Community Impact Newspaper sent Rogers a set of questions about his candidacy. His answers have been edited for publication style. Rogers is uncontested.
This article is part of Community Impact Newspaper's ongoing May 4 election coverage and does not constitute an endorsement of the candidate.
Why are you running for re-election to the McKinney City Council District 2 seat?
After being elected four years ago, my intention was to serve one term and not seek re-election. However, working with mayor Fuller for the last two years has been a great experience. I feel like I have been making a real difference in the city of McKinney. With mayor Fuller’s leadership, we have been able to pass some very meaningful ordinances and zoning changes. I believe McKinney is headed in the right direction, but mayor Fuller still needs help. I am running to help make McKinney a better place to live, work and play.
What experience—professionally or politically—do you have that would prepare you for this position?
I have almost four years of experience on the council; frankly it takes about 18 months to really figure out who everyone is and how everything works in the city. I have worked in the financial services industry for over 34 years, and as a certified financial planner I help people accomplish their financial goals. With this financial experience, I have been able to help the city make changes to how things have been done previously, and that has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am someone who can look at a problem and find a solution. I am also someone that gets things done.
If elected, what would be your top priorities for the city?
Stay focused on getting more commercial businesses, continue to lower the tax rate of our city and build the city in the right way, while still preserving our small-community feel.
What is your stance on the proposed US 380 alignments?
I am still waiting for TxDOT’s final report, so my mind has not been made up. However, if I had to vote today I would most likely go with the widening of US 380.
What should the city be doing to address the projected population growth, especially as it relates to providing city services?
Growing the city of McKinney in the right way is the biggest issue that the City Council faces. Last year, the McKinney City Council adopted the city’s 2040 comprehensive growth plan. It was a two-year undertaking from the city and community on how the city should grow. So right now we have a blueprint on the growth of McKinney that the City Council will use to help guide the growth of the city. One of the first things the City Council is doing to facilitate this growth is putting city bonds up for a vote. We need to provide more streets, safety services, parks and other city buildings to make sure we grow not only in the right way, but in a financially sound way. These bonds are needed so that we can pay for the things we need to grow. Without these bonds we would not be able to grow in the right way and would be limited on the services we can offer our citizens.
