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Learn more about the candidates running for the Place 5 position in Keller City Council.
What you need to know
Residents can vote for the candidate to take the Place 5 position in Keller City Council during the upcoming May 2 election. The Place 5 race is one of four Keller City Council member positions up for election this year.
Chris Whatley is the incumbent for the Place 5 race. Other candidates include Ned Brown and Ashley Stone Hernandez.
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Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Looking ahead
Early voting for the May 2 election will start April 20 and run through April 28. The last day to register to vote is April 2.
Local business owner of Shotzee's Bar and Grill, mortgage broker
Why are you running for office?
Keller has been my home for over 20 years. I’m running to serve the residents of our community—not to push personal agendas. I believe city leadership should listen to citizens, protect Keller’s quality of life, support local businesses and make responsible decisions that keep our city safe, strong and thriving.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Keller is approaching 50,000 residents—a milestone many people don’t realize can increase infrastructure demands and shift transportation planning into a more complex regional process. At the same time, rising costs make it harder for families—and even police and firefighters—to live here. Managing growth while controlling spending will be critical.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I will focus on responsible growth, proactive infrastructure planning and transparent decision making. Keller must plan ahead for traffic and development while protecting neighborhood character. I will also support policies that help keep Keller attainable for families, first responders and city employees who serve our community.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My priorities are protecting Keller’s quality of life, improving traffic and infrastructure planning, maintaining strong public safety and ensuring responsible spending. I will work to ensure city leadership listens to residents, supports local businesses and makes decisions that keep Keller a thriving community for families.
Entrepreneurial leadership
Why are you running for office?
I’m running because local leadership shapes our day-to-day lives more than most people realize. I’ve seen that firsthand as a small business owner and while serving on Keller’s Economic Development Board. I’m also a mom and neighbor who fell in love with this community.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Keller is growing, and growth requires thoughtful planning. Our biggest challenges are infrastructure capacity, traffic and maintaining fiscal responsibility while preserving the character and safety that make Keller home. We’ve made major investments, and the next phase requires careful stewardship to keep the budget balanced and services strong.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Execution matters. I’ll streamline city processes that create bottlenecks, support responsible development that strengthens sales tax revenue and plan ahead instead of reacting. I’ll ensure staff and public safety are equipped to keep pace. As a business owner, I lead with lean strategy and long-term sustainability.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Entrepreneur, owner of Lagniappe Productions
Why are you running for office?
To ensure the people of Keller have a voice on council. For nine years as your elected representative, I have always listened to the people first. The chair I occupy on council doesn’t belong to me, it belongs to the citizens of Keller.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Avoiding high-density development, protecting Keller's small-town feel and financial sustainability for infrastructure and public safety.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I do not like to “downzone.” Zoning is the law and council should have a very compelling reason to change the law; profit is not a compelling reason. I have worked closely with the staff to cut budgets where we can and allocate monies where needed.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
To continue working toward increased funding for first responders, review our solid waste management to determine if our current provider is the best possible choice for the city and to protect Keller's unique character and qualities, which make us the best “hometown” in the nation.
Planning is only half the equation. Execution is what protects taxpayers. My priorities are disciplined budgeting, infrastructure-first growth, public safety and clear, predictable city processes and communication. I’ll focus on delivering Old Town’s vision and supporting local businesses so growth strengthens Keller’s character and long-term stability.