Eligible residents have until April 3 to register to vote. The early voting period starts April 22 and ends April 29. Election Day is May 3.
The gist
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.
Josh Meek
Experience:
Frisco CDC Board, Visit Frisco Board, attended 133 Frisco City Council meetings
Occupation:
Realtor & local business owner
Candidate Website:
www.VoteMeek.com
Contact Information:
903-327-6872
Why are you running for council?
I want to keep Frisco on track as a world class city! I want my kids to continue to grow up in a community that is safe and provides high quality experiences that we will cherish together forever.
What are the biggest challenges Frisco is facing?
I believe the biggest challenge currently facing Frisco is the approaching term limits and open seats of long tenured council members. At this time it is critical we elect someone who has been preparing and understands the complex mechanics of our city.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I have been preparing to one day run for City Council. Now, more than ever, we need a candidate who possesses applicable knowledge and has a track record of service. I have attended 133 Frisco City Council meetings, served on the Frisco Community Development Corporation and Visit Frisco boards.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priority will always be public safety. We must continue to prioritize our first responders to continue to keep Frisco safe. My other top priorities include maintaining a low tax rate, alleviating traffic congestion, focusing on road infrastructure and growing our sales tax revenue.
Jared Elad
Experience:
16 years of experience as a financial advisor, small business owner
Occupation:
Founder, Financial Advisor of Diamond Capital Wealth
Candidate Website:
https://jaredforfrisco.com
Contact Information:
469-588-1980
Why are you running for council?
We are at a critical juncture in Frisco’s growth. With our city expanding rapidly, we need a leader to balance growth with sustainability, ensuring that Frisco remains a city of opportunity, excellence, and community-centered values while planning for a prosperous future. I am committed to being that leader.
What are the biggest challenges Frisco is facing?
As a fast-growing community, it is critical that our resources are used to sustain the quality-of-life residents currently enjoy. Our police and fire departments at their current levels cannot efficiently keep up with the rapid growth, yet the city council is prioritizing multimillion dollar projects which waste.
How do you plan to address these issues?
As an experienced financial advisor, my first step would be to audit the city’s budget to determine any areas of excessive or wasteful spending. Recovered funds should be redirected to ensure our first responders are equipped to serve our entire community and to maintain city infrastructure.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priority is fiscal responsibility, ensuring our community’s money is accurately allocated and well-spent to improve residents’ lives. Prioritizing public safety and supporting law enforcement are also critical. Finally, community-friendly development is key to the success of local businesses and maintaining the quality-of-life for Frisco.
Jerry Spencer
Experience:
Six years as an urban planner in Dallas, manager in a larger federal government agency
Occupation:
Investor
Candidate Website:
N/A
Contact Information:
214-223-7453rn
Why are you running for council?
I think the city’s focus on sports/tourism has been overdone and Frisco has become one-dimensional. I propose that the city refocus on emerging, 21st century technology (AI, robotics, drone technology, autonomous driving and medical research), to become a vibrant, dynamic multi-dimensional city.
What are the biggest challenges Frisco is facing?
The biggest challenges faced by Frisco are related to it’s rapid growth. First among these is the volume of traffic generated by the growth of Frisco and Collin and Denton Counties. Second among these is the increase in housing demand and housing prices.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Stop inviting more traffic to Frisco. The city’s marketing of Frisco as a “destination” city needs to be cut back. Create local jobs by going after emerging technology and encourage car pooling and the development of flexible microtransit. Emulate the American Planning Association’s “missing middle” housing effort.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Create a more diverse local economy by concentrating on emerging technology businesses (BRAIN CITY USA) Reduce the emphasis on Frisco as a destination city to ease traffic congestion. Develop more housing choices by filling the “missing middle” void.
Gopal Ponangi
Experience:
School Board Trustee since 2019. Former Board Director of Frisco Economic Development Corporation, Non-Profit Founder
Occupation:
Businesses in Digital Marketing, Real Estate and Financial Services
Contact Information:
214-868-7538
Why are you running for council?
I want Frisco to be the best place to live, work and play. Being a 21-year resident, the experiences as the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees and as a former Board of Directors of Frisco EDC helped me in preparing to serve as Council Member.
What are the biggest challenges Frisco is facing?
The main challenge is to balance the rapid growth especially the commercial growth while maintaining Frisco's character and quality of life. Ensuring that we continue to be a safer city while we grow, keeping infrastructure in pace with development while preserving green space and managing traffic are few other challenges.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Implementation of smart growth policies that will ensure maintaining the Frisco character. Ensure proper funding for Fire and Police departments - help with hiring, training and equipment. Expansion of the INVEST Frisco program to rejuvenate existing commercial areas, implement our sustainability plan to preserve natural spaces. Use of technology to improve.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priorities will be to keep Frisco the safest city in the country by prioritizing public safety, make Frisco the most attractive city for corporations that will bring in good jobs, and ensure we are making fiscally conservative decisions that keep our taxes low.
Sangita Datta
Experience:
My financial expertise ensures smart budgeting, fiscal responsibility, and strategic growth for Frisco’s future.
Occupation:
Financial Professional Specialist, top 250 listed on Forbes in the country
Candidate Website:
www.datta4frisco.com
Contact Information:
510-358-1216
Why are you running for council?
I’m running for Frisco City Council to bring impactful leadership that prioritizes safety, economic growth, and smart city planning. With a strong background in finance and years of community service, I will advocate for responsible budgeting, creating jobs for future generations, supporting small businesses, and ensuring every voice is heard.
What are the biggest challenges Frisco is facing?
Frisco’s biggest challenge is managing rapid growth while maintaining infrastructure, reducing traffic, ensuring public safety, and sustaining economic stability. We must prioritize smart development, job creation, and small business support while preserving our community’s quality of life and keeping Frisco thriving for future generations.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I will leverage AI to optimize city planning, reduce traffic, and enhance public safety while attracting investors to educate and invest in Frisco. This will create jobs, lower the tax burden, and drive economic growth by supporting small businesses through strategic collaborations and partnerships, ensuring a thriving future for all.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priorities are providing necessary resources to first responders for enhanced public safety, establishing an AI hub to create jobs and drive economic growth, and developing more community and recreational spaces for residents. I will foster partnerships for small businesses, ensuring Frisco remains a thriving, well-balanced city #FutureFrisco
