Community Impact Newspaper sent Herald a list of questions about his candidacy. Below are his answers, which have been edited for publication style.
Why did you decide to run for this office?
I felt like our incumbent was invisible to us in Allen (from the perspective of a member of City Council). I spent three months interviewing people throughout precinct and found 80 percent felt as I did. In addition, I discovered many other areas of seeming neglect.
What experience-professionally or politically- do you have that would prepare you for this position?
I have served on the Allen City Council for 9.5 years. I have served on the board of of directors for the Allen Economic Development Corporation for last 5-plus years as well.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
- Fully supporting our public safety officers. They have not been given a competitive compensation plan, and I put this as my No. 1 priority.
- Roads need immediate help. As the fastest-growing county, we need to be proactive, whereas the incumbent kicked the can down the road when the opportunity came to call a bond election that was endorsed by the County Planning Board.
- The courts currently serve a population 45 percent greater than the state average, and the people just keep coming. I would work to spend down the excessive rainy day fund to expand the courts and fund the other priorities.
What else do you want constituents to know about you and your background?
I'm not a good politician. I am a good public servant, but I don't go along to get along. I always vote for what I feel is right. I put people above politics and party. And lastly, the best government is local. I promise to be involved, not invisible; caring, not callous; and conservative, but not cheap.
