2010.may.voterguide

Allen City Council, Place 4Description: Note: All Allen residents may vote in this race.

Candidates (choose 1):

Ron Alexander

Biographical Info:Name: Ron AlexanderStreet Address: 1210 Thoreau Ln.City/Town: AllenState: TexasDate of Birth: July 15, 1953Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (972) 579-1844Home Phone Number: (972) 727-2016Mobile Phone Number: (972) 951-6609Fax Number: (972) 579-1891E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.ron4allen.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Dallas Baptist UniversityQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 27 years. We Moved to Allen in 1983Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 30 years. Moved to Plano in 1980Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Sales and Office Manager at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, Irving, TX.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Avid blood donor with Carter Bloodcare - have given 54 gallons (so far). On the CarterBloodcare Donor Council for Allen. Member of First United Methodist Church of Allen. CollinCounty Election Judge.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Allen Parks and Recreation Dept. Board Member 2008-2010. Volunteer with Habitat forHumanity. Precinct Chairman for PCT.40 Collin County.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Precinct Chairman - Pct. 40 AllenQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $590.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: J.J. Chapa, Rick Gaines, Wayne BaxterQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I have lived in Allen for 27 years, raised my family in Allen. I see some things that havebeen completed in Allen that greatly benefits the residents of Allen, (i.e,- Parks,Natatorium, Jogging Trails, Shopping, Resturants.) I feel that some of the ideas that arefacing our community may not be in our best interest (i.e, DART, Arts center) I feel that Iwould provide a fresh view of some of these items. I work with another city's city councilon several different issues that impact my company, therefore I feel I have a greatunderstanding of how our city government operates.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Work to improve the outdated water delivery pipes and sewer pipes in the oldersections of Allen. Paid for by Bonds, staged over several years, starting in oldest sections

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of the city. 2. Revitalize Downtown Allen - have parks, trails, Sandwich shops, Playhousetheater. Paid for by independent investors, and Parks and Recreation Dept. 3. Encouragingsmall to medium sized businesses that promote family unity to move to Allen. Show thesebusinesses that we are truly a family community.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have served Allen and Collin County as an election judge since 2000. I am a formerPrecinct chairman of Pct.40 of Allen. I worked with the City of Irving's Planning and Zoningdept. and the City Council of several issue that are related to my business. I see some ofthe issues that face Irving are tha same ones that Allen will be facing in the near future.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Attracting commercial developments that promote family unity is very high on mypriority list. As the City of Allen nears buildout, I feel we need to be very mindful of ourresidential communtities, we need to have neighborhoods of quality built homes for thefamilies just starting out and for the older couples that are looking to downsize.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: The demographic change I see happening in Allen is the young families that are movingto Allen because we are so family friendly. We have an excellent school system, a greatparks system, and plenty of activities for children of all ages. we could always increase thenumber of parks in our parks and recreation system.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Illegal means illegal - if you are in this country without the proper papers we should beable to arrest you and have you deported. I have no problem with immigrants that enterthis country properly and want to fit into our culture, after all that is how most of us gothere.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I oppose a regional transit system that would come through Allen. I will work to keepDART out of Allen.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Transportation avenues in and out of this area of North Texas is and will become amajor concern as more families move to our area. I feel we have to work with Texas Dept.of Transportation to open the existing roads that are now toll roads to all North Texasresidents.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: I feel that our city manager Peter Vargas and his staff do a great job in the delivery ofcity services. As Allen ages some of the services will have to be updated, and I haveconfidence that Mr. Vargas has already set the proper financial requirement in motion.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Again, I think Mr. Vargas and his staff have done an outstanding job in keeping Allenahead of an economic crisis. We need to work to bring more quality businesses into Allen,this will increase the need for quality housing, and that should increase our tax revenue.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Do we really need DART? I don't think so.

Robin L. Sedlacek

Biographical Info:


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Name: Robin L SedlacekStreet Address: 640 Autumn Oaks DrCity/Town: AllenState: TXDate of Birth: June 13, 1962Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 640 Autumn Oaks, Allen, TX 75002 (972)727-9591Home Phone Number: (972) 727-9591Mobile Phone Number: (214) 542-7113E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.robinsedlacek.org

Questions:Q: EducationA: Associates Degree, Accounting, Western IA Tech, 1983; Certified Public Accountant,State of Texas, 1990-presentQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 23 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 23 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am a Senior Manager with Accenture. I support a global executive team with businessanalytics and forecast planning.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Allen City Council, Place 4 Advisory board member for Allen Community OutreachJunior Achievement Volunteer City of Allen Finance/Audit Committee City of Allen Board &Commissions Nominating Committee City of Allen Convention & Tourism BureauCommittee Council liaison to Allen Library Board Member, Christ the Servant LutheranChurchQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Treasurer, Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (2003-2007) Commissioner, Planning &Zoning Commission (2001-2005) Event Co-Chair, AHS After Prom, (2003) Treasurer, AHSTouchdown Club (1998-2003) Steering Committee, City of Allen Capital ImprovementProject and Bond Election (1999) Board of Directors, Allen Community DevelopmentCorporation, (1996-2001) 4B Sales Tax Election Committee, (1996) Parks Chair, City ofAllen Capital Improvement Project, (1994) Executive Board, Allen Sports Association,(1991-1997)Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Commissioner, Planning & Zoning Commission (2001-2005) Board of Directors &Corporation President, Allen Community Development Corporation, (1996-2001)Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: My fundraising has just begun. I have a planned budget of $7,000Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: As of this submission, it is personal funds only.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No, I have not.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I have been an active volunteer in Allen for the past twenty years. My leadership andvolunteer experiences are varied, and range from being on my church leadership, pastpresident and treasurer of the Allen Sports Association, chairing City bond electionprograms, serving on the Allen Community Development Corporation, and serving onAllen Planning and Zoning Commission. These experiences helped prepare me for serviceas a Councilmember, because I got to know Allen in many aspects. I have been a licensedCPA since 1990, working in various industries as well as serving in management positionsfor several years. I bring a deep financial background to assist in our City budget andplanning process. I am running for re-election to Allen City Council, Place 4 because Iknow I add value to council decision making and I am a strong leader for our community. Ioffer a balance to our council with my finance background and team managementexperience.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Fiscally sound budgets: Your Council must be prudent with all planning and yet not be


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afraid to take calculated risks where we have opportunities to better our community.Convention & Tourism: We have made significant investments in development that dependon tourism to support. I recognize programming at Allen Event Center will be critical tomaintaining viability of retail, restaurants & hotels and am working with staff on the mosteffective marketing of Allen as a destination hub. Prudent use of hotel/motel tax or specialrevenue fund accounts are two funding options to consider when helping to recruit bigname talent & working with our partners at AEC. Business Recruitment & Retention:Coming out of economic downturn, I will remain proactive and aggressive. As capital freesup, businesses will be looking to improve their current conditions. Economic incentives, nostate come tax, great schools, an outstanding park system, new cultural options and “TheSafest City in Texas” makes Allen TX very attractive to companies considering relocation.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: When Allen became our home 23 years ago, we made a decision to engage in ourcommunity. Church, youth activities, and civic involvement became a way of life. I bring tothe council a great deal of Allen experience in parks, capital improvement project selectionand leadership with our CDC board and Planning & Zoning Commission. And myinvolvement goes beyond City. Raising our two children here has allowed me to take activeroles in Allen Sports Association, Allen High Scholl booster clubs and After Prom activities. Ilove Allen, Texas and am proud to call it my home. As is evident from my voting record inMay, local elections, I have been interested, supportive and concerned with leadership ofthis community long before I chose to run for election. While my opponent has recentlybeen involved with the Parks Board, he does not, to my knowledge, have the length orbreadth of community and civic involvement, or leadership experience, which wouldprepare him to address the issues which are confronted regularly by the City Council. Iam the candidate with proven leadership experience, I have made deep and long lastinginvestment in our community, and a have the financial experience to ensure Allen remainsfiscally sound.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Allen’s success over the last few years has been incredible. With the opening of WattersCreek, Villages of Allen, several new neighborhood parks, miles of new trails and mostrecently, the Allen Event Center, we are adding the shop & play cards to our poker hand.Providing shopping and entertainment, top-notch park facilities and cultural opportunitiesadd so much more to a community that has been fortunate to have an excellent schoolsystem. We have a straight flush with regard to recruiting residents. We have patientwith our prime development areas and it has paid off in spades. In 2009, in addition to ourretail/restaurant openings, we were successful in the Cisco relocation decision. AndrewsDistributing is just breaking ground and we beat out American Airlines for the StampedeRodeo! The 121 corridor will be our next big opportunity to explore and develop. Cityleadership and EDC will continue to be thoughtful and deliberate with this area.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Our community is aging and with that comes the desire for alternatives in homeproducts and more options with regard to health care. We have seen significant growth inour health care options as more specialists & facilities open up. Shortly the development ofsenior living facility will offer more alternatives to current home options.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: City of Allen and Allen Police Dept. will enforce current immigration laws, but illegalimmigration in and of itself is a Federal issue. It is my opinion that it would a costlyendeavor to Allen taxpayers to tackle this issue at the local level.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Let’s be clear, our participation in transit system would be decided by a vote of thepeople. Once votes are tallied, I would work to that end. I support a regional transitsystem, but must first clearly understand the transit authorities’ growth plans andpatterns. Allen has been working with legislators in Austin to allow for local options in orderto fund this type of project. In the most recent session, a bill sponsored by Sen. Coronawas not successful. In my position as a councilperson, I will continue to support theseefforts.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on such


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issues?A: The Arts of Collin County is a regional project that will enhance this region and addquality of life options to our citizens. Recent reduction in construction prices have affordedthis project to possibly move forward - soon. As our partner cities work through budgetconstraints, we should not lose site of the value this project will bring to our community.As other regional opportunities arise, I am open to review the merits of each project todetermine the benefit to Allen and our region.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Our city staff is constantly looking for areas to cut costs without a negative impact tocustomer service. Meeting citizen expectations is an important goal for all City leadership.I am proud that our budget allows for reasonably priced user fees for our facility basedactivities.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Our current budget is balanced, has healthy reserves and for the 17th consecutive year,Council has reduced the tax rate. City of Allen is in a sound financial position. An effectivebudget process should evaluate services, review staff utilization and effectiveness and planfor current and future capital projects in every cycle, not just economic down turns.Budgets should be built with flexibility to pull back discretionary spending when revenuedoes not meet projections. Critical services such as fire and police cannot be cut at theexpense of public safety, but those areas are not off limits to program reductions.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Allen is growing up and filling in. The easier to develop acreage is becoming lessavailable and we are faced with in-fill development. With this often comes zoning issues.Your Council will need to be firm in our stance of quality products, but open to working withdevelopers and neighbors in each, unique case.

Allen City Council, Place 6Description: Note: All Allen residents may vote in this race.


Kevin Livesey

Biographical Info:Name: Kevin LiveseyStreet Address: 1206 Surrey LnCity/Town: AllenState: TexasDate of Birth: 11/05/1969Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-678-2285Home Phone Number: 972-678-2285Mobile Phone Number: 972-832-0212E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: Business ManagementQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 6 years in the city of AllenQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: Same as aboveQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Project Manager for a software companyQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: This election to City Council has been my first political involvement in the City of Allen.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I am currently on a home owners association in my neighborhood. Other thanvolunteering at church and my neighborhood association I have not been involved in thecommunity.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?


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A: None to this pointQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: MyselfQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for this office so that I can contribute to my city in the best way that Iknow how too and that is actively engaging in the day to day business of Allen. I am afamily man that loves the community that we are blessed to live in and want to make surethat this city keeps it's charm and financial strength. Although I may not have the politicalexperience, I do have the passion and common sense to help direct this city toward astrong financial future while maintaining the cities small town feel.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: City Transportation - I would push for a privately owned transportation system to servethe needs of the community. This would require little to no cost for the city and couldactually generate income in the form of business tax income. Highway 75 expansionthrough Allen - Highway 75 through Allen during rush hour is ridiculous and I would workwith local, state, and federal agencies to improve the flow of traffic on I 75 through Allen.Sports & Recreation - I would like to see more sports areas that can be used by thecommunity. For instance I know that there are a lot of citizens that like to play tennis andvolleyball so I would like to purpose a tennis, volleyball, & racquetball club club. The citycan charge admission based on residency and hopefully be financially self sufficient.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My opponent has done a good job thus far on the City Council. I really can't sayanything negative about him and appreciate his service to this city. The reason that I seekto replace him on the City Council is because I feel that he has had his opportunity to serveover the last 3 terms and I would like to have a chance to serve my community. I am ahard working concerned citizen that wants to help out wherever I can and I feel that CityCouncil is a great place to start.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: I feel that it is vital to attract strong business to the city as we near our build out.Attracting these businesses and the residential communities that will come with them willdetermine how Allen weathers the current economic storm and position us correctly for theyears of prosperity to come. The City of Allen has done a very good job up to this pointand I hope to continue that in my term on the City Council.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: The city should continue to deter illegal immigration by fining business that are found touse illegal immigrants. This issue causes a huge burden on the economy of local, state andfederal governments and needs to be stopped. The only way to solve this problem is todeter the illegal immigration by making sure that they cannot find employment within ourcommunity causing them to move on to other areas. As a city we need to enforce the lawsof the land and make sure that we do our part not to encourage the breaking of our laws.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: If you are referring to DART in Allen as seamless then yes I oppose it. DART wants tocharge the city far too much for their services and I don't feel that the city needs to beburdened with that cost. Mass transit here in Allen would be better served by a localcompany serving the community of Allen yet having the ability to tie into the DART systemin Plano.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Our city has and will continue to benefit from regional planning and cooperation. The


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new center in Allen benefits all of the surrounding communities with it's acts and sportingevents. The city will also be partnering with a few other communities to bring a performingarts center to the region. I would definitely work with our surrounding communities toencourage smart planning in order to benefit the region.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: I feel that the city has done a good job in delivering services and would like to have theopportunity to examine the cost effectiveness of these services to see if there are anyway's to bring down the costs of these services and save the taxpayers money.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The current leadership in Allen has done a great job in weathering the current economicdownturn. Balancing the budget is more difficult with less money coming in due toforeclosure and businesses closing. Simply put the city needs to tighten its belt and makesure that we identify every inefficiency and correct them so that no money is being wastedon things that are not needed. The citizens deserve good roads and services and I don'tsee the need for these services to be cut, but like any government we need to be smartabout how and when we spend the taxpayers money since ultimately we are accountableto the people.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: I think that voters must confront that although we have doubled in size over the last 10years our budget has tripled and we need to be mindful of the financial wellbeing of ourcommunity.

Jeff McGregor

Biographical Info:Name: Jeff McGregorStreet Address: 525 Cameron LaneCity/Town: Allen, Texas 75002State: TexasDate of Birth: 11/11/1959Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214.729.7913Home Phone Number: 972.727.4166Mobile Phone Number: 214.729.7913Fax Number: 972.735.8422E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: BBA Economics, Stephen F. Austin State University, 1983. DeSoto High School 1978Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 25 YearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 25 YearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Real Estate AppraiserQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Sign Board 1995-1996. Planning/Zoning 1996-2002. Allen City Council Place 62002-PresentQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Board member of ASA Baseball.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: 0Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: N/AQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: My past experience and leadership qualities make me qualified for the unknown


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economic conditions that may be ahead. Proven leadership in growth and developmentalong with my real estate backgrond give me an edge.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Maintain fiscal responsibility, manage and balanced growth, and a plan fortransportation either regional or intra city.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have proven that I can lead and make sound decisions. My eights years of councilservice have prepared me for the uncertain economic times ahead. The experience onPlanning and Zoning has prepared me for the council position. As a long time resident, Ihave seen the positive changes in Allen and want to continue that trend.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: The development of the SH 121 corridor will be key for Allen's future. That area will setthe tone for the last major development in Allen. With the ACC as the center piece, wehave an excellent opportunity for a special and unique blend of office and commercialdevelopment.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: The population is getting older and we need to provide facilities/development for thatgroup. Applications for development of facilities that are specific to the 55+ are morefrequent now than ever in the past. Along with providing specific programs, proximity tohealth care will also be key in future development.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: I think the current policies that we have in place have been successful. We do not havea specific plan to "target" any segment of the population.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I Favor a regional system. A regional transit system seems to be a better option thanDART. I would want Allen to be a member of an organization that can provide qualityservice along with prudent fiscal management. I want the citizens to have the final inputon what system we elect to participate.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: The Arts of Collin County will be a key attraction for Collin County and our North Texasregion. Corporations that want to relocate expect to have a variety of options available forits personel. Affordability housing, large labor force, shopping, quality education andaccess to the arts are key factors in their decision.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Yes, we have an excellent staff and are proactive in the service to our citizens. Waterand Sewer funds are sound and our Parks department cannot be beat. Our park system isone of the best in North Texas.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Council and city staff have cut unnecessary spending and have projected minimalgrowth in revenue in order to prepare for the uncertain economic times ahead. Our servicelevels have not been diminished and we do not project service cuts in the future. Allen is aproactive community and we have done a good job to prepare for the economic timeahead.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: The council cannot lower the tax rate as much as we would like. After 17 years oflowering the tax rate, the council would like to see a greater reduction than we have hadin the past. I will work for a greater reduction in the next 3 years.

Arlington City Council, Place 6Description: Note: All Arlington residents may vote in this race.


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Lila Friedlander

Biographical Info:Name: Lila FriedlanderStreet Address: 5509 Lansingford Tr.City/Town: ArlingtonState: TXDate of Birth: 01-03-92Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: NoneHome Phone Number: NoneMobile Phone Number: 817-412-1431Fax Number: NoneE-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.voteforlila.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: I am a homeschooled student and I will graduate in June 2010. I am a National MeritCommended Scholar. I am currently taking a dual credit class at Tarrant County College.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: I have lived in Arlington for 13 years.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: Same as length of residency in Arlington.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: StudentQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I currently serve as a volunteer at the Lake Arlington library. I have been doing so fortwo years. For the past five years, I have been a member of the Teen Library Council. Ialso volunteer at the Arlington animal shelter.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: During 2004, I was involved in Arlington politics by campaigning against use of eminentdomain and a tax increase for the Cowboys Stadium. In 2005, I volunteered at theEastern Star Home, which was temporarily reopened to house victims of HurricaneKatrina. I also have worked with Kittico, a Dallas organization, to have stray cats in myneighborhood spayed and neutered. I am a certified Red Cross Lifeguard. I worked in thatcapacity for the City of Arlington Parks and Recreation department during the summer of2008. My academic achievements include becoming a National Merit Commended Scholarand placing third in a Shakespeare monologue competition held at the Lake Arlingtonlibrary.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $424.16Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Lila Friedlander, Glenda Friedlander, Alvin FriedlanderQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoneQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I have been interested and involved in Arlington politics for as long as I can remember.So it's only natural that the first thing I wanted to do when I turned 18 was run for citycouncil. Arlington is a wonderful city, but I want to help make it even better. I'm here tolisten to the citizens of Arlington. And though I might not have all the answers or the mostexperience, as a city councilwoman I promise I will learn everything I can about everyissue that comes before the council. I will look at both sides of the issue and strive to do


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what's right. We need people on city council who will listen. There are many good ideasthat need to be heard. I come as a fresh slate and want to hear everyone’s ideas to makeArlington better.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: The three most important actions I would take if elected actually would not requirespending any extra money. First, I would start by really listening to the people ofArlington. Their opinion is something the current city council doesn’t seem to value. Atevery city council meeting, residents come forward to voice their concerns, but they areignored. The current council doesn’t even seem to hear them. I believe our citizens havevaluable ideas that can make Arlington better. Arlington needs to be stricter on the gascompanies with regards to drill sites. I will do what I can to make that happen. We need toenforce the regulations already in place, and not routinely grant every variance sought bythe gas companies. In the newspaper recently, there was an article about our city councilmembers taking suite tickets for events at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium. I want to find away to use these suite tickets for the benefit of the city rather than for entertainment ofour council. An idea would be selling them off and letting the city use the funds. Thesethree actions are very simple, but they would make a big difference for our city.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The biggest issue in this race is accountability. I have major concerns about the presentcouncil listening and being accountable to citizens. A great example is gas drilling. Citizenscome before the council at every meeting to protest because the gas companies want todrill in their neighborhoods, at times within 200 feet of people's homes. The city has lawsabout that, but the council doesn't listen. They say yes to everything the gas companieswant. I will work to enforce the laws we have and consider creating stricter ones. Recently,a newspaper reported our City Council representatives have taken suite tickets from theDallas Cowboys for events at the new stadium, in some cases worth more than $10,000.My opponent did not include any of these gifts on his financial disclosure, despite beingrequired to report all political contributions. This is a perfect example of the lack ofaccountability in our government. I will not compromise my ethics by accepting gifts fromthose the city is doing business with. As a city council member, I will listen and I will beaccountable.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: I am in favor of creating stricter laws dealing with gas drilling. At the very least, weneed to enforce the laws we do have. The law prohibits drill sites from being located within600 feet of people’s homes. However, our council approved the Matlock Yu drill site(SUP09-1) which is within 200 feet of residences. I also believe that we should considerputting a halt to gas well permits until we have a chance to study the environmentaleffects of gas drilling further. Given time and study, we can create regulations to make gasdrilling less harmful.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: The development of the Highlands and the increasing population point to Arlington’sability to attract both business and residents. We need to continue to make this one of ourpriorities. Revitalizing the downtown area is an ongoing project that should be among thecity council's priorities. Bringing new businesses to a visitor-friendly downtown can onlyhelp economically and enhance the value of Arlington's existing attractions. While the plancurrently in place has yielded some results, the council must make sure the results areworth the costs.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Our city is becoming more diverse every day. According to DFW InternationalCommunity Alliance, almost 30% of Arlington residents do not speak English. We are hometo large Asian and Hispanic communities. We need to reach out to get these people moreinvolved in our city and its government. One of the many reasons I am running for citycouncil is to demonstrate that our government is open to all citizens.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: As much as this is a sensitive issue with many people, this is more of a federal issuethan something that can be handled at the city level. Cities that have attempted to put


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restrictions on illegal immigrants, such as Farmers Branch, have had those restrictionsoverturned by federal courts.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: As I listen to citizens, the need for public transportation comes up again and again. Weneed a workable, efficient, well-researched plan with widespread support before it is puton the ballot again. Rail is one possible solution, but we need to consider all our options.And whatever mass transit plans are proposed, they must not overshadow maintenanceand improvements to Arlington's existing streets.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: Transportation issues and major events, such as the Super Bowl and NCA Final Four,certainly require a large degree of regional cooperation. Other issues , such as animalcontrol, can also benefit from greater teamwork among the cities of our region. I will workto keep communication open between our governments to find ways we can help eachother.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Arlington’s services are some of the best in the area. Our parks and recreation and ourlibraries, especially, are excellent. But there is always room for improvement. If elected, Iwill thoroughly study our budgets to find ways to make our services more efficient.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: While Arlington has held up better than most of the country during the recession, it hasstill had some struggles. One of the city’s largest employers, General Motors, experiencedlayoffs and a temporary shutdown of its plant. The city government laid off some of itsemployees, including the majority of its health inspectors. There is not one solution. All ofthe issues are tied together. For example, revitalizing downtown and bringing in morebusiness can help increase our tax revenue. More efficient operation of city services cansave us money.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: One uncomfortable truth that has not received much attention but we need to confrontis the problem of the stray animals in Arlington. As a volunteer at the animal shelter, Iknow many stray animals are euthanized there every day. The shelter is trying to dealwith the hundreds of strays on the streets in the only way they know how. However, thismethod is not only inhumane, but it is also not working. For each stray that is euthanized,many more are born. The best way to reduce the stray animal population would be tohave a free spay/neuter clinic in Arlington. People could trap and bring in strays to havethem spayed or neutered. This would cut down on the animal population by reducing thenumber of strays born. This would actually save money, because euthanizing animals iscostly. Other cities, such as Dallas, have programs like this. Arlington needs one, too.

