City of Carrollton Place 2

Jason Carpenter

Posted Monday, April 6, 2026 10:49 am

Editor’s Note: The Branch Herald sent identical questionnaires to all candidates in this race. Responses are published in full and have not been edited for content, clarity or length, except for minor formatting.

This coverage is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and informed local decision-making in Farmers Branch, Addison and Carrollton.

Independent local journalism like this is supported by our readers. As part of our This Spring campaign, we are working to grow our subscriber and member base to sustain election coverage and accountability reporting year-round. Support local news coverage. Sign up for our free newsletter.

1. Name: Jason Carpenter

2. Occupation: Technology Executive

3. Education: Bachelor ’s Degree

4. Campaign Phone: 214.793.9662

5. Email: carpenter4carrollton@gmail.com

6. Website: https://www.carpenterforcarrollton.com

7. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarpenterForCarrollton

8. YouTube: N/A

9. Other Social Media: N/A

10. Length of residency in the City of Carrollton, and in which neighborhood do you currently reside: 19+ years, Villages of Greenway Park

11. Why are you running for city council, and why now? I am running unopposed for re-election to my current seat, Place 2.

12. What specific experiences have prepared you to serve as city council member? I am the incumbent for Place 2. Additionally, I have served on multiple boards and commissions before my previous three years serving on Council in Place 2.

13. What distinguishes you from the other candidate in this race? I am unopposed in my race.

14. What do you believe the role of a city council member is: Legislator, visionary, manager or something else? Carrollton has a council-manager form of government; therefore, the primary roles of a city council member are legislator and visionary. The council sets policy, adopts ordinances, and establishes the long-term direction of the city, while the City Manager and staff handle daily operations. Oversight and direction are provided by the council as a body, not by individual members. During my time on the council, I have worked to approach these responsibilities thoughtfully and collaboratively to help move Carrollton forward.

15. What do you see as the three most important responsibilities of city council members? 1. Representing residents by listening to their concerns and then making sure those perspectives get translated into sound policy decisions that make Carrollton better.

2. Exercising fiscal responsibility by approving the budget, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely.

3. Setting policy by adopting ordinances that guide Carrollton’s long term direction.

16. Have you served on any City of Carrollton boards or commissions, which ones? Yes. Planning and Zoning Commission, chair; Traffic Advisory Commission, chair; Capital Improvements Plan Advisory Committee; City Charter Review Committee

17. What other civic or community leadership roles have you held? Metrocrest Services Board Liaison, Metrocrest Area Chamber Board Liaison, HOA Board Member, Leadership Metrocrest Class 34 member

18. Have you run for public office before? If so, what did you learn from the experience? I am currently serving as the Place 2 representative for Carrollton. Serving on Council in Place 2 has reinforced how important it is to listen carefully to residents before making a decision, collaborate with fellow council members to ensure the best outcomes, and rely on the expertise of our professional staff since their insight is often key to understanding the issues. I have also learned that many issues facing Carrollton are more complex than they initially appear. That means listening carefully, considering the financial impact, and making decisions that are best for Carrollton in the long run.

19. How accessible do you think council members should be to residents, and how will you ensure accessibility? Council members should be accessible to residents. I remain available through my published email, phone, and social media accounts.

20. Do you believe Carrollton currently operates with sufficient public transparency? Why or why not? Yes. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts offers a transparency program to municipalities in Texas. Cities may earn up to six stars representing their level of transparency. In October 2025, Carrollton became the eleventh city in the state to earn all six stars. I remain steadfastly proud of and committed to retaining these transparency stars. These stars recognize transparency in areas such as finances, contracts and procurement, economic development, public pensions, debt obligations, and open government compliance.

21. What is your vision for Carrollton over the next five years? Over the past three years while serving on Council, Council and staff have worked with residents to develop three long-term plans for our community: The 2040 Vision Plan for the entire city, the 2025 Carrollton Recreation, Open Space and Parks Master Plan, and the 2025 Downtown Carrollton Master Plan. My vision for Carrollton for the next five years is to continue implementing the priorities identified in those plans. These efforts reflect the input and desires of our residents, and I believe our responsibility as a Council is to follow through on that community driven vision while also maintaining Carrollton’s strong financial position and quality of life.

