26-04-2025
Candidates for Haltom City mayor have opposing views on businesses and growth
A chaplain who says that God told her to run for mayor is challenging incumbent An Truong to lead Haltom City as it prepares for a major development with an H Mart and other businesses.
An Truong, 76, is seeking reelection to his fourth term as mayor, and he is facing a challenge from Debra Carrion-Fraire, who has never held a political office and lists her occupation as chaplain.
Early voting for the May 3 election continues through April 29.
Fraire, 70, said 'the Lord' called her to run.
When asked about his opponent, Truong said, 'No one knows who she is.'
Truong, who was elected as Haltom City's first Vietnamese American mayor in 2019, said before he took office, Haltom City wasn't growing, and employees' salaries weren't competitive.
'Now, the city is growing so fast. We have a lot of new businesses, and salaries have gone up. Everyone wants to stay in Haltom,' he said.
Truong highlighted the rapid development, including residential and new businesses.
Haltom City is also preparing for H Mart at Northeast Loop 820 and North Beach Street.
H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the country, is in 14 states. Other Texas locations include Carrollton, Dallas, Austin and Houston.
The H Mart will anchor a development expected to bring restaurants, retail and logistics centers to the area.
Fraire, who has a ministry called Urban Outreach International, said she had a 'vision' to run for mayor.
'I go by the meaning of the Holy Spirit, and I was led to apply for the mayorship and campaign,' she said.
Fraire said Haltom City hasn't been supportive of some businesses, although she declined to provide examples.
She also said she thinks the city manager has too much control over governing Haltom City.
Fraire said she wants to see a mayor-council form of government. Like many Texas cities, Haltom City operates under a council-manager form of government in which elected council members hire a professional city manager to run the city.
'The council is not allowed to talked to or reprimand employees under the city manager,' she said.
Fraire said she believes residential water bills are too high, and she would like to see them lowered.
Truong said he is ready to continue working on making Haltom City a better, stronger community.
'God gives me strength. I'm still very strong and healthy,' he said.
