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Irving mayoral and council candidates debate COVID outreach, a postponed $563 million bond and small-business relief
Summary
At a League of Women Voters forum, incumbent Mayor Rick Stoffer and challengers discussed pandemic outreach, infrastructure and a postponed $563 million bond; candidates supported a May 2021 bond vote with more public education and highlighted $1 million in planned small-business grants.
At a League of Women Voters forum in Irving, mayoral and council candidates debated how the city should respond to the pandemic, whether to proceed with a postponed bond election and steps to support small businesses and infrastructure.
The forum opened with moderator Masaki Collins laying out a one-minute format for opening and closing statements. Incumbent Mayor Rick (Stoffer) described 25 years of municipal service and pointed to job creation and infrastructure work as achievements he would continue. "We have 240,000 people that live here, but we have 250,000 jobs," he said, framing economic development as a central success of his tenure.
Candidates agreed the city should promote public-health guidance during the pandemic. Mohammad Akbar, citing experience with respiratory viruses, urged quick detection, protective measures and coordination with state and federal partners. Abdul Abdul Khabir recommended following CDC guidance and pressing the state and county to secure funds for small businesses. Stoffer described ongoing intergovernmental briefings and urged practical steps such as masking, distancing and handwashing.
On local economic relief, Stoffer announced the city planned $1,000,000 in small-business assistance to be distributed as $50,000 awards. "If it's used properly, they will not have to pay it back," he said, characterizing the aid as grants rather than loans.
The candidates were broadly supportive of holding the bond election in May 2021 rather than during the pandemic, saying the delay gives officials more time to educate voters about the package. Councilman Oscar Ward said the bond package totals "about $563,000,000" and urged the public to understand the long-term operating costs of projects such as rec centers and fire stations.
Zoning and variance authority prompted mixed views. Some candidates said updated codes should reduce variances; others emphasized due process and the need to balance enforcement with affordable-housing goals.
Candidates closed by reiterating priorities: infrastructure, fiscal responsibility and community engagement. The moderator reminded viewers of early voting dates and directed them to vote411.org for more information.