22. What is the biggest opportunity facing the town right now? Carrollton has several significant opportunities over the next few years. We have several major developments beginning across the city that will strengthen our economic base and bring new amenities and jobs to the community. Further, the continued implementation of our downtown master plan presents an opportunity to develop an exciting gathering place for residents and visitors that is tied closely with regional transit. We also have the chance to continue investment in our parks system, guided by the recently adopted parks master plan, which will enhance the quality of life that makes Carrollton a place families and businesses want to call home. Carrollton is also well positioned within the Dallas Fort Worth region. We have easy access tomany highways and transit connections. This gives us an advantage to attract additional businesses and investment while maintaining the quality of life our residents value.

23. What is the biggest risk or threat facing the town? There are several risks facing Carrollton, but with good planning we can address them. One challenge facing Carrollton is potential changes in state law that will affect property taxes and municipal revenue. Another is the ongoing need to invest in our aging infrastructure. Finally, as new economic development opportunities continue across the city, it will be important to ensure we manage growth thoughtfully and remain consistent with the long-term plans our residents have recently helped us to develop.

24. What are your concerns about DART? DART plays an important role in regional transportation and specifically in serving Carrollton, but there are areas where improvement is needed. Governance and representation are important concerns to ensure our local voice is adequately reflected in decision making. Fiscal responsibility is also critical given the significant sales tax contribution Carrollton makes to the system. It is also important that DART continues to evolve in a way that equitably serves all member cities across the region while maintaining strong regional accountability.

25. What kind of city do you want Carrollton to be in 10 years? In ten years, I want Carrollton to continue to embrace our motto as a place families and businesses want to call home. In recent years, Carrollton has worked with residents to develop long-term master plans for our community, including plans for our parks and downtown. As a member of Council during that process, I was proud to help work with residents to establish those plans. My hope is that over the next decade we will have implemented those plans as faithfully as possible, because they represent the vision our citizens helped create. I also want Carrollton to remain a financially strong and responsibly managed city. We have reduced the property tax rate for more than ten consecutive years, and I remain committed to keeping taxes as low as possible while maintaining the high quality services our residents expect.

26. What principles would guide your decisions on property tax rates? Fiscal responsibility and respect for taxpayers would guide my decisions on property tax rates as it has in my current term. I support continuing our multi-year trend of lowering the tax rate whenever possible, while still maintaining the level of services and infrastructure our residents rely on. Our goal should be to manage the city’s finances carefully so that Carrollton remains both financially strong and an affordable place for families and businesses.

27. Do you believe Carrollton has a spending problem, a revenue problem or neither? Responsible financial management is about balance. Carrollton has been carefully and responsibly managed through disciplined financial planning as directed by the current and previous Councils. The city has maintained balanced budgets while lowering the property tax rate for taxpayers for more than a decade. We have also invested in infrastructure using pay-as-you-go funding where possible instead of relying only on debt, and we have worked to strengthen our commercial tax base through thoughtful economic development. Maintaining that balanced and disciplined approach will help ensure Carrollton remains financially strong.

28. What is your view on issuing bond debt for major capital projects? Bond financing can be an appropriate tool for major capital projects, particularly for long-term infrastructure that benefits Carrollton’s future. While I strongly support using pay-as-you-go funding whenever possible, it is not realistic to fund all large infrastructure needs like that. Issuing bonds allows us to invest in critical infrastructure and spreads the cost across the useful life of those assets. Any use of bond financing must be done responsibly. We must maintain our strong financial position and avoid increases to the tax rate. Carrollton’s AAA bond rating reflects that disciplined, transparent approach and keeps borrowing costs low.

29. What long-term financial risks does Carrollton face? Carrollton’s long-time conservative financial policy has minimized future financial risks; however, the potential for changes in state law that affect how cities generate revenue, particularly property and sales taxes, is a risk for Carrollton. Another is the responsibility to maintain the strong financial position that has earned Carrollton a AAA bond rating, which requires us to continue our strong discipline in budgeting and long-term planning. Finally, like many established communities, Carrollton must continue investing in infrastructure to ensure it remains reliable.

