Al Stahl

Occupation:  Independent Insurance Agent [email protected] www.facebook.com/AlStahlInsuranceAgency

Why did you decide to run for Mayor of Oak Ridge North?

I am running for mayor because [incumbent Mayor] Jim Kuykendall wants to make Robinson Road a thoroughfare through our city so that residents of Imperial Oaks and that part of [Montgomery] County can have a way to get to I-45 and avoid the congestion of Rayford Road. Our residents don’t want that. They tried to make it clear to him last May when they voted down the county bond issue that included money to widen Robinson Road, but he has not listened. He continues to work to make it easier for cars to come across the railroad tracks and through our city.

Why do you believe you are qualified to be mayor of Oak Ridge North?

I believe I am qualified to be the mayor for several reasons. First, I am a former county judge of our county. The county judge presides over commissioners court similar to the mayor presiding over city council. Second, as a CPA, I audited our city for several years, so I understand the financial workings of the city and how we can reduce spending without cutting services. Third, I served on the City Council for four years. This is when I realized we cannot solve the Robinson Road traffic problem by widening it.

What would you contribute to the city of Oak Ridge North?

My main contribution to our city will be listening to the residents and giving them what they want—less traffic through our city and lower water rates and lower property taxes—returning it to the bedroom community we all want.

What do you think is the most important issue facing the city, and how would you propose to solve it?

The most important issue facing our city today is an administration that has not had opposition to their ideas of bringing progress to our city by creating a thoroughfare through the city that will literally divide it in half. [City officials] say they are cutting taxes but actually tax us more so they can build a $200,000 sidewalk. We need new city leaders who will restore common sense to our city government.

What are your plans and/or solutions concerning the Robinson Road project?

Residents of our city should not have to pay to have Robinson Road realigned and widened so it can be a thoroughfare through our city. Recently, the city commissioned another study of possible solutions to this problem. It is going to show what I have said for years, and it is the reason I was asked not to run for City Council again. The easier the city makes it for cars to come across the railroad tracks, more will come.

Jim Kuykendall, Incumbant

Occupation: Management Consultant; Mayor of Oak Ridge North [email protected] www.oakridgenorth.com

Why did you decide to run for Mayor of Oak Ridge North?

I am running for re-election to continue the good work we have put into place for the future of our city. I want to continue our success at reducing our tax rate and our program for maintaining and enhancing our water and sewer systems. We have implemented a very successful code enforcement program. We are also nearing completion of a total reworking of our entire code of ordinances. It is important to have the continuity of leadership to continue these efforts. We cannot go back to the days when we did not invest appropriately in, and look after, the long-term maintenance of our infrastructure.

Why do you believe you are qualified to be mayor of Oak Ridge North?

I have been the mayor for five years and gained valuable experience addressing real issues. I have hands-on knowledge of all facets of the city operations and oversight. I am a proven advocate for the city of Oak Ridge North, standing up for our interest in the greater community. I have proven to have impact in advocating for this community. This is not the time in our history to have inexperience or passive leadership at the helm.

What would you contribute to the city of Oak Ridge North?

I have been an effective leader for the city. I have the ability to bring people together to solve problems and have done so on many occasions. I have a degree in organizational management, a master’s degree in management and a master’s degree in dispute resolution and reconciliation. Most importantly, I am a passionate advocate for the citizens and businesses of Oak Ridge North.

What do you think is the most important issue facing the city, and how would you propose to solve it?

Traffic is our biggest issue. [Houston-Galveston Area Council] studies predict that even with Rayford Road and the Grand Parkway operating, traffic on Robinson Road will grow to 19,000 cars per day by 2018. The traffic problem is not going away. We must work together to find solutions with the greatest benefit.

What are your plans and/or solutions concerning the Robinson Road project?

I support the path we are on now to study the options presented by our citizens to improve traffic flow on Robinson Road. I believe the plans offer alternatives for Robinson Road whereby it can be improved with no impact to homes or churches.