The background
Raine is a native of Harrisonville, Missouri and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia. He has lived in Colleyville since 1985. He’s a former small business owner and senior corporate executive.
A native of New York, Alphonso was raised in Plano and moved to Colleyville in 2015. A graduate of Dallas Jesuit College Prep and the University of Texas-Dallas, Alphonso is a business owner with four event venues in the metroplex, including Montclair Wedding & Event Center in Colleyville.
Holt Gunderson is a native Texan raised in Keller and Irving. She’s been a Colleyville resident for the past 28 years. She has degrees from the University of North Texas and the University of Oklahoma and recently retired.
Each of the new council members was asked various questions about their hopes for the city and goals for their term. These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
What are your hopes for the city?
Raine: I hope we continue on the path that has resulted in us being one of the safest cities in Texas and a best place to live and raise a family in Texas while offering top-notch city services in a tax-friendly environment.
Alphonso: Colleyville is the best-kept secret in Dallas-Fort Worth. Most people in the DFW area have not heard of Colleyville and when they do they never forget it. We are one of the most prestigious towns in the country according to Forbes and I am proud of that. My hope for Colleyville is that we stay in the town we are and plan for the future so that we can protect this special bubble, [and] to also work to bridge any gaps with strong communication to Colleyville residents. [We need to] continue maintaining our city to be a safe and beautiful place.
Holt Gunderson: My vision for Colleyville is to preserve our unique hometown charm while fostering a vibrant and healthy community. This involves attracting businesses and services that align with our values and enhance our city's appeal.
What do you hope this council can accomplish?
Raine: I hope we can continue to develop our remaining land in a balanced manner and continue to provide our first responders with what they need to protect and serve the citizens.
Alphonso: The world stage is changing drastically. Technology is moving at lightspeed, the cost of living is skyrocketing, the DFW area is growing fast. This council will be taking all of these variables into account and work to prepare us for the future, not just for five years down the road but in 10, 20 and 40 years from now.
Holt Gunderson: The current council has outlined a list of priorities on the city website. Among those priorities are adding the sidewalk near Bransford Elementary and adding an SRO [school resource officer] for every school.
What do you think the city of Colleyville is doing well right now, and what can it do better at?
Raine: The city is doing most things very well—and has been. While no city is perfect, you would be hard-pressed to find an area in which Colleyville is not performing well. In our efforts to control costs and maximize the use of our tax dollars, there have been times when construction projects have hit some snags or taken longer due to coordination of grant applications or multiple participating agencies. We may also be able to reduce the number of variance requests by proactively communicating and ensuring all parties are aware of code requirements prior to construction.
Alphonso: Colleyville is doing many things well. Residents should feel that they are seen and at the forefront of the city. City events such as Stars and Guitars, and events held in the spring, fall, and Christmas-time are like Hallmark movies. The gift cards to our residents which help our local businesses immensely are another one of the great things the city does. Our parks and nature preserves are beautiful and vast and I challenge everyone to visit our parks and take a walk through our Nature Center. We can always do better with communication and are constantly trying new ways to be sure our residents will be in the know.
Holt Gunderson: Colleyville is currently excelling in many areas, particularly in our communication with citizens. Our website, social media platforms, newsletters, and open meetings provide a wealth of information for those interested. We are also fortunate to have a dedicated city staff who share our vision and work tirelessly to ensure Colleyville's prosperity. Our popular events, such as Stars and Guitars, and initiatives like the gift card program consistently receive positive feedback.
How do you think the city is managing growth and development right now?
Raine: I believe the city is doing an excellent job of managing growth and development. A great plan was laid out years ago and has been followed. This vision is what has yielded the widespread accolades of the citizens in general and others.
Alphonso: No response
Holt Gunderson: One challenge Colleyville has faced for many years is balancing economic growth with the desire to maintain low-density areas and open spaces. Colleyville is doing a good job managing this with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and guidance from our Comprehensive Plan.
What are things you’d like to see accomplished with you on council?
Raine: I hope we are successful at attracting desirable businesses and quality developers/plans for our remaining prime commercial development sites that enhance the quality of life for the citizens.
Alphonso: No response
Holt Gunderson: During my term, I am excited about continuing the beautification of Colleyville Boulevard and beginning construction on Heroes Park.
