Chris Coy is seeking re-election in the May 6 election. Chris Coy is seeking re-election in the May 6 election.[/caption] Chris Coy, who is the director of finance for GameStop, is running for re-election for the Grapevine City Council Place 5 seat in the May 6 election. Community Impact Newspaper sent Coy a series of questions. His written responses, edited for publication style, are below. 1. Why are you running for Grapevine City Council Place 5? My wife and I have lived in Grapevine for 28 years; we are raising our children here. Grapevine is my home, and I care deeply about its future. During my time on the council, we have worked together to provide Grapevine residents with results that matter to them. We have renovated and expanded the Grapevine REC/Senior Center, added 24+ miles of hike/bike trails, and upgraded Oak Grove Park and Dove Pool. In order to keep our property taxes low, we have worked hard to add commercial development that is good for the people of Grapevine, [such as] LegoLand, SeaLife Aquarium, Kubota, Fieldhouse, [the] Grapevine Mills upgrade and the expansion of the Gaylord Texan. These quality developments, along with new restaurant and entertainment options, keep Grapevine at the top in the Metroplex for providing a great quality of life for all who live here. I believe our residents appreciate what we have built and established in Grapevine. My goal is that we remain responsive to our citizens [and] continue to provide stability of leadership and a working-together attitude of always making the best decisions that benefit the people of Grapevine. 2. What makes you qualified for this position? I understand the importance of public service. Before being elected to City Council, I had many years of experience serving the city as a member of the planning and zoning commission and the board of zoning adjustment. Having completed the Grapevine Citizens' Fire and Police academies and Leadership Grapevine, I continue to study and learn all that I can to best serve our citizens as their representative. I also strongly believe in community service. I am an active member of the Grapevine Rotary Club, the GCISD Education Foundation, First Baptist Church of Colleyville, Indian Guides and Indian Princesses, and I have volunteered for and supported the Boy Scouts, GRACE, The Gatehouse, and our local festivals and events. I have relied on my budgeting/accounting education and professional expertise to help in financial decisions for the city that benefit the people, including property tax rate cuts in excess of 20 percent during my time on the City Council. We now have one of the lowest tax rates in North Texas, while we have added services and amenities that make Grapevine such a special place. 3. If elected, what will you focus on? My top priority is to ensure Grapevine’s residents are delighted with our city’s services while getting a great value for their tax dollars. We have changes coming with the addition of commuter rail and a train district in our city. My experience as a City Council person combined with my zoning knowledge will be of great benefit, enabling us to capitalize on the opportunities without threatening the heritage and culture we have established. It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Grapevine these past nine years. If re-elected, I will continue to put the people first—putting their needs as the highest of priorities. We are a successful community because of good leadership, great employees and the support we get from the many volunteers who care about this community. I will not forget that I am a public servant to the people who live here. I ask for your vote!
Debi Meek has also filed for Place 5. Election day is May 6 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and early voting will run April 24-29 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and May 1-2 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.