Michael D. Crain
District 03
Michael D. Crain
District 03
Below are the full questions and all answers provided by Michael D. Crain.
Purpose & Leadership
Why are you running for this position, and what qualifications do you bring?
As your Fort Worth City Councilman, I'm seeking a third term to continue serving our community. My focus is on reducing property taxes, enhancing public safety, addressing infrastructure needs, fostering economic development and enhancing education. With a background in public service, law, and real estate, I bring a comprehensive perspective to the council. I've served under former Mayor Kenneth Barr and Congresswoman Kay Granger, and as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. I'm committed to Fort Worth's growth while preserving its character.
What are the top three priorities you will focus on if elected (list three maximum)?
- Enhancing public safety
- Addressing infrastructure needs
- Fostering economic development
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.
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
Yes, I already have advocated for policies that expand families' access to high-quality public school options, including charter schools and 1882 partnerships. These collaborations between school districts, charter schools, universities, and nonprofits are crucial for expanding educational opportunities and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.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
Absolutely. I am fully committed to actively supporting policies and initiatives that ensure high-quality schools have the public and political backing they need to exist, grow, and thrive as education options for families in our city. Education is a cornerstone of our community's success, and I believe in empowering parents with diverse, high-quality choices for their children's education. By fostering an environment where excellent schools can flourish, we're investing in the future of Fort Worth and providing our children with the best opportunities to succeed.Will you support policies to improve transportation access for charter school students, including expanding bus services and ensuring safer walking routes? Yes
Yes, I wholeheartedly support policies to improve transportation access for charter school students. Expanding bus services and ensuring safer walking routes are crucial steps in making quality education more accessible to all families in Fort Worth. I believe that no child should face barriers to attending the school that best meets their needs, and improving transportation options is a key part of that. By enhancing these services, we can ensure that all students, regardless of their chosen school, have safe and reliable ways to get to and from their classes. This not only supports educational choice but also contributes to the overall safety and well-being of our community's children.Will you ensure that charter school families have a voice in city policy discussions that impact education, facilities, and community resources? Yes
Yes, I will ensure that charter school families have a voice in city policy discussions that impact education, facilities, and community resources. I have already demonstrated my commitment to this by working to give charter schools parity with public schools regarding transportation impact fees. In 2022, I led the effort to exempt both public and charter schools from these fees, recognizing the importance of equitable treatment for all educational institutions. This effort reflects my dedication to fostering collaboration between the city and schools to expand opportunities for families and ensure their voices are heard in shaping policies that affect their children’s education and well-being.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
Yes, I fully support equitable access to city resources for charter schools. This includes allowing access to vacant city-owned buildings and ensuring fair funding opportunities for facilities and infrastructure. Charter schools play an important role in providing families with high-quality educational options, and it’s essential that they have the resources needed to thrive. By working collaboratively to ensure equitable access, we can support all schools in meeting the needs of our growing community and providing the best possible opportunities for our children.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
Absolutely. I am a strong advocate for initiatives that improve traffic and pedestrian safety around all schools, including charter schools. I've led the city's efforts to recognize school zones around charter schools, which were previously not acknowledged. This initiative has been crucial in enhancing safety for students, parents, and staff at these schools. I fully support continued enforcement of school zones and investment in essential infrastructure such as crosswalks and speed bumps. These measures are vital for creating a safe environment for our children as they travel to and from school.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)
As a city council member, I will take specific actions to improve educational opportunities for all students, including those attending charter schools. I will continue to lead efforts to recognize and enforce school zones around charter schools, ensuring equal safety measures. I will advocate for equitable access to city resources, such as vacant buildings and fair funding for facilities. Additionally, I will support expanding transportation options and ensure charter school families have a voice in city policy discussions. By focusing on these initiatives, I aim to create a more equitable educational environment for all students in Fort Worth.