Candidate Q&A: Colleyville City Council Place 2

Why are you running for office?

GB: Colleyville has been such a blessing to my family and me. My wife and I have two boys who have benefited from the safe community and beautiful parks, for which I am grateful. I love this unique town, and I want to further my service to our community. I look forward to continuing the fine work that has been done by Mayor Richard Newton and all our hard-working City Council members and city staff.

What are the biggest challenges facing the residents of Colleyville?

GB: Having worked on the planning and zoning commission the previous three years, I am often questioned about our ongoing community improvement projects. Most recently, the Glade Road improvement completion has been in the forefront (I live right off Glade and can empathize with the inconvenience). While very fortunate to live here, we always have opportunities to improve our city. I look forward to the completion of the Glade Road project and maintaining our urban oasis, as defined in our city mission.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

GB: My top priority is to fulfill our city mission. Colleyville, in the heart of the DFW metroplex, still maintains a great sense of small-town community. The projects currently underway show the city’s commitment to promote local businesses. Our parks, playgrounds and schools show the city’s support for our youth. My time on the planning and zoning commission has given me a great sense of how we can further this work, and I look forward to prioritizing these items.

What are some new ideas or programs you would like the Colleyville City Council to explore?

GB: Many people love Colleyville for our green spaces, our beautiful water systems and our quiet lifestyle, despite our prime location in the heart of the bustling DFW metroplex. I would like to see our city build upon these successes, possibly investigating a new park on the north corridor. I believe the success of the recently opened Colleyville Business Center reveals our residents have a desire for more community building establishments, and I would like to build upon that.

Why are you running for office?

ZB: I have a strong desire to get involved and help make our city the best, most welcoming place it can be. I believe strongly in the servant leadership model of service and believe that lends itself well to roles in local politics.

What are the biggest challenges facing the residents of Colleyville?

ZB: In general, I feel like the residents of Colleyville are blessed to live in such a wonderful area, and most people I’ve spoken to seem to believe the same. Some areas of struggle we share with everyone since the pandemic, such as staffing first responder positions. There are also smaller issues that generate a fair amount of frustration. An example would be the time it is taking to complete the beautification projects, particularly Glade Road. I think the end result will be appreciated, and I know the crews are doing the best they can to make the interim as painless as possible.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

ZB: [My] top priority would be resolving the open first responder positions to ensure we are doing everything in our power to maintain public safety. I would like to see more robust partnerships with businesses to develop attractions that would boost local revenues and lift the tax base. Steps are already in process on this, it seems, but a strong push on this is warranted. I would like to explore the needs of the police and fire departments to make sure they have access to all modern advancements in training, equipment and staffing to maximize their safety, effectiveness and efficiency.