Eligible residents have until April 3 to register to vote, and early voting starts April 22 and ends April 29. Election Day is May 3.
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. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Christene “Chris” Krupa Downs
Experience:
Respected estate attorney; Dedicated community volunteer of several decades; Served on City Commissions & Committees.
Candidate Website:
www.chris4plano.com
Contact Information:
469-626-8233
Why are you running for Plano City Council?
I have volunteered in Plano for over 25 years and served on city committees. I stay informed about local issues and am committed to public service. I am ready to continue serving the community as a member of the Plano City Council.
What are the biggest challenges Plano is facing?
Plano faces challenges with traffic, roads, taxes, and public safety. The city must support police and fire services, expand the commercial tax base, and prioritize spending to maintain excellent services without overburdening residents with taxes.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Plano voters will decide how some challenges are addressed with the public safety and infrastructure bond elections. I support continued upgrades to ageing retail and the Texas Research Quarter are great opportunities to grow the commercial tax base. As the commercial tax base grows, homeowners’ share of burden declines.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Public safety is my top priority, ensuring police and fire departments have needed resources. I will support expanding the commercial tax base to maintain low tax rates while funding essential services. Improving roads, adding turn lanes, and upgrading traffic signals will help manage congestion and enhance overall infrastructure.
Cody Weaver
Experience:
Realtor® & Former Plano ISD School Board Trustee
Candidate Website:
http://codyweaver.org/
Contact Information:
214-336-4956
Why are you running for Plano City Council?
I’m running for Plano City Council Place 4 to protect and preserve Plano's suburban character. As a former Plano ISD School Board Trustee, I have the experience and community support to spearhead the priorities that matter most to Plano citizens. My leadership focuses on keeping Plano family-friendly & business-friendly.
What are the biggest challenges Plano is facing?
Plano’s first responders are overburdened and strained. Prioritizing sustainable growth will allow adequate infrastructure and city services expansion to support and maintain the excellent quality of life we enjoy in Plano. We need to be mindful of our growth and the impact of future developments.
How do you plan to address these issues?
While apartments play a role in our housing options, it's crucial to manage their growth thoughtfully. To lessen future pressures on our infrastructure and city services, we need to prioritize the construction of high-rise condos, townhouses, senior living facilities, and smaller single-family homes.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priorities are improving public safety, keeping taxes low, managing growth, and addressing our aging infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner. A well-funded, well-trained, and well-equipped Police, Fire, and EMS civil service is absolutely essential to keeping crime low and promoting a family-friendly environment.
