DB: My involvement with Leadership Richardson since 2012 has both enlightened me to how amazing our city is and shown me that this is no accident. Richardson needs thoughtful and engaged leaders to protect and progress our city. Since 2012, I’ve been studying and finding ways to get involved and to play a part in Richardson’s success. I would be honored to represent my neighbors and fellow citizens as your city councilman for Place 6.

DB: My professional career has been in developing software for the health care industry and finding innovative ways to solve problems. I have been granted two U.S. patents for innovative methods of publishing information to hospital laboratories. A data-driven approach to decision-making and problem-solving has served me well professionally, and I think would be helpful as a city councilman, as will my years of experience managing multimillion dollar budgets and multiple teams of skilled engineers. I’ve had many personal experiences that have contributed to my preparation for this role, including serving on the Richardson Parks and Recreation Commission, the Executive Steering Committee for the Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival, the Board of Directors of the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association, the Board of Directors for the Richardson Adult Literacy Center, and multiple committees and leadership roles at First United Methodist Church. Whether it is serving as a volunteer or taking on a leadership role to guide and motivate others, I thoroughly enjoy sharing my abilities for the betterment of our community.

DB: With the age of our city, there is a constant need for maintaining and modernizing our infrastructure. There has been significant focus on this in the last several years, with strong budget support for street, alley and sidewalk replacement, which I would continue to support if elected. Similarly, revitalization of business and retail districts are key to creating and maintaining a vibrant city. In addition to new development where remaining space is available, I am thrilled to see the updates and new life coming into The Core along Main Street and Lockwood as well as the groundwork being laid for the Innovation Quarter. This spirit of ingenuity, innovation and invention—or re-invention—is one of the many reasons that I am proud to call Richardson my home. A strong business community helps maintain the healthy tax revenue split that we currently enjoy, with businesses providing approximately 60% of the taxes and residents providing 40 percent.

DB: I have been attending City Council meetings for years and paying attention to the priorities that are set for the budget each year. I believe that the current tactic of providing full support to our infrastructure and public safety needs is appropriate, and I plan to continue support of this approach. As a Parks Commissioner, Senate Bill 2 was discussed frequently, as we considered recommendations for new or updated parks facilities and amenities. The cost of operating a facility or program had to be considered, not just the cost to build it. This philosophy must be applied across departments, as increases in tax revenues will be capped by SB2 even in years of prosperity and growth.

DB: From leadership training in the Corps of Cadets and the Aggie Band at Texas A&M to Leadership Richardson and Gen Next, an organization focused on addressing generational issues, I am in constant pursuit of learning from other leaders. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn and serve through First United Methodist Church, where my wife Catherine and I have been members for 18 years, and I’ve served on the Church Council, Staff/Parish Relations Committee, as Chancel Choir President (you’ll see me in the choir loft each Sunday once it is safe again) and as Genesis class president. A number of years ago, Catherine and I were invited to define a family motto. After some reflection, we came up with a simple phrase that we strive to live out each day: Work Hard. Play Hard. Give Back. We have been proud to call Richardson home for nearly 20 years and have each sought out opportunities to make Richardson a great place to live, work and play. I would be honored to serve as your next city councilman for Place 6 and would appreciate your vote.

MF: Being a Realtor for more than 39 years, it is very clear: Richardson has just the right stuff when it comes to amenities, the arts, sports, cultural—something for everyone! A quality of life that is down to earth, refreshing and realistic. This city represents the real deal, the genuine article, [and] what people are looking for in a community! I so appreciate the vision of past city leaders and the expertise and professionalism of city Staff. As a Realtor in Richardson, I have come to the realization [that] I love selling Richardson and want to continue the tradition of the forward-thinking leadership as a council member.

MF: In the 10 years that I served on the City Planning Commission, I have had the privilege of helping tailor significant development projects, including CityLine, the redevelopment of Main Street, the Collins/Arapaho Transit-Oriented Development, the Innovation Quarter (The IQ) and the West Spring Valley corridor. All of these while guiding them to fit our community’s character and spirit. Richardson, like many other communities I have studied, must continue to be open to adopting innovative solutions to redevelopment issues. Other civic activities include memberships in Richardson Citizen’s Police Academy, Class 42; Richardson Citizen’s Fire Academy, Class 22; Richardson CARES, Class 1; Richardson Chamber of Commerce since 1996; and Leadership Richardson, Class XVII. Prior to the City Planning Commission, it was exciting for me celebrate my three years as a Parks commissioner with the opening of the new Huffhines Recreation Center. Our family spent many hours over the years there. The new facility was a dream come true. I have always sought to be active wherever I am. I worked in both the Canyon Creek and College Park neighborhoods and on numerous parent-teacher associations for the schools my children attended. These volunteer opportunities have taught me that many of the best ideas come from neighbors. As a council member, I will have a great deal of experience to guide my decisions, but I will never discount the input and expertise our residents have to offer. I welcome that input.

