Arlington City Council District 3 is a long, narrow slice of the city’s southeastern corner. It lies east of Matlock Road from Pioneer Parkway on the north to the Mansfield border on the south.
Incumbent Nikkie Hunter, a health care administrator, faces challenger Kelly Burke, a fitness studio owner and personal trainer who has previously run for Arlington mayor and school board. Although both candidates are longtime Arlington residents who appear deeply committed to their community, we recommend voters return Hunter to office. Her extensive civic involvement and detailed knowledge of the district make her the better choice.
Hunter views traffic management and pedestrian safety as critical public safety issues. In a telephone interview, she said that she was pleased to have helped add a traffic light and pedestrian crossings to busy streets in the district. The traffic signal already is reducing wrecks at the location, she said. Residents also feel that road maintenance and repair are a top priority.
Arlington faced a $25 million budget shortfall this fiscal year. City leaders eliminated vacant positions, closed the animal shelter on Mondays and made other trims to the budget. As a last resort, Hunter said, the council approved a 3-cent property tax increase to close the gap.
“We looked at every way we could cut and we were still not able to make up the deficit,” she said. Next year, she hopes the city will be able to lower the tax rate.
Hunter also wants to focus on improving neighborhoods and ensuring aging apartment complexes are well-maintained. She has been endorsed by local police and fire associations.
Burke, who co-owns a Christian day school with his wife, said his top issue is crime. He would also like the city to find ways to encourage homeownership and streamline the regulatory process for very small businesses.