Robert Shepard

Biographical Info:Name: Robert P. ShepardStreet Address: 503 East Border StreetCity/Town: ArlingtonState: TexasDate of Birth: October 7, 1958Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (817) 861-1000Fax Number: (817) 469-1000E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: BBA University of Texas at Arlington – 1980, JD St. Mary’s University – 1983


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Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 27 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: AttorneyQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Arlington City Council - District 6Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: 1999 Citizens Bond Election Committee, 1999 Central Sector Leadership Committee,Arlington Public Library Board (1998 – 2001), 2000 Arlington Subdivision RewriteCommittee, Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission (2001 – 2007)(Chair – 2004 –2007), 2007 Arlington Impact Fee Stakeholder Group, 2007 City of Arlington Volunteer ofthe Year, and AISD Futures 2010 Boundary CommitteeQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Arlington City Council - District 6Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: None for the current campaign.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: To continue to represent the citizens of Arlington. My legal background and myexperience in running a small business make me the most qualified candidate in this raceand most prepares me to serve in this office.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: I would continue to work to find funding for public safety and grow the tax base inArlington through continued economic development efforts.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My past experience in public service and experience as a small business owner.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: Unfortunately, cities are very limited in the role that they can take in regulating oil andgas drilling, which is preempted by state law. However, at the insistence of the ArlingtonCity Council, city staff is currently taking steps to revise the current gas well drillingordinance to improve the process of gas well drilling in Arlington. I believe that Arlington isdoing, and will do, everything legally permitted by state law to ensure the safety andprotect the interests of its citizens.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: I believe that attracting higher end residential development as well as commercialdevelopment should continue to be a priority for the City of Arlington. Obviously with theopening of Cowboys Stadium, the development and expansion of The Arlington Highlandsand the recent approval of plans for the Veridian project in North Arlington, I think the cityhas done a very good job recently in attracting this type of development to the city.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: I believe that any demographic changes that are occurring in the City of Arlington arevery similar to those changes occurring throughout the North Texas region. I believe thatthe City of Arlington should continue to monitor such changes and attempt to be responsiveeach of its citizens’ needs.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Illegal immigration is a State and/or Federal issue. As a result of this fact, the City ofArlington should continue to lobby Austin and Washington, D.C. for real reform and changewith respect to our current immigration laws. The City’s police department should continue


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to utilize all of the tools available to it in checking the residency status of persons whensuch action is warranted.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I support rail service for the North Texas region, and hope that Arlington can be a partof this service.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: I believe that the North Texas region and the City of Arlington have cooperated well onmany issues including the NBA All Star Game recently hosted in Arlington (with many ofthe NBA events occurring outside of Arlington) and the 2011 NFL Super Bowl game whichwill be hosted in Arlington with many events occurring outside the City of Arlington.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: I don’t believe that as a general rule any government can provide any service as costeffectively as the private sector. I am constantly reviewing the possibility of privatizing anyfunction of the City of Arlington that can be accomplished more efficiently and at less cost.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: I believe that the current leadership has done an excellent job in weathering the currenteconomic storm. The City of Arlington has enjoyed the benefit of Cowboys Stadium, theArlington Highlands, and other recent investments in the city to assist in bolstering whatwould otherwise be declining sales tax revenue. I think the city must always be on thelookout for ways to privatize services and functions that can be more efficiently and costeffectively delivered by the private sector.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Unfortunately, crime remains one of the primary issues of concern facing Arlington as itcontinues to grow and develop. Overall Arlington’s violent crime statistics are clearlymoving in the right direction. However, property crime has increased. Arlington shouldcontinue to invest in additional sworn officers. As our tax base continues to grow, our citymust prioritize our public safety staffing to stay current with changing trends in ourcommunity. In the meantime, the city should look at ways to fund over-time pay for ourcurrent officers to ensure that we are doing everything we can to reduce property crimes.

Arlington City Council, Place 7Description: Note: All Arlington residents may vote in this race.


Jimmy Bennett

Biographical Info:Name: Jimmy BennettStreet Address: 2310 Autumn Oaks TrailCity/Town: ArlingtonState: TexasDate of Birth: 11/17/60Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 817.461.0523Home Phone Number: 817.640.3336Fax Number: 817.299.0296E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.votejimmybennett.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: University of Texas at Austin, 1984, BBA in AccountingQ: Length of residency in the city:


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A: Arlington resident since 1988.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: Resident of District 7 since 1988.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: CPA-CPA practice.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: City Council Involvement: Committee member of Regional Policy and MunicipalInfrastructure, Fiscal Policy, Community and Neighborhood Development, ArlingtonHousing Finance Corporation, Arlington Convention Center Development CorporationCommunity Involvement Board member of: Boys and Girls Club of Arlington, Girl Scouts ofTexas-Oklahoma-Plains, Forest Hills Homeowners Association, Arlington Chamber ofCommerce Board of Directors. Member of Lamar Baptist Church, North Arlington Rotary.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Board member of: Arlington Museum of Art, Arlington Zoning Board of Adjustments,Arlington Human Service Planners, H.O.P.E Tutoring Centers. Graduated from LeadershipArlington. Past member of Arlington Star-Telegram Editorial Review Committee. Formermember of Arlington Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, Small BusinessCouncil, and Government Relations Council, A+ Arlington Scholars program with AISD.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Currently serve as City of Arlington Council Member, District 7 At-Large. Elected in2008.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Through March 28, 2010, I have raised $5,070.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Maurice Barksdale. John & Kay Di Palma. Peggy & Rick Merritt.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am seeking re-election to the Arlington City Council, District 7, to continue my originalquest of bringing financial expertise and business experience to work for the citizens ofArlington. They, and I, deserve the best value for taxes we pay. Since moving to Arlington,I have worked as an advocate for the needs of children, non-profits, schools, andbusinesses. I work alongside many who seek to make Arlington a terrific community forall. As a CPA and business owner, I understand how to make hard choices.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Redevelopment: the city must encourage new ways for redevelopment throughincentives and providing businesses with relevant information such as customer and retailpotential. Small business: the city must do more to help facilitate business growth andsuccess. City hall must help our local businesses learn more about opportunities and wherethey can be found. Youth/schools: the city must continue to strengthen its partnership withschool districts, working as we already have to find ways to support their programs,especially for literacy. Budget: the city must continue to look for ways to provide servicesat a high value to citizens.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My opponents appear to have very good motive for getting involved in city government.However I am not aware of their specific qualifications or previous community activity so itis inappropriate to make a comparison. One is able to examine my public record and willfind that I have been a committed servant to the community for many long years. Myaccomplishments also speak to an ability to get things done.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: City Council continues to look at ways in which we can improve safety with gas drilling.I support exploring continued evaluation of drill sites. I also strongly support penaltiesagainst drillers who do not obey agreements and regulations.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: This is a high priority personally not just because of my background as a businessmanbut because of the importance development has on a community's quality of life. Arlington


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has been very successful in this area without question. Continuance of the aggressivestance should be continued.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: As a growing urban community, Arlington is continuing to emerge as a strong anddiverse city. Another strength of Arlington is its recognition of its own diversity. However,we must continue to make substantial efforts to be more inclusive of our diversity.Personally, I am involved in reaching out to small and minority businesses throughcommunity meetings. These meetings are designed to provide not only information aboutopportunities for them but also for the city to learn more about needs.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Police and public safety should continue to enforce the laws and ordinances of this city.As we currently do, when possible violations of federal or state laws are detected, theappropriate referrels are made. We should continue to do this.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I have not ben presented with a plan for rail service that I can support at this time. Iwill be open to discuss anything that is brough forward for consideration.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: Opportunities exist for municipal entities to expand cost savings measures betweenthem. This would include sharing of expenses where appropriate and the elimination ofredundant services. Arlington is a leader in the Metroplex and its City Council Members areobligation to be involved throughout the region. This is certainly occuring and I am astrong participant in this effort.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Arlington delivers its services effeciently but can always improve. When I first beganserving on City Council, I helped lead an effort to increase awareness in looking foropportunities to outsourcing city services. This has been very successful and continues.Arlington has the lowest sales tax rate in the region and one of the lowest property taxrates. Arlington is also not facing the types of budget deficits being seen in mostneighboring metroplex cities. Approval ratings from citizen surveys have also indicated ahigh level of satisfaction in this area.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Arlington has been fortunate with its financial situation. Previous leaders have beenvery wise in establishing good cash reserves as well as not becoming overly burdened byunnecessary spending. We have also been in the envious position of not needing to makematerial cuts in city services in order to meet budget. Nevertheless, it is incumbant on usnow to be even more deligent in meeting the future needs of the community.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: We lack a succession plan for leadership in our churches, civic groups, as well as cityleaderhsip. Young, creative people must be engaged so that they can take their place asleaders. We need them now and we will need them later. It is up to the current leadershipto find ways to engage these people. There are also many others who feel disconnectedfrom the community. They too must be included. The differences that exist are in fact apotential strength. As a city, we must embrace these differences and use them to helpposition us as a preferred destination for families not just now but in the future.

Chris Dobson

Biographical Info:Name: Chris DobsonStreet Address: 2708 Buffalo Dr.City/Town: Arlington


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State: TexasDate of Birth: 10\28\1978Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 8176026061Mobile Phone Number: 8176026061E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: I graduated from Arlington High School in 1997, then attended TCU and graduated witha bachelors of science in Political Science, with a minor in history, in 2002. I also attendedthe Lauterstein-Conway Massage school in Austin and became certified to practicemassage in 2004.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: My family moved here in 1979.I moved back to Arlington in 2007 after living in FortWorth.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: three yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Massage TherapyQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: noneQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: noneQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I have previously gathered ballot petition signatures for the 2008 12th Congressionaldistrict election and the 2009 City Council district 8 election.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: My campaign works outside the taint of money in politics. I have neither sought norreceived any monies for my campaign. I use word of mouth advertising as conversationwith residents is the actual job of a representative in government.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: I've got no strings on me.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: In the year 2000, I received two class C misdemeanors in the State of Kentucky forpossession of Cannabis under two ounces and paraphernalia. It was a chivalrous act, oneI'm glad I made. The police officer was a nice guy doing his job, but it just showed me thatthe main purpose of drug laws were to create revenue and an underclass of victimlesscriminals.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for this office due to the absolute lack of political candidates for Cityoffices. Last year Gene Patrick ran unopposed, as are Mel Leblanc and Sheri Capehart thisyear. In a city of 370,000 residents its unfathomable to me that there exists this dearth ofcandidates. The younger generations are missing in our body politic and I aim to representthem and encourage their inclusion in the politics of the day. I have a three year old sonwhose moral capacity seems to be in line with the city councils and I have to constantlyremind him not to take things that don't belong to him and also to listen, share and taketurns. Conversely I have learned to listen to him and to try things different ways, to helphim form associations and help put words and actions to his ideas.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: First I'd like the Luxury boxes the city owns to be available to all city residents in a $10raffle for a set of two tickets for all events. These boxes belong the to the people who paidthe taxes not to those that levied them. The revenue from this should far exceed any costsassociated. Secondly, I'd like to direct the police chief to make cannabis his lowest policepriority, and to treat simple possession only as a ticket able offense. This action also savesthe city money. Thirdly I'd like to create a Non-profit Bank of the City of Arlington with allresidents of Arlington as shareholders, electing an independent board of trustees. Thisbank would operate in the interests of the residents of Arlington, along the lines of theNorth Dakota State Bank. 2% mortgages; 5% saving accounts; 6% credit card and vehicleloans. Again, this proposition I believe to e a revenue maker but the initial costs should notconstitute more then a few million dollarsQ: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you the


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best choice?A: I think the range of my ideas separates me, specifically the the use of the stadiums, butmore broadly the overreach of the city council vis-a-vis the citizens of Arlington. Likewise Ifail to see long term planning in the special use permits for gas well drilling issued inrejection of the planning and zoning committee's recommendations. I think the lack ofrepresentation can be scene even in the council make up. We should redistrict into singlemember districts so that all residents have easy access to the channels and corridors ofrepresentation.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: The city council has failed to listen to the planning and zoning commission and overrodetheir recommendations relating to special use permits for gas wells. I believe we need amoratorium on new wells while we seek independent testing for emissions. Also the recentearthquake swarms in Burleson in the 2-3 Richter scale range shows that we do notunderstand all the effects gas well drilling is having. Further we need to insure that thegroups managing wells have funds for reclamation of the land after the productive life ofthe well is done.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Rather then attracting commercial development, we as residents should be morefocused on developing commercial activity amongst ourselves. My proposal for a city bankprovides just such a mechanism for the development of local business and rather thenproviding tax breaks for businesses coming to our city, this plan makes more fundsavailable and preferable interest rates for residents.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Our city is making use of Eminent Domain at an alarming rate removing people fromtheir land by force. While these people are statistics demographically the city needs to stoptaking residents land for private development. With the influx of residents in SE Arlingtonwe must redistrict the city into single member districts to insure equal representation.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: The concept of an illegal human is a pretty ridiculous, if we catch them we should finethem with citizenship, taxation, and representation.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I don't necessarily agree with seamless regional transit, but Arlington should and coulddevelop a mass transit system. Though a number of votes have been taken the turnouthas yet to constitute a majority of voters, so in light of conversation with residents on thecampaign trail, witch overwhelmingly changed along class lines, I believe we shoulddevelop multiple modes of transportation.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: The levels of pollution from corporations in the region including the cement kilns andgas wells need to be addressed for all regional residents. Further more regionally it wouldbe advantageous to create gray water systems to reduce demand on drinking water andoverall water consumption. The partnership aspects come about by people realizing themutually beneficial aspects of engaging others around us in conversation. So I'll belistineningQ: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: The city council needs to realize the potential revenues from what it considers the perksof the job. The Luxury boxes at the professional sports stadiums which the residents ofArlington along with other metroplex residents, to a lesser degree, paid the sales tax andhotel tax deserve access to the facility. With 81 Rangers home games and 20-30 events atthe Cowboys stadium the city could gain $30 million from people paying into a raffle fortickets. That new revenue could help to pay off old debt increasing the amount of principalwe pay each year. If we can improve services without increasing taxes then we haveachieved far more cost-effectiveness. It might even provide the funding to provide ticketsin other sections of the game depending on the will of the people to reclaim theirgovernment.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas do


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you have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The current leadership has failed to trim the fat from the perks of the job and insteadhas sought to reduce services and trim departmental budgets. While the ratio of cost toincreased revenue of Cowboys stadium has not yet been determined we must take stepsso that the city does not become strangled by the debt taken on and can improve theservices provided to residents.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: We must confront the fact the majority of Arlington is composed of Idiots, deriving fromthe Greek 'idiotes' - one who declines to take part in self government. We need to reach allages of residents and communicate the importance of not just voting but taking part in thecontrol of our city. Please consider running for city council: it either costs $100 dollars orapproximately 55 validated signatures from Arlington residents. You can be a city councilmember. Its worthwhile furthermore there are a number of committees you can serve on,I haven't done it but I hear its nice even if the city council overrides your recommendation.

Cedar Hill City Council, Place 3Description: Note: All Cedar Hill residents may vote in this race.


Michael Quildon

Biographical Info:Name: Michael QuildonStreet Address: 1516 Bosher DrCity/Town: Cedar HillState: TXDate of Birth: August 14, 1972Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-924-5019Mobile Phone Number: 214-924-5019E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: BS in Mathematics from Morehouse CollegeQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 7 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Software EngineerQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Cedar Hill Independent School District, School Board Trustee High Pointe PublicImprovement District, Director, Former PresidentQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Cedar Hill Independent School District, School Board TrusteeQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $1000 as of April 3, 2010.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: MetroTex Association of RealtorsQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I have never been arrested nor involved in a criminal suit. I have had to engage anattorney to settle a card credit debt dispute.


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Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am committed to making Cedar Hill a better place. When I first moved to the city, Ihad no interest in community involvement. But, Cedar Hill is a special place where citizensget involved. I have learned to give back, through my time on neighborhoodorganizations, the Cedar Hill ISD School Board and now I want to continue that with theCity Council.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Stronger Neighborhoods - Cedar Hill is blessed to have countless citizens prepared tomake their city a better place. Many of our citizens regularly meet with little fanfare, butthere are some neighborhoods that lack the experience and the leaders to get orgnazized.I would push to make sure our Police and Community Together organization andNeighborhood Services department target those areas. Partnering - Cedar Hill hassuccessfully partnered with neighboring cities and with our own ISD to complete projects.For example, our Government Center, which houses both City government and ISD offices,is one of a kind in the state of Texas. Building this new facility jointly, saved the citizens ofCedar Hill millions of dollars. In these lean economic times, we need to continue looking atways to form positive partnerships with the ISD to save more and be more efficient. Asour population increases, I plan to have both entities sit down to look for ways we canwork together to save money, as we need additional park, library, housing and foodservices for the needy. Information - We have a great, updated website and the city sendsinformation in the water bill and other formats. Yet, many people continue to be unawareof what is going on in our city's government. I plan to spread the word by attending HOA,crime watch, and similar events. These actions will benefit the city greatly and are gearedtowards saving, not spending the taxpayer's money.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My involvment with the ISD is a clear benefit to the city. Our city's future is tied to thequality of education. Plus, its reputation and its opportunities to involve the community ourkeys to becoming a premier city. I think that is the key difference that makes me a greatchoice for the council. Getting the Council, ISD and community working together is one ofmy key areas of focus.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: The city established a gas well steering committee in 2009. The purpose of thecommittee is to update gas drilling ordinances. The committee has made importantrecommendations to the city council, including requiring a conditional use permit, fair andequitable application fees and setbacks from sensitive areas. The council should continueproviding key support to the committee.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: The city has done wonders in this area. Our new mall, Uptown Village, is doing quitewell. Downtown Cedar Hill has been revitalized with a new restaurant. Our EconomicDevelopment Corporation has done an excellent job attracting quality stores andrestaurants to our area. However, some businesses have chosen to leave their currentlocation to relocate in Uptown Village. I would work with the EDC to understand what isbeing done to attract businesses to the strip malls with higher vacancy rates. I would lendany support I could in this area to encourage movement into those facilities.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Cedar Hill remains one of the fastest growing cities in North Texas. What most peopledo not realize is that our growth has been so racially and economically diverse. We haveseen our numbers swell for middle income and high income residents. Our numbers havealso increased significantly for those with lower incomes. We have witnessed additionalneed for services at our Food Pantry and our school district has started a summer feedingprogram and breakfast program during the school year. I think Cedar Hill needs to bepro-active in addressing these needs and the needs for free and safe parks and otherrecreational facilities.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?


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A: I do not believe the city of Cedar Hill or our police department need special instructionsto handle illegal immigration. There laws existly already and should be enforced.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I absolutely favor the idea. I do question whether it is doable at this time. Our cities arein different stages. Most would struggle to provide the finances or the personnel to makethis happen. But, I think we must. A regional commission focused on regional transit, withrepresentatives from all sectors of North Texas, needs to get moving so we can proactivelyaddress our long term transit hopes, before it is too late.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: Along with regional rail, our city would be well served to partner with the neighboringcities of the Best Southwest for any areas to share service. We have successfully partneredwith our neighbors to build a new fire station, animal shelter and police dispatch services.We should look for other opportunities, such as recreational services and the future ofSouthwest Center Mall.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: The city has done a great job of doing more with less, in these difficult economic times.Despite making budget cuts, our key public services have not experienced a drop inservice. In fact, our police and fire department response times have improved. I think thecity has slowly, but surely, started using technology more effectively. Through our newwebsite and use of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, we have many moreoptions to pay bills, register for events, and learn about the city. Special thanks to thecouncil and the city's IT and public relations departments.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Current officials have done a great job. Like most Americans, we have been forced todo more with less. The mayor promised years ago to not raise taxes unless absolutelynecessary and he has kept his promise. With that in mind, and with potential budget cutslooming, we will continue to expect city administration to find areas to cut costs. This wellinclude delaying the creation of new positions, not backfilling jobs after someone retires orleaves the city and taking money from the reserve fund, when necessary.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Our city is only as good as our school district. More specifically, we are only as good asthe reputation of our school district. I think all city leaders have an obligation to getinvolved in the schools to improve quality, expectations and reputation.

Wallace Swayze

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the most


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qualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Cedar Hill ISD, Place 2Description: Note: All residents living within Cedar Hill ISD may vote in this race.


James Charles

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?


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A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: - no response -Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: - no response -Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: - no response -Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: - no response -Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: - no response -Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: - no response -Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: - no response -Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: - no response -Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: - no response -

Douglas Heyerdahl

Biographical Info:Name: Douglas HeyerdahlStreet Address: 808 Hidden Creek CourtCity/Town: Cedar HillState: TXDate of Birth: January 11, 1958Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-741-3905Home Phone Number: 972-291-9310Mobile Phone Number: 214-676-0940Fax Number: 214-741-4315E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.DougHeyerdahl.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: MBA in Finance - The University of Texas at Austin (1985) BS in Accounting - IndianaUniversity (1980) Former Certified Public AccountantQ: Length of residency in district:A: 21 YearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Chief Financial Officer of Blanks Printing & Imaging, Inc., the seventh largest printingcompany in the DFW marketplace


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Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce Texas Scholars Program, in conjunction with theEducation Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce Board of Director and Treasurer -Printing Industries of MidAmericaQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Church Leader - Hope Lutheran Church, located on Old Straus Road in Cedar Hill.Church leadership roles included four separate terms as President of the Church Council,and chairperson of the Pastoral Call Committee Participant in various community activitiesand events, such as Cedar Hill Food Pantry, Head for the Hill Bike Rally, National Day ofPrayer, Cedar Hill Katrina Relief efforts, etc.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $1,070Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Doug & Jill Heyerdahl, Lisa & Bobby LeeQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: Criminal Proceedings - None Civil Proceedings - 8 years ago, a Human Resourcesrelated lawsuit against my Company. The case was "dismissed" at Summary Judgement bythe Judge, and therefore never went to trial.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: My family has been blessed by this school district. My wife, Jill, and I have twodaughters who have progressed through the district from Bray Elementary, Lake RidgeElementary, West Intermediate, Permenter Junior High, the Ninth Grade Center, andCedar Hill High School. Now I want to work strategically and collaboratively as a schoolboard member to build on the progress of the past three years. I want to encourage activeparent involvement as we help each child dream of their future and the possibilitiesbrought about by a creative, rigorous and diverse education. I believe my personalexperiences in the district, my education, and my work experience, prepare me to serve inthis office.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Focus on the empowerment of effective principals on their respective campuses 2.Support the rollout of new, updated and proven curriculums with the need to address notonly new state testing standards, but also the development of college and/or career readystudents 3. Evaluate recommendations from the community Strategic Planning ProcessAction Teams, and encourage implementation and funding strategies for selectedprograms Each of the above actions should be funded from the General FundQ: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My personality reflects an individual that works effectively in a collaborative anddeliberative manner, which is what a school board needs. My corporate experience,including both strategic and financial analysis, is also a comparative strength. I also benefitfrom being a son of a Superintendent. My father, now retired,enjoyed a 32 year career asa public school Superintendent, including service in five school districts.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended several school board meetings and recently a budget workshopdirected by the Superintendent. I understand the relationships between the School Board,the Superintendent and the school administrators. I have witnessed the process of settingpolicies, investigating strategies, and analyzing results, as presented by theAdministration. It is also important for the school board to clearly communicate with theinterested public attending the meetings, by setting expectations, recognizingachievements, and building confidence in the strategic direction of the District. The budgetworkshop increased my understanding of the budget process and specific issues that arefacing the District for 2010-2011.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a school board member is one of working strategically and collaborativelywith the other members of the Board to direct and assist the Superintendent in establishingdistrict goals, strategies and policies. The School Board must also creatively allocateresources through the budget process, to achieve the goals of the District. In terms of


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initiating a new policy, a board member should build support for the policy with the otherboard members and the Superintendent. This process should consider best practices forthis type of policy, legal considerations, impact on the students, parents, teachers and thecommunity. School Board members should also be active in the community, building trustrelationships with city leaders, business leaders, church leaders, neighborhood associationleaders, and of course, parents.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: All of the schools are doing a good job with one or another aspect of these difficult areasof learning. For example: Plummer Elementary is effective with a three tier readingevaluation program. This program determines how many hours per day each child isfocused on reading development activities. Plummer teachers also utilize a proactivewriting program, starting in the first grade. Bray Elementary is very effective with aproactive after school program for tutoring and interactive student activities, such as theRobotics Club. Speaking of Robotics Clubs, these clubs have become very popular with thekids, and have been started on several campuses, from Elementary to the High School.These clubs emphasize application of math and analysis skills in a creative environment.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: This is a growing demographic in this District. Emphasis should be placed on:Increasing the number of teachers with ESL (English as a Second Language) certificationDeveloping magnet classes and/or schools at each grade level that include a strong ESLemphasis, but still integrated with the rest of the children Improving parental onlineaccess to ESL curriculum resources Encourage and incentivize parents of ESL students toparticipate in after school tutoring and events, and the PTAQ: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: The dropout rate is way too great, especially in certain demographics. More flexibleprograms and opportunities need to be developed to keep "potential" student dropoutsfrom making that poor choice. An alternative classroom experience, perhaps with differentteaching curriculum, flexible hours or varying schedules, may allow a potential dropout toalso hold a daytime job, or at least keep them engaged in their need to complete a highschool education. In addition, the District needs to improve tracking and locating eachdropout student, and determine why they have left, and what opportunities there are tore-engage both the student and their parents.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: 1. An empowered principal and staff, who are truly engaged with the student body in apositive context 2. Teachers that are certified in their subject and are motivated to teachin a positive atmosphere 3. Development of a curriculum that is creative, rigorous, butfocused on career and college readiness 4. Investment in technologies that better engagethe student in a creative environment 5. Respect for diversity in the student body and theteaching staff 6. Development of strong extra-curricular programs in a wide range ofsports, music and the fine arts 7. Maintenance of a safe and supporting learningenvironmentQ: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Schools need consistent growth in resources. Everyone wants better teachers, bettertechnology, better classroom facilities, better fine arts, better sports facilities and betteropportunities for students to succeed. After the collective role of parents,the community,as respresented by the voters, determines the quality of the schools. Each school boardmember must play a critical role in building support in the community for the schooldistrict. Given the impact of lower property values in the community and state budgetdeficits, this will be a major issue for years to come.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technology investment in the District is under-funded. As a result, implementation ofnewer technologies and applications, such as computer integrated "smart boards" isslowed. The District has surveyed student households, and determined that 93% ofstudents have access to the internet at home. As a result, the District is increasinglyproviding online access to textbooks, teacher assignments, online tests, and othereducational resources. The future emphasis may lean toward laptops, with thetremendous access of information world-wide, but the technology infrastructure costs,potential student distractions, and other unintented consequences need to be carefullyanalyzed.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?


