Q&A: Get to know the candidates for Shenandoah City Council Position 2

What do you feel are the major issues currently facing Shenandoah?

Increased crime. Chief [Troye] Dunlap recently stated, the police department had immediate needs for additional officers, administrative staff and updated technology. We have money —why delay funding the needs of our police? Give him funding now. [Issues include] political Integrity; term limits; professional decorum during council inquiry; frequent town halls.

How can Shenandoah best attract new sources of sales tax and other revenue?

Shenandoah is fortunate to have a healthy, robust tax base with multiple years of budget surpluses and substantial rainy day funds. Have we overtaxed the people? We have an excess of $5.3 million of Convention and Visitor Bureau money and $8 million in general fund money. How much is enough?

Where can Shenandoah cut spending, and where is more investment needed?

Shenandoah needs to invest in infrastructure and a fresh-eyed approach to true line-item budgeting instead of building a budget based on projected revenue. Re-evaluate the culture of wants, not needs.

How can Shenandoah plan for growth expected in the region?

[Texas Department of Transportation] data indicate we are on the cusp of a double-decker I-45 and a new east-west connection (a new overpass between Research Forest and Hwy. 242). Is it necessary to “build out” the city at the expense of our quality of life? When is enough, enough?

Why are you the best candidate for the position?

There is not a “best” candidate. I am one of two choices who will provide the voters an option. Shenandoah voters deserve a diversity of opinions, ideas and representation. Regarding people: I keep my promises, listen and work well with others, and I will not belittle people with different views.

What do you feel are the major issues currently facing Shenandoah?

City Council has worked hard on plans to address the major issues facing the city. We planned for mobility and now have four major projects underway. We have a five-year capital improvements plan addressing infrastructure and growth. We have funded the police department to fight crime and have lowered taxes.

How can Shenandoah best attract new sources of sales tax and other revenue?

Supporting open and free markets will always drive new city revenues. Understanding market trends, then planning and implementing city services, programs, and infrastructure to sustain and support businesses are key to attracting growth which create increased sales taxes, ad valorem taxes as well as other revenue streams.

Where can Shenandoah cut spending, and where is more investment needed?

Shenandoah uses a zero-line-item budget approach to eliminate waste and cut year-over-year spending. With inflation out of control and staffing difficult to recruit, we need to focus investing more into keeping our key personnel, such as our police officers, public works operators, and department heads. People are our greatest asset.

How can Shenandoah plan for growth expected in the region?

The proper planning and implementation of a city comprehensive plan will help guide the city’s growth into the future. We’ve been working on such a plan for the last two years. As the city reaches 4,500 residents, we’ll need to implement a charter committee to become a home rule city.

Why are you the best candidate for the position?

Because I understand who hired me … it’s the residents of Shenandoah. I have a proven track record of experience applying sound business principles of governance keeping residents first. I’m the only straight forward, common-sense oriented, visionary, open minded leader, campaigning with the ability to solve problems and bring solutions.