Grapevine City Council, Place 1
Marc Blum[/caption]
Marc Blum
Age: 53
Occupation: project manager
Length of Grapevine residency: five years and one month
Why are you running?
I believe it’s my civic duty to help the city and give back to the community. My skill set is in management and negotiation, and because of that I think the City Council is the best position for me to serve. I also believe my skill set will help with responsible spending by reviewing bids awarded to contractors for municipal projects.
What are some of your goals if elected?
I want to work for better maintenance of our infrastructures, particularly the damaged parks. I want to avoid us having to build new structures, like the Public Safety Building, due to lack of maintenance. I also want to help keep business in Grapevine and promote and attract new and additional businesses. Additionally I would like to lower the amount residents pay every year in property taxes.
Lee Derr[/caption]
Lee Derr
Age: 54
Occupation: construction manager
Length of Grapevine residency: 19 years and five months
Why are you running?
When our family moved to Grapevine in 1996, I immediately looked for ways I could contribute to Grapevine. I started my service on the Historic Preservation Commission in January of 1998, and became the vice chairman in 2002. In my 29 years as a construction manager, I have managed projects up to $88 million and would like to help our council spend the money that is available on what will best improve the quality of life in Grapevine.
What are some of your goals if elected?
My future vision for the city would include smoke-free restaurants and bars, reducing drive times with roundabouts and speed humps, increasing the amount of safe bike paths and encouraging tenants to come downtown, [which] will promote more walking traffic for those who live there (i.e. drug stores, food stores). In the next few weeks I’ll be visiting with as many Grapevine residents as possible to see what is important to them.
Christian Ross[/caption]
Christian Ross
Age: 37
Occupation: owner of Eight90 Designs
Length of Grapevine residency: nine years
Why are you running?
Because I have a family with young children, and I see a need for similar families to have a voice for their future. Our residents heavily utilize city amenities (parks & rec, library, etc.), and we must maintain and allocate resources for them. I want families to choose Grapevine and enjoy what the city has to offer as well as pour themselves back into our community.
What are some of your goals if elected?
As a Grapevine small-business owner, I know we need to proactively continue to pursue and attract big and small businesses. My background has given me insight to understand the need for quality budgeting, transparency with employees and clients, and the need for accountability. I pledge to be a leader who provides transparency in all that I do, be accountable in my duties and decisions and accessible to all looking for civil discussion.
Paul Schelta[/caption]
Paul Slechta
Age: 46
Occupation: owner of Panda Embroidery
Length of Grapevine residency: 19 years
Why are you running?
I have prepared myself for this next level of service to the community. Over the last several years I have served on various boards and committees within the city, chamber of commerce and in local service organizations. I have a business in Grapevine, and I am currently the chairman of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce. I care about the future of Grapevine, and I am excited to be a part of that continued success.
What are some of your goals if elected?
Have a clear understanding of the budget so that I can provide input to keep Grapevine fiscally responsible and responsive to the citizens’ needs. Also understanding what the city’s leadership goals are for the future of Grapevine. Lastly, reach out to each department and board/commission to understand how they function, what their needs are, and what I can do to help make them even more efficient and successful.