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A: The District should improve incentives for parents to track their student's progress,monitor assignments and tests, on a weekly basis via the CHISD online web portal "FamilyAccess." I really think more parents will engage with their son or daughter's progress ifthey spend ten minutes a week online, keeping up-to-date. Hopefully, this activity willgenerate more interest in discussions with teachers, proactively impacting the student. TheDistrict has determined that 93% of students have internet access at home, so the parentshave "Family Access."Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Teachers should be recognized and rewarded through the student achievement ofCampus Plan grade specific and class specific goals. These goals should include bothquantitative and qualitative measures that encourage the teacher in a positiveenvironment to bring the best effort from each child. Adjustments must take into accountthe mix of student demographics and the impact of new students entering the District. Thisis a complicated issue, full of unintended, and sometimes under-funded consequences.

DeSoto MayorDescription: Note: All DeSoto residents may vote in this race.


Carl O. Sherman

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegal


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immigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Carl L. Williams

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -


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Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

DeSoto City Council, Place 3Description: Note: All DeSoto residents may vote in this race.


Paul F. Benson

Biographical Info:Name: Paul F.BensonStreet Address: 741 Regalwood Dr,City/Town: Desoto75115State: TexasDate of Birth: 10\27\1955Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-274-1973Home Phone Number: 972-274-1973Mobile Phone Number: 214-676-0672Fax Number: 972-274-1973E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: n\a

Questions:Q: EducationA: HighSchool-Westwood-MPH-TN\Memphis Area Vocational school\C.H.Mason BibleCollege[Tx-El-Centro\mountainview college-Dallas Baptist UnversityQ: Length of residency in the city:A: twenty-one years-n-eleven monthsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: twenty-one years-n-eleven monthsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: substitue teacher\handy-man servicesQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: cop police departmentQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: same as aboveQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: city council place-3 candidatenotQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: nothing to report at this timeQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: nothing to report at this timeQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: noQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: To help be that all american city.I've work in service and understand their are somethings that need be address.I have been on a negotiation committee.


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Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Why the rules are not enfource?excessive parking on the wrong side street.endecent[sagging pants],loud music,get rid of student guest option,push and promot safty forschools/communityQ: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I am not just to be title holder.Commmincate with business in our area,HOA,etc.etc.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: I'm for bringing a commercial and maybe a type of intertainmet parkdevelopment.QuestionableQ: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: n/a,questionable.I would researchQ: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Those person are to be turn over to the immigration office.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: opposeQ: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Encourage the Desoto area to be headquarters in the southern reigionQ: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: yes at this timeQ: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: They have done ok.Need to to investigate all areasQ: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Wasted money on bying Nance Farm.Were is the tax benifit

Denise Valentine

Biographical Info:Name: Denise ValentineStreet Address: 880 Windy Meadow DrCity/Town: DeSotoState: TexasDate of Birth: October 5, 1955Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-230-3366Home Phone Number: 972-230-7051Mobile Phone Number: 972-979-3595Fax Number: 972-230-8028E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: After completing some college hours, I began my career at the telephone company. Iretired after 27 years from Southwestern Bell, AT&T, & Lucent Technologies.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: I have lived in DeSoto 16 years.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: I have lived in the Wildwood subdivision all of those 16 years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I own and operate Niecy's Naturals in addition to my retirement income from LucentTechnologies.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Currently City Councilmember Place 3, member of Resource Conservation Council(North Texas Council of Governments), DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, Dallas BlackChamber of Commerce, Wildwood Homeowners Association, AIDS Arms Board Emeritus


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Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: 2006 DeSoto Bobby Waddle Citizen of the Year, DeSoto Chamber Board of Directors,DeSoto Dining and Dialogue - President, DeSoto Planning and Zoning Commissioner,Member of DeSoto All America City Award Team, United Way Blueprint Advisory Board,Mental Health Association Board, Leadership Southwest GraduateQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Incumbent DeSoto City Councilmember Place 3Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I have business experience from my 27 year career in leadership positions in corporateAmerica. I have shown my dedication to my community by my activities in differentcapacities in a variety of civic organizations. I have demonstrated passion, service, andcommitment through the accomplishments resulting from my involvement in thesecommunity organizations.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: My first is to promote DeSoto as a destination for arts and family entertainment. Iwould expand my present efforts and push for higher quality, more variety, and largervenues. Secondly, I want to increase the vitality and viability of our businesses. We needto increase the number of jobs available in our industrial park through the attraction andexpansion of commercial businesses. Third, I will preserve the high quality of standards inour neighborhoods. We need to tighten the linkage between our neighborhoods, the policeand our churches. I want to strengthen the program Uniting Clergy and Police.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have been actively involved in boards, commissions, and civic organizations and linkedto individuals within the DeSoto city government for more than 7 or 8 years. I haveconsistently demonstrated my leadership by leading DeSoto Dining and Dialogue for 3years, chairing the Government Committee for the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce for 2years, and serving on City Council for 3 years. I have proven my commitment to thecitizens of DeSoto by dedicating time to attending town hall meetings, homeownerassociation meetings, and meetings to resolve citizen's issues. I attend meetings with citystaff and consultants to stay abreast of opportunities and concerns involving DeSoto ISDand Economic Development.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: It is critical to our success that we attract development to our city. This will bringemployment while increasing the ratio of business property tax over residential propertytax. Our city could always do more to attract commercial business. We are not willing,however, to sacrifice quality of life or environmental boundaries such as noise, pollution, oraesthetics for financial gain.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: DeSoto's racial mix has changed over my 16 years. The diversification has beenaddressed through the DeSoto Dining and Dialogue program. These events, hosted severaltimes throughout the year, offer neighbors a chance to exchange opinions and stories ontheir backgrounds over dinner. The program has forged riendships and encouraged citizeninvolvement in our city government. The city government has been a strong supporter ofthis organization and the program was a cornerstone reason for Desoto's winning of the2006 All America City Award. I would advocate more citizen involvement in activities thatencourage neighbors to interact with neighbors such as National Night Out, in which Iparticipate yearly.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Although illegal immigration has an impact on local resources, I think it is a federal


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government issue and should be dealt with on a federal level.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I support a transit study for our city. I want specific information to see if we couldsupport a connection to the transit system, such as a park and ride, if it does not require asales tax commitment. I am interested in the "lease for service" agreement that hasrecently been discussed. I would like specific data on a system for an "on demand" transitsystem for our seniors and and disabled persons in DeSoto or our Best Southwest Region. Ido not support major or mass transit bus service on residential streets in DeSoto.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Environmental planning issues such as water conservation, recycling, hazardous wastedisposal, and mulching would be tackled more economically if we plan as a region.The BestSouthwest Region already has such a network organization in place and we in DeSoto arerepresented. The North Texas Council of Governments is also a collaberating body and Iam a member of one of its' committees.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Our city delivers its services in a cost effective manner. More fuel efficient and greenpractices need to be employed and incorporated.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Operating expenses have been held flat over the past 3 years by cutting expenseswherever possible without cutting essential services and keeping abreast of essentialmaintenance. In the future, a tax increase may be necessary to maintain the level ofessential service we need to remain safe and economically viable.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: The economic climate is not conducive to bringing in large new retail businesses.Enticing commercial business into the industrial park is more economically viable and abetter long term option for our city.



James E. Collier Jr.

Biographical Info:Name: James E. Collier Jr.City/Town: DeSotoState: TexasDate of Birth: 7/23/1946Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-207-2175Mobile Phone Number: 972-207-2175E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.jamescolliersupporters.ning.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Masters of Science Degree - Corrections and Criminal Justice, Chicago State University1993Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 4 1/2 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: same as above


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Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retired - Chicago Police DepartmentQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Vice Chairman DeSoto Civil Service Commission, Vice President Westmoreland HomeOwners Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executive, PrecinctChair 3604Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: President - Northwest Austin Council, Men of Austin, Parliamentarian - Westside PoliceAssociation,Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Candidate for Chicago AldermanQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: UnavailableQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: UnavailableQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I have never been arrested. As Chief of Police I was involved in law suits filed by twoformer police officers that I recommened for terminated. Both termination were upheld onappeal to circuit court.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am seeking election to this office to make a difference. I believe this is a critical stagein the future development of our great city. I will take a fresh new, aggressive, andvisionary approach toward the changing demographics and demand of our population. Myeducational, professional and lifetime experiences are the key differences between me andmy opponents. I have over thirty eight years of proven leadership in the field of criminaljustice and community policing. I served as Police Chief, Maywood, IL where Iimplemented the Maywood Alternative Policing Strategy to bridge the massive gap thatexisted between the community, city government and the police department. Otherleadership positions included: Watch Commander/Captain of Police Chicago Policedepartment; President Northwest Austin Council(64 square block organization);Entrepreneur/business owner - Part owner, Dixie Kitchen Restaurant, Lansing IL. As aexperienced leader I posess theQ: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: The three most important actions I would take if elected are: (1) work tirelessly withthe council to lower the city crime rate, (2) encourage the council to pursue a moreaggressive economic development and (3) work towards a more sustainable communitydevelopment and growth. All three actions would require that the city council seek,engage, and attract commercial or industrial business to DeSoto, in order to help lower thetax burden on our residents and the community. I believe a positive outcome could beachieved through community outreach forums or focus groups, town hall meetings andprinted/electronic media. Lowering the crime rate could consist of developing programsthat made the community more aware of their neighborhood surroundings. Aggressiveeconomic development and community sustainability development would involve utilizingthe incentives that are currently available to city government. Sustainability can beachieved by taking a more global, future oriented approach to community growth anddevelopment..Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My educational, professional and lifetime experiences are the key differences betweenme and my opponents. I have over thirty eight years in the field of criminal justice andcommunity policing: Police Chief, Maywood, IL , where I implemented the MaywoodAlternative Policing Strategy to bridge the massive gap that existed between thecommunity, city services and the police department; Watch Commander/Captain of Police,Chicago Police department; President Northwest Austin Council (64 square blockorganization); Entrepreneur/business owner - Part owner, Dixie Kitchen Restaurant,Lansing IL. In my previous and current community based experiences, I have fullydemonstrated successful managerial and leadership skills, and possess the ability torecognize a need for change when change is needed.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?


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A: Attracting residential and commercial development ranks very high on my list ofpriorities. To date, the city of DeSoto has made a commendable effort to attract residentialand/or commercial development. We must however, continue to challenge ourselves inseeking new areas of interest that will help move our city towards its sustainability goals.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: The city of DeSoto has experienced a demographic shift to a population that iscomprised of a majority of the residents being minority. In 2006 DeSoto was named an "Allamerican City". The city has wonderful citizen based programs which includes "DeSotoDining & Dialogue" and "Citizen Police Academy" to namw two, that were developed toinvolve members of the community. However, there are some residents in the communitywho do not feel a connection with the city. I have spent my life engaged and involved withthe community. I will develop and implement result drived programs to improvecommunity participation. Sometimes you have to take the programs to the people.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: The city and police department should enforce the current laws that address illegalimmigration.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Yes, I support a collaborative effort between cities and municipalities to explore ways todevelop a regional transit system. If after extensive input from the residents of DeSotoand the surrounding communities (town hall or focus group meetings), such a transitsystem is found to be needed, I would request that DeSoto residents be given theopportunity to vote on any proposals that will impact their quality of life. I am currentlyopposed to any tax on DeSoto residents to fund this transit systemQ: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: The city of DeSoto must think beyond our borders. We must engage in meaningfuldiologue with other north texas cities to plan for regional transportation, regional housing,as well as regional entertainment venues.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: From what I am able to discern, the city has done a good job of providing services in acost effective way. City staff must however remain vigilant in order to insure the city isproviding services in a cost effective manner. I would suggest that city council continue toexamine its vehicle fleet and pursue a more aggressive Green initiative with an eyetowards the future growth and development of our city.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The city management has been forward looking in the budget process, building reservesthat are now being utilized to offset certain unanticipated or unfunded expenditures. I’mconfident city management has explored many avenues of reducing expenditures orreallocating monies to balance the budget. I will ask city to double its efforts to continuallylook for ways to provide needed services in light of any reduced revenue.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Approximately seventy percent of the makeup of DeSoto is residential housing Taxesmay have to be raised if we do not continue to increae our industrial tax base and retailsales tax through desirable, community accepted developments.

James Zander

Biographical Info:Name: James Zander


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Street Address: 925 West Pleasant Run RoadCity/Town: DeSotoState: TXDate of Birth: April 23, 1952Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-269-3030Home Phone Number: 972-223-0602Mobile Phone Number: 972-740-2436Fax Number: 214-269-3040E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.zanderfordesoto.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Ohio University, M.A. University of New Haven, B.A., Distinguished Alumni Award 2006American College, CLUQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 20 YearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 20 YearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Insurance BrokerQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: DeSoto Enonoimc Development Corporation, Chair Audit Committee DeSoto Diningand Dialogue, Chair Host Committee DeSoto Chamber of CommerceQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: DeSoto ISD Education Foundation DeSoto City Charter Review Committee Chair ofDeSoto Beer and Wind CampaignQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $8,350Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Robert and Belinda May Ruffis Johnson James ZanderQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I truly care about DeSoto, I have spoken often at DeSoto City Council meetings and atPlanning and Zoning Meeting for DeSoto Citizens. Desides being an Entrepreneur for 27years, I have served on DeSoto Boards, Commissions and Committees that deal withissues specific to DeSoto and its citizens. I bring a experienced background in both privateand public service.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Enonomic devleopment: As a Council member I will continue the work I have doneon DEDC which included expanding industrial infrustructure, provide creative economicincentives and promote the location and quality of life of DeSoto. 2. Safety: Safety startswith communication between citizens and law enforcement and continues with codeenforcement. 3. Jobs: Help DeSoto Citizens secure quality jobs with a partnership withlocal employers, churchs, city of Desoto, State of Texas, DeSoto School District andcolleges.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have lived in DeSoto longer then my three opponets combined. I have served on onBoards, Commissions and Committees for DeSoto longer then my three opponetscombined. I have a long successful history of private and public service to Desoto Citizens,and will use this experience to make life of DeSoto Citizens better.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Attracting Commercial Development has been my mission for years as a Board Memberof the DeSoto Economic Development Corporation, as a member of the DeSoto Chamberof Commerce and as Chair of the DeSoto Beer and Wine Committe. Given the current


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Economic invironment, the City and DEDC had done a good job of attracting commercialdevelopment. Much more is needed as the enviorment continues to change.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: As a Founding Director of DeSoto Dining and Dialoque, my wife Linda and I have openour home and assited in providing an open forum 12 times in the past five years to a largenumber of DeSoto citizens. These diners gave the Citizens an opportuntiy to voice theirconcerns and hopes regarding the City of DeSoto amd its public school system.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: The City is limited in legal authority and resources to enforce immigration law. Theprimary responsibility of enforcement is Federal an State authority.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: We must move toward establishing a greater regional public transportation presence tomeet the future needs of an expanding population. Meeting this future need throughhighway system expansion alone is neither practical nor financially viable. Some form oftax will be required to fund transportation and I support the local option tax for thatpurpose.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Over the next 10 years the City of DeSoto will move toward a more mixed usedevelopment particularly in areas of the city in need of redevelopment. There will beincreased demand for housing for senior living, pedestrian access, public tranporation and"green" energy effieiant construction. These changes enable by zoning changes, catalyistprojects, public/private cooperation projects, and capital improvment projects. Regionalcooperation will become incresingly important.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: DeSoto is a well run city and effectively delivers services to its citizens.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The City Manager and his capable staff have done an outstanding job of managing therevenues and expenses of DeSoto, with the guidng input from the Mayor and City Council.DeSoto has had the same total budget for the past three year and actually had a tax ratereduction, with no loss of services.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: 1. Upper income flight, i.e. the exodus of high net worth citizens, 2. Continuing declineof residential property values 3. Lack of employment opportunities outside of theGovernment and School system



Jerry A. Edgin

Biographical Info:Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/none&hl=en

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -


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Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

John Gault

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -


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Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Duncanville City Council, Place 4Description: Note: Only Duncanville residents living in Place 4 may vote in this race.Click here to find your district.


Charles A. Card

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:


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A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Grady W. Smithey Jr.

Biographical Info:Name: Grady W. Smithey, Jr.Street Address: 1806 Cedar Hill RoadCity/Town: DuncanvilleState: TexasDate of Birth: August 28, 1942Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-298-2775Home Phone Number: 972-298-2775Mobile Phone Number: 972-345-2909Fax Number: n/aE-mail Address: [email protected]


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Campaign Web Site Address: Don't have oneYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/v/None&hl=en

Questions:Q: EducationA: Duncanville High School 1960 BA North Texas State University 1964 MPA North TexasState University 1975Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 60 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 32 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retired from US Department of Agriculture with 33 years of service. Duncanville CouncilSeats are uncompensated and nonpartisan.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I am in my 20th year on the Duncanville City Council and my 20th year as Secretary ofthe Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition. I am the sole remaining founding member of theDRMC.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Coached Little League football-4 years Coached Little League Girls Softball-5 yearsEstablished the Duncanville Tennis Association-1973 Duncanville Park and Recreation Board6 years-3 as Chairman Duncanville Rotary Club-17 years First President of the DuncanvilleCommunity and Economic Development Corporation Represented the Best SouthwestCities(Duncanville, DeSoto, Lancaster and Cedar Hill) on the Regional TransportationCouncil-13 years Member of The First Baptist Church of Duncanville since 1952Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Duncanville City Council place 4-Served 10 terms(20 years) Mayor-Lost race to bankerwho had loaned everybody in town money-including me.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: None so far.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: None so far.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Twenty years of experience in this office with a proven record of making sound decisionsfor the city. The year I spent working on Capitol Hill as an American Political ScienceAssociation Fellow in Congressional Operations gave me invaluable insight into the politicaldecision making process. Extensive experience in transportation policy groups and twogubernatorial appointments to State wide transportation policy study groups are of benefitto my service to Duncanville. Also of benefit are the many close personal workingrelationships I have developed with local, state and national officials in the last 26 years.Finally, my long history of living in Duncanville helps me explain many existing situationsto council members who weren't here when crucial decisions were made that caused thosesituations to exist.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: As a first tier suburb Duncanville is greatly affected by decisions made in Dallas. I workvery hard to maintain good working relationships with Dallas City Council members andhave lobbied successfully for several transportation projects in Dallas affecting Duncanvillecommuters. I will continue to lobby for extension of mass transit to Duncanville andpropose financing methodologies acceptable to Duncanville voters. Protection of theintegrity of our neighborhoods and the value of our homes is extremely important to myconstituents. Our codes will be strictly enforced.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: Education, Experience, Long Time Community Involvement, Influence with Key DecisionMakers and a Track Record of Sound Decisions are the main differences between me andmy opponent who has never been active in local politics.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?


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A: We have a limited amount of undeveloped land in Duncanville for new development. Weare concentrating on retail businesses which generate sales tax revenues as well as advalorem value. By judicious use of the one half cent State allowed and voter endorsedsales tax(4b) we have added a number of great businesses including Pappadeaux's,Memphis Red Hot and Blue, the Hilton Garden Inn, Toshios, Sabor and the Tortillo Factory,Best Western, CostCo, Bobby Knight Fieldhouse, the expansion of Ben Franklin Pharmancyand Kitchen's Deli, et. al. In summation, we have done a good job in recent years ofexpanding our tax base.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Lots of change in our city in the 60 years I have been here. We have established a MultiCultural Committee to examine, highlight and celebrate our various cultures as well asthose things all our cultures have in common--our heritage as Texans, for example. I thinkour city has exemplified in many ways how people of varied backgrounds can live andwork together and stress their commonalities. I would not do anything differently. Mydistrict is probably the most diverse in the city. I try to represent all my constituentsvigorously and well.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Illegal immigration is a national issue which Congress must address.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I favor such a system, but the Devil is in the details. For example, the successful masstransit systems in this country are all heavily subsidized with fare box receipts contributingonly about 15 to 18 percent of their operating costs. All of these systems are heavilysubsidized by sales taxes since they are recognized, rightly so I believe, as another form ofpublic utility. We polled our citizens and over 70 percent said they would vote for anadditional one half cent sales tax for commuter rail--60 percent said they would go for afull cent for light rail. At over 80 million dollars per mile, light rail is not in our future. Wewill at some point in time get commuter rail service to Duncanville, Cedar Hill andMidlothian on the BS&SFE rail line. The questions remaining are cost and paymentmethodology.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: The North Central Council of Governments does a pretty good job of regional planningcurrently. However, southern Dallas County cities were not represented until I persuadedCounty Judge Lee Jackson to give us a multi-city seat on the Regional TransportationCommittee in 1989. Consequently, much of NCTCOG's planning was done without ourarea's representation. I've worked to remedy that with some success, but not nearly asmuch as we deserve. I have participated in many issues to obtain regional consensus onprojects. All too often, regional consensus has meant doing what's good for northern DallasCounty and for Collin County. Currently, it seems to focus on what's good for Tarrant andDenton Counties. This is a source of great frustration for us in Southern Dallas county andEllis County as well. True regional reguires this to change.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Yes I believe we are among the best managed cities in the DFW Metroplex. I get fewcomplaints about city services. We have the lowest number of city employees perthousand population in Dallas County. Most of the complaints I get involve noncompliancewith our animal leash ordinance. We are working on better enforcement of that ordinance.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Our annual budget runs close to 23 million each year. Last year we cut 1.2 million fromour operating budget which hurt in some areas. We kept the tax rate the same at 69.6cents per $100 of evaluation providing most residents with a tax cut since their appraisalswent down. This year we have some money from paying off debt that will be able to beused for operations. Our trouble on holding the line on taxes will come in 2013 and 2014 ifthe economy doesn't recover by then. We have done a good job of infrastructureconstruction and upkeep up to now.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: At some point in the near term future we may have to raise the ad valorem tax rate orcut city services to the point where citizen will feel an unacceptable level of aggravation


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and discomfort.

Farmers Branch City Council, Place 1Description: Note: All Farmers Branch residents may vote in this race.