MF: Some of the biggest issues facing Richardson today will continue to be the budget, including continued funds for infrastructure, police and fire, and the 2021 bond priorities for the election this fall. I think the city staff and council have done an excellent job working with the challenges 2020 and COVID-19 have brought about. Communicating with our Legislature that SB2 put a hardship on our city should be a priority. They have got to understand that one size does not fit all—Richardson is not Frisco when it comes to revenue sources. I applauded what the council has done to insulate the situation. These smart, forward-thinking moves will help us keep our city services at the levels our citizens are accustomed to without any increase in taxes.

MF: Every level of government is facing difficult conditions caused by the pandemic and its damaging effect on our economy. As a council member, I will always aim to be a prudent steward of our community’s resources while seeking solutions that benefit the greatest number of our city’s residents.

MF:My real estate career has allowed me to observe and study the challenges facing other communities in our area and across the country. We have much to be grateful for, as many communities are dealing with issues resulting from neglected infrastructure. There is always room for improvement. Our city staff has prioritized continuing maintenance to ensure that we can rely on quality essential services for years to come.

AS: Being on City Council would provide me with an opportunity to serve our city and all our residents. I have already led in the community and am seeking additional means of serving our city. As you will read below, I have the qualifications and a solid track record of effective community involvement for many years. Richardson has much to be proud of: our arts, our neighborhoods, our schools. But, even a city as successful as ours cannot stop moving forward. Richardson has a strong, positive reputation because of awareness for the past, focus on maintaining the current quality of life, and intentional planning for the future. I know that by bringing all of us to the table, we will be successful in capitalizing on the many opportunities before us, with a strong foundation of ethics and transparency.

AS: I have worked to give back to the community that has been so amazing for us all by serving on city boards and commissions, organizing food drives, participating in the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Richardson, Richardson Citizen Police Academy and being a part of my neighborhood association. Richardson is a special place and being involved is a critical part of the equation. Through these experiences, I have met countless neighbors and community members who share the same passion I have for our city. Additionally, I own and operate a civil engineering business specializing in municipal infrastructure. This experience provides a unique perspective on how high-quality infrastructure planning and maintenance affects cities nationwide. This gives me a unique voice to address issues with neighborhood streets, sidewalks, water, wastewater, drainage systems and budgetary matters.

AS: Richardson has a solid foundation in place, but I know we can take our city to the next level. First, we need to revisit our short-term and long-term plans and truly analyze the effects that COVID-19 and other economic forces will have now and in the near future. We cannot allow critical services to veer off course or fall into a cycle of delays. Second, we must take an inventory of the condition of our aging roads and other infrastructures. As a licensed engineer, I have the technical and leadership experience needed to help guide plans to improve and maintain our infrastructure instead of dealing with constant repairs. Third, we need to facilitate development of starter housing for new families who will be part of meeting the need for a strong, effective workforce. Fourth, we must address property taxes in an increasingly complex city financing environment, particularly as they impact our senior property owners. All of these are critical for our city’s future.

AS: Over the last two years, Richardson has faced three major strains upon our budget: the COVID-19 pandemic, Senate Bill 2 and the 2019 tornado. Collectively, these require vigilance in creating and managing our budget to ensure critical services—like first responders, public health and safety, and garbage collections—are fully maintained. I will look for ways to utilize economic incentives to attract new businesses and support existing businesses in the city, especially small businesses. We must continue to be both strategic and intentional in continuing business development, which is a critical component to expanding the commercial tax base that will help ensure the burden does not further impact property owners, while expanding revenue in a manner compliant with Senate Bill 2.

AS:I never see an obstacle as being too great to challenge. Nearly 29 years ago, I came to America as a student with no family with me and little money to pursue my master’s in civil engineering. In my first job, I earned $4.25 an hour, $2.70 of which allowed me to call my mother for one minute. It was one of the hardest challenges in my life. I learned to stay on a small budget while maintaining my focus on the opportunity of the American Dream that could be achieved through hard work and good decisions. Now, I have proudly owned and operated my own engineering business, Stream Water Group, here in the DFW area for nearly two decades. As your councilman, I will work hard for you and look for the best decision for our city. I want to be your voice at City Hall.