HUBA founder Ron Sturgeon responds to criticism and clarifies that his only goal is to Make Haltom City Thrive Again.

HALTOM CITY, TX, December 29, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ — In the final video of a 16-part series, HUBA founder Ron Sturgeon clarifies the goal of his advocacy efforts and addresses some of the criticism he has received. Craig O. who serves as interviewer for each video, opens discussion by stating “I know, from knowing you personally, that you’re really trying to make things positive for the city. You’re trying to help this city.”

According to Sturgeon, one of his biggest “naysayers” has been a past Haltom City Councilwoman Chandler, “and she makes it very public on Facebook, so I don’t feel bad about making my answers to her public as well.” He then goes on to read aloud each of her comments and takes the time to respond in detail to each of the statements made. He says, “Some people donate to Red Cross or some other charity, but I chose to make my legacy that I helped Haltom City become friendlier to small business and revitalize the south and central parts of the city. If I don’t champion this cause, it won’t get done.”

Sturgeon, who founded the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA), has repeatedly stated that he only has one motive when it comes to his advocacy, and that is to help Haltom City. He often hears from citizens and business owners who share his concerns about the declining corridors in the south and central areas of the city. Here are just a few of the public comments posted on the HUBA Facebook page:

D. Harp – “I grew up in Haltom City… I am shocked, appalled, and disappointed at what has happened to this once nice little city.”
J. Pool – “… the city as far as I can tell is doing nothing to address the potholes, the crime, the abandoned buildings, etc.”
J. Gowins – “We have ‘growth and progress’ on 820. What about 121, Haltom Rd., Belknap, Denton Highway? You can’t focus on one small section of the city and call it good.”
Owner, Texas Maid Cleaning Service – “I lived in Haltom City most of my childhood and young adulthood. The area was thriving then. I pass through there now driving down Denton Hwy and it saddens me how most everything is gone or in ruins.”
R. Moreno – “It is really sad and disheartening to drive through my old stomping grounds…”
T. Dickey – “I’ve been watching this happen for years. I live on the Watauga side of 820, but once I cross the bridge, it is a ghost town.”
T. Dickey – “I’ve been watching this happen for years. I live on the Watauga side of 820, but once I cross the bridge, it is a ghost town.”
L. Simmons – “Time for a change in the city government.”
R. Smeltzer, Jr – “I hope your folks win and help the city find a successful path forward.”
B. Feirtag – “You are so right that this is being overlooked. Thank you for taking it on.”

As to a comment made by C. Moore — “Agree with city not to allow business owners to run the city… The citizens don’t vote for businesses to run the city.” — Ron says this is a misconception. He has repeatedly stated that while he is indeed a fierce advocate for small businesses and strongly believes that they’re essential to revitalization of urban neighborhoods, HUBA is only looking to share ideas and work collaborative on solutions which encourage small businesses and private investment for the benefit of all. The businesses have never been able to vote, and in fact are disenfranchised. The city council makes it clear that if they live in the city, they don’t get a seat at the table on matters that could affect them.

As part of his advocacy efforts, Sturgeon recently co-authored the book Keeping the Lights on Downtown in America’s Small Cities – The Critical Role Small Businesses Play in Bringing Back Jobs and Prosperity, and he is willing to send a free copy of the book to all Haltom City residents and business owners. Details can be found on the Make Haltom City Thrive Again website.

Says Sturgeon, “I care very deeply for the city, and I’m absolutely committed to bringing the business back. I know it’s going to take years and I may die before I can accomplish it, but by golly I’m going to keep working on it!”

About Haltom City
Haltom City is a diverse, majority working-class city located between Dallas and Fort Worth in Tarrant County, TX. Haltom City is minutes from both the DFW Airport and Downtown Fort Worth with direct access to major highways including I-820 and SH-121. Due to an outdated and restrictive use matrix that discourages new business and deters growth, several areas of Haltom City have seen a decline in small businesses which provided goods and services and were a significant source of jobs, including the once-thriving automotive industry. However, Haltom City can reverse this trend and should prioritize development of inner-city land and vacant buildings, particularly in the major corridors close to the city’s center. The city is financially healthy with a capable manager and staff who would like to see diverse business development occur and need the support of the City Council to make it happen.

About Haltom United Business Alliance
Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) wants to give members of Haltom City’s business community an advocate and to keep those businesses informed about issues that affect them. They want to make sure Haltom City is business friendly and nurtures small business growth, including automotive businesses in the industrial districts, and bring more restaurants including breweries and eventually a major grocery store to the city. New businesses and growth in existing businesses will create a stronger tax base which will allow the city to pay its first responders wages that are competitive with surrounding cities while improving Haltom City’s facilities and infrastructure. HUBA believes that the southern and central parts of the city need a revitalization plan, to prevent further degradation in those areas, and wants that to happen before the inner-city experiences increased crime and more blight. As retail and office uses are in decline, it’s more critical than ever to attract new businesses. They believe that such a plan requires a strong relationship and support of the business community. Anyone who owns a business in Haltom City is eligible to join HUBA. Dues are $20 annually or $50 for a lifetime membership, and membership is 100% confidential. To join, contact Joe Palmer at (682) 310-0591 or by email at HUBAgrp@gmail.com. Visit the group’s Facebook at Haltom United Business Alliance.

About Make Haltom City Thrive Again
The Make Haltom City Thrive Again is a movement to return prosperity to the older parts of South and Central Haltom City by luring the small businesses that have left over the past decades back to Haltom City. A vibrant business community not only allows for greater employment and choice of goods and services, but also can ease the tax burden on residents. The movement is led by local entrepreneur and business owner Ron Sturgeon. For more on Sturgeon’s ideas and background, check out his book, Keeping the Lights on Downtown in America’s Small Cities and watch the videos on his Facebook page. Ron is also the founder of the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) which represents existing business interests in Haltom City and promotes growth of diverse businesses. HUBA is not a political action committee and does not endorse candidates. If/when Ron endorses candidates, he will do so on his own via the Make Haltom City Thrive Again organization.

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