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Two candidates will run for the Shenandoah City Council Position 5 seat during the May 2 election. Incumbent Frank Robinson will be running for a two-year term against opponent David Teague.
Something to note
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents.
Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.
Editor's note: The term length for this position was corrected to two years. Responses to several questions have been updated to fit the complete response.
retired; 40 years in public service; police officer, economic development, city management, city council
Why are you running for office?
Because I am just finishing my first term on the council, and there is more to do. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my colleagues on the council moving the city forward addressing public safety, infrastructure needs, parks and finance. Our city has a legacy of strong effective governance …
What about your experience makes you stand out as a candidate?
I am an accomplished public administrator. I hold a Master of Public Administration degree from Sam Houston State University. After 40 years of public service, 29 of those years as a chief administrative officer and city manager I officially retired in 2017.
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
My top priorities are as follows: strong public safety under local control, well-trained city workforce, sound fiscal policies, open transparent city hall, enhanced park amenities, economic development, home rule governance and strategic planning.
What do you see as the greatest challenge facing Shenandoah, and how will you address it?
I believe our greatest challenge is to preserve a safe and secure environment for our residents while maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in [the] State of Texas. With well-conceived strategic planning, we can meet this challenge.
How will you pursue sustainable growth for the city and what would that look like to you?
Policy direction should focus on: encourage high-quality development and redevelopment vs. over-expansion; prioritize mixed-use and walkable projects instead of strip-style growth; maintain buffers between commercial corridors and neighborhoods; traffic management along I-45 feeder and Research Forest area; drainage and stormwater improvements (critical in SE Texas); long-term capital improvement planning.
Commercial HVAC test and balance project manager; budget control; stakeholder coordination; 35-year Shenandoah resident
Why are you running for office?
This [2025-26] budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by an amount of $925,412, which is a 40.18% percent increase from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $74,844.
What about your experience makes you stand out as a candidate?
I’m not a politician. I’m a commercial construction project manager with over 35 years managing budgets, timelines, and complex projects. I focus on scope control, problem-solving, and accountability. I bring a practical, results-driven approach and will apply those same principles to city decisions on behalf of residents.
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
My priorities are accountability, open government and responsible spending. I support clear financial reporting, zero-based budgeting and stronger contract oversight. I will ensure major decisions are discussed publicly. I fully support funding public safety at the highest level—my commitment to public safety is on record.
What do you see as the greatest challenge facing Shenandoah, and how will you address it?
Our biggest challenge is controlling spending. Residents just experienced a 40% property tax rate increase with little to no budget cuts—that’s unacceptable. We don’t have a money problem, we have a spending problem. I will focus on zero-based budgeting, transparency, and accountability to protect taxpayers.
How will you pursue sustainable growth for the city and what would that look like to you?
Growth should not come at the expense of residents. A larger city isn’t always better. The city must conduct long-term analysis of the true cost of growth, including infrastructure, utilities, traffic and community impact. I support thoughtful, data-driven planning that protects quality of life and ensures responsible growth.