Editor’s note: Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
*indicates incumbent
DALLAS-FORT WORTH
McKinney City Council At Large 1
Brian Magnuson
Occupation: art educator
Relevant experience: church member, citizen of McKinney, United States Army Reserves and National Guard infantryman, volunteer, coach, son, brother, husband, father and freedom-loving patriot
Why are you running for office?
GF: I was called to run, and I am running to be a servant not a superstar nor a master of people. Matthew 23:11
What are the biggest challenges facing the residents of McKinney? How do you plan to address these issues?
BM: “Beware of those who seek to take care of you lest your caretakers become your jailers.” -Jim Rohn; “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”- FDR; The biggest challenge in life will always be an unforeseen challenge. Issues vary, but the moral character of the public servant is most important. During these challenges moral leadership that respectfully listens and communicates is paramount. The answers are not in a single person, but in the community. We can make McKinney more than bigger we can make it better with fearless servant leaders. I will address any issue with dignity and charity.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
BM: The people of McKinney. Open the city and seek to end the fearmongering. Well-paying jobs. Healthy people. Make sure we are prepared for the next drought and other environmental issues with the boom growth of our city. Foster an environment of moral decency. Stop massive apartments sprawl.
What are some new ideas or programs you would like the city to explore?
BM: I believe in a small government, yet there are many positive things that can be done. I’d like the city to help small businesses and startups to find grant money. Connect high school and college students with our workforce to make sure we can keep our talent at home. Focus on retaining our talent first rather than bringing in outside talent. See our community and community leaders continue to fund and create amazing community areas such as parks and trails that would elicit a safe, healthy and an active community.
Charlie Philips*
Occupation: attorney
Relevant experience: city of McKinney City Council member At Large, 2017 to present; board of directors/chairman Texoma Emmaus Community; board of directors Cornerstone Ranch; board of directors McKinney Community Health Clinic; board of directors Hope School
Website: www.charliephilips.com
Why are you running for office?
CP: I am asking that I be allowed to continue to represent the City of McKinney to continue giving back to the city that took me in and allowed my children to have a lifestyle that I never knew and to make McKinney the place where children go off to college but want to return here to raise their families.
What are the biggest challenges facing the residents of McKinney? How do you plan to address these issues?
CP: Currently I think the largest challenge is providing affordable workforce, young family and young-professional housing. If we don’t provide this we won’t have the workforce necessary to support a growing community or sustain the McKinney we know and love well into the future. We can do this by requiring allotments in future multifamily projects and by public-private partnerships to provide less expensive single-family homes.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
CP: Continue to reduce the tax rate on residents by increasing the commercial tax base by promoting McKinney as the greatest place to live, work and play and attracting the best employers and jobs. We are currently the safest city in Texas over 100,000 and need to continue that trend by supporting our police and fire departments and making it the place to retire and not just work.
What are some new ideas or programs you would like the city to explore?
CP: We are currently working on our development services to make McKinney an easier city to do business with and in. We are planning on connecting our hike and bike trails to make McKinney a walkable/bikeable city. Plans are underway for a much-needed city hall. We are also developing our entertainment and corporate capacity to bring more professional jobs to McKinney.
