Mary K. Kelleher

District 05

Mary K. Kelleher

District 05

Below are the full questions and all answers provided by Mary K. Kelleher.

Purpose & Leadership

Why are you running for this position, and what qualifications do you bring?
I’m running for Fort Worth City Council District 5 because our residents deserve a responsive, transparent advocate who actively champions their needs. My experience with repeated flooding, which devastated my family ranch, drove me to fight for stronger flood-control measures and sensible development. Serving two nonconsecutive terms on the Tarrant Regional Water District board sharpened my commitment to transparency, ethical governance, and fiscal responsibility. My career in juvenile services strengthened my passion for public safety and community outreach. I’m not a career politician; I’m a neighbor who returns every phone call and email. By prioritizing accountability, better infrastructure, and responsible zoning.

What are the top three priorities you will focus on if elected (list three maximum)?

Promote Transparency and Accountability: I believe in open-door communication and honest governance, so every resident feels heard and informed about decisions that affect our district.
Ensure Smart, Sensible Development: We need to attract needed amenities and facilities while holding developers accountable for projects that respect our community’s character, preserve green space, and improve quality of life.
Public Safety & Quality City Services: Without better public safety (Police & Fire) there’s less possibility for high quality economic development to make economic sense, with low quality or outdated infrastructure, development can’t prosper. I intend to fight for District 5’s share of resources to improve residents’ quality of life.

Candidate Commitments

Candidates were asked to rank their level of agreement with the following statements:

I will actively support policies that protect and expand families’ ability to choose the best school for their children, including charter schools and traditional ISD schools.
Strongly Agree

I will champion high-quality education by advocating for policies and resources that support the growth and success of all schools, including charter schools.
Strongly Agree

I will foster collaboration between charter schools, traditional ISDs, and local government to improve education outcomes and expand opportunities for families.
Strongly Agree

I will support city-led initiatives to improve school safety, including pedestrian safety, traffic management, and security measures around school campuses.
Strongly Agree

I will advocate for increased mental health resources for students and families by supporting city partnerships and funding for school-based services.
Strongly Agree

I will push for transparent and consistent communication from city officials regarding education policies that impact families and schools.
Strongly Agree

Optional: Please explain any of your responses above.
As a former educator and juvenile court officer, I have worked with minors and families during their hardest moments to help them pursue a better, more prosperous outcome, even in dire circumstances when they’ve had to face the criminal justice system. I’ve done it for more than thirty years, and I will continue to serve all of my community. The City of Fort Worth needs to improve its communication and community outreach efforts so that all citizens are aware of and informed about the issues that affect them. Parental choice in education is one of the policy tools at our disposal that must be used to give students and their families options and opportunities to pursue their education, regardless of their neighborhood, zip or ISD.No Response

Policy Questions

Public service requires balancing priorities that impact education, school safety, and community well-being. Candidates were asked to answer the following questions and provide a brief explanation for each response.

Will you advocate for policies that expand families’ access to high-quality public school options, including charter schools and 1882 partnerships (which allow school districts to collaborate with charter schools, universities, and nonprofits to expand educational opportunities), to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed? Yes

School choice is the civil rights issue of this century. Charter schools have proven time and again that they can provide the necessary care and improved educational outcomes for ALL students.

Will you actively support policies and initiatives that ensure high-quality schools have the public and political backing to exist, grow, and thrive as education options for families in our city? Yes

An equal playing field doesn’t apply only to students. High-quality public charters have been forced to fight with one hand tied behind their back while ISDs can afford the luxury of taxing and engrossing their administrative ranks without demonstrating positive student outcomes.

Will you support policies to improve transportation access for charter school students, including expanding bus services and ensuring safer walking routes? Yes

All students deserve to have a secure walking route and equitable access to transportation, regardless of the school they attend.

Will you ensure that charter school families have a voice in city policy discussions that impact education, facilities, and community resources? Yes

The ISD shouldn’t have the monopoly on educational policy in the city. All charter schools in the vicinity of City projects and resources should be included in the discussion.

Do you support equitable access to city resources for charter schools, such as allowing access to vacant city-owned buildings and ensuring fair funding opportunities for facilities and infrastructure? Yes

The ISD shouldn’t have the monopoly on educational facilities and resources in the city. All charter schools in the vicinity of City projects and resources should be included in the discussion with equitable chances of resources.

Will you support city initiatives to improve traffic and pedestrian safety around schools, including enforcement of school zones and investment in infrastructure like crosswalks and speed bumps? Yes

All students have the right to attend their school safely, regardless of the school (charter or ISD) they attend.

Beyond general support, what specific actions will you take as a city council member to improve educational opportunities for all students, including those attending charter schools? (Open response)

I will bring attention to the disparity of funding mechanisms available to charter schools to fellow city council members and the public. I will ensure that District residents know that they have options regarding their educational choices. I am a school choice advocate. I would also like to mention that my campaign manager, Daniel Serralde, has organized and rallied in the State Capitol in favor of school choice for over a decade.

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