Candidate Q&A: Colleyville mayor

Why are you running for office?

BL: I am running for mayor to protect a six-year track record of putting the interests of Colleyville citizens first. I want to continue to protect the integrity of existing neighborhoods; ensure that Colleyville continues to provide the best value in the state to residents; keep your city tax bill as low as possible; maintain and improve the high quality of parks and trails; upgrade roads and infrastructure; and provide complete support to the best police and fire service in the country.

What are the biggest challenges facing the residents of Colleyville?

BL: It’s an ongoing challenge to protect the values and citizen interests mentioned above. Specific infrastructure challenges include completing the Glade Road project by November of this year; completing the current Cheek Sparger project; preparing the design of the Jackson Road bridge replacement since that funding has been approved; and receiving the funding for the Bedford Road bridge replacement. Once these few projects are complete, Colleyville will see some smooth sailing for many years to come.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

BL: I want to maintain and improve the successful financial policies and procedures implemented during the last six years: “no new revenue” tax rate and five-year capital plans all funded in cash. I will maintain our vision of appropriate zoning, larger lots and keeping Colleyville unique. I will continue to support the Colleyville business community with tangible programs that help them succeed and improve sales tax revenue. I will support appropriate zoning and development in our northern and southern gateways, done with the highest standards and exceptional quality. I will continue our Ministerial Alliance, started in 2016 by Mayor [Richard] Newton.

What are some new ideas or programs you would like the Colleyville City Council to explore?

BL: The council is always exploring ways to improve Colleyville. Over the last six years, this council has made it a priority to make Colleyville a premier destination for residents and businesses. I want to encourage more citizens to be involved through our existing committees and boards, and new ones as needed. We are proud of the citizen committees who make great partners in decision-making. Plus, I will be leading the charge to find additional grants for improvements just as we did for the Jackson Road bridge, Bluebonnet Road, Cheek Sparger and other improvements.

Why are you running for office?

DK: Recently, we have seen the Colleyville City Council being associated with and influenced by outside political groups. As the recognized leader of the city, it is important that the mayor be actively involved in the community and support all Colleyville residents and business owners. I am committed to Colleyville, actively involved in the community and not associated or directed by any outside political groups or individuals. I am running for mayor to bring the focus and direction of Colleyville back to all Colleyville residents—not based on the directives of outside political groups and individuals.

What are the biggest challenges facing the residents of Colleyville?

DK: 1. Finding more nonproperty-tax revenue sources to offset the increasing resident’s property tax burden. Under the current council, city revenues funding the city budget from taxpayer property tax has increased from 54% in [fiscal year 2015-]16 to 61% in FY [2021-]22. 2. Replacing our aging water and wastewater infrastructure, which is over 60 years old in some parts of the city. 3. Keeping the direction of Colleyville in the hands of the residents—not outside political groups and individuals. Colleyville needs leadership that is free from this influence. 4. Keeping outside political groups and individuals from changing our schools.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?