City Council Statement: Charles Overstreet

The following is a reply to a request by the Kennedale for information from each of the seven candidates who are running for a Kennedale City Council place. {{more: READ MORE …}}

CHARLES OVERSTREET

City Council Place 1

I am running for re-election to the Kennedale City Council, Place 1. A Kennedale resident for 23 years I have been involved in city government for the past 11.

 

My Involvement began with appointment to the BOA (Board of Adjustments) for 3 years, followed by 3 years on the Planning and Zoning Commission and finally the Kennedale City Council on which I have served for the past 5 years.

Initial involvement in City government required training in zoning, planning, city ordinances and the role of the BOA in settling questions of land use. This experience was valuable in the issues that come before the Planning & Zoning Commission. To be effective, I studied community planning principles, attended seminars, governance training and participated in conferences at National League of Cities. The years spent on these boards were valuable preparation for service on the City Council and have helped me to understand the complexities of City Government.

Important Issues:

1. Kennedale is facing significant water and wastewater infrastructure challenges. We have sections of the city that have old wastewater systems and reservoirs in need of costly upgrades and repair. The increases in water rates have placed a financial burden on the Citizens. We must find solutions for funding these while maintaining the system.

 

2. The development of the Southern area of the City will bring more homes into the utility system, spreading and lowering the cost to individual households.

3. The increase in households will attract business and improve the financial health of the City. The City of Kennedale is in the center of a rapidly growing area, with opportunities and struggles. The current election is a contrast of visions of how to move forward – controlled growth with a vision and plan or stagnation. My top priority is to continue managed development with the vision that was set forth in the Master Land Use Plan developed with input from the Citizens. The addition of homes, businesses, parks and trails in the Southern part of the City will not only improve the lifestyle of residents of Kennedale, but will improves the financial health of the City.

Occupation:

• Professor of Psychology/Department Chair of Behavioral/Social Sciences, Tarrant County College ? South Campus
• Mental Health Consultant: Veterans Court Diversion Programs, Tarrant Co., Denton Co., North Texas Veterans Court Consortium
• Health Psychology Consultant: MSAA (Multiple Sclerosis Association of America)