Tim Scott

Biographical Info:Name: Tim ScottStreet Address: 3008 Eric LaneCity/Town: Farmers BranchState: TXDate of Birth: 1-15-1971Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-989-4940Home Phone Number: 972-488-9118Mobile Phone Number: 972-989-4940E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.electtimscott.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Bachelors of Business Administration, Harding University, 1993Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 13 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Family & Children's MinisterQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I have extensive experience in the non-profit, community service sector. I am theBoard Liaison to both Senior Adult Services and Metrocrest Social Services, bothoutstanding organizations assisting people in need in our community. And, after decades ofvolunteering, last year I joined the ministry full time, as Director of Children’s Ministry andPrograms at The Branch, a growing, vibrant multi-site church, with campuses in FarmersBranch (Farmers Branch Church of Christ) and Carrollton (The Branch at Vista Ridge),where over 400 kids come every weekend to learn about living a life dedicated to God,and to serving others. Most importantly, I have served the citizens of Farmers Branch forthe past three years as a City Councilman. I enjoy outstanding relationships with ourfantastic city staff - who make our city run efficiently and effectively for all our citizens -and have a deep, first-hand knowledge of the issues, challenges, and opportunities beforeus.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I served on the Farmers Branch School/Community Relations board, and the BranchRevitalization Task Force, prior to my election to the City Council in 2007.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am uniquely qualified to serve the citizens of Farmers Branch on the City Council.First, I have extensive experience in the corporate world, holding management roles atmultiple Fortune 500 companies, including Yum Brands/Pizza Hut, Trane, and DrPepper/Seven Up. I understand business: how deals are made, what drives corporatedecision-making, and how important planning and growth are to organizations. Second, Ihave extensive experience in the non-profit, community service sector. I am the BoardLiaison to both Senior Adult Services and Metrocrest Social Services, both outstanding


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organizations assisting people in need in our community. And, after decades ofvolunteering, last year I joined the ministry full time, as Director of Children’s Ministry andPrograms at The Branch, a growing, vibrant multi-site church, with campuses in FarmersBranch (Farmers Branch Church of Christ) and Carrollton (The Branch at Vista Ridge),where over 400 kids come every weekend to learn about living a life dedicated to God,and to serving others. And third, I have extensive experience serving the citizens ofFarmers Branch through city government. I served on the Farmers BranchSchool/Community Relations board, and the Branch Revitalization Task Force, prior to myelection to the City Council in 2007. I enjoy outstanding relationships with our fantastic citystaff - who make our city run efficiently and effectively for all our citizens - and have adeep, first-hand knowledge of the issues, challenges, and opportunities before us. Mycombination of experience in corporate, community service, and city government makemy uniquely qualified to continue to represent the citizens of Farmers Branch.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: For the past three years, I have worked diligently to help our city build on its richhistory and values to shape a vibrant, growing, sustainable community that we all areproud to call home. I feel great about what we have accomplished, and want to build onthe work we have done - and the work that was done before me - to keep ourredevelopment, revitalization, and beautification momentum going forward! FarmersBranch is headed in the right direction: in a difficult economy, meaningful redevelopmentactivity is occurring in the Four Corners and DART rail station, businesses are relocating toFarmers Branch at a healthy and encouraging pace - including Weir’s (150 jobs and $8MMin business personal property) and SoftLayer Technologies ($80MM property investmentand $200MM in business personal property) - and every part of the city has been touchedby our beautification efforts, all while we have maintained a balanced budget andincreased the size of our emergency reserve fund. I will continue to maintain our currentconservative fiscal practices, our commitment to increased business development, and tocomplete current and future projects in the Four Corners and DART Rail Station areas.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My opponent's campaign will be one of “No!” “No” to new ideas about redevelopment,“No” to continued beautification across our town, “No” to our efforts to recognize and honorour Nation’s veterans and their commitment to our liberty, “No” to the idea that ourimmigration laws must be enforced...essentially, “No” to our city becoming all it has thepotential to become.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Redevelopment and revitalization are the top priorities in Farmers Branch. We havebeen able to attract businesses and development projects in one of the toughesteconomies in memory, primarily because of our creativity, tenacity, and commitment toaction. The speed with which this council and staff work to complete development deals isunparalleled in the DFW area, and is a distinct competitive advantage.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Farmers Branch has a rich history, and an high percentage of residents that have calledit home for decades. These citizens want to remain in Farmers Branch, and need the typesof housing options that meet their changing needs in their golden years. We are workinghard to bring more of those types of housing options to our city, providing our long-timeresidents with the housing options the desire, and opening up housing stock for the nextgenerations of Farmers Branch residents.Q: Would you have done anything differently in the city’s expensive legal battle over itsanti-illegal immigration ordinance? What is your view on that issue going forward?A: I would do nothing different, and voted for Ordinance 2952. The voters of FarmersBranch have spoken loudly in support of the ordinance, and until I hear differently fromthem, my position will not change.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: We participate in the Federal Government's 287(g) program, and work hand-in-handwith ICE to enforce our Nation's laws as effectively as possible.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I'm excited about the DART Green Line coming to Farmers Branch this year, and am


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very open to ideas on how to integrate DART with other transit systems, but not if itmeans raising taxes on Farmers Branch residents.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: - no response -Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The City of Farmers Branch has maintained a balanced budget, resurfaced our majorroads, maintained all service levels in the city, increased our emergency reserve fundbalance, and cut property taxes to our senior citizens, during the worst economic downturnin my lifetime. In addition, our bond rating has been increased. We will maintain thiscourse, our city is in fantastic fiscal condition.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Farmers Branch is poised for a breakout in redevelopment and revitalization. We muststay the course, and continue to act aggressively to bring the types of renewal projects ourcitizens deserve.

Matt Wenthold

Biographical Info:Name: Matt WentholdStreet Address: 3033 Primrose LaneCity/Town: Farmers BranchState: TXDate of Birth: February 19th, 1957Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214 789-9009Home Phone Number: 972 247-2950Mobile Phone Number: 214 789-9009Fax Number: 972 484-4350E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.mattwenthold.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Bachelors of Science Degree in Accountancy University of Central Oklahoma May 1983Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 17 years, 9 monthsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 17 years, 9 monthsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: SW Region Controller Bunzl DistributionQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: church volunteer, Boy Scout Ass't Scoutmaster, quarterly blood donor, Friends of theLibraryQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Library advisory board member, Sister City host familyQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $1,200.00


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Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Clyde James, George Grimmer, Mary Jane StevensonQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I have never been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings. I was named oncein a civil suit by a billboard lawyer who dropped the suit before the trial. Neither I nor myinsurance company paid out any money in the way of a settlement.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: As a nation we are currently experiencing the worst economic crisis since the GreatDepression. The most important issue before the voters of Farmers Branch in this electionis fiscal responsibility. The spending of the current council on vanity projects, real estatespeculation and federal lawsuits is hurting the fiscal health of our community. The councildisregarded the results of last May's bond election defeat and issued $10 million dollars inlong term debt despite the will of the voters.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: I would vote against all real estate speculation spending. I would defer all spending on"vanity" projects to the end of the fiscal year using money left over after bread and butternecessities had been funded. I would work to focus on projects that brought traffic to ourFour Corners area that would encourage businesses to locate at this intersection.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My opponent has voted to raise taxes twice in three years. My opponent lacks focus inthat he has supported projects randomly scattered around town in such a way that theprojects do not build people traffic in our Four Corners area. If the pet adoption facility,new fountain, rose garden, patriotic memorial and skate board park had been located atthe Four Corners we would be building traffic at that key intersection without going intodebt to revitalize the area.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Farmers Branch has spent more than $10 million dollars acquiring real estate in theDart Light Rail station area. The city council has now spent more than $7 million dollars tobuy one corner of the Four Corners area. We cannot find a developer who can keep theirpromise to build at the Dart light rail station, even after offering land for a bargain price.The mayor has said it would be five years before the Four Corners land would bedeveloped. We have wasted a great deal of taxpayer money on land acquisition that willprobably greatly disappoint the public when small apartments are built on these parcels ofland.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Farmers Branch is experiencing the same demographic changes that the rest of NorthTexas is experiencing. As a council member I would work to end the current acrimoniousclimate and atmosphere of divisiveness taken too far.Q: Would you have done anything differently in the city’s expensive legal battle over itsanti-illegal immigration ordinance? What is your view on that issue going forward?A: The federal government has made it clear three times now that it is not going to sharethe power to enforce immigration laws with Farmers Branch. Farmers Branch has sent it'smessage and now is the time to end the federal lawsuits. More than three million dollarshas been spent on legal fees. The mayor promised the citizens of Farmers Branch thatinsurance would pay for the city's legal defense but that has not happened. It is Einstein'sdefinition of insanity to keep doing the same thing over and over again expecting adifferent result.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: The police department should work within the appropriate federal programs to deportillegal aliens who are arrested and taken to the Farmers Branch jail.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I do favor a regional rail system and local option elections to raise new transportationrevenue.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greater


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regional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: Regional cooperation is our only hope to solve water, road and education issues.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: I grew up in Oklahoma City which has allowed drilling for oil and gas within city limitsfor more than 90 years. If appropriate safety measures and environmental monitoring aredone this is both a safe and economically beneficial activity. We all like using these fuelsso we are going to be called upon to coexist with these activities in the future.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Farmers Branch has first class city services of both an emergency and routine nature.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Our present city leadership has wasted money on real estate speculation in an economywhere no one can borrow money to get projects built. Our present city leadership hasscattered projects around town in such a haphazard fashion that we are not realizing anyeconomic gain in increased traffic that would attract more private sector businesses.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: The present city council has spent a great deal of money in a scattered fashion ondisparate, widely separated projects, federal court lawsuits destined for failure and"vanity" projects that have necessitated a tax increase that have undermined our citysfiscal health and positive successful image.

Farmers Branch City Council, Place 4Description: Note: All Farmers Branch residents may vote in this race.


Brenda Brodrick

Biographical Info:Name: Brenda BrodrickStreet Address: 13531 Rawhide ParkwayCity/Town: Farmers BranchState: TexasDate of Birth: 5-1-59Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-241-8058Home Phone Number: 972-241-8058E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.BrendaBrodrick.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts, Rochester CollegeQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 15 years.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 15 years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Real estate investor.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Strong supporter of Senior activities, Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce, FarmersBranch Woman’s Club, Friends of Farmers Branch Manske Library, Rose Garden volunteer,Community Together, and Friends of Farmers Branch Historical Park.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Sunday-School teacher, Bible-study teacher, Enrichment Classes of Carrollton teacher,


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Life-team leader at Covenant Church/Carrollton, Helped my son receive a full-tuitionscholarship at SMU through Suzuki Piano Studio involvement.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Precinct Chair, Precinct # 1503 from 2000-2010. State Convention Delegate from2000-2010.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $4,000Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: George Brodrick, Ben Robinson, Bob PhelpsQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Election to the city council is a promise to represent what the people want. I will pursuea framework of openness. The citizens have expressed to me dissatisfaction with increaseddebt, the circumvention of a bond election, and forced beautification projects. I will listento the people and act accordingly. I have been a strong supporter of Senior activities. Iam a proud member of: FB Chamber of Commerce, FB Woman’s Club, Friends of FBManske Library, Rose Garden volunteers, Community Together, and Friends of FB HistoricalPark. I: know this city very well. have made a real effort to listen. have personallyknocked on the doors in many neighborhoods. have visited with a very large number ofcitizens. Conclusion: I believe that I am very qualified to know what the citizens want.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: The three most important actions I would take are to: 1) ensure the continuation of ourexcellent, essential city services; 2) exercise fiscally conservative management; and 3)use good judgment. Our city needs to live within our financial means.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I stand for fiscally conservative government, adherence to the rule of law, and visibility.To make myself available to the citizens, I am starting a “Concerned Citizens Talk toBrenda” session, on Friday nights. It will begin on April 16, 2010. Come by my home,13531 Rawhide Parkway, anytime between 7:30-8:30pm.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: I am very anxious to see Farmers Branch as a vibrant commercial area whilemaintaining its historic inheritance. Our city truly is a city within a park and it’s somethingspecial that the citizens of Farmers Branch have come to love and enjoy. I will work to seethat preserved. To achieve this balance, I will work to ensure that inputs from thecitizenry, local business owners, community leaders, and outside specialists will be broughtbefore the city council.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Farmers Branch and the entire state of Texas is seeing changes in their demographics.Our city police force regularly reports monthly that an average of 12% of its arrests turnout to be persons who are in the country illegally. I am against illegal immigration andbelieve that in these difficult economic times, illegal aliens are taking jobs that should beavailable to the unemployed legal citizens. Since I am not presently on the council, I havenot had the benefit of the legal advice that is being provided the city and therefore do nothave enough of the legal facts available to make an informed judgment regarding theillegal immigration issue. I do look forward to being elected and having the opportunity tobecome better schooled in the legal alternatives that must be considered by council.Q: Would you have done anything differently in the city’s expensive legal battle over itsanti-illegal immigration ordinance? What is your view on that issue going forward?A: My answer to the question above pretty well sums up my feelings on the matter. I dolook forward to being elected to council and having the opportunity to hear the city’s legalteam present the possible consequences of either appealing the recent court decision orany other action that might be brought to the council.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: We have a superior law enforcement police force. Our police should continue to do with


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what they are charged with doing . . . protecting the citizens of Farmers Branch from anyand all illegal activities.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I favor this system, but only so long as Farmers Branch is treated equally with all otherareas. I would work with our DART representative and follow closely the actions taken byDART and other transportation agencies to ensure equal treatment in terms of finance andservices.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: There are many issues common to all areas in North Texas, as identified by, amongothers, the North Central Texas Council of Governments. These issues include a unitedfront to our federal elected representatives to reach a just and meaningful solution toillegal immigration, problems of drugs and gangs, environmental concerns, andmaintenance of infrastructure.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: Ordinance # 2946 was passed on March 18, 2008, which deals with natural gas drilling.The Ordinance is very tight and has strict rules. I believe that the city is doing enough toensure the safety and protect the interests of its citizens.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Our city does an exemplary job in delivering services to its citizens.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The people of Farmers Branch want leaders who will maintain the historic close-knitfamily friendly environment that has characterized us for years. Our citizens wantcommercial activity to be part of that environment, but not replace it. The way for the cityto balance its budget is to spend less than it brings in.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: This is a question that each voter and each citizen must confront for themselves, for thisis a personal issue.

David Koch

Biographical Info:Name: David B. KochStreet Address: 3243 BrincrestCity/Town: Farmers BranchState: TexasDate of Birth: May 17, 1961Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (972)241-3204E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.electdavidkoch.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: High School - Jesuit College Preparatory School Undergraduate - Bachalor of BusinessAdministration, University of North Texas Post Graduate - Washington & Lee UniversitySchool of LawQ: Length of residency in the city:A: Approximately 39 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: Approximately 39 tearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:


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A: Farmers Branch City Council Farmers Branch Rotary Club Farmers Branch Chamber ofCommerce Metrocrest Hospital Authority Board of Directors Jesuit Alumni AssociationQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Farmers Branch Rotary Club Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce Jesuit AlumniAssociationQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $1,350, plus approximately $2,000 on hand from 2007 election cycle.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Sam Aceves, Ed Bonneau, Ernie TillerQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: As a private citizen, I have been the plaintiff in two civil lawsuits, one involving anautomobile purchase and the other involving a swimming pool renovation contract. As aCity Council Member I was named as a defendant in a lawsuit against the City.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I was born and raised in Farmers Branch so the state of the City is very important tome. I am running for Farmers Branch City Council because I want to help make it one ofthe best places to live, work and play. I want Farmers Branch to be a place my childrenenjoy now and remember fondly when they are raising their own children. Voters shouldconside me the most qualified because I have three years experience on city council duringwhich time we have reduced overall spending, maintained balanced budgets, maintainedservice levels, kept our property tax rate one of the lowest in the metroplex, increased thesenior citizen's property tax examption, enhanced police and fire safety facilites andequipment, added a new animal adoption center, community garden and skate park,completed multiple beautification projects, created a healthy business environment that isattracting new businesses, and much more. Overall, I believe I have helped improve thequality of life in Farmers Branch; however there is much more that can still beaccomplished. As for experience, being one of eight children growing up in a blue collarfamily here in Farmers Branch, I learned how to cope with chaos, to function in a group, toshare and to stand and fight for a position. While obtaining a Bachelor of BusinessAdministration degree from the University of North Texas with an emphasis on real estateand finance, I gained a basic understanding of the business world and the processesinvolving budgeting and finances. My law school education at the Washington & LeeUniversity School of Law and my practice as a trial lawyer over the last 20+ years handlingcorporate, real estate, development and contract matters have given me the ability toanalyze matters and make sound decisions, even in circumstances surrounded by emotionsand in instances where fortunes and futures are in the balance. As a sitting city councilmember I have gained a solid understanding of the demands and responsibilities of theoffice, the structure of the City government and the current business and economicenvironment necessary to help lead the City through one of most challenging economictimes in our lifetimes. Through my work and City Council experience, I know that the rightdecisions aren’t always the easiest or most popular decisions. I also know first andforemost that decisions have to be grounded in reason and logic supported by the bestavailable information, and that the decisions can’t be driven by emotions or personalideology, and certainly not at the expense of the rule of law.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: The first most important action is to continue the City's drive for economicdevelopment. In this challenging and uncertain economic environment retaining existingbusinesses and attracting new businsses will be critical to the City's ability to generaterevenues and maintain the current level of services without a tax increase. The primaryways to achieve this is through economic development incentives and strategic use ofnon-General Fund revenues. The second most important action is to continue the push forresidential and commercial revitalization. Revitalization is esential to the City's abilty toprosper, to provide and enhance services and attract new families. Achieving this willrequire a combination of incentives, abatements and, as needed, City funds. The thirdmost important action would be to continue the pursuit of anti-illegal immigrationmeasures. The City should continue its participation in the CAP, 287(g), and SecureCommunities programs sponsored by the Federal Government and aimed at combattingissues associated with illegal immigration. In addition, the City should not abandon itsefforts on the rental ordinance. The cost of these efforts is generally covered by the


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General Fund, which the citizens have largely supported by their continued backing of theCouncil in elections and communications.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: There are three key differences that make me the better choice for Farmers Branch CityCouncil Place 4. First, I have three years of experience on City Council. In these verychallenging economic times, I am already prepared to meet and to respond to thechallenges and opportunities that we will be encountering. I understand the responsibilitiesand demands of the position. There won't be any lost time or opportunities due toon-the-job training. Second, through work, church, social and childrens' activities, I havedeveloped an extensive and diverse network of relationships and contacts with businessprofessionals and civic leaders that allow me to promote the City and help develop theplans and programs to make Farmers Branch one of the best places to live and work.Third, I consider myself a visionary. I see where we are and where we could be. As I movearound in Farmers Branch, the metroplex and other areas around the country, I look foropportunities and new ideas that could benefit Farmers Branch, whether it be on a financialbasis or to make it a better place to live, work or play. Some ideas work and some neverget off the drawing board, but I am not afraid to raise them. An example of an idea thathas worked well is the Farmers Branch Community Garden. The Garden has providedcitizens a chance to mingle, exercise, provide for themselves and give something back tothe community.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Attracting residential and commercial development is one of my and the current CityCouncil's top priorities. The proof of the City's success is in the recent economicdevelopment announcements and permit issuances. Even in the face of national and globaleconomic woes, our City Manager and his staff have worked tirelessly and with markedsuccess ushering in residential and commercial development and in fostering anenvironment that is attractive to residential and commercial development.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Farmers Branch is not unique in the demographic changes it is experiencing. One of themost significant issues the City is wrestling with is the needs of the senior citizens. On handthe City provides unsurpassed support through the Senior Center. On the other hand, theCity is trying to help solve senior living arrangements so that seniors can continue to live inFarmers Branch and remain healthy, active and involved.Q: Would you have done anything differently in the city’s expensive legal battle over itsanti-illegal immigration ordinance? What is your view on that issue going forward?A: I would not have shied away from the issue because it is one that needed to beaddressed. The City provided substantial opportunites for the people, both citizens andoutiders, to express their opinions and views before it undertook any actions. My viewgoing forward is that we should continue our efforts. We have had good success in ourefforts in the Federally sponsored 287(g)Program, Criminal Alien Program and SecureCommunites Program. The legal battle should also continue. We knew at the outset that itwould be a protracted and expensive battle, and that it would almost certainly involveappeals. On the campaign trial three years ago, we talked with the citizens about thepotential costs of the legal battles. Comparing the potential legal costs against the cost ofdoing nothing, the citizens overwhelmingly supported the City's actions. There is littleevidence to indicate that the support has wained.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: We should allow our Police Department to continue to partner with the FederalGovernment in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement programs including theCriminal Alien Program, the 287(g)Program and the Secure Communities Program.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: The ability to move smoothly from one transit mode to another with limited hassles is anice vision. However, we have not seen enough of the light rail systems come on line to beable to judge the long term value and effectiveness. I would like to see more effort madein creating crosstown connections on the light rail system like the Cotton Belt Rail Line. Iam troubled by the proliferation of tollroads. The purported lack of funds is an issue thatneeds to beQ: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greater


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regional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: North Texas needs a better long term plan for water supply and conservation.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: At this point, I see no basis for changing the existing ordinances regarding natural gasdrilling. Presently, drilling for gas is prohibited in the vast majority of the City. The onlyarea where drilling could take place is on the west side of town in the Mercer Crossing area(west of Ih 35/Stemmoms Fwy). To date there has not beem any drilling in the City, butthere is real potential for it in the future. When it happens it will have little or no impact onthe citizens because of the location of the potential actities and the restrictions in theordinances.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: The City of Farmers Branch does an excellent job of delivering services.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The current City Council and City staff have done a very good job weathering theeconomic storm. We recognized the economic downturn early and started planning andmaking adjustments long before things got as bad as they are now. Cost cutting alonewon't be enough to balance budgets in the future if our elected officials in Washington DCdon't do a better job addressing and solving our to problems that have lead to oureconomic woes. A the city level we will have to be innovative and aggressive in oureconomic development efforts to help generate new revenues that can help offset drops onother revenues.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: The current economic environment will challenge the City's ability to maintain andexpand services.

Flower Mound MayorDescription: Note: All Flower Mound residents may vote in this race.


Melissa Northern

Biographical Info:Name: Melissa NorthernStreet Address: 4601 Portmouth CourtCity/Town: Flower MoundState: TexasDate of Birth: August 10thWork or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-514-5479E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.melissanorthern.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Mount Vernon Nazarene University – B.A. in Business and EconomicsQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 8 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 8 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Former business executive, now active community volunteer.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Executive Director, Flower Mound Home Owners Association Coalition Treasurer, Flower


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Mound Community Development Corporation (CDC). Appointed by Town Council; ElectedTreasurer by peers. CDC allocates 4B sales tax funds for community park projects.Member, Wellington HOA Finance Board Member,Wellington HOA Oil and Gas CommitteeQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Membership in Chamber of Commerce and Rotary in Ohio Volunteer work with: YouthPrison Education Ministries, Special Olympics Ohio, and church outreach ministriesincluding homeless support, food pantry, computer skills training, elderly visitation andhome maintenance and repair support.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: noneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Approximately $13,000.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: I will be personally funding much of my campaign. My other contributors are family andfriends. I have not and will not take money from gas companies, developers, or specialinterest groups.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No, other than many years ago I was a party in an amicable divorce.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Our community is at a crossroads, facing tough economic and even identity challenges.Flower Mound needs new leadership to rehabilitate our town’s image, and to successfullymanage the multiple stakeholders in our community with a priority to being the voice ofour residents. It is essential that we strike a balance to preserve our unique countryatmosphere, heritage, and quality of life while cultivating a dynamic economicenvironment. My background includes leadership roles in the fields of corporate finance,cost accounting, IT, and commercial loan audit and risk, for Fortune 100 companiesincluding General Electric, and J.P. Morgan Chase. With an extensive managerialbackground and a track record of delivering measurable results I have earned a reputationof being a skilled problem-solver. In addition, I am also well versed on the issues facingour community having served as the treasurer of a town board, as the Flower Mound HOACoalition Leader and on the Finance Board and Oil and Gas Committee of a large FlowerMound HOA. While I believe the full breadth of business skills I’ve acquired will be put togood use, my corporate experience in problem solving, best practice implementation, andanalysis will be especially helpful as we address current issues and ensure future decisionsare based on appropriate due diligence to ensure the best long term outcome.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. STRENGTHEN OIL AND GAS ORDINANCE. I support a moratorium on new drillingapplications to allow a thorough review and update of our Oil and Gas Ordinances. 2.IMPROVE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY. Despite significant investment over adecade ago by the Town, Lakeside DFW remains undeveloped. Portions of Parkers Squareand the Riverwalk, our town's showcase multi-use development, are in foreclosure.Developments within Flower Mound need a revitalization plan that only new leadershipalong with new ideas can bring. Greater due diligence upfront on these types of projects isnecessary to insure taxpayer’s investments on the infrastructure is protected. Projectsmust be designed to be successful throughout the entire economic cycle. Once we defineelements of project success we should not deviate from them to enhance developerprofitability at the expense of our community. We can also leverage our growing medicalcommunity (the planned hospital, the planned rehab center and medical suppliers) with adevelopment strategy that attracts world-class medical services and associated industry.This approach brings with it jobs and economic stability. It also is of benefit to the residentswho can utilize such services. 3. IMPROVE RESPONSIVENESS TO CITIZENS. Our publichearings have become a check box instead of an opportunity to truly gauge the pulse ofthe community. The fact that over 6000 of our citizens felt compelled to pursue a petitionfor a moratorium, that our seniors have endured empty promises, and roads are extendedor widened with little documented necessity and against the wishes of our taxpayers, isindicative of a Town Council that has lost touch with its constituents. I would promote atrue partnership between the residents and the Town, always being respectful of differingopinions and transparent in decision making.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: NEW PERSPECTIVE AND ACCOUNTABILITY. I will bring fresh ideas to the issues and


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opportunities of our community. By now, the senior center should be built, not justpromised. Blaming the economy instead of a flawed business development strategy forLakeside being undeveloped, Parker Square and Riverwalk in financial troubledemonstrates excuses not results or accountability. I will take our community in a newdirection. One measured on results, not empty promises. BUSINESS EXPERIENCE. Whatdifferentiates me from my opponent is financial acumen, best practice implementationexperience, analysis and due diligence skills all honed in a corporate environment butapplicable to the challenges and opportunities facing Flower Mound CITIZEN ADVOCACY.My opponent has shown deference to gas companies and developers in her leadership ofFlower Mound. I am not at all conflicted, financially or personally, about where my priorityneeds to lie. The citizens of Flower Mound must come first.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: I will advocate putting a gas drilling permit moratorium in place while a thoroughreview of the Oil and Gas Ordinance is conducted. Among the specific areas I would like toreview are onsite water recycling, vapor recovery, and variances. My opponentfrequently talks about our Oil and Gas Ordinance being one of the strongest in the state.That may have been true when originally written; however other communities have sincestrengthened their ordinances too. I would launch a thorough review of their best practicesto ensure we continue to lead in this critical area. We also need to revisit variances. All butone of the pad sites in Flower Mound sought and received a variance to our Oil and GasOrdinance. Touting the strength of the ordinance, when we know we have allowedvariances to it in almost every case, may be good politics but it is not good governance.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Attracting the right development to Flower Mound ranks high on my list of priorities.Over 80% of the Flower Mound tax burden is on the residents. I would like to see more ofFlower Mound’s income coming from commercial development. The key is bringing in the“right” development that has an appropriate return on investment, fits our community’scharacter and enhances, not detracts from, resident quality of life. Development inFlower Mound has been on a pendulum. Years ago some accused Flower Mound of beingunfriendly to developers. There were those who believed this reputation hurt FlowerMound’s ability to attract good projects. Since that time the pendulum has swung too farthe other way. While we have made progress in making it easier to do business in FlowerMound, we have not been selective. The result is a series of failed projects and theindustrialization of our town. Our “Town Center”, Parker Square, has many of the buildingsin foreclosure. The Riverwalk, Flower Mound’s showcase mixed-use project has 120 acresof the 158-acre project in foreclosure. The town sunk almost $13 million of taxpayermoney into Lakeside DFW, a large development effort for Campus Commercial; itcontinues to sit undeveloped with no return on investment on our taxpayer dollars. In themeantime we have approved variances to the oil and gas ordinance for all pad sites butone, and put in zoning that paves the way for a centralized facility for the by-product ofhydraulic fracturing, just over a mile from thousands of homes and several schools. Wealso have developers pushing Council to allow thousands of high density apartments. Weneed a balanced strategy that cultivates the right development not all development. Weneed to market our community in a targeted way, be thorough in our due diligence andincentivize selectively when we find a good fit.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Flower Mound is growing, although at a slower pace than we saw during the 1990’sdevelopment boom. Currently, we have around 64,000 residents with the median age of34. Our average annual household income is $142k and the average home value is$284k. Demographics are shifting nationally. I look forward to reviewing the 2010 censusdata so we can understand Flower Mound's trends and plan appropriately.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: This is currently not a large issue in Flower Mound. I would expect Flower Mound policewill continue to collaborate with immigration officials as appropriate.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Regionally, I am open to looking at mass transit options however they need to beoptions favored by Flower Mound’s citizens. Our community has not previously supported


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mass transit options. As congestion increases and air quality becomes more impacted, weshould continue to explore options but always with a focus on what will work for FlowerMound. I support exploring the feasibility of non-diesel shuttle bus options to other nearbystations , such as DFW airport, Carrollton, or Lewisville as was recommended during thelast Transportation Master Plan update. Although your question was regionally focused Iwould like to take a moment to talk about local transportation alternatives. I wouldencourage “Complete Streets” in specific areas of our community. Complete streets are abalanced transportation system that includes integrating sidewalks, bike lanes, transitamenities, and safe crossings. It can bolster economic growth and stability by providingaccessible and efficient connections between residences, schools, parks, offices, and retaildestinations. They also improve the overall health of communities who adopt them asapart of their transportation plans.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: I plan to take a leadership role in creating venues for collaboration across North Texastowns and cities on best practice oil and gas ordinances that safeguard our shared air,water and soil interests.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Review of town services and their efficiency is not something I would speculate aboutwithout a thorough understanding of service delivery methodology and processes. FlowerMound has a dedicated and responsible staff that I expect is doing a fine job. One of thefirst things I would do as Mayor is a review of service delivery with the Town Manager. Myexpectation of Town staff would be that they are translating what works well throughoutthe town, continuously improving internal processes and searching for and implementingbest practices from throughout the region and the country.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: In the past few years our reserve fund has shrunk from 27% to 17%. This trendcontinues in the 2009-2010 budget cycle with expenditures exceeding revenues onceagain. With the expectations of a reduction in sales tax revenues, residential appraisalvalues, and a decrease in Commercial and business property tax revenue we need to bevery conservative in our spending. It would be prudent to hold off on non-critical projectsfunding only those projects with the strongest value proposition. I intend to work closelywith town staff to identify cost cutting initiatives that maximize return without an impact toour services. The other equally important side of the equation is revenue maximization.We will be looking at short-term incentives and abatements when they will supportlong-term stainable businesses in our community and its associated tax revenue growth.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: I’m not sure it has to be “uncomfortable” but a truth we must accept is our homes areon the Barnett Shale. When choosing to move to Flower Mound few seek out our town tobe near gas wells, yet we live on top of a great natural resource and mineral right ownershave the right to realize a return on their asset. While some minerals are owned byoutside interests, many mineral right owners also have homes in Flower Mound. Whetherresidents own their minerals or not, they all have a common interest in the health andwelfare of their families. While resident focus is on the impact to their families, gascompanies are for-profit enterprises. Their stockholders expect extraction of the gasefficiently and with the highest return possible. While gas companies may make voluntaryconcessions for good public relations, they are obligated to do no more than the lawrequires. This is why a local government committed to appropriate set-backs, air qualitymonitoring and enforcement, and best practice approaches like produce water recycling isa necessity to protect the health and welfare of our citizens.

Jody A. Smith

Biographical Info:Name: Jody A. SmithStreet Address: 3705 Sarah Springs TrailCity/Town: Flower MoundState: Texas, 75022Date of Birth: 03-14-56Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-874-6070Home Phone Number: 817-430-3047Mobile Phone Number: 817-991-7800


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Fax Number: 972-724-9706E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: http://mayorjody.com/

Questions:Q: EducationA: BS Business Administration/International BusinessQ: Length of residency in the city:A: Twenty Six Years.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Partner, co-owner CornerStone Staffing, Accounts Payable Manager since June 1991American Airlines International Flight Attendant since 1986Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Mayor Community Development Corporation Board Flower Mound Chamber ofCommerce Lewisville Center Advisory Board Super Bowl 45, Mayors Committee RegionalTransportation Commission Board Alternate Rotarian Friends of the Flower Mound LibraryLewisville Education Foundation CCA Communities in Schools Children's Advocacy CenterCloud Nine Charities YMCA Flower Mound Citizens Police Academy/CERT Training DentonCounty Friends of the FamilyQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Mayor Community Development Corporation Board Flower Mound Chamber ofCommerce Lewisville Center Advisory Board Super Bowl 45, Mayors Committee RegionalTransportation Commission Board Alternate Rotarian Friends of the Flower Mound LibraryLewisville Education Foundation CCA Communities in Schools Children's Advocacy CenterCloud Nine Charities YMCA Flower Mound Citizens Police Academy/CERT Training DentonCounty Friends of the Family KFMB Adopt a SpotQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Mayor 2004-2010 Town Council Candidate 1991Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: 100.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Marc Moffett, Denton, TexasQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: After serving Flower Mound as Mayor successfully for six years, I was overwhelmed bythe amount of constituent support I have received to run for another term as mayor. Oneof the main reasons was the great success that Flower Mound has had in surviving thefinancial recession. NO PROPERTY TAX INCREASE, NO CUT IN SERVICES, and at the sametime accomplishing the following: Strong Fiscal Decisions: Cut Debt, Retained andIncreased Excellent Bond Rating. New Roads and Road Improvements Two New FireStations and 26 new firefighters Two New Police Beats and new offices to staff themCommunity Activity Center with Senior Golden Lounge and Water Park First Time EverParks Master Plan including new items such as Free Standing Senior Rec Center, EquestrianTrail Head Park, Additional Tennis Facilities, Skate Park, Expanded Water Park, and theWilson Carmel Park including outdoor Amphitheater, Arboretum, Japanese Gardens, CoyPond, Dog Park, All Inclusive Playground and much more. Economic Development briningto our residents places to work, shop, and enjoy family and friends. The upcoming yearsbudget needs the experienced leadership that I have brought to the Town of Flower Mound,using the assets of our Town Manager and his Executive Team to successfully navigate therecession and the need to meet the need of residents and employees as well. Thisexperience along with the skill of helping lead our personal business to eighteen straightyears of profit gives me the background and experience to successfully lead Flower Moundthrough the next two years and continue to layout a pathway to fiscal responsibility andsuccess that will lead to a future property tax decrease.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Many actions that I will take if re-elected could be cost neutral. More government if notalways better! My main action will be to continue the Economic Development initiative thatwas my main goal in my first mayoral campaign. We have positioned ourselves as a


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medical community with the opening of THR Presbyterian Flower Mound Hospital later thismonth, with numerous specialty physician offices, medical supply and medical servicecompanies, and the list goes on. Recently a virtually empty three story office building wasapproved to be home to a rehabilitation hospital. I regularly meet with "medical"professional as well as hospital executives to keep p Flower Mound on their expansionplans. This not only crease a strong tax base, but brings more high level, high paying jobsinto Flower Mound. Retail is also an important part of Flower Mounds future. A mixed sueordinance has been created allowing applicants the opportunity to develop areas thatwould crease jobs, restaurants', shopping ,entertainment and living opportunities to ourtown. The Riverwalk will be a perfect example. One hundred, sixty--eight acres of anixed-use Central Business District in the center of Flower Mound, anchored by the THRPresbyterian Hospital. We have also been in the market for a resort conference center,hotel, and Fortune 100 Companies. Market Street Grocers plans a future store in FlowerMound and we are working with Whole Foods to sell them on our community for a futurelocation. A second important action will be to create an environmental sustainabilityprogram that goes from the individual homeowner to the way the town of Flower Moundoperates as a municipality, and the future looks exciting. Some components will beenvironmental policies for the town, increase recycling programs, programs for re-surewater, possible compost, gardening, and recycling areas. Our Senior populations is anactive, important, growing and vibrant part of our community. We need to continue ourefforts to build a free standing Senior Citizen Rec center in the near future, no later thancompleted in the next five years. Funding will come from different sources including costsavings from existing programs, re-allocation of existing budget expenditures, grantmonies, and general fund revenues. If this is not possible, we will go the voters for a bondelection We will also keep our eyes open for local and regional opportunities to maximizeour resources for out Seniors in Motion Program.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: Experience, Proven results, and experienced leadership. I have worked with andestablished success relationships with our sister cities, Denton and Tarrant County officials,legislators in Austin and Washington , Chamber of Commerce's, the business communityand our residents to maximize our dollars and deliver to the residents of Flower Mound.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: I will continue to push for further, regular, and extensive testing and studies of the air,soil and water in relation to natural gas drilling facilities. The council and I have directedstaff to deliver to us an action plan that continues our testing programs throughout thetown and throughout the year, as well as permanent testing facilities located strategicallythroughout our town. Further collaboration with state health and environmental testingagencies as well as the federal groups including the EPA, will keep Flower Mound on theleading edge of environmental testing and standards. Part of the action plans also includethe safety measures that we currently require of drilling facilities, as well as the availableenhancements that are available for the drill site and related equipment. We will keep gasdrilling operations to these standards and enhancements and not vary from them. This willalso become an integral part of our environmental sustainability policy and programs.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: As mentioned earlier, successful Economic Development has helped us to survive arecessionary period and still offer more projects, improvements and services without aproperty tax increase. As Smart Growth helped manage high residential growth in the late1990's and early 2000's, our emphasis on a highly skilled Economic Development Directorand staff has made us successful in attracting commercial development to Flower Mound.Teamed up with my efforts, council's support, an Executive Development Team, workingwith the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce, we have positioned ourselves ready tocapitalize on the market as the recession fades. Recently we had an update of our MasterLand Use Plan, Smart Growth Plan, and created a Mixed Use Ordinance that will add to ourtoolbox for balancing our existing constituents needs with our future development. All ofthese processes were public processes with many, many planning meetings and publichearings. Flower Mound has an exciting future when it comes to attracting new business,as we have natural beauty, great schools, great communities, new roads and infrastructureto accommodate future growth.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, would


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you do differently?A: Years ago, it seemed as though Flower Mound was a community of young families asthe majority. Now many of us have stayed and have brought family into the area. Thisshift has brought many parents, and our population aged, thus creating a larger andgrowing senior group. This has brought several needs forward, senior living andrecreation. We have and are acting on the Seniors in Motion program and rec center, butnow are focusing on the different housing needs of an aging population. Many emptynesters want a nice size home, but want less yard to care for, some want smaller homesand yards, and others look for independent living. Also need are senior care centers,including assisted, Alzheimer's/dementia care as well as nursing. We have been activelypursuing these type of products and will continue to work at attaining a good balance ofproducts to meet the needs of our constituents.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: The Town of Flower Mound standards in hiring employees and personnel issues requireUS citizen status and we follow that. I feel that the Town and it's Police Department followthe US immigration laws and nothing further need be done at a Town level.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: As a member of the Regional Transportation Commission, I support a seamlessRegional Transit system. We support the DCTA as well with a representative on theirboard. My active involvement with our sister cities, Denton County, RTC and state electedofficials keeps Flower Mound supporting local and state initiatives for transportation andfunding.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: As a member of the Regional Transportation Commission, I support a seamlessRegional Transit system. We support the DCTA as well with a representative on theirboard. My active involvement with our sister cities, Denton County, RTC and state electedofficials keeps Flower Mound supporting local and state initiatives for transportation andfunding.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Q 3 (Quality People + Quality Service=Quality of Life) is a new management initiativeenacted by our Town Manager. At Flower Mound, with the success that we have had indeliver quality service with quality people, effectiveness has been a large component. Mymotto has all been "effectiveness" and "efficiency". We continue to analyze our practices,using technology to help deliver at a cost savings, and implement programs to affectefficiency. A recent resident survey helped us to realize where are strengths and servicesare. Our report card was good and we are very excited that much was done with limitedbudgets but use Quality People with Quality Service to deliver Quality of Life. We areimplementing microfiche to better manager records and correspondence. I will continue towork with the council and the town manager to always strive for effectiveness andefficiency.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Q 3 (Quality People + Quality Service=Quality of Life) is a new management initiativeenacted by our Town Manager. At Flower Mound, with the success that we have had indeliver quality service with quality people, effectiveness has been a large component. Mymotto has all been "effectiveness" and "efficiency". We continue to analyze our practices,using technology to help deliver at a cost savings, and implement programs to affectefficiency. A recent resident survey helped us to realize where are strengths and servicesare. Our report card was good and we are very excited that much was done with limitedbudgets but use Quality People with Quality Service to deliver Quality of Life. We areimplementing microfiche to better manager records and correspondence. I will continue towork with the council and the town manager to always strive for effectiveness andefficiency.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: An uncomfortable truth about Flower Mound today is that it has been taken over bynegative politics and publicity. We must work as a team as we have and get back to thejob of serving our constituents and businesses, all of them! We are in this world and lifetogether.


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Flower Mound Town Council, Place 2Description: Note: All Flower Mound residents may vote in this race.


Al Filidoro

Biographical Info:Name: Albert FilidoroStreet Address: 3213 Augusta DriveCity/Town: Flower MoundState: TexasDate of Birth: June 21, 1952Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (972)768-1146Home Phone Number: (972)539-2145Mobile Phone Number: (972)768-1146Fax Number: (972)539-2181E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.alfilidoro.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: JD, Texas Wesleyan University School of Law MBA, LeTourneau University BBA,Cleveland State University Associate Professor, Graduate Programs University of PhoenixQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 20 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 20 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Attorney at LawQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: FM Town Council – Place 2 FM Community Development Corporation FM Fire Control,Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District FM Crime Control and PreventionDistrict Leadership Flower Mound – 2010 Summit Club – President FM Rotary Club (PaulHarris Fellow) Denton County and Flower Mound Bar AssociationsQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Chairman, FM Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman of Economic DevelopmentCommittee, FM Chamber of Commerce Chairman and member, Civil Service CommissionSummit Club FM Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow) Denton and Flower Mound BarAssociationsQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: County Auditor (sought) Flower Mound Town Council (sought/held)Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $6,000Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: My top three contributors are family members and a close friend.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: Petition for divorce. I have never been arrested or involved in any criminalproceedings. As a practicing attorney at law, I am constantly involved in lawsuits as arepresentative of my clients.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for re-election to town council because I truly care about Flower Mound. Itis my home and has been for over 20 years. I should be considered the most qualified


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because my education, professional experience, and community service give me thebackground to navigate this community through increasingly rough waters. In addition, myskills as a successful mediator qualify me to sit at the table and give our community astrong presence as part of our negotiation team. I also have over 20 years of executivemanagement state and local government experience. I was the CFO [Director of Finance]of a major state agency with over $1.5 billion in annual revenues. I understand theintricacies of town government. (Flower Mound has a $90 million annual budget and over$400 million in assets). While some treat town elections as a popularity contest, I believerunning the town is analogous to running a business. Town council should act as a board ofdirectors with the best training, background, and experience available in order to managetax dollars wisely. Finally, I firmly believe that every council decision should give priorityto the health, safety, and welfare of our children and residents. I remember this every daythat I serve our residents as your Town Council Member.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Perform a complete review of our Oil and Gas ordinances to protect the health,safety, and welfare of our residents while respecting the rights of mineral owners. 2. Workto leverage our new Community Hospital in an economic development “MedicalCommunity” to bring new and stable high paying jobs and quality medical services to ourcommunity and the Southern Denton County region. 3. Preserve and protect ourSMARTGrowth and Master Plan development process and guard against an onslaught ofnew high density apartments in currently designated high potential commercialdevelopment locations, such as the Lakeside Business District and the FM 2499 businesscorridor.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I encourage the residents of our community to perform their due dilligence beforecasting their vote in this crucial election that will determine the direction of our communityfor many years to come. I also encourage them to examine the records of eachcandidate. Residents should ask questions and get definitive answers. They will find thatother candidates for town council have an undeniable personal financial interest in gasdrilling in Flower Mound. Two members of town council have already recused themselvesfrom important votes due to their conflict of interest during this past term. With theopportunity to benefit personally, candidates with conflicts cannot participate in therelevant legislative process due to their conflicts of interest. This will not serve the interestof the community well at a time when a vast majority of residents want a major revision ofour gas drilling ordinances. A key question our residents will inevitably be askingthemselves as they cast their ballot on May 8th is, "Who Do They Trust?" I do not have afinancial or personal conflict of interest in gas drilling activities.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: The main issue with increased gas drilling is risk to the quality of life of our residents.Citizens tell me they do not want gas wells within 300-500 feet of their backyards and theyare unhappy with the gas drilling variances adopted in 2005 and 2007. They tell me thatthey want the ordinance that they had before it was weakened in 2005 and 2007. Iadvocate a complete review our gas ordinance to manage the new problems that havecome to light by the recent advent of urban gas drilling. Land owners have a right tocapitalize on their assets, including surface and subsurface rights. Our key focus must be tomanage gas drilling in a responsible manner without impacting the health and safety of therest of the community. I believe we can accomplish this balance with a complete review ofour gas ordinances.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: I support a diversified tax base and am committed to continuing to attract the righttypes of quality commercial development and design to our business districts. Lately,developers represented by a former member of council, are advancing development plansthat feature high density apartments in what they call “mixed use” developments. Clearlythe term “mixed used” is the new term for high density apartments. Developers arepreparing to submit plans that call for zoning changes that will allow for thousands of newhigh density apartments. This community does not support high density apartments andshould not allow zoning changes that squander our commercial corridors. Too often theapartments are built first and the commercial part of the development is abandoned. Thisis not the type of commercial development that will lead to a health and vibrant tax base


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diversification. Lately we have not been as successful in terms of our development activityas evidenced by the foreclosure of the River Walk project and Parker Square, bothdevelopments that consumed huge work and manpower efforts by our town. Many othercommunities are also struggling to attract healthy commercial development in our currentweak financial climate but history has shown us that the economy is cyclical. Short sightedplanning will lead to long term unwanted consequences. High density apartments, thougheasy to develop, are not the answer for this community.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Flower Mound is a stable community and there are no demographic changes.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Illegal immigration is not an issue in Flower Mound.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Regional transit is not an issue in Flower Mound.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: Many of our communities are wrestling with the issues raised by urban gas drilling andthe effects in their neighborhoods. A great many share the same issues and concerns inprotecting their residents. Texas, as a gas and oil state, never envisioned urban drillingand have not adequately made provisions to take it in effect. We should get together andcompare notes of those communities affected by urban gas drilling. This gathering shouldnot be influenced by gas drillers or their biasedly organized regional gas councils. Much canbe gained by communities in sharing experiences, issues and best practice solutions. Wecould all benefit from consistency across communities and sharing of experiences as thereis a huge body of information across our country detailing community experiences with gasdrilling in our residential areas.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Our town actually does a very good job of delivering town services to our residentsgiven the current financial climate. However, as our community is starting to see thedownward trend of tax revenue, we must be more diligent and perform town serviceaudits to drive out any current inefficiencies in order to more effectively use our taxrevenues and still maintain our current level of town services. The next council mustsharpen their pencils and conduct a detailed review during the next budget season. That iswhy we need members of council that have a strong, detailed financial background tounderstand and drive out those inefficiencies.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Our town staff has done a tremendous job in this economic downturn. But, there aremore challenges ahead. As sales tax collections trend downward with a projected loss of12% annually, we need new leadership and a new majority comprise of financialprofessionals that can bring their education and corporate experiences to the table andwork in a cooperative manner with our town staff to weather the upcoming economicstorm. Town staff should not be afraid to bring innovative ideas forward to Town Counciland department heads should not have to look over their shoulder or fear for their jobs.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: The "uncomfortable truth" is that gas drilling operators and the small subset of thelease-holders they recruited to influence neighbors with mineral rights are willing tosacrifice the core values that have made Flower Mound the desirable place that we all wereattracted to when we chose to move here and raise our families just for financial gain withno real benefit to the community. This group is small but well organized and funded by thegas drilling companies. They are the first to cry “politics” despite the fact that theythemselves attempted to pressure council to adopt adverse gas drilling practices withoutpublic scrutiny. This group has tragically divided our community. I am committed togetting gas drilling challenges behind us in a responsible manner and bringing our townback together to once again enjoy the quality of life that we expect in Flower Mound.

Gerald Robinson

Biographical Info:Name: Gerald Robinson


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Street Address: 6920 Hidden Valley RoadCity/Town: Flower MoundState: TexasDate of Birth: 3/25/1947Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 817-717-4400Home Phone Number: 817-430-8757Mobile Phone Number: 817-896-2744Fax Number: 817-755-4840E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.electgeraldrobinson.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: BBA University of North Texas 1971Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 19 years 8 monthsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Independent Certified Financial PlannerQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: District Chair Rotarians for Fighting Aids, Past President of The Flower Mound RotaryClub, Vice-Presdient of The Summit Club of Flower MoundQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Open Space Board 2002-2005 (Chair 2004-2005). Environmental ConservationCommission 2005-2008 (Chair all years). Citizen Budget Partners 2004-2005 and2006-2007. Master Plan Steering Committee 2005-2006. Mixed Use Committee2007-2008. Denton County Transportation Committee 2008-2009. Flower Mound Chamber2004-2008.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $1550Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Friends, Family, and Neighbors.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Flower Mound is a very special place with a unique character that I would like to assistin preserving. I am very concerned about the direction of the Town and the direction of theTown Council due to the divisiveness and lack of civility towards each other that iscurrently being displayed. I am the most qualified candidate based on my experienceserving the Town and my professional experience in solving challenges in a respectable andcivil manner. I was Chair of the Open Space Board that became the EnvironmentalConservation Commission for four years. The commission was instrumental in theestablishment of our 2 Conservation Developments as well as greatly strengthening ourTree Ordinance. I served on the Citizen Budget Partners for 2004-2005 and 2006-2007. In2006 I was appointed to the Master Pan Update Steering Committee and in 2007-2008 onthe Mixed Use Ordinance Development Committee. Both of these committees provided fornumerous public meetings and many differences of opinion. I utilized my skills on bothcommittees in reaching consensus that improved our Town. In the past 8 years I servedour Town, I developed a good working relationship with Town Staff, the Mayor and Council.I believe these relationships and my dedication to a respectful and civilized debate ofissues makes me the most qualified candidate to serve in Place 2.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1) Support high quality development in properly Zoned areas of town to continuediversification of our tax base while striking the correct balance of preservation andgrowth. 2) Support and work to strengthen the Town’s strong Oil and Gas drillingOrdinances while also supporting citizen’s ability to capitalize on their mineral rights as longas the procedures are very safe and environmentally sound. I would support greatermonitoring of the ambient air in and around the well sites. 3) Support expansion of the


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Town’s efforts to become more green and environmentally responsible. These effortswould include establish a steering committee to create a Town-wide EnvironmentalSustainability Strategy. The strategy would contain goals and objectives to addressconsumption, safety and protection as well as programs to encourage energy and waterconservation, utilization of alternative energy sources, green building standards anddevelopment incentives, and other areas of environmental sensitivity and responsibility. Inaddition the Town should continue to progress in utilizing Conservation Developmenttechniques and working toward the Town Goal of 35% Tree Canopy coverage for the Town.I would utilize my relationships with Staff and Council to assist in providing a frameworkfor achievement of the above 3 in a financially responsible manner. Paying for future townobjectives is very dependent on the achievement of goal #1.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I am a consensus builder and develop relationships with people built on trust andrespect. I have the entirety of Flower Mound citizen’s interests to support, not just that of asingle-issue special interest group like my opponent. Over my 8 years of Town Service, Ihave developed great relationships with many of our Town leaders who I know andrespect. These individuals have been my mentors and friends that have taught me theimportance of being respectful and civil, as well as a Love for Flower Mound. In addition tomy numerous town commissions and committees, I am currently Vice-President of theSummit Club and have 10 years perfect attendance as a Rotarian with the Flower MoundRotary Club of which I am a past President. I serve our Rotary District as therepresentative for Rotarians for Fighting Aids.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: This is the single-issue my opponent has been heavily involved with in our Town. Ibelieve our ordinances are among the strongest in the North Texas area, but as technologyimproves, so must our ordinances. I would support establishing a committee made up ofall town interests to improve our ordinances so that all of our town citizen’s can live withsafe air, water, and soil. The committee should also address any safety concerns from theincreased truck traffic from the additional well pad sites. All this should be done whileallowing mineral rights owner’s reasonable access to their minerals and insuring that gasdrilling companies and the contract firms are responsible firms operating in a practical,prudent, and safe manner. To date the town has updated the natural gas drilling ordinancesin 2007 and the pipeline ordinances in 2010. I feel the committee should providerecommendations to council to improve our 2007 ordinances.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: As you could determine from my answer to a previous question, supporting high qualitydevelopment in properly Zoned areas of town to continue diversification of our tax basewhile striking the correct balance of preservation and growth is one of my most importantpriorities. I believe as a Town this is also a top priority as evidenced by the tremendousgrowth of residential and commercial development in the past decade. I also feel that thesingle-issue action group is providing a significant amount of negative image factors for ourTown. Getting a reasonable resident, business, or development to want to locate to FlowerMound in the face of all this “Stop Mentality” negativity being generated can be asignificant challenge. Up till now our town has done an excellent job of attractingdevelopment, but we have much more to do to properly diversify our tax base.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: While our Town is still a predominantly young family town, the number of older citizenswishing to stay in Flower Mound is increasing each year. The town is addressing the growthof our senior population. The addition of new medical facilities attracted to our Town, notonly helps all of our citizens, but especially our senior population. I am supportive of ourseniors, as long as we can accomplish their needs in a financially responsible manner. Ialso feel we must begin to address the living needs of our seniors by utilizing more clusterresidential developments as well as other residential alternatives.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: I believe immigration is a Federal matter and no changes in local laws are needed toaddress this issue.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, what


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steps would you take to make it happen?A: Flower Mound voters declined participation in the Denton County TransportationAuthority (DCTA) by not approving the sales and use tax referendum on September 13,2003. I support the decision of our voters in 2003. As the regional system develops, FlowerMound may need to find ways of providing shuttle services for some of our citizens to railtransfer stations or to DFW Airport. The details and funding of such service for thisalternative would have to be considered by Town Council at that time.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: North Texas and Flower Mound could benefit from greater regional cooperation ontransportation planning, air and water quality, water conservation, waste management,recycling, and emergency management. In addition to participation in the North CentralTexas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), I would encourage greater cooperation with oursister cities in southern Denton County.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: I had the pleasure of serving on the Citizen Budget Partners review of the Town budgetfor 2004-2005 and again in 2006-2007. I learned that a lot of our budgets are preordainedbased on historical trends and comparative city analysis. While I believe our town isoperating in a cost-effective manner compared to other cities of a comparable nature, I dothink we have room for budget reductions utilizing a needs-based approach rather than acomparative analysis approach. I would work with Town Council and staff to begin toidentify processes that would improve how we deliver services to our citizens, as well aspossibly being more cost-effective.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Past Leadership of Flower Mound has done a fine job of putting us in a sound financialposition heading into the economic storm. As stated earlier, one of my top priorities issupporting high quality development in properly Zoned areas of town to continuediversification of our tax base while striking the correct balance of preservation andgrowth. While I believe our town is operating in a cost-effective manner compared to othercities of a comparable nature, I do think we have room for budget reductions utilizing aneeds-based approach rather than a comparative analysis approach. I would work withTown Council and staff to begin to identify processes that would improve how we deliverservices to our citizens, as well as possibly being more cost-effective. I oppose anyincrease in the property tax rate in Flower Mound.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: While our traffic situation is improving with existing and planned expansions. OurSMARTGrowth program requires a “Level of Service” of “C” or better to approve newdevelopments. Many of our levels are currently below “C”. While the improvements on FM2499 and FM 1171 will help, we will also begin to experience more residents of other citiesflowing through our Town. The only feasible way out of this problem is to increaseconnectivity, add additional lanes, and build more roads to meet the traffic demand.

Flower Mound Town Council, Place 4Description: Note: All Flower Mound residents may vote in this race.


Steve Lyda

Biographical Info:Name: Steve LydaStreet Address: 3128 Sheryl Dr.City/Town: Flower MoundState: Texas


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Date of Birth: August 17, 1972Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-355-8346Home Phone Number: 972-355-8346E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: http://www.stevelyda.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: I have a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas atAustin (1994).Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 12 years. My wife and I bought our first home in Flower Mound and have lived hereever since.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am a principal software development engineer for Current Group(www.currentgroup.com). I develop new embedded software products for use in smartelectrical grids. “Smart Grid” is a revolutionary technology which enhances thetransmission of electricity more efficiently and without disruption from suppliers tocustomers.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I am currently the Chair of the Flower Mound Transportation Commission. I also amChair of the Wellington Homeowners Association Finance Committee and Treasurer of theSummit Club of Flower Mound, which is Flower Mound's oldest fraternal serviceorganization. I am a member of the Wellington Elementary School PTA and I volunteerwith the Religious Education Program at my Church.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Vice-Chair of Flower Mound Transportation Commisson (2009) Member, Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Representative to the Student EngineeringCouncil, the University of Texas at Austin. President, Moore-Hill Residence Hall Association,the University of Texas at Austin Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of AmericaQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I ran for Flower Mound Town Council in 2009 and lost by 29 votes.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: To date, about $6,000.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: The only contributions I have accepted, and will accept, are those from individuals. Ihave not, and will not, accept any contribution from an oil or gas company, lobbyingorganization, or PAC.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I think service to the community and the ability to listen and represent people is veryimportant. My family has a long tradition of community service and I am no stranger totaking up a cause on behalf of the people. I believe our local government has the mostinfluence in our everyday lives, and we as individuals working together, can easily bringchange to our Town Council. I understand what people expect of someone on Town Counciland am ready to strongly represent the people I am elected to serve. Personally, I striveto maintain a high standard of ethics for myself. I am active in the community with severalorganizations and have been chosen, by my peers, to lead many of those groups. Also, asan Eagle Scout, I am sworn to continue to live by Scouting’s core values, tenants, andmoral codes. On Town Council, I will be honest and fair in the decisions I make for theTown. Professionally, I work for a small engineering company. I am very detail oriented, aquick but careful decision maker, and always mindful of budgetary restraints. Working withsmall companies has taught me the value of hard work and how to best serve mycustomers. I believe this experience directly applies to serving our residents when oncouncil.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: First, Flower Mound is facing one of the toughest annual budgets in the upcoming year. Iwould work with the Town's CFO and begin to look at the comprehensive budget for next


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year, so we can maintain quality services for our Town, but not be forced to raise taxes.Next, I would work to have a comprehensive review of our current oil and gas ordinance.Based on significant feedback from our residents, I feel it is necessary to review thevariances on setbacks from drill sites. In particular, I also want to re-address the additionof zoning for drilling wastewater collection facilities in our Town's agriculturally zonedareas. Council needs to ensure that we have the proper and best drilling practices in placeto address the needs of our community. Finally, I would work with my fellow members ofcouncil to review our immediate transportation concerns in the community and would seekto expand the role of the Transportation Commission. Similarly to the way we haveworked to complete roads with the City of Lewisville, I would also move forward inaddressing needed regional transportation solutions with the cities of Grapevine andCoppell.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My background is in engineering and business. If elected, I will bring a unique set ofskills to the Council. In my work experience, I have taken on large projects withcomplicated issues and laden with budgetary constraints. I have also had to learn aboutnew things and solve problems in a very limited amount of time. I have lived in FlowerMound for twelve years and remember the effects that uncontrolled growth had on ourroads, schools, and other infrastructure. I understand the value of the SMART Growthordinance, how it protects our infrastructure and what it means to our quality of life. Givenmy length of residency and community service, I also understand the Town’s organization,structure, and what is required to operate it on a day to day basis. These are key skillsrequired for a councilperson. I am open, honest, and fair. I have not entered into anyagreement, personally or professionally, which would compromise my ability to ethicallyrepresent the citizens of Flower Mound. By not putting myself in compromising situations, Iwill not have to remove myself from debate when matters that are important to thepeople come before council.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: The purpose of Flower Mound’s oil and gas ordinance is to adequately protect ourresidents from the effects of oil and gas exploration. If elected to council, I would call for acomplete and comprehensive review of all oil and gas ordinances annually. I will seek tohalt the encroachment of oil and gas development into our residential community byreviewing variances on setbacks and re-evaluating the zoning changes that allow forcentralized collection facilities in agriculturally zoned areas. In addition to submittingrequests for increased vigilance by our oil and gas inspectors, I would also seek toestablish true air quality baselines and standards for pipeline monitoring. I will alsocontinue to work with our residents to address their concerns when it comes to natural gasdrilling, something which the current council leadership has lost sight of. I would continueto work with the Texas Department of Health and Safety, the Texas Commission onEnvironmental Quality, and the Texas Railroad Commission to ensure that drilling in ourarea is kept to the highest standards and that all environmental and safety practices arebeing followed. I would also work with our Town’s environmental staff to keep ourresidents informed on drilling activities in Town and the possible impact it will have on theirhomes. Lastly, I would work with members of our state legislature to assure that no newstate law is put in place that will affect Flower Mound’s safety practices and local controlover its oil and gas regulation.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Attracting high quality commercial development to Flower Mound will be one of my toppriorities when serving on the Town Council. By attracting high quality retail andcommercial development, we attract businesses that help keep our sales tax dollars inTown and offset some of the property tax burden for our residents. I am currently notsatisfied with the job the Town is doing in attracting commercial development that fits thecharacter of our community. Our current town leadership continues to enter intoagreements to build new retail space, but does nothing to ensure that the development willattract quality tenants that people will frequent. This causes the Town to end up with a lotof empty retail space that does not generate any sales tax revenue. The Town needs towork with developers on projects that will best enhance our community and provide thegreatest opportunity for our residents. The Council should limit economic developmentincentives to companies that have a proven track record of success. I would also look toour SMARTGrowth standards and the Town’s master plan as a guide to new development in


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our town.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Flower Mound is currently not undergoing any significant demographic changes. It willbe important to stay abreast of the current population of our community, especially notingthe changes in our population as a result of the 2010 census. This data will help us plan andprioritize the construction of new Town facilities that best fit the needs of our community.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Flower Mound has not had a major issue with illegal immigration, and with the additionof more police beats in Flower Mound, we have seen a reduction in crime. The TownCouncil should continue to work with our police department and Town staff to ensure thatillegal immigration does not become a concern. If illegal immigration becomes an issue,the Council must work with the police department to address concerns and add resourcesas needed.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Flower Mound’s citizens have typically been against regional transit systems. However,as the level of traffic increases in our area, and with the continued rise in gasoline prices,the citizens of Flower Mound may look to a regional transit option. As the current chairmanof the Flower Mound Transportation Commission, I have asked to continue receivingreports from the Denton County Transit Authority and the Regional Transportation Councilof the North Central Texas Council of Governments. If the residents’ needs change in thefuture, we want to be prepared to quickly offer transit solutions. A connection to transitand light rail systems in Lewisville and Grapevine would be simple due to Flower Mound’sproximity to these cities. Until Flower Mound has the citizen interest and funds available wedo not want to force this system on the residents. In the meantime, I would continue towork with our regional partners to make sure Flower Mound’s needs are adequatelyaddressed. If on council, I would work with the Transportation Commission to make suretransit options continue to be studied and planned.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: The Town’s staff has always made use of inter-local agreements. By joining with oursister cities to increase Flower Mound’s buying power, our Town has been afforded theability to save money when making big purchases. Flower Mound also works well with ourcounty government to help fund road and infrastructure improvements in our Town. Iwould continue to encourage the use of these regional arrangements.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: The staff of the Town has always been focused on its customers, the citizens of ourTown. Our Town has excellent police and fire response times, as well as a good masterplan for building our roads, water, and sewer systems. As an engineer who works in smallbusiness, I believe there is always a way to improve the process in a more cost effectivemanner. To that end, I would work with the Town Manager and the heads of various Towndepartments to review their processes and ask what the council could do or what toolsthey could provide to help make their departments work more efficiently. I would prioritizeprocess improvements based on the greatest cost savings to the Town.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: I participated in the Town’s public presentation on the budget this year and understandthe challenges that will be faced by the Council when it comes to the fiscal budget for thenext planning year. The Council should start now to prioritize its spending and prepare forchallenges. I would work to organize our Town’s spending so we can avoid raising taxes orcutting back on our Town’s services. I would also encourage Town staff to continue to seekregional funding sources to help complete projects in Town and offset some of the costs toour taxpayers.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: In a city of over 65,000 people, with over 30,000 registered voters, only about 3,000(5%) citizens vote in local elections. By voting, we assure that the council is doing the willof the people. By not voting, we are putting our needs and desires into someone else’shands. I would like to see more citizens participate in the election and have their voiceheard through the democratic process. I am hopeful that the outcome of this years’ localelection will have an increased voter turnout. With the unprecedented citizen concern


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addressing oil and gas drilling activities in our Town, and with our citizens working tocomplete a successful petition drive to change the ordinances in our Town, I feel ourcitizens now realize that taking an active role in voting for Town Council should not betaken for granted. I applaud our residents for their hard work, and would be honored torepresent them on the Town Council.

Bryan Webb

Biographical Info:Name: Bryan WebbStreet Address: 4112 High RdCity/Town: Flower MoundState: TXDate of Birth: June 2, 1957Home Phone Number: 817.961.0180E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.electwebb.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: BS Business Administration – Finance Franklin University, Columbus OHQ: Length of residency in the city:A: October 2005Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Credit Risk ManagerQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Planning & Zoning Commission, Flower Mound Summit ClubQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Flower Mound: Board of Adjustment / Oil and Gas Board of Appeals, TransportationCommission Lewisville: Planning and Zoning Commission - Chair, Blue Ribbon BondCommittee - Chair, 4b Corporation Board - Secretary, Zoning Board of Adjustment,Transportation CommissionQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: N/AQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: ModestQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: Friends and FamilyQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I believe Flower Mound is the best place in DFW to live and raise a family. It is why myfamily moved here and I want to insure that it remains that way. Today’s level of discoursein Flower Mound is doing great harm to the Town’s reputation. We need a return of reason,respect, and responsibility.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Build a coalition of council members to: 1.Add a full time, technically trained andcertified, gas safety engineer to the Town’s staff to conduct weekly VOC emission testing atevery gas operation site within our town. 2.Implement regular Air Quality Testing at all gasoperation locations to monitor and track changes in air quality. 3.Institute a series ofcommunity seminars on topics of interest. As an example, experts in the fields ofenvironmental safety, environmental links to cancer, gas drilling would be invited to giveinformative presentations to the community. This could be accomplished for a minimal


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expense. I would propose to pay for initiatives 1 and 2 by imposing an annual fee on allnew pad sites, wells and production facilities. To the extent legally allowed, I would alsoseek to have this fee assessed to existing operations. An operator could apply for a feewaiver with the installation of 24 hour constant monitoring equipment at the site andallowed Town access to the data in real time.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: Experience - 15 years of civic involvement, Proven ability to work through complexissues, I won’t expose our citizens to costly litigation expenses and attorney fees unlessabsolutely necessary. I would rather use tax dollars to provide services our citizens wantor reduce their tax burden.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: Recognizing that Flower Mound ordinances are among the strongest in the state andthat issues relating to developing the Barnett Shale resources are regional in nature, Iwould propose a Regional Legislative Council to identify best practices, industry trends,and to fight Austin and Washington based initiatives that minimize local control. We needstate and federal regulators to work with us, not handcuff us. Flower Mound can have thestrongest ordinances in the United States, but if our upstream and upwind neighboringcommunities do not, our citizens can still be at risk.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Development is an opportunity in Flower Mound. For years we built a reputation asbeing ‘difficult to do business with.’ Over the past 6 years, we have made progress tochange this perception. As our economy strengthens, we must take the initiative and beprepared to act when opportunity presents itself. We need to aggressively seek out thekinds of development that will benefit the town today and in the future.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Our population, like that of the nation is growing older. Flower Mound is a very FamilyFriendly place to live. Great Parks, Great Schools, Convenient Shopping. Everything afamily could want or need, except a variety of housing choices for our older citizens. To betruly family friendly, we need a place the entire family can call home. That can includesingle family, townhomes and apartment residences designed for the specific needs ofseniors. We don’t want our empty nesters to leave our nest. We want our seniors toremain an important, involved, and integral part of our community. To prove that point,we need to secure funding for a Senior Activity Center.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Unlike some of our surrounding communities, Flower Mound does not have an illegalimmigration problem.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Today we have DART, which Flower Mound voted not to become a part of. In 2003 thecitizens of Flower Mound voted not to support the Denton County Transportation Authority.We fund a limited service alternative instead, SPAN. I support the decision our citizensmade at the polls in 2003. Because of where the town is located and where the masstransit corridors were planned, our decision made since. If sometime in the future,commuter rail linking Denton to DFW is planned, Flower Mound must become a part of theprocess. At that point our voters will deserve the opportunity to once again express theiropinion on an important transportation issue.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: First would be my proposal to coordinate efforts around gas development in the BarnettShale. Second is to recognize that Flower Mound’s closest partner is the LewisvilleIndependent School District. We must work closer with the district to minimize the frictionexperienced over the past year. Likewise, we have strong relationships with otherneighboring municipalities. We need to leverage their economic successes to drive greatereconomic growth, both for Flower Mound and the communities around us.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: We need to renegotiate our trash collection contract. Recycling must be made the


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primary function of our efforts, not secondary. We must replace current recycling bucketswith wheeled Polly Carts. We need a centrally located facility where citizens can bring yardand storm debris for mulching and composting.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Flower Mound has weathered the current economic slow down better than some of ourneighbors. This is due in part to the conservative financial controls we work within. Weneed to continue this conservative approach to budgeting and spending, and not waste taxdollars on needless litigation. We also must prepare to take advantage of opportunitiesthat will come our way. Given our location, consumer base, and highly skilled andeducated work force, Flower Mound will be high on the list of companies seeking to growand expand. On April 30th, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Flower Mound will open.This will be an economic development engine for the Health Care industry in FlowerMound. With the hospital will come professional offices and hundreds of highly skilled, wellpaid employees. No longer will our citizens have to travel to neighboring communities toreceive quality health care. I will work together with our Mayor and council members toexpand upon our health care successes to build a diversified commercial tax base. Just likeour 401k plans, the town needs a diversified portfolio of commercial development thatincludes Retail, Health Care, Corporate, and Hospitality.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Our Town is deeply divided by the Gas issue. From the extremes of “No Fracking Way”to “Drill Baby Drill”. We must set aside the heated rhetoric & sound bites. We have to worktogether, find common ground and address both the health and safety concerns of all ofour citizens and the rights of the mineral owners. I have spoken with and exchangedemails with folks on both sides of the issue. I believe we can find common ground, becausewe all truly want the same thing, to have Flower Mound remain the best place to Live,Raise our Families, Work, and Play.

Frisco City Council, Place 2Description: Note: All Frisco residents may vote in this race.


Jeff Cheney

Biographical Info:Name: Jeff CheneyStreet Address: 11377 Deep Canyon TrCity/Town: FriscoState: TxDate of Birth: 1/22/75Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-550-8200Home Phone Number: 972-712-7366Mobile Phone Number: 214-707-7320Fax Number: 214-550-8201E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.ChooseCheney.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: University of Texas at Austin: Graduated with High Honors with a Bachelor in BusinessAdministration and a Master in Professional AccountingQ: Length of residency in the city:A: Since December 2003Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: n/a


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Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Realtor, Keller Williams Realty Owner, Northstar Property Management Owner, Frisco-Online.comQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: * Endorsed by Police Officers Association * Endorsed by Frisco Fire Fighters Association* Endorsed by the Collin County Association of Realtors * Endorsed by WeAreFrisco.org *Mayor Pro Tem (May 2009 to current) * Collin County Business Press 21 Leaders for the21st Century * Frisco Education Foundation Board Member 2005 to Present * FriscoChamber of Commerce Member 2004 to Present * Mayor’s Youth Council – Council Liaison* City Council Budget and Audit Committee * City Council Technology Committee * FriscoSquare Municipal District Board * Certified Public Accountant * Registered InvestmentAdviserQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: * Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council * CCAR Certificate of Appreciation foroutstanding contributions to the promotion and preservation of the real estate profession *Co-founder of Get Fit Frisco! Fitness campaign promoting health and physical activity toFrisco families * Co-founder of Annual Frisco Child Safety Day * Frisco Relay for Life TopFundraising Team for several years * Sponsor and volunteer for many community activitiesand local charitiesQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I was elected to Frisco City Council in 2007. I was unanimously selected by the Councilto serve as Mayor Pro Tem in 2009.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $2,405 as of April 8, 2010Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Collin County Association of Realtors ($1,000), David Siciliano ($500), RobertMedigovich ($400)Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: My three years of experience on Council have allowed me to develop manyrelationships with our residents, throughout the business community, and with oursurrounding cities and regional partners. With the high amount of turnover we have hadover the last three years, electing experience is more critical than ever. I view thisposition, as well as the position of Mayor Pro Tem, as a privilege and I take theseresponsibilities very seriously. I attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduatedwith High Honors with a Bachelor in Business Administration and a Masters in ProfessionalAccounting. My professional experience includes working as a Senior Associate forPricewaterhouseCoopers and a Director of Portfolio Management for Highland CapitalManagement. I am currently a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a small businessowner of Northstar Property Management and Frisco-Online.com. I am a Certified PublicAccountant, a Registered Investment Adviser, and a Chartered Financial Analyst Level 2Candidate. My professional background and experience as a business owner has trainedme for the broad skill set required to serve on City Council. Through my career I havelearned many important skills relevant to this position including the importance of properoperational checks and balances, financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, negotiation,and management. My entire career has been in professional services acting as a role as afiduciary for my clients, meaning I must always place the interests of my clients above myown. As a fiduciary for Frisco, I will continue to represent the city in a professional manner,maintain a high level of integrity and ethics, and I will continue to be dedicated in servingthe needs of our community. Since I work in Frisco, I am easily accessible for our citizens.Through my business networking and profession, I constantly hear the concerns andopinions of our local business owners and our residents. My accessibility and day to dayinteraction with the citizens of Frisco helps me keep my finger on the pulse of the City. Iam passionate about the direction of Frisco as I want the city to continue to grow into awonderful place for my wife and I to raise our 3 young children. I also hope that mychildren will see Frisco as a place they would like to live and raise their families. My wifeand I feel blessed that we have been given the opportunity to work within the communityin which we live. We feel it is an honor to serve the community that has been so good toour family. I am excited about Frisco’s future of being a highly livable community andmaintaining our reputation of being a great place to live, work, play, and grow. Finally, Ibelieve my proven record of leadership, dedication, community involvement, and open


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communication make me the best candidate for this position.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1) Fiscal Conservatism: I believe Frisco should focus on core priorities first (Police, Fire,and infrastructure). In addition, I believe in a diversified tax base through retail, businessand commercial growth. These types of strategic investments through our EconomicDevelopment Corporation as well as other public/private and FISD partnerships is whathas led to being able to deliver such quality city services at one of the lowest tax rates inthe region. Each year, we have delivered budgets well below the rates advertised duringour bond election. In the last three years, we have reduced the debt service portion of ourtax rate from 50% to 43%. In order to reduce our debt burden further, we need tocontinue to be conservative with our bond sales until economic conditions improve. 2)Economic Development: The Frisco EDC is getting more inquiries than ever as manybusinesses are seeing Frisco as a great place to do business and executives see thecommunity as a great place to relocate their employees. A primary goal we have is toattract a Fortune 500 company as well as continued growth in the technology sector.Providing opportunities for our citizens to work in the community they live in, is a coreadvantage we have by funding our EDC. Stonebriar mall, IKEA, and the surrounding areawas a very big win for Frisco many years ago. Today we are already starting plans for thenext frontier along 380. Frisco needs to be aggressive in developing infrastructure andbeing prepared to win the next mall destined to be built along 380. In addition, much workhas been done to deliver needed services along 423 and Custer road where tax dollarswere leaving to go to neighboring cities rather than staying in Frisco. The Wal-Mart on423/Eldorado and the Super Kroger on Eldorado/Custer are great examples of keeping taxdollars in Frisco. We need to continue to look for opportunities along our borders to provideadditional services where residents are currently visiting other cities to get what theyneed. Frisco lowers the tax burden on our residents by generating tax revenue fromvisitors from outside of the community. One of our main goals is for Frisco to be adestination city to attract tourism dollars. We have many great venues, great shopping,and many activities to bring people from all over the metroplex and outside of the region.We would also like to recruit a destination style hotel and other destination opportunities tocontinue on this success. 3) Quality Growth: With Frisco not even 50% developed yet,many of our decisions center around development. My experience in real estate provides aunique perspective to these discussions. Frisco needs to continue to focus on high qualitysustainable residential and commercial development by maintaining our high buildingstandards. We will continue to seek partnerships to attract businesses and projects thatlead to economic growth. I feel it is crucial for Frisco to have a strong central core. PizzaHut Park and Frisco Square are a great start. The development of Grand Park, the FriscoJunction, the Train Museum, and ultimately tying it into old downtown, will give us the verystrong central core that we need. This area will eventually be the signature location inFrisco that continue to make Frisco a destination city.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: Electing experience is crucial at this time in Frisco’s development. Frisco has becomeone of the most sought after locations in North Texas for families and businesses. Thiscould not have happened without strong leadership and citizen initiative. Frisco hasundergone tremendous turnover over the last three years. I have served with nine CouncilMembers and two Mayors. In addition, there has been turnover in many of our regionalrepresentatives. Developing relationships with our business partners, regional leaders, andother stakeholders takes time. Managing the budget over the coming years will requireexperience and expert knowledge to position Frisco where we need to be. My experienceon Council and the numerous committees, along with my professional and other civicinvolvement, make me the most qualified candidate. When a few people are making thedecisions for the city as a whole, it is crucial that all citizens can have their opinions andconcerns heard. By constantly having my finger on the pulse of Frisco, I am able to bring awide range of perspective to the City Council for consideration in our decision making. Iserve on many organization and boards outside of Frisco City Council and I am dedicatedto being available to listen to our citizens. I have found the best way to hear from thepeople is to go directly to them. You will continue to see me at nearly every public event inFrisco to be available to answer any concerns the citizens have. Through my work on thetechnology committee, I advocated further transparency through the introduction of livestreaming of council meetings as well as new communication methods such as socialnetworking. In addition, I am constantly networking within the business community as wellas many other organizations throughout the city. Also, I have consistently met with manyneighborhood groups or any citizen who wants to learn more or express a concern. My city


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phone line connects directly to my cell phone so any resident can reach me instantly. I willcontinue these efforts to bringing city government closer to the people.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Continuing to provide excellent service to citizens at a reasonable tax rate can beaccomplished by maintaining the balance of the residential, commercial, and retail taxbase. Focusing on economic development, business recruitment, and high qualitysustainable commercial construction are all important factors in maintaining this balanceand one of my highest priorities. Frisco has done an excellent job in attracting suchdevelopment. Prior examples include Stonebriar Mall Complex, Pizza Hut Park, the FriscoConvention Center, the Dr Pepper Star Center and Ballpark, and Hall Office Park. Ourfuture top priorities include developing a central core and making long term plans for afuture mall along 380. The growth of more mixed-use developments, such as FriscoSquare, is a high priority. In addition, we intend to attract a Fortune 500 Company toFrisco as well as attracting more businesses in the technology sector. Our EconomicDevelopment Corporation is the busiest they have ever been with proposal requests frombusinesses looking to relocate. We are excited about the opportunities we have to continuegenerating economic development, creating quality jobs for our residents.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: One of our fastest growing demographics is the Senior population. Many in thisdemographic rely on fixed incomes so we understand the importance of offering discountedservices. We increased our senior tax exemption to $50,000, which is the highest in thearea. We have made significant investments in our Senior Center and still have anoutstanding bond for further expansion. This is a free service including transportation toand from the facility and services from Meals on Wheels. We offer discounted rates for theFrisco Athletic Center, health exams on a monthly basis through the Wellness Clinic ofCollin County, and Centennial Hospital provides quarterly exams at no cost. Frisco isviewed as a quality destination for the senior community with major developerinvestments such as Frisco Lakes, a Del Webb Community.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: We should continue to work with federal agencies to vigorously enforce the lawsregarding illegal immigration without placing undue burden on our law enforcement,business owners, and tax payers. Although reform is needed on much of the nation'simmigration law, Frisco needs to prioritize its resources and tax dollars on the issuespressing our city which includes the transportation system, public health and safety, andmanaging our growth.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Long range mobility plans have always been a priority with the current Council. Ifgridlock is going to be minimized in the City, all modes of transportation need to beconsidered including mixed use development types, pedestrian oriented communities, andinterconnected hike and bike trails throughout the City. As we build our infrastructure, anyshort-term solutions to relieve the stress on our transportation system should be exploredincluding maximizing light signal efficiency, completing “bottleneck” roads when possible,and working with contractors and developers to facilitate project completion. With thecurrent projected congestion levels estimated to remain severe even after our roads arecompleted, we must be proactive in prioritizing regional mobility options for Frisco. Friscodoes have an opportunity for a commuter rail line along our existing train tracks. Inaddition, we have identified future rail stops where we could have transit-orienteddevelopments. Currently, we use 1% of our sales tax to fund our EDC and CDC, ratherthan public transportation. As our sales tax continue to grow, we may no longer need asmuch investment in the EDC and CDC, and can start a managed process of diverting aportion of those funds to public transportation. We are currently exploring ways to test thedemand for rail in Frisco by having temporary runs for large events in Pizza Hut Park. Inaddition, we are looking for ways to phase in the investment in commuter rail rather thanmaking the substantial investment at once.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: As previously mentioned, North Texas could benefit from stronger regional cooperationregarding mobility issues. This includes working as a region on a seamless transit system,


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cooperating with our neighboring cities in the completion of bordering roads, andpresenting a unified front when discussing our regional concerns at the state level. I wassupportive of the County bond packages which offered fund matching as incentives forcities to collaborate on thoroughfares that extend through multiple cities. By formingregional partnerships, we have opportunities to leverage our resources to create uniqueshared projects for a region. A fine example is the Arts of Collin County which is acollaboration of Frisco, Plano, and Allen. We will be working with these partners over thecoming months to develop an investment plan that makes sense for all involved. Over thelast few years, we have offered Fire services to portions of McKinney until they are able tobuild their fire station. While this was serving residents of McKinney, our fire station wascloser to these residents than McKinney’s. Collaborations between cities such as thesebenefit the region as a whole. As both cities continue to develop, McKinney may be able tooffer a similar level of assistance to Frisco in the future. We have worked very hard indeveloping relationships with our neighboring cities, our county commissioners, and ourstate and federal representatives.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Frisco has done an exceptional job in delivering high quality services at a cost-effectiverate to taxpayers. Frisco has one of the lowest tax rates in the region and yet providesexcellent police and fire protection, maintaining a low crime rate and an ISO #1 rating forthe fire department. As Frisco grows, it will be my objective to balance the residential andcommercial tax base while continuing to provide this high level of exceptional service at areasonable cost to tax payers. Frisco has been able to offer a high level of amenities byleveraging our partnerships. We worked with FISD to develop SAFER, a cutting edgesystem used by our Police and Fire Departments to respond to situations in our schools.We look to expand this program to commercial buildings in the future. We usedpublic/private partnerships to build the Dr Pepper Star Center, the Dr Pepper Ballpark, andPizza Hut Park. In addition, we were able to build the Fieldhouse Complex by leveragingour credit rating and signing a partner to cover all debt service on the facility. Thesestrategies have allowed us to provide these amenities without the tax burden had we builtthem ourselves. City staff performed an audit of utility costs this year. Under averageusage, a Frisco resident pays $87 for water and sewage service. For the same usageamounts, a resident would pay $93 in Plano and $105 in McKinney.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Through my experience as a Certified Public Accountant, financial auditor, and afinancial analyst, analyzing budgets is one of my strengths and enables me to bring fiscallyconservative and responsible principles to the Council. In my first Council work session, Iexpressed my concerns of Frisco’s over reliance on building permit revenues to sustain thebudget. At that time the debt service portion of our tax rate had ballooned to nearly 50%of the rate. This is alarmingly high, even for a high growth city such as Frisco. By beingfiscally conservative, we have managed that figure down to 43%. My goal is for Frisco toget under 40%. Reducing our debt load creates a much more stable financial situation.During my three years on Council as well as serving on the Budget and Audit Committee,we have accomplished much to keep our taxes the lowest in the region, while alsodelivering the highest level of services. Some of this work includes installing internalcontrol audits, 5 year budget projections, sensitivity analyses, delaying of bond sales,pricing the FAC to be self sustaining, and balancing all of our utility accounts. In the lastthree years, building permit revenues have declined from $11 million to $3 million,coupled with flattening sales tax, growth, and property values. Despite these challenges,our efforts toward fiscal responsibility have allowed us to deliver budgets well below bondprojected rates each year. As the economy improves, we can use the growth and newrevenue sources to start capital projects as well as funding our long term capitalreserves. Also, we will continue to look at reducing the tax burden on our residents bybuilding our retail and commercial tax base, leveraging resources through private/publicpartnerships, reducing sales tax leakage along our borders, and generating tax fromoutside our borders through tourism and travel. As a result of these policies, Frisco ispositioned to come out of the recession in a much better position than most cities and thatwill allow us the flexibility to act on opportunities before us. Conservative fiscal policy is akey ingredient to maintaining financial health in good times and bad.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Frisco has a high level of debt, even for a high growth city. Three years ago, nearly50% of our tax rate was going to pay the debt service on our bonds. Although we havebeen able to reduce this to 43%, I feel we need to be able to reduce it to 40% or under. In


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addition, Frisco needs to start building a long term capital reserve fund. One downside tothe rapid growth over the last 10 years is that these facilities and infrastructure will startaging at the same time. We need to start funding a long term capital reserve fund so that10-15 years from now we have the ability to make these required improvements withoutissuing further debt.

Matthew Herrera

Biographical Info:Name: Matthew James HerreraStreet Address: 10213 Max Ln. Frisco TX 75035City/Town: FriscoState: TXDate of Birth: 09/04/1986Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-741-4770Home Phone Number: 972-741-4770E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.votemherrera.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Graduate of Frisco High School-2005 Graduate of Dallas Baptist University 2009 with aBBA In process of getting MBA at Dallas Baptist UniversityQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 14 years and 9 monthsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 14 years and 9 monthsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: National Account Manager for Careington in Frisco, TXQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Chamber Member, Work for Careington in Frisco, Christian leader, Mentor for the youthQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Curtsinger,Smith,6th grade center, Staley, Clark, FHS Graduate, Coach, Relay for Life,Internship for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Public Speaker, Mission ArlingtonQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: N/AQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: N/AQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: N/AQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NOQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I have seen Frisco grow from a small Main Street centered community to one of themost exciting cities in the USA. I believe for the city to continue to grow and meet theneeds of a changing community, we will need a council that is made up of variedbackgrounds and age groups to represent all of our citizenship. I think my background andage will complement the council makeup and represent the visions of many of our citizens.Frisco has established a reputation of being one of the most sought after cities for itsquality of life and atmosphere for raising children. I want to make sure we continue toprovide the leadership needed to maintain these qualities. One of the greatest experiencesof my life was when I was selected to be an intern for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.Working in her Dallas office inspired me to learn the political system and give back to thecommunity. My father was a City Councilman for the city of San Antonio and encouragedme to take an active role in helping shape our community’s future. As a college student


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while going to Dallas Baptist University I learned about service to others and theimportance of giving. I have lived and grown up in the city of Frisco and have developedmany friendships with the people here. These friendships have included people from allcultural and economic backgrounds. They have given me insight into the varying viewsheld by different groups. I have always been one to set goals and establish priorities.Starting a business at the age of twenty three has helped me realize anything is possibleas long as you put your mind to it and work hard to make it happen. I have always had themindset that a life lived for others, is the only way to live. I have the leadership andcommunication skills necessary to be an effective councilman.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: I feel one of the most important actions is motivation and inspiration throughout thecommunity. After campaigning for several weeks I have been torn with issues from"Denton County residents and Collin County residents." We need to come together andagree on issues as a city, not a county split. With unity comes effectiveness with otherobstacles and I believe I can and will encourage the divide. I will also focus on developinga plan to cut costs in areas that could be reduced and still be effective. My third action willbe to call a meeting with neighboring cities involved in the ACC and re-establish the visionwe once had. I strongly believe we can put our heads together and devise a plan to raisemore money and motivate residents of all the cities to understand the value the ACC willbring North Texas. There are more than just three actions, the residents of Frisco need tostand up for what they believe in and get involved. In order for the City to be motivated,we need a council that is willing to motivate and lead the residents.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: Conservative Voting Motivational skills Public Speaking Leadership qualities for all agesQ: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Frisco has established a reputation of being one of the most sought after cities for itsquality of life and atmosphere for raising children. With these qualities brings attraction forresidential and commercial development. With Frisco only 49 percent complete, this bringsa journey that we must establish together. This is one of my main priorities. In the last 10years, our population has tripled but our employment has only doubled. Continuing thequality level of life in Frisco with arts programs, school development, maintenance ofroads, etc would make getting corporations with employees more viable.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: It's not news to anyone around that growth has stalled, but it is possibly the mostimportant change in Frisco's demographics. We're not seeing as many new businesses anddevelopments, but we are seeing transplanted families, growing households and theexisting families of Frisco being pushed to the breaking point. The slowing population hasallowed Frisco to take some time to adjust to the growth that it has seen in the lastdecade. Whether it be city departments or the council now is the time for Frisco to adjust,refocus some priorities and ensure that we're ready when the populations boom again andour economy shows growth.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Illegal immigration is a concern to all Americans throughout the Country not just on thecity level. I believe the Frisco police department should screen everyone who is arresdted.If there is no identification, we should get ICE involved and let them do their job. ICE willdetermine the outcome. Growing up in Frisco, I have seen our police department do agreat job with this matter.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: With the attractions Frisco currently has and will have in the future, I think a regionaltransit system would benefit Frisco. People from surrounding cities will have access toevents in Frisco from concerts, games, and other family attractions without having todrive. This will also benefit the residents of Frisco who work in other cities and deal withtraffic on a daily basis.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Our regional relationship is very good. The North Texas regional planning is and will


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always be a priority. We have great relationships and I look forward to doing everything Ican to build on those relationships if elected to office.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Many of the good economic decisions that the city has benefited from came from staffand the city manager's office. The council made costly decisions, in respect tocommunications, over the last few years that have really provided for more transparencyand availability. Each city department has been charged with spending less while stillproviding a timely, quality product. Many of Frisco's features are envied so I think it's easyto say that we've handled our prosperity well.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Make maintenance a priority. Look into a few more tax helps to benefit newdevelopments. Use the influx of new sales tax revenue wisely (because the Target andStonebriar tax benefits have times out). Stabilize sales tax income. Continue to court newevent-driven ideas - like the football championship. Can't just focus on revenue, we haveto cut some costs. We've seen a lot of retail development in the last few years. Thisprovided permits, fees and tax revenue. In a slow down or in the growth that we soonexpect, we have to focus on maintenance. I'm sure there are some city plans andproperties that have had to be put on hold. Positions have been frozen and cuts have beenmade. We must continue this fiscal responsibility throughout the first part of any newgrowth seen. We can't ramp up our plans and programs just because the gray skies have asilver lining. We must look at what is necessary for maintenance and what is needed forsustenance before we provide for ideas that have yet to be budgeted, funded, planned ormade. City staff have prepared for "no economic growth" in 2010. We are also looking atnumbers from the appraisal offices that would project even more of a tax loss this year,affecting the budgets we have yet to see. If a city can operate on less, why wasn't it? Whatneeds to be provided for even in a downturn? What doesn't ever need to be brought back?Our reputation as a city is at stack in some circumstances; we have to allow for that aswell. Projects that we've started and promised support for cannot be handled the same asprojects that have yet to be begun. It takes vision and passion to balance these difficultdecisions. Council also needs continued support from citizens and groups to know how toact in some of these areas. Like any good household, the city must prioritize and maybesacrifice if we desire to see many of our possibilities and opportunities continue andflourish.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: With Frisco being 60 percent between the ages of 1 and 18, I strongly feel that our mainuncomfortable truth is the youth. The world we live in has come with more temptation andareas to fail. We need to organize better programs to enhance our youth's growth. Ibelieve my age will complement the council and help establish a foundation for the youth’sfuture. It should be our duty to focus on the problems in Frisco and create a road tosuccess for the youth. We need to build more family involved entertainment. We need tobuild this process together so our children’s dreams can come true.

Tony Walsh

Biographical Info:Name: Tony WalshStreet Address: 12403 Concho DrCity/Town: FriscoState: TexasDate of Birth: July 1,1971Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-395-7519Mobile Phone Number: 2143957519Fax Number: 214-483-9226E-mail Address: [email protected]


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Campaign Web Site Address: www.frisco4walsh.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Matriculated for Bachelor of Science in Business Management in Cape Cod,Massachusetts.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: I have lived in Frisco for the last 5 1/2 yrs.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: I have lived in the Dallas area for over 16 yrs.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Business Development and Loan Officer in the Mortgage and Home Equity sector,specializing in facilitating both FHA and conventional loans.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Develop youth skills and citizenship as a basketball coach for the YMCA of Frisco.FriscoAs a coach for the Frisco Baseball and Softball Association, I work with school age childrenand parents to improve the self-esteem and athletic prowess of Frisco's youth. I amintimately involved with the YMCA Princess Guides program, which seeks to prepare youngwomen for roles as future leaders. Supporter and volunteer for the Tackle CancerFoundation.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Frisco Football League-Frisco Texas: Coached young men to playoff positions andsteeled them for the challenges of later athletic and academic challenges. Life Scoutmember of the Boy Scouts of America in Rockland, Massachusetts, and AssistantScoutmaster, improving the situations and opportunities of young men in this community.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: This is my first attempt to serve the people of Frisco.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Campaign funds, like city budgets, must be judiciously assigned to the areas that mostbenefit the people of Frisco. As such, I refused any donations prior to April 1st, so as toavoid elongating the campaign. And more important, I have chosen to accept onlydonations of less than $500 from private individuals. I will not accept corporate funding ofany sort.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: All three are family members who have contributed less than $500.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: 1994, arrested in Massachusetts for a misdemeanor that resulted in a $100 fine.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Frisco faces challenges arising from its growth. The citizens deserve a representative inCity Council Seat 2, who mirrors their values, concerns and life goals. As a financialprofessional, I know the importance of education, a sense of community, and the securityof highly trained emergency response personnel, that Frisco represents. I will use myprofessional background to ensure that the Council acts with these principles in mind.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Frisco's residents expect that the city will provide every family, regardless of social oreconomic status, reasonable and affordable housing. This expectation should not extend tothose who would burden the services of other communities. I underwrite the actionsrequired to fulfill the needs of Frisco's families, but I reject any plans from outside interestswho would benefit from saddling Frisco with unnecessary infrastructure commitments, orincreased taxes. I would stand against incumbents who have demonstrated theirwillingness to acquiesce on these values. Frisco needs more recreational facilities to buildthe minds and bodies of its citizens. A healthy community, in all aspects of the word,begins with this. Frisco has designated funds for parks from developers and its citizen's taxbase. These funds must support projects with all due diligence and speed. Put the Arts ofCollin County project specifics back in front of Frisco voters. They deserve an opportunityto decide whether the revised benefits outweigh the proposed expense. The cost fordeciding this bond issue is limited to the expenses of the public debate and education inCouncil, and the inclusion of the question on a future ballot in a reasonable period of time.But everyone needs to become educated on this project no matter what side you fall onthis issue.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you the


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best choice?A: My incumbent opponent is a professional politician who is tied to the whims and pastfailures of his state party. I am a political outsider, who, when elected, will answer to noone but the citizens of Frisco, regardless of political persuasion or bent, and my ownconscience. My commonsense and conservative approaches to local leadership precludeme from blindly following the directives of a faceless political machine. My personalbusinesses will not benefit in the forms of increased sales, commissions, or advertising as aresult of my public profile. I am motivated purely by my wish to serve the people of Frisco.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Frisco, like other cities, has experienced a decline in its economic fortunes. The goodnews is that sales tax revenues rose in February, after thirteen straight months of decline.This is a step in the correct direction and I applaud the men and women who run thebackbone small businesses of our community who made it possible. Obviously,development equates to growth, and it is among the highest of my priorities. It'scommonsense. It's strong conservative use of the region's economic development funds.It's right for Frisco.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: The 2010 U.S. Census will give the leadership of Frisco the information it needs toconstruct a viable and sustainable infrastructure and lifestyle for all of its residents,regardless of migrating demography. In terms of ethnicity, it is important for the CityCouncil to recognize and respect the issues of minorities, the disadvantaged, and thedisenfranchised. I would call on the Council to use its long arm to reach out to those whoneed the support and assistance of the city, while engendering charitable support fromprivate organizations and individuals. This is the single most important sociologicalundertaking of any governmental body, providing it is done responsibly.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Illegal immigration is a federal issue. While Frisco's emergency response personnel areamong the most highly respected and best trained in the nation, we must...and will...lookto our federal representatives to consider and act upon any threat raised by illegal entry orsettlement to and within the region. The vast burden placed on our economic, health,education and social services has been devastating, and the Council must insist on federalattention to the matter.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Regional transit systems are expensive, disruptive while being constructed, and oftenare associated with increased crime in and around the areas they serve. However,ecological sustainability indicates that we must arrive at a cost-efficient and low impactsolution for commuters who will use the system as it is intended. At this time of economicuncertainty, the negatives seem to outweigh the positives, and I would support tabling anysuch proposal until the economic, social, security, and environmental impacts on Frisco areindependently assessed.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Again, the Arts of Collin County Project remains a potentially beneficial undertaking forseveral area communities. As I outlined previously, I would put the question before ourcitizens. If they support further cooperation, the Council should appoint a representativewho "owns" the project information and acts as the liaison to the Council on all associatedmatters. Additionally, the region should work cooperatively through established and newbodies to attract new business and development.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: This question requires intimate knowledge of the city budget, and deserves more thanthe subjective analysis and proposed action plans offered by career politicians. On thesurface, Frisco's city services are well managed by the city's employees and vendors.There is always room for improvement, though, and I would work through Council tocreate review committees that are both independent and well informed, to makerecommendations to our body.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-present


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need to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Frisco's budget for Fiscal Year 2010 is on track to be balanced. This is a positiveattribute of our city's ability to weather the economic downturn and keep its collectivefinancial head in terms of expenditures. Our city infrastructure department heads are to becommended.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Frisco is not in a financial or sociological position to accept criminals, burdens onentitlement programs, or new and unnecessary pressures on its infrastructure, as a resultof accepting new residents from other cities' low-income housing and work releaseprograms. It's unfortunate, but it's factual; Frisco, like other growing cities, must first takecompassionate care of its own, before addressing those of other cities.