30. What types of business should Carrollton actively recruit? We should actively recruit businesses that bring quality jobs to the community and strengthen our commercial tax base. Our central location within the Dallas Fort Worth region, along with strong highway access and transit connectivity, makes Carrollton well positioned to attract companies in technology, professional services, advanced manufacturing, and corporate headquarters. We should also continue encouraging restaurants, retail, and entertainment that support areas like our historic downtown so we can enhance the quality of life for residents. Ultimately, the businesses we recruit should align with our long-term plans, contribute positively to the community, and help ensure Carrollton remains a place where both businesses and families want to call home.

31. How should the city approach redevelopment of aging commercial properties? Redevelopment of aging commercial properties should focus on encouraging reinvestment while maintaining the surrounding infrastructure and neighborhoods that support those businesses. These efforts should respect existing businesses and property owners who have long contributed to Carrollton. The city can support redevelopment of underutilized commercial properties through tools such as Neighborhood Empowerment Zones and carefully targeted incentives that help encourage private investment. Redevelopment should align with the city’s long-term plans and strengthen the overall economic ability of the community.

32. What public safety challenges do you anticipate in the coming years? Recruiting and retaining highly qualified police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel as experienced professionals retire and competition for talent increases will be one challenge we face as a community. Another challenge is ensuring the city has the financial resources to maintain strong public safety services, particularly as changes in state law or economic conditions can affect municipal budgets. Public safety already represents the largest part of our budget, so any threat to those resources is a concern. It will also be important to continue investing in technology and equipment so our first responders have the resources and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Addressing these challenges will require thoughtful planning so Carrollton can continue providing the high level of public safety our residents expect and deserve.

33. What is your vision for parks and recreation?My vision for parks and recreation is to continue implementing the Parks and Recreation Master Plan that was recently adopted with significant input from our residents. That plan reflects the priorities of Carrollton and provides a roadmap for future improvements. I would like to see us continue enhancing our parks, expanding recreational programming, and growing our trail system so that more neighborhoods are connected to the larger regional trail network. At the same time, these improvements should be implemented thoughtfully and in a financially responsible way so we can continue providing great amenities while maintaining Carrollton’s strong financial position.

34. Carrollton spans multiple counties and legislative districts. How should that shape advocacy and coordination? Carrollton actively participates in regional organizations such as the North Central Texas Council of Governments and the Regional Transportation Council to help address shared challenges across the Dallas Fort Worth area. We also work closely with neighboring cities and public safety agencies to coordinate police and fire services across the region through the North Texas Emergency Communications Center, which is based here in Carrollton. Maintaining strong relationships with county and state leaders ensures Carrollton’s interests are represented while continuing the regional cooperation that helps our communities succeed. Regional issues often require regional solutions, and Carrollton is an active participant in those efforts.

35. How do you describe your leadership style? My leadership style is direct, thoughtful, and collaborative. I believe it is important to understand the details behind the issues we face while listening carefully to residents, staff, and fellow Councilmembers. I value factual discussions and well reasoned perspectives, and I work to build consensus around good ideas so we can make decisions that serve the best interests of Carrollton.

36. How do you handle disagreement with colleagues? I handle disagreement through direct and respectful conversations. I listen carefully to understand different perspectives and the reasoning behind them. Thoughtful discussion leads to better solutions, and even when we ultimately disagree, it is important to maintain a professional and collaborative working relationship.

37. Describe a time when you changed your mind after hearing opposing viewpoints. There have been occasions when I entered a discussion expecting to vote a certain way based on my research. After hearing additional perspectives from residents, staff, and fellow council members, I reconsidered my position and ultimately reached a different conclusion. I believe decisions are best made when they are informed by both careful analysis and thoughtful input from the community.

Jason Carpenter

Chili cookoff spices up Carrollton American Legion

Hiatus Day Spa expands in Addison with new spa, …

Carrollton renews $1.2 million Flock contract amid …

Internet gap affects 1 in 10 Farmers Branch children, …