Community Impact Newspaper sent Jones a set of questions about his candidacy. His answers have been edited for publication style.
Why did you decide to run for this office?
Former Mayor Wayne Ferguson said, “Lewisville welcomes you in, and once you get here, you can’t slam the door on the next guy who wants to move in.” The people of Lewisville welcomed me when I arrived, and their kindness inspired me to serve and contribute to the growth of this great city. I am running for re-election because my passion to serve the citizens of Lewisville remains as strong today as it was when I was appointed to serve on the planning and zoning commission in 2013.
I am proud that during my tenure on council that we have maintained one of the lowest tax rates in the
Metroplex and that 91 percent of our citizens are satisfied with their quality of life in Lewisville.
I am honored to have initiated our youth action council with the support of our staff. The program is in
its second year, and the students love learning about their city and having fun while doing it. The YAC is
full of young students that will become future leaders in our community.
I am proud of the work that I have done in my first term. I am asking the citizens of Lewisville for their
vote to allow me to continue serving.
What do you think is one of the biggest issues facing Lewisville today, and how do you plan to address it on council?
Our biggest challenge will be educating the Texas Legislature on the unique challenges that Lewisville faces as a growing city. We must dissuade them from passing the revenue caps bill; it is a “one-size-fits-all” legislation that will have unintended negative consequences for Lewisville and other cities throughout Texas. As a member of the council we are communicating to our state elected officials along with council members in neighboring towns.
Also, I will work with the city to implement its plan to annex Castle Hills into Lewisville, while continuing
to provide excellent service to our citizens in Lewisville.
If re-elected, what would be your top priorities?
The Lewisville Vision 2025 Plan is a key priority and is the compass that guides our actions as the council
creates its annual strategic plan. Lewisville has a rich history and a bright future ahead, but we are the best-kept secret in the Metroplex. I will work with our council and staff to increase Lewisville’s profile in the region.
Lewisville and [the] Denton County Transportation Authority must continue to work together to deliver a cost-effective and efficient transit option for work and leisure. Lewisville is one of three member cities that provides a half-cent sales tax dedicated to DCTA for funding.
Growing our transit service with the capability to conveniently move our citizens throughout the Metroplex will allow alternative travel options for our residents and will attract young professionals to our city.
I will work with city staff and Castle Hills residents to facilitate a smooth transition from an extraterritorial jurisdiction into Lewisville. Open and transparent communication between the city and the residents of Castle Hills is imperative.
We need to continue our progress on Old Town development projects. We will continue to work with
our business owners to help them succeed in Old Town and throughout Lewisville.
We also must remember our mature neighborhoods; we must work to keep them unique and beautiful.
We have so many things that need to be done in Lewisville, and I want to continue to work on these
priority issues as a member of the City Council.
What experience—professionally or politically—do you have that would prepare you for this position?
I am an accounting professional with over 20 years of corporate and governmental audit experience.
Prior to serving on the council, I served on the planning and zoning board, transportation board,
Brownfield advisory board and tax increment reinvestment zone 2 board.
