Michael J. Moore
District 05
Michael J. Moore
District 05
Below are the full questions and all answers provided by Michael J. Moore.
Purpose & Leadership
Why are you running for this position, and what qualifications do you bring?
I am running for this position because I have supported this community through my work on the Historic and Landmark Commission Board, Parks and Recreation Board, and the efforts I have supported with Mayor Pro Tem Gyna Bivens. I am proud of the work I have accomplished, including the reformation of the Historic Stop Six Neighborhood Association and improvements of the Amphitheater to Gateway Park's Master Plan, and I am interested in creating further positive change for our East Side community in District 5 as the next Councilmember.
What are the top three priorities you will focus on if elected (list three maximum)?
- Safe Neighborhoods
- Clean Parks
- Economic Opportunities
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.
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
A child only has one shot at a good education. I believe that by expanding families’ access to high-quality charter schools, we will help ensure a healthy competition among the public schools that drive innovation. Parents want the best for their kids and we need to make sure they have access to outstanding local charter schools and other options to expand their educational opportunity.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
We need to bring more public awareness to the success stories in this space so there is strong public and political backing for these institutions. I will not only actively support policies that ensure their strength - I will be a strong advocate for them on the dais and beyond.Will you support policies to improve transportation access for charter school students, including expanding bus services and ensuring safer walking routes? Yes
If we had the greatest public classrooms in America, it would mean very little if our children couldn’t even attend class! They need steady, reliable means of transportation to ensure they learn and I believe they need to be present in class physically to get the most of their educational experience. I will support working with Trinity Metro to evaluate routes to address the needs of students who need public transportation.Will you ensure that charter school families have a voice in city policy discussions that impact education, facilities, and community resources? Yes
My stance is: there will be no difference between a charter school or a public school when it comes to the importance of their voice in policy discussions that affect them and the students they serve.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
It depends on the project but generally I would give preference to a charter school or any educational institution- especially if they expressed desire to occupy the vacant city-owned building and the facility required little alteration / remodeling to meet the needs.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
I see this as an issue of student safety, which is the first duty of any elected official. Crosswalks, speed bumps and increased traffic patrol in school zones are a top priority because that is where we most critically need to ensure safe traffic.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)
Invite testimony from charter school leaders, promote the successes of charter schools on my social media, look for opportunities to include charter schools in every education related policy we take up, and visit with all the charter school leadership in my district.