Q&A: Meet the candidates for Denton City Council, District 1

Why are you running for office?

I live in a city that is unaffordable. I worked a job that the council let die even though it provided decent wages and an affordable service. All while landlords charge higher rents and more people sink into poverty. A change is needed.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city?

The landlords who charge too much rent. The union-busting bosses who pay you pennies for the profits you make. The nonprofits that abuse our homeless folks. All of this is because of a cruel system that cares more about the rich and powerful rather than working people.

How do you plan to address these issues?

Taking the fight to the landlords and bosses. We need social services, union jobs and tenant groups. That’s why I’m also trying to organize any apartment complex or job I can while on the campaign trail. Together, we can put pressure from the top and the bottom.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

Establishing a municipal housing program of purchasing rental properties for the public. Restoring the city’s after school program. Establishing city-run Mutual Aid Days that will redistribute unwanted items to those in need. Establishing a union advisory committee that will inform on the interests of the working class.

Why are you running for office?

I’m running because Denton is at a crossroads, and District 1 deserves a representative who will put neighbors first, protect our unique character and deliver smart growth, safer streets and real affordability so families can thrive here for generations.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city?

Denton is grappling with rising housing costs and homelessness, aging infrastructure, congested roads and managing rapid growth without losing our neighborhoods’ character or overburdening city services and taxpayers.

How do you plan to address these issues?

I’ll focus on smart, affordable growth by investing in streets and infrastructure first, pushing for more mixed-income housing and homelessness solutions and demanding that new developments pay their fair share so we protect neighborhoods, keep Denton livable and stretch every tax dollar responsibly.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

My top priorities will be making Denton more affordable, fixing streets and basic infrastructure, supporting workers, public safety and ensuring new development respects neighborhood character while paying its fair share so existing residents aren’t left footing the bill.

Why are you running for office?

I want to bring a fresh, new voice and new perspective that includes collaboration, listening and action that will create a sustainable, growing city.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city?

Sustaining the growth of the city while balancing a budget that will keep taxes down. Homelessness and lack of economic development. Affordable housing and cost of living is also a huge concern.

How do you plan to address these issues?

Collaboration to manage a budget that does not include frivolous spending. Work on the best solutions to not tax the people. Create a plan to address the homelessness situation. Work to make Denton a place where major corporations will consider moving.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

Sustainability of the city's budget. Creating a healthy living wage for our first responders who maintain public safety. Listening to the voices of the people to educate them on the changes being proposed and ensuring their voices are heard.