Candidate responses may have been edited for length, style and clarity.
Incumbents are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Adam Schiestel*
Occupation: software engineering manager
Residence: lived in Flower Mound nine years
Contact: [email protected]
Carol Kyer
Occupation: housewife
Residence: lived in Flower Mound 29 years
Contact: [email protected]
Why are you running for office?
Schiestel: I am running for lower property taxes and lower density development. As an appointed council member, I have sought to protect homeowners from rising property taxes and encroaching development. I am frustrated by the broken promises of lower taxes in exchange for high-density and industrial development. The tax relief never came, and impact to our quality of life cannot be undone. Last year, we finally honored that promise by lowering the tax rate 7% and doubling the homestead exemption—and we did it through debt reduction and debt avoidance. We can do it again.
Kyer: My husband and I have come to love our adopted hometown of Flower Mound. Since we moved here in 1992, we have seen the growth of 18,000 residents to the current 75,000+ population. The prediction of another 50,000 residents moving here over the next 20 years is a scary thought. We need to be proactive in the handling of this growth, and with my experience in public office, I believe that I can help. We want all the families here now, and in the future, to have the wonderful experience of raising a family in Flower Mound that we have had over the past 30 years.
What are the biggest challenges facing the town?
Schiestel: The biggest challenge is balancing quality of life with economic development. In the recent past, the Town Council has prioritized economic development above all else, and the results have been disastrous. As a council member, I always listen to residents and weigh the negative impacts of development with the potential benefits. This approach doesn’t stop new development; rather, it raises the quality. Recently, the development community has improved the quality of their proposals and has worked hard to earn public support and approval. To reach these outcomes we must be willing to say no, which allows us, more often, to say yes.
Kyer: The biggest challenges facing the town are attracting and keeping quality businesses; control of town related building fees charged to residents and businesses; implementation of the master plan to benefit all of town residents, now and in the future; diversifying the tax base to ensure sustainable income; protecting our first responders so that they can protect our residents; and developing a town council that can work with town employees in a respectful, professional manner.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
Schiestel: My top priorities are to set the tax rate at or below the no-new-revenue rate every year; to reduce debt and spending on a per-capita basis, so government becomes more efficient as the town grows; to protect existing neighborhoods from the negative impacts of new development; and to achieve our conservation goals in the Cross Timbers Conservation District. I will always ensure our public safety professionals are able to provide the level of service we expect, and we are able to recruit and retain a highly professional Town workforce.
Kyer: Town Council “Big Picture”: Decisions are made leaning towards input from a few residents seemingly without thinking of the impact those decisions will make on the whole community. Implementation of proper governance training and a solid review of parliamentarian procedure will help with communication with the public and build a better relationship with town staff. Tax rate and budgets: The property tax rate was recently lowered, by a little over $100 per year for the average Flower Mound home, which sounds good. However, town fees were raised on things ranging from home remodeling, some standard home repairs, to fees associated with opening a small business. These fee increases make the property tax decrease an insult to our community. I’m also concerned that the rising inflation could mean either a tax increase or budget cuts for the upcoming fiscal year.
What are some new ideas or programs you would like the town to explore?
Schiestel: I have been a champion for traffic synchronization technology since I was appointed to the Transportation Commission several years ago. We must take a 21st century approach to our infrastructure. Instead of spending millions adding concrete, a modest investment in technology to make our traffic signals work in unison could provide the same benefits at a fraction of the cost. Last year, I launched a project to begin the deployment of traffic synchronization software, and I will ensure the town sees it through.
Kyer: We have so many great programs that have been developed over the past 60 years. The Community Activity Center and Senior Center provide activities for all ages. My favorites include the programs that celebrate the holidays; July 4th celebration, Martin Luther King Day, Christmas Parade, Veteran’s Day program and National Night Out. I love the “Hometown Heroes” program; maybe we could expand that to include veterans in our community, too. I would like to see an enhanced relationship with nonprofits in the area. The Summit Club, The Women of Flower Mound, and Make Flower Mound Beautiful are a valuable resource for Flower Mound. I’d like to reach out to other nonprofits so that we could help with senior care and mental health issues that exist in our community.
