Benbrook Council Candidates Share Priorities After Community Meeting.

Traffic congestion, neighborhood safety, city growth, and communication with City Hall were among the concerns Benbrook residents raised during recent discussions with City Council candidates Greg Clem and Whitney Hughes.

Clem, running for Place 4, and Hughes, running for Place 6, shared several issues they would like to address following their October 10 community meeting at the Benbrook Public Library and weeks of online discussions with residents.

Traffic was a major topic, including signal timing along Highway 377, congestion entering eastbound I-820, and the effects of new development on local roads. The candidates said they would explore possible improvements with TxDOT and review problem intersections throughout the city.

School-zone safety, speeding in neighborhoods, sidewalks, park maintenance, and drainage concerns were also raised. Both candidates said they want residents to have more opportunities to weigh in on development proposals and receive clearer communication from City Hall.

Another idea they proposed exploring is electing City Council members by geographic districts rather than citywide, with Benbrook voters ultimately deciding whether to make such a change.

The candidates also addressed interest in establishing a separate Benbrook school district, acknowledging residents’ concerns while cautioning that the potential cost to taxpayers would need careful study.

Clem and Hughes said many of these issues would require cooperation with outside agencies, including TxDOT and Fort Worth ISD. They encouraged residents to continue sharing questions and suggestions as they consider what changes may be possible.