous new improvements for all of Fort Worth to enjoy. Also the FW City Council recently approved the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone for West Meadowbrook. This important milestone will encourage re-investment in East Fort Worth.

Finally, I was delighted to take part in the ceremony in which All Church Home for Children celebrated their move to the old Masonic Home Campus at MLK Freeway and East Berry. As a proud board member of ACH, I can tell you that this organization is setting the bar for quality programs in child welfare that is dramatically strengthening families and reducing child abuse. ACH will invest well over 10 million dollars to improve the campus and will be a vital anchor in district 8 community. We welcome them!

I could go on and on about all the positive change occurring through-out our wonderful district. I thank you for going on this positive journey with me as we continue to make important and lasting strides!

Until next time,

Onward and Upward District 8!!

-Kathleen