Arefin Answers the Community Impact Newspaper’s Candidate Q&A
I had the opportunity to submit answers to questions developed by Community Impact Newspaper’s Richardson edition. These are my responses, as published:
Community Impact: Why did you decide to run for Richardson City Council?
Arefin: Being on City Council would provide me with an opportunity to serve our city and all our residents. I have already led in the community and am seeking additional means of serving our city. As you will read below, I have the qualifications and a solid track record of effective community involvement for many years. Richardson has much to be proud of: our arts, our neighborhoods, our schools. But, even a city as successful as ours cannot stop moving forward. Richardson has a strong, positive reputation because of awareness for the past, focus on maintaining the current quality of life, and intentional planning for the future. I know that by bringing all of us to the table, we will be successful in capitalizing on the many opportunities before us, with a strong foundation of ethics and transparency.
Community Impact: How has your experience—personal or professional—prepared you for this role?
Arefin: I have worked to give back to the community that has been so amazing for us all by serving on city boards and commissions, organizing food drives, participating in the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Richardson, Richardson Citizen Police Academy and being a part of my neighborhood association. Richardson is a special place and being involved is a critical part of the equation. Through these experiences, I have met countless neighbors and community members who share the same passion I have for our city. Additionally, I own and operate a civil engineering business specializing in municipal infrastructure. This experience provides a unique perspective on how high-quality infrastructure planning and maintenance affects cities nationwide. This gives me a unique voice to address issues with neighborhood streets, sidewalks, water, wastewater, drainage systems and budgetary matters.
Community Impact: What are some of the biggest issues facing Richardson today, and how do you plan to address them if elected?
Arefin: Richardson has a solid foundation in place, but I know we can take our city to the next level. First, we need to revisit our short-term and long-term plans and truly analyze the effects that COVID-19 and other economic forces will have now and in the near future. We cannot allow critical services to veer off course or fall into a cycle of delays. Second, we must take an inventory of the condition of our aging roads and other infrastructures. As a licensed engineer, I have the technical and leadership experience needed to help guide plans to improve and maintain our infrastructure instead of dealing with constant repairs. Third, we need to facilitate development of starter housing for new families who will be part of meeting the need for a strong, effective workforce. Fourth, we must address property taxes in an increasingly complex city financing environment, particularly as they impact our senior property owners. All of these are critical for our city’s future.
Community Impact: With the financial challenges imposed by COVID-19 and Senate Bill 2 in mind, what would be your approach to building the city's budget?
Arefin: Over the last two years, Richardson has faced three major strains upon our budget: the COVID-19 pandemic, Senate Bill 2 and the 2019 tornado. Collectively, these require vigilance in creating and managing our budget to ensure critical services—like first responders, public health and safety, and garbage collections—are fully maintained. I will look for ways to utilize economic incentives to attract new businesses and support existing businesses in the city, especially small businesses. We must continue to be both strategic and intentional in continuing business development, which is a critical component to expanding the commercial tax base that will help ensure the burden does not further impact property owners, while expanding revenue in a manner compliant with Senate Bill 2.
Community Impact: What else should voters know about you?
Arefin: I never see an obstacle as being too great to challenge. Nearly 29 years ago, I came to America as a student with no family with me and little money to pursue my master’s in civil engineering. In my first job, I earned $4.25 an hour, $2.70 of which allowed me to call my mother for one minute. It was one of the hardest challenges in my life. I learned to stay on a small budget while maintaining my focus on the opportunity of the American Dream that could be achieved through hard work and good decisions. Now, I have proudly owned and operated my own engineering business, Stream Water Group, here in the DFW area for nearly two decades. As your councilman, I will work hard for you and look for the best decision for our city. I want to be your voice at City Hall.
https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/richardson/election/2021/03/03/candidate-qa-richardson-city-council-place-6/