It is well known that my strongest opponent in this race is Dennis Shingleton. Dennis Shingleton has said at forums that he is the architect of the City’s annexation plan. As I have traveled this city and walked it block by block, it is just one of many plans that voters do not like. This is an election that you, the voter, can add an independent voices to city council; a District 7 City Council representative. Someone who is not connected at the hip with “Downtown” and business as usual.
Take a look at Dennis Shingleton’s last financial report, who is endorsed by PACs, Special Interest Groups and Downtown. Where do you think his interests will lie? Then take a look at my financial report. I can run a far better campaign for less money; the same way I would have a voice in the city’s budget. I have cost-effectively used today’s technology and social media tools, along with traditional marketing to communicate to voters. I will continue to communicate with my constituents once I am in office.
I am the ONLY District 7 candidate to address the hard issues YOU care about online. I challenge you, the voter, to find just one article that Dennis Shingleton has written that discusses his position on any issue.
I have the greatest respect for Dennis Shingleton. He has given his time to city projects. He is a good technician. But this election is not about “paying your dues”. It is about bringing tested, trusted leadership from a person with a track record in delivering. That is me.
In Michael Gerber’s book, E-Myth Revisited, Gerber discusses the entrepreneur myth. Basically, good technicians, “the doers”, people who can bake bread, work on cars or fix computers for example, start their own business and fail. Why? Because it takes more to create a viable business than just being a good technician. Gerber writes the only businesses that succeed are those from the entrepreneur. The person who is the visionary, who dreams and asks “what if” and “if then” questions.
Dennis Shingleton has shared with you that he is the Senior Dean of Finance for the UNT Health Science Center. A very noble position that he should be very proud of. For 10 of the past 15 years I worked on very complex problems with contract values between $100 million to $500 million deals for companies like Dell, General Motors, Lockheed Martin and more. For the past five years I have created an awarding winning Fort Worth small business. I have not sat behind a desk. I encourage you to look at my LinkedIn profile.
At many public forums Dennis Shingleton stated he was running because this is a “Normal evolution for me” and “This is my next step”. It seems to be all about Dennis and his progression.
For me, District 7 City Council is more along the lines of volunteering for the Peace Corps. You do it because it serves people. You’re not doing it for the money. You’re not doing it to pad a resume. You do it because in your heart you know that service is the most important gift we can give.
Fort Worth is a beautiful city and it should be cherished. But it is more than Downtown and 7th Street. Fort Worth has the highest property tax rate of any major city in Texas. Voters in the far north sector of the district get little for their tax contribution. Voters in Como get even less. Arlington Heights residents want more emphasis on crime, flooding and A5 single family zoning. Historic areas like Crestwood must continue to be preserved.
This election is not about Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or Independent. It’s not about black, white, brown or yellow. It is about inclusivity, opportunity and equality for every resident regardless of where they live or how much they make. Every Fort Worth resident deserves a voice.
I know sometimes we ask ourselves, “Why vote? Does it make any difference?” Yes it does. Last city council election only 3,000 voters voted. Every vote counts. This is not the time for voter apathy, but rather for voter solidarity. Exercise your civic duty and Constitutional right to vote on Saturday, June 18th. Vote Jon Perry for Fort Worth City Council.
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Early Voting June 2nd – June 10th
Even if you did NOT vote in the city wide election, ALL registered voters are eligible to vote in the runoff election.
Election Day – Saturday, June 18th
Jon Perry
Office: (817) 754-0001
Campaign Website: http://jonperry.biz
Campaign Facebook: http://jonperry.biz/fb
Twitter: dfwcard: http://twitter.com/dfwcard
LinkedIn: Connect With Me http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonperry
