Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, and to answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited to comply with word count guidelines or for style and clarity.
Community Impact is only asking candidates in contested May 4 elections to answer questionnaires.
Barbara Barrios
Experience:
I have been in education for eight years
Occupation:
Teacher
Candidate Website:
https://www.barbarabarriosfmtowncouncil4.com
Contact Information:
940-453-4514
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because I am deeply committed to serving the town I deeply love. Flower Mound holds a special place in my heart, and I am eager to contribute to its growth and prosperity. I am motivated to address the issues and challenges that residents face.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
One of the biggest challenges Flower Mound is facing is related to its development, property tax, tackling traffic congestion and revitalizing our local economy that supports small business and preserve community culture.
How do you plan to address these issues?
If elected, I plan to advocate for implementation of smart growth strategies that balance development, including commercial and residential, and work toward achieving lower property tax rate. Additionally, promoting and incentivizing local businesses to thrive will not only bolster our economy but also foster a strong sense of community.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
If elected, my top priorities are smart growth, property taxes, local economy, security, safety, traffic and every aspect that benefits our residents. I will be the voice of each of our residents.
Justin DeFillippo
Occupation:
Electrical project manager
Contact Information:
212-920-6801
Why are you running for office?
I live here and don't want Flower Mound to become NYC.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
I believe the town does not have a voice that represents them.
How do you plan to address these issues?
To listen to the people, not my agenda.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
To speak up for the town, not donors.
Rob Rawson
Experience:
Flower Mound Planning and Zoning Commission, 2017-21 (vice chairman), and Flower Mound Charter Review Commission, 2016
Occupation:
Biochemist/geneticist
Candidate Website:
https://www.robrawsonflowermound.com
Contact Information:
469-235-6546
Why are you running for office?
Flower Mound should work for all residents. We must manage growth rationally. We will grow. Will we manage growth, or will growth manage us? We must preserve the best of Flower Mound without exposing our town to expensive litigation. Council members must listen carefully to all residents before making decisions.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Diversifying tax base; recruiting and retaining personnel, especially first responders; replacing aging infrastructure in the east side of town while installing new infrastructure out west; completing/connecting existing trails.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Reduce barriers to doing business in Flower Mound. Ensure compensation, benefits and work environment are competitive. Budget for future needs. Prioritize trail completion in the parks budget.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Work with all stakeholders to craft solutions that have broadest support. Encourage a win-win culture. Treat people as potential partners in success rather than as opponents to be beaten.
Janvier Werner
Experience:
Planning and zoning commissioner for 3 1/2 years; active advocate resident for over 30 years; resident for 57 years.
Occupation:
Software engineer
Candidate Website:
https://www.janvierwerner.com
Why are you running for office?
As a resident, I have worked to guide the direction of my town for 30 years because this is my hometown and forever home. As a P&Z commissioner, I have worked to preserve and grow our desirable community. I have the experience and heart for Town Council.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
We have development agreements in the far west that must be negotiated to benefit the residents in that area and prevent raising taxes for the rest of the town. Aging infrastructure repairs need planning on the east side of town. Careful oversight to preserve the last of our CrossTimbers.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I will collaborate with my fellow council members and town staff to aggressively negotiate the developer agreements to ensure the developer pays his share, and tie entitlements to resident-requested retail and commercial development that will benefit the residents and tax base.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Among my top priorities if elected are to listen to residents, work with staff to advocate to regain our local control from the state, negotiate with developers to ensure high-quality developments, carefully manage the budget to maintain low tax rate and work with council to achieve our strategic goals.
