Q&A: Meet the candidates for Keller council Place 2

Why are you running for office?

During the Keller Citizens Academy, I was moved by how much the city can do on such a slim budget. We can’t continue to cut our budget if we want to enjoy (and want our kids to enjoy) the level of services and comfort we’re used to.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city?

Aging infrastructure, lack of standards for development and land use, and the influx of partisan influence and money on our elections. These are not sexy issues, but our city needs to address them while they’re still on the horizon, not when crises and outside influence reach our doorstep.

How do you plan to address these issues?

I want the city to plan and budget for known infrastructure issues arising in the next 5-10 years. I will prioritize establishing standards (and ways to communicate them) for businesses in our city. I will vote in the best interests of Keller’s citizens, not along partisan lines.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

Future-proof Keller’s infrastructure and make the city safe and accessible for all residents. Create guides for prospective businesses in Keller, and set standards and metrics for incentive programs to find and promote the next generation of Keller entrepreneurs. Expand the Keller Citizens Academy to increase involvement in local government.

Why are you running for office?

Council has done a good job on the family-friendly agenda. However, policies do not appear to have seniors included in that agenda. I plan to fill that void on the council and represent senior citizens of Keller.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city?

The possible growth of crime due to the border crisis, traffic congestion and the demographic growth of the aging population.

How do you plan to address these issues?

Stress to the council that they need to be proactive in these areas rather than reactive. Hire more police officers now with closer patrols before the crime begins to grow. Make sure signal lights are synchronized. Examine the need for senior housing now and in the future.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

To make the council aware of senior needs, the city to become more user-friendly and definitely improve Keller's image as a business-friendly city. The last two items would be strong directives to the city manager if the council agrees.

Why are you running for office?

Keller is an amazing city that has done an excellent job of minimizing property taxes and promoting family values over the past decade. As the city faces the challenges of continued growth and development/redevelopment, I believe my experience and resume lend themselves well to helping the council.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city?

The city's main challenges include an ineffective Future Land Use Plan, particularly concerning Old Town. A comprehensive plan including citizen input is essential to shape Keller's future, covering housing, economic growth and infrastructure. Economic development can boost revenue for vital services like first responders' compensation.

How do you plan to address these issues?

Transparent and deliberate actions need to be taken to work with citizens, business owners and city staff to spearhead a meaningful land use plan that will carry Keller into the next half century. Drawing from my experience in real estate, business operations and negotiations, I am well qualified to lead.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

My top priorities are: Keeping property taxes low while improving salaries for essential personnel; fighting creeping crime and drug issues to protect citizens; collaborating with locals on development; and ensuring transparency and accountability through regular communication via email, social media, and video updates.

Why are you running for office?

As a long-time resident who is active in our community, Keller is very important to me. My entire adult life has been geared toward service. First, in the Air Force, and now in disaster response. My drive to serve the residents of Keller is simply an extension of that passion.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city?

Sales-tax revenue continues to flatten due to economic pressures. The greatest challenge will be maintaining a budget that provides the first-tier services and amenities residents expect, without increasing the tax burden. Being good stewards of tax dollars while holding the line protecting tax-payer interests should continue to be top priority.

How do you plan to address these issues?

As a veteran and longtime volunteer for Keller, I have the experience and skillset needed to hit the ground running on day one. That coupled with my strong professional relationships with the current council and staff will allow me to immediately start working toward solutions with very little learning curve.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

When elected, my top priorities will be to continue championing tax relief without compromising services, recruiting vibrant economic development to reduce dependence on property tax dollars, investing in our parks and trails, supporting our first responders and collaborating with our school district to ensure school safety remains a primary concern.