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The city of Keller will have three people vying for the Place 3 City Council seat during a special election on Aug. 31.
The details
Karen Brennan, Frank Roszell and Zane J. Kupper are vying for the spot. The spot became open when Jessica Juarez resigned on May 31. Her unexpired term runs through May 2025.
She was honored by city officials with a plaque during the Aug. 6 City Council meeting for her tenure.
Jaurez, who has served since 2022, said in a letter she has accepted a new professional opportunity with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office that will require her full commitment and attention, and because of the office’s policy, she cannot continue holding an elected office.
Explained
In-person voting will occur exclusively at Keller Town Hall, 1100 Bear Creek Parkway, with early voting kicking off Aug. 14 and running through Aug. 27.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 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.
Why are you running for office?
I’m running to represent my community, listen to their concerns, find out how the city can help and take action on their behalf.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Lack of shared community identity, the intrusion of partisan politics in nonpartisan proceedings, and bringing a politically independent point of view to the council
How do you plan to address these issues?
Increase the number of small, neighborhood-scale events throughout the year (working with HOAs and other community leaders), personally remain independent in thought and deed, and make decisions from a place of empathy rather than judgment.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
More investment into our parks and trails, make Keller truly family-friendly through accessibility improvements on city sidewalks, and increase personnel/budget for fire and city inspections to help move paperwork in the city along.
Why are you running for office?
Council has done a good job on the family-friendly agenda. However, policies do not appear to have seniors included in that agenda. I plan to fill that void on the council and represent senior citizens of Keller.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
The possible growth of crime due to the border crisis, traffic congestion and the demographic growth of the aging population
How do you plan to address these issues?
Stress to the council that they need to be proactive in these areas rather than reactive. Hire more police officers now with closer patrols before the crime begins to grow. Make sure signal lights are synchronized. Examine the need for senior housing now and in the future.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
To make the council aware of senior needs, the city to become more user-friendly and definitely improve Keller's image as a business-friendly city. The last two items would be strong directives to the city manager if the council agree.
Why are you running for office?
Having resided in Keller for 22-plus years, with kids who graduated from KISD schools, I have firsthand experience of the excellent school district, family-friendly developments and low crime rate. My desire is to preserve our small-town charm and keep it a place where families want to build their lives.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Development is a topic that sparks passion among Keller residents. Approximately 10% of land remains in Keller for potential development. Concerns also arise regarding the tax burden on Keller's residents, particularly as home values rise.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Decisions regarding the development of these areas should incorporate feedback from local residents and adhere to zoning definitions outlined in the Future Land Use Plan. To mitigate the residents’ tax burden, support and incentives should be offered to small businesses interested in establishing themselves in Keller.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Support first responders because safety is paramount; practice fiscal conservatism with balanced budget; promote smart development that minimizes traffic congestion and strains on schools; improve pedestrian safety with improved and expanded trails and sidewalks; focus on families to maintain our family-friendly reputation; support our schools by working hand-in-hand with school board
