About Chris Hightower

Arlington City Council District 5 is special to me for many reasons. I grew up in District 5 and many of my fondest memories were made here. I spent the first Texas snow day of my childhood sliding down the hill on Westcrest Drive. My life-long love of learning was born in the kindergarten classroom of Mrs. Speer at Hill Elementary, while she was starting her career as a caring and wonderful teacher. I remember the sense of adventure I felt when my family moved to Meadowlake Court to a house along a canal. While attending Bailey Junior High and Arlington High School, I experienced firsthand what a quality education meant, as well as the brutal agony of losing the championship football game to Odessa Permian even though the score was tied. (I still don't think that was right!)

My ride to and from school at Arlington High took me along Park Row through the heart of District 5, and I was always mesmerized by the homes between Fielder and Cooper – the incredible Texas pecan trees on long lawns in front of houses built while Arlington was first booming. I could hardly imagine then that one day I would be able to buy a home on the same block as former Mayor and Congressman Tom Vandergriff. In 2005 I did just that when my partner and I bought the Mebus House on the corner of Park Row and Davis. Our home is commonly referred to as the "azalea house" for the fantastic azalea bushes Mrs. Mebus planted and nourished for so long. We have spent the last five years proudly restoring this Arlington treasure, and I am proud to have this piece of Arlington history as a home.

I am running for City Council because I love Arlington. From the classrooms of my childhood to the elected offices of today, I have witnessed firsthand what good can come from the hard work of those who care about our hometown. They have made this city into the place that I love. Now, it is time for my generation to step forward and provide leadership for our city's future just as the generations before us have. It is my hope that children living in Arlington today choose to stay here and raise their families – not because they see the great things I saw in our city while I was growing up, but because they saw something even better.

I know that I am not alone in wanting a bright future for our city. Over the next several months I plan to do more listening than talking. I want to hear from business leaders, neighborhood organizations and from citizens like you about your vision for our city. Then, I hope to take your voice with me to the council chamber. Arlington is a fantastic city and I am confident we can accomplish our shared vision.