PL: I believe Roanoke is a very special place, unlike many others. I very much appreciate all that being a resident of Roanoke has afforded my family. In appreciation I feel compelled to present myself as a candidate to represent my fellow ward 3 residents.

PL: 1. Don’t break anything. 2. Make sure I’m available to hear the concerns and field any questions, to the best of my ability, of and from my fellow Ward 3 residents. 3. Make sure the concerns, ideas and/or recognition of fellow Ward 3 residents is made known within our city governmental system using the parameters of being a city council member.

PL: Whatever resources the city government has access to should be readily available to whomever chooses them, yet no ordinance should mandate a citizen partake in said “resources” in regards to viral transmission. I believe federal, state, county and local governments picking “winners and losers” in the name of “safety” is a bridge too far yet a bridge crossed in the last year. I acknowledge we all have experienced varied levels of exposure via the effects of governmental mandates with some being significant and others barely noticeable. I personally being of the prior in regards to my ability to make a living I consider myself a staunch defender of the right to conduct oneself as one sees fit as long as it infringes on no one else’s constitutional rights in kind, whether that be in a civic role or not.

MD: I am running for City Council Ward 3 to give back to my community as a whole. I have lived in Roanoke for the past 18 years and love this city and the community within and believe if you can give back, then you should. I have been able to serve on the Roanoke Park and Recreation Board for the past 10 years. I was giving back in a small way, but saw this opportunity to take the next step and contribute more. It has been very fulfilling to participate in city events and meet and interact with my neighbors.

MD: First and foremost at this time is the Texas Department of Transportation expansion and anything related to SH 114 and US 377. Second, the pandemic as it relates to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates and keeping the residents informed. Third, ensuring the city not only continues to grow and prosper in a financially responsible manner, but that it continues to be a city where all residents feel connected to the community.

MD: I believe the city's role is to keep the public informed and up to date on all updates as they relate to the CDC as well as state and government information.

DB: I'm very excited for the opportunity to serve Roanoke! My wife, Debi, and I built our "forever home" in Briarwyck in 2014. We have since come to love our little town and our incredibly friendly neighbors. I believe our mayor and city council have done a good job of controlling growth to keep Roanoke's small-town feel while strategically growing our revenue sources. I like the idea that much of our tax revenue is "OPM" (other people's money), resulting in a level property tax rate for over 20 years. I do not see the need for major changes in Roanoke. While there are certainly areas where we can improve, my focus will be on keeping our city on its current path while making the improvements necessary to make it even better.

DB: My top priorities include continuing the conservative fiscal management that has supported our robust growth while maintaining a flat property tax rate for over 20 years. Second, there are specific areas of Ward 3 that appear to need more attention from the city. It is hard to drive the Marshall Creek area and not notice that it seems underserved compared to the rest of Roanoke. I will be a strong voice for all residents of Ward 3. Finally, as an alumnus of the Citizen's Police Academy and former police officer, I am proud of the training and modern equipment and professionalism our Roanoke Police Department enjoys. However, it is obvious that our department has outgrown its headquarters. Keeping our department on the cutting edge of law enforcement will require updating its headquarters as well as supporting ongoing training and equipment.

DB: At this point in the pandemic progression, there is little role left for the city. Continuing to encourage the use of masks for our at-risk population and encouraging vaccination of our citizens is the primary remaining role for the city. Supporting our local businesses as they recover from the near cessation of commerce caused by the pandemic with stimulus projects and general promotion is crucial to the continued robust growth of our local economy.