Star-Telegram Endorsement!

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

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

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

Neighborhood Empowerment Zone Unanimously Passed!

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