Frisco City Council, Place 4Description: Note: All Frisco residents may vote in this race.


Jim Joyner

Biographical Info:Name: Dr. Jim JoynerStreet Address: 9950 Little Horn CircleCity/Town: FriscoState: TexasDate of Birth: April 18, 1955Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-770-8529Home Phone Number: 972-529-2082Mobile Phone Number: 214-770-8529E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: joyner4frisco.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Graduated from Plano High with Honors in 1973. Attended Texas A&M seeking a dualdegree in Marine Biology/Zoology. Applied to Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in1975, accepted the same year. Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine in 1978 (MagnaCum Laude). Graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine with a D.V.M.(Cum Laude)1979. Member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society, and Phi Zeta honor society.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: My wife and I moved from Carrollton to Frisco in 1992, and have lived herecontinuously since then.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: I have lived in the North Dallas Region (Plano, Carrollton, Frisco) since 1969.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and founder and former owner of Carrollton West PetHospital. Currently I am semi-retired, working as a Relief (fill in) Veterinarian in Frisco.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Currently I am a member of the Heritage Association of Frisco, Frisco Citizens on Patrol,Board member of the Frisco Library Foundation, and member of the Board of Trustees ofThe Museum Of American Railroads. I also serve on the Arts of Collin County Advisorycommittee.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Please see my full list of civic activities on my Website at joyner4frisco.com. Summary:COMMITTEES: Hike & Bike masterplan, Parks and Rec. Masterplan, Library Facilities MasterPlan, Frisco Economic Committee, Frisco Youth Net ( one of the founders), CLUBS:FriscoRotary Club, Frisco Republicans Mens Club, and Denton County Frisco Republican MensClub before it was combined. CLASSES: Frisco Citizens Police Academy Class 13;Leadership Frisco 2002-2003. PRIVATE BOARDS: Frisco Community Theater Vice President.CITY BOARDS: Appointed by the Frisco City Council to the Frisco Community DevelopmentCorporation Board (CDC) in 2000, elected Vice Chairman on the CDC in 2000, elected asChairman of the CDC in 2001 and again in 2002. BOND COMMITTEE: Appointed to the 2002Frisco Bond Committee by City Council. Elected as Chairman of the Bond Committee bymy Peers. Helped start, and was elected as the Chairman of the "For Frisco Bonds 02" PAC.All bonds passed with high percentages.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:


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A: Elected to Frisco City Council Place 5 in 2003. Re-elected to Frisco City Council Place 5in 2005. Frisco Mayor Pro Tem 2007-2008.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I pretty much self funded my past elections, but that is not an option this time arounddue to the costs and complexities of elections in Frisco Today. I started with $4444.31 fromby own bank account, and have to date raised $1000.00 dollars.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Dr. Jim Joyner Sam RoachQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Experience! As you can see my involvement in Frisco has been long term and varied. Iam ready to hit the ground running in these trying times. With the dirth of experience withmany of the current Council, not just on the job, but also with the history of Frisco and hercitizens, I felt it was time to get re-engaged. I feel there is a serious lack of visioncurrently with some Council members. I was on Council during the years of our rapidgrowth, and in those good times we stressed fiscal conservatism, giving our citizens one ofthe lowest tax rates in the North Texas region. This experience, and understanding, ofspending taxpayers money in ways to gain meaningful returns for our citizens will serveour citizens well in this trying economy. Many would like to make this election just aboutthe Arts of Collin County, but I feel that the ACC issue is just a symptom of the current lackof vision by some on this Council.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: First, we need to continue to put pressure on TxDOT to complete our vital statecontrolled roads within our city. We have waited entirely too long to see Main to Custer,Preston from Main to the north Frisco boundry, and 423, completed. These roads are notjust important to Frisco, but also the surrounding cities and region. For a state that has "billions in surplus" at election time, why is there no money for vital regional roads?Secondly, I would like to see the issue of when to proceed with the Arts of Collin Countydiscussed and resolved. The 23% savings that would be realized in the current buildingeconomy needs to be weighed against the situation of our cities financial health, and ourcitizens desires, and the timetables of our partner cities. The bonds that were approved in2002 would need to be sold, but the additional M&O would not come into play for almostthree years during construction. Third, I would stress the need to be proactive in seekingcorporate development in Frisco. We need to support our EDC and NTEC in their endevorsto attract and grow strong corporate businesses so we may continue our low tax rates forour citizens. We must also continue to attract sustainable small businesses and homebuilders, so that our momentum does not wither and die, leaving Frisco in the back waterwhen our local economy reenergizes. In other words, I feel we need to get the vision back!The funding for the EDC is from sales tax of course, but NTEC is a budgetary issue that weneed to explore.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: For the most part, experience and vision. At this critical time in this country we needthe most experienced people in Government that we can find. We need vision on theCouncil to continue the remarkable growth and development that has been a hallmark ofFrisco for the last decade.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: While on the Council previously, we worked hard to attract quality sustainabledevelopments, and a strong corporate tax base. We must continue to attract qualitycorporations and businesses that add to our tax base, which in turn keeps our tax rate oneof the lowest in the North Texas Region. This must continue to be one of our top prioritiesas it has been in our past.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Frisco is becoming a much more diverse community then it has been in the past. Weneed to continue the support for our growing senior population. We have built a new seniorcenter with one expansion already, and another planned in the near future. We now have


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growing populations of many diverse cultures, and the city must recognize the needs of ourchanging demographics. We have discussed a multicultural committee in the past, and nowwe need to see that through to inception.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: The Frisco Police Department has attempted to be diligent in this matter, but withoutmuch luck. Claims of profiling and illegal searches hamper gaining information on illegalaliens in Frisco. Those that have been caught were more time then not, refused by I.C.E.and reccommended for release unless a major criminal. We, as city leadership, need to getinvolved in working with I.C.E. to get more cooperation for our P.D. Catching those whobreak our laws, only to be told to let them go seems like a terrific waste of our officerstime. The state and federal agencies need to do their jobs after our police officers dotheirs!Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: With regional mobility being one of the metroplex's most pressing problems, a regionaltransit system may be the only answer to our traffic woes. We have been investigatingcommuter rail from Frisco to join in with Dart's light rail, but the cost of 30-50 milliondollars per mile is staggering. We must work together as a region to solve our trafficproblems. Toll roads everywhere we turn is not the answer for our over taxed citizens.While on Council, we joined and helped fund a multi-city study into the feasibility of usingthe BNSF right of ways for commuter rail. We must continue looking into this system so asto be ready to take advantage of the improvement in our economy.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Traffic studies, road construction priority discussions, regional rail and airport issues,water sources and usage, and many other issues are currently discussed by the NTCOG,Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition, and the North Texas Municipal Water District. Frisconeeds to continue active participation in all of these, and other organizations. We mustremember that this is not just about Frisco, but the entire North Texas Region. Thedevelopment and success of the region greatly impacts the success of Frisco.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: For the most part, yes. There is always room for improvement, which we continue topursue. For example, we have lowered our garbage rates by using competitive bidding onresidential, commercial, and construction waste separately to allow one company to comein low on one, and another to deliver the lowest bid on another aspect of refuse collection.We found that lumping the three types together was getting us higher bids. Also, thedevelopment of single stream recycling has lowered our land fill costs by over $500,000.Developing our own vehicle service center has saved us time and money when servicingthe large number of city vehicles and equipment. I think that the current take or paysystem used by NTMWD needs to be looked at and revamped, thus allowing cities to payfor what they use and not guess how much they will need at the beginning of the contractyear.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Our City Manager and his staff have always been strong fiscal conservatives, and veryconservative in their revenue and budget projections. This has served us well in the past,but never more so than in the last 2 years. A strong general fund reserve, and prudentspending have helped Frisco to have one of the lowest tax rates and strongest economiesduring these tough times. With hiring freezes, mandatory department budget cuts, andstreamlined management our management team was able to offer a flat tax, balancedbudget. The City Council, however, did vote in a 1.5 cent tax increase for the next taxyear. I attended the budget meetings where this was discussed, and their reasoning wasthat there could be too much differed maintenance and program interruptions possiblewithout a slight increase.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Frisco is changing, and it is getting harder and harder to maintain that small town feelthat we have grown used to over the years. Frisco, like most other cities in the country,must tighten its belt and monitor spending closely until our economy rebounds. The goodnews is that Frisco was not hit nearly as hard as most of the metroplex and country, andwe are already seeing some signs of recovery. Our sales tax receipts are up for the last 2months, there are several commercial developments recently underway, and housing


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starts are starting to come back locally. Almost 70 out of every 100 new jobs are in Texas,and that bodes well for our state and city. But we are not out of the woods yet, and thuscharges for so services might have to go up, and some services cut back for a short period.

John Keating

Biographical Info:Name: JOHN KEATINGStreet Address: 4932 Shoreline DriveCity/Town: FriscoState: TXDate of Birth: 09/24/1963Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-587-0827Home Phone Number: 214-587-0827Mobile Phone Number: 214-587-0827Fax Number: 214-872-3621E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.Keating4Frisco.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Bachelor of Science, Mass Communication, Towson University, Maryland Associate inApplied Science, Criminal Justice, Central Texas College, Texas Graduate of US ArmyAdvanced Foreign Counterintelligence Training CourseQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 11 years, since May 1999Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am a real estate investor and financial services consultant, providing private assetmanagement for my existing clients. I developed group benefit packages and executiveplanning strategies for tech start-ups. I was very fortunate to enjoy a good deal ofbusiness success a few years back and that has freed me up to dedicate more time to myfamily and community. If elected, I would be able to focus full-time for the citizens ofFrisco!Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: As the father of two boys (ages 9 & 12) and as a small business owner I share the samevalues as a majority of people who live in Frisco. My two sons participate in Frisco sports,attend Frisco schools and rely on fellow citizens and city officials to keep them safe. I havea record of serving the community in such roles as President of the Starwood HomeOwners Association, Silent Auction Chair and VP of Fundraising for the Spears PTA, and asa member of Leadership Frisco Class 13. Through my military, business and communityexperience, I've learned that taking decisive action and getting things done within aframework built upon integrity, honesty and transparency is essential.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I am a decorated 13-year US Army combat veteran. While having the priviledge towear our nation's uniform, I received the best leadership training in the world. I served asa counterintelligence agent and was active in Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Ialso led deployments of counterintelligence personnel throughout three continents toevaluate special operations forces training. I know what it takes to lead a team, motivateindividuals, make a decision and take responsibility.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: None.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I am not accepting any monies form PAC's or special interests. There's already toomany issues with our elected officials in DC and Austin, catering to the loudest voive andthe thickest wallet. Enough! Can we at least count on our local officials to set a betterexample?


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Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: As an active member of the community, I have seen and heard first-hand the issuesconcerning the average Frisco homeowner and believe I share the same values as thefamilies who live here. I see issues presented to the council that affect the families of ourcommunity and the dissension that has risen among members of the council. I believe cityleaders should be working together for the benefit of everyone who lives in Frisco, notsimply those with special interests. I am a self-made man, living the American Dream andleading a purpose-driven life. I bring a balance of experience as a soldier, a businessman,a husband and father, and as a community leader.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: What brings people to Frisco? Residents move here for the business opportunities, greatschools and low taxes. Why are we raising taxes in a recession? From 2003 to 2008, thecity tax rate went up 35%. Last year, by a 4-3 vote, the city council raised our tax rate. Soin good times they raise our taxes, and in bad times they raise our taxes! When are theynot going to raise our taxes? In the very near future, the federal government will beraising taxes again. We’re being nickel and dimed to the point where we soon won’t haveany nickels or dimes. I’m campaigning on fiscal responsibility and priorities. To me, publicsafety is the number one priority for this council; two, our roads and infrastructure; andthree, genuine public-private partnerships. Everything else follows these priorities.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: One of my fellow candidates is pushing the idea of selling a $16.4 million bond, rightnow, or in the very near future, for the Arts of Collin County (ACC) project. It is simply notprudent for the City of Frisco to take on the burden of additional debt at this time. Aslovers of the arts, my family has donated our own money to the project. That was apersonal decision, but I am not prepared to commit millions of tax-payer dollars to theproject without solid proof of significant economic returns to the three-city region. As acouncil member, I am not going to make it compulsory for the good citizens of Frisco tosurrender their hard-earned money right now, during a recession, for a single project thatwill cost Frisco an estimated additional $10 million plus over the next 20 years. Do I wantto see it happen eventually, some day? Quite candidly, yes, I do, but in a recession wemust focus on “necessities” not “niceties”!Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: I would like to see more public-private partnerships like Field House USA. City leadersdid an excellent job acting as a bank, offering the developer a $12.5 million dollar loan anda 20-year lease, without impacting our tax base. The developer pockets the profits fromField House USA, but pays all the maintenance and operating costs, AND makes principaland interest payments to the city. At the end of the lease, the city owns the building andthe dirt underneath! We can help Frisco prosper over the long-term by keeping taxes lowand allowing people to keep more of their own money, to spend on and invest in localbusinesses.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Frisco is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. From 1990 to 2000, Frisco’spopulation grew by 500%! It tripled from 2000 to 2010, and is expected to triple againover the next 15 years. One of my concerns is clustered Section 8 Housing in Frisco. Evenif only 20% of a clustered development is Section 8, who would want to live in the other80%? Then, who’s going to want to live in the neighborhood next to the Section 8 Housing,and then who’s going to want to live in that part of the city? We’ve seen it happen in toomany other urban and suburban areas. A hand up has become a hand out! We need tostem the tide now!Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: This is a federal issue and the federal government has failed. What's in doubt is whether


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the current administration has the will to properly address and fix the issue. Withoutborders, we have no country, language, identity, or culture. I am against any policy toconvert Frisco into a "sanctuary city."Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Not at this time. Economically, we can't afford another tax rate increase. Plano spentabout $600-$700 million on DART and 99% of Plano doesn't use it! Recent estimates (andthey vary...) indicate it will cost $230 million for Frisco to be part of any regional railsystem. Where in the world is a city with a $76 million M&O budget going to come up with$230 million ever over the next ten to twenty years?Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: The city keeps .02 cents from the 8.25% sales tax. .01 cent goes into the General Fundand a half cent goes to the CDC and the other half cent goes to the EDC. The EDC(Economic Development Corporation) is charged with bringing in new business to thecommunity. We need to continue to fund and encourage our EDC to attract more Fortune500 companies to Frisco, and seek out international companies ready to expand theirborders and client base in the US. Frisco also has a core of small-business enterprisessupporting the both sides of Frisco's economic bell curve, with both entry-level andexecutive-level opportunities. What brings people to Frisco? Business opportunities, greatschools and low taxes.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: 45% of our budget is for public safety. 141 Frisco police officers, Frisco's finest, serveand protect 109,000 Frisco citizens! We have one of the best police forces in the country!The Frisco fire department, Frisco's bravest, protects property and saves lives and is ratedas one of the 45 best fire departments in the country! This means lower homeowner'sinsurance costs for all of us. Are our police and fire departments up to the task? Absolutely!Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The good thing the current leadership has done is not issue any bonds last year. .21cents of our .465 cent per $100 of assessed value goes to debt service. More debt means ahigher tax rate. The bad thing they've done is raise the tax rate by almost 2% by a vote of4-3. In good times they raised the taxes 35% and in bad times, during a recession, theyraised taxes again!Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Frisco will be built-out in 15 to 20 years. We won’t have the revenue streams we havenow. The 2002 and 2006 bond packages created a lot of debt. We don't have the explosivegrowth today we had in the past. We have about $100 million in voter-approved bonds. Wemust be proactive, not reactive. We need to prioritize our spending or face another taxrate hike of 35% or more over the next several years! It's more dangerous to say "yes" toeverything than to say "no." If elected, I am saying no to new debt and no to new taxesfor at least the first 12 months I am on city council.

Garland City Council, Place 5Description: Note: Only Garland residents living in Place 5 may vote in this race. Clickhere to find your district.


David McNeely

Biographical Info:Name: David Allen McNeelyStreet Address: 1214 Mayfield Ave.


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City/Town: GarlandState: TexasDate of Birth: 5/18/1975Mobile Phone Number: 469-422-4284E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: I graduated from South Garland High School in 1995, and then graduated from TheUniversity of Texas at Dallas with my B.A. in Political Science in 2009.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: Aside from my time in the United States Navy, I have lived in Garland my entire lifewith a total of 10yrs in my district.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: I have lived in my district for 10 years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: My wife and I both work full time. She is employed by Baylor Medical Center of Garlandand I am employed by Dallas County.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I volunteer at my children’s schools and at our church. I have applied to serve on cityboards but have, to date, not been selected for anything.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I have volunteered my time working as a case worker at my church providingassistance to families in need. I have also volunteered at Southgate Elementary schooltutoring children in grades 3-5 in the areas of Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have raised approximately five-thousand to date for my campaign.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Garland Firefighters Association The Garland Automotive Business Association The LakeCities Association of RealtorsQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: Other than a misdemeanor incident 12 years ago that was dismissed, I have neverbeen involved in any other criminal proceedings or civil suits.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for city council because I am a concerned resident of South Garland and Idon’t think that we are being adequately represented at this time. We are not beingheard. I don’t see many positive changes coming from the existing city council and thecurrent first-term city councilmember from District 5 is not a vocal proponent for SouthGarland. As the city councilmember from District 5, I will focus on substantial andsustainable economic development in South Garland, working to ensure that public safetyremains a top priority in our city and neighborhoods, working for open and transparentgovernment, and improving basic city services and amenities for our citizens. SouthGarland used to be a great place to live and it is filled with wonderful people, bothestablished citizens who have lived here for years and younger families trying to carve outa nice safe place to raise their children; but South Garland needs new life breathed backinto it, and that can only be accomplished with the city taking an active and prolonged leadin the revitalization process. What is good for South Garland is good for Garland as awhole.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Substantial and sustainable economic development followed by greater governmenttransparency to increase interaction between the citizen and businesses with the citycouncil, and lastly, provide a proactive stance regarding public safety and city services aremy top priorities. The city needs to work with the Chamber of Commerce to do whatever ittakes to incentivize businesses to open up in South Garland. With quality stores and shopscome jobs, increased quality of life, and pride in community. I want to see a greaterpresence of law enforcement in South Garland, I want to increase programs aimed atallowing citizens to interact with our police officers and fire department personnel and Iwant citizens, my neighbors, to know that the city is listening to them when it comes tocleaning up the areas around their neighborhoods.


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Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I would be much more proactive working with the citizens of District 5 than thefirst-term incumbent who does not appear to be a very vocal leader on the City Council ora very vocal proponent for South Garland.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Commercial development ranks very high on my list. Public safety is number one. Inorder to increase economic development and neighborhood prosperity in South Garland weneed to actively pursue business that the community will invest their time and money in. Ithink our city as a whole needs to be more involved in hearing from the community aboutwhat types of businesses to aggressively pursue.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: I think that Garland is experiencing the same type of demographic changes that ourneighboring cities are experiencing, a boom in diversity. With that in mind, I feel that it isincumbent upon the city to recognize this and be proactive by embracing the diversity ofthe city when it comes to responding to the established members of our community as wellas welcoming new residents to the city.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: We need to enforce immigration laws and provide our police department with thepersonnel needed to do their job in this area while also recognizing that police officers arenot immigration agents.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I am in favor of it, I use it every day to travel from Garland to Downtown Dallas. Weneed to work interactively with neighboring cities to produce a universal vision orexpectation of a transit system that would be financially beneficial and cost effective, whileproviding a valuable service to the people.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: We could all benefit from greater cooperation, be it neighboring cities or counties. As forme, I would do everything I could to foster such cooperation and consensus-building whilealso respecting the right of individual cities and their leaders to do what they feel is bestfor their communities.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: There is always room for improvement however, I am currently reviewing the cost andaccountability of service each department provides. When elected I will work to determineif the Citizens of Garland are receiving these services in the most cost-effective manner.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: I think they have done a modestly descent job of weathering the economic downturn,but have made some very poor decisions along the way; like my opponent and other citycouncil members voting to giving over $100,000 of incentive bonuses to top city officialsand department heads while cutting pay for rank and file city employees, including policeand fire pay as well as forcing furlough days. This is not consistent with my idea of fiscalresponsibility. In our current economic downturn where people are struggling to keep theirjobs and their homes, we should be more prudent in our application of financial resources.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: The City of Garland has built a Day Labor facility funded by the tax payers that I feelneeds additional oversight. I would like to see that every laborer has a current and validstate or government identification card. I support our documented workers. Immigrationis a very salient topic that we have to address. Illegal immigration presents several issuesthat must be addressed such as contributing to a higher crime rate as well as nationalsecurity concerns.

John D. Willis


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Biographical Info:Name: John D. WillisStreet Address: 2116 Patricia LaneCity/Town: GarlandState: TexasDate of Birth: June 8, 1965Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-278-7722Home Phone Number: 972-278-7711Mobile Phone Number: 972-965-9707Fax Number: 972-278-7722E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.electjohnwillis.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: I received my BA in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1988.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: I was born and raised in Garland. It’s always been my home.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: My home has always been in District 5, except for the eight years I lived just north ofMiller Road, in District 8.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I own and manage a small family residential rental property business.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I currently serve on the Garland City Council, District 5.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I served on the Garland Board of Adjustment from 2006 through 2008, when I resignedto run for City Council. In 2006 I volunteered countless hours with Let Us Vote, whichfought to hold elections that were illegally canceled. Before I came to council, I workedwith realtors, tenants, landlords, and city staff to reform the single-family rentalordinance. This ordinance has since been used by other cities across the state.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I ran for and won the District 5 seat on the Garland City Council in 2008.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $1,894.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: The majority of my contributions are under $50.00. My campaign finance reports can befound on my web site at www.electjohnwillis.com.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I have never been involved in any criminal proceedings. The only civil action I havebeen involved in was when it was the only remaining option to recover medical damagesfrom a driver who hit my wife’s car.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Elected officials should be accessible and responsive to the people who elected them. Ihave been that type of council member for two years. Being involved in home renovationsfor over 20 years, it seems I’ve always been working on neighborhood vitality in Garland.Combining this with my economics degree, Board of Adjustment service, and currentservice as a council member, gives me a unique perspective on important issues affectingpeople, neighborhoods, and all of Garland. I've helped existing companies stay and expandin Garland, and also helped bring in new companies, resulting in new jobs for Garlandresidents. I've helped neighborhoods by improving access to grants which fund neededneighborhood projects. I've attended neighborhood and crime watch meetings across thedistrict, bringing neighborhood concerns forward. Revitalizing Garland’s gateway corridorsis also important. These corridors are next to neighborhoods, impact the quality of life forresidents, and create the first impression for new visitors to Garland. I’ve asked city staffto work with commercial property and business owners to clean up important gateways


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into Garland, like South Garland Avenue. This new, comprehensive, pro-active approachhas never before been used in Garland since commercial property maintenance was not apriority in the past. Since I was elected in 2008 there has been a marked improvement inthe appearance of these areas in District 5, resulting in fewer complaints from residentsand a better appearance for the city.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: If re-elected, I will continue to bring businesses and restaurants to District 5 by beingproactive in working with the Garland Economic Development Partnership, helping tomarket the great assets of District 5, and all of Garland. Bringing new businesses andrestaurants to Garland helps lessen the pressure on property taxes by increasing sales taxrevenues. I promise to continue to maintain, as well as strengthen Garland’s Strategy forVital Neighborhoods, which is to improve neighborhoods in District 5 and across Garland.Garland was the first city in the region to move to comprehensive Code Complianceinspections of all single and multi-family residences. As I stated in a previous question, I’veencouraged the city to use the same methods for all commercial properties as well.Maintaining all of Garland’s properties, residential and commercial, is very important sincethere is very little space left for new development. Good property maintenance helpspreserve property values and tax revenues. I will continue to demand increased efficiencyin city operations. Each of these actions will grow the tax base and tax revenues of thecity, which can be used to pay for the initiatives and maintain city services.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My focus is on the citizens and businesses of District 5. I will continue to concentrate onmeeting the needs of District 5. Although I think what goes on in the rest of Garland isimportant, I believe my first responsibility is to make sure that District 5 receives its fairshare of capital projects, including streets and sidewalk repairs. I will continue to bringquality businesses to District 5. I am working with new and existing businesses to ensurethat they are not bogged down in city red tape. I attend District 5 activities, blockparties, and neighborhood association meetings. I like coming early and staying late – thisallows as much time as possible to listen to citizens. I hold community meetings aboutimportant issues, so District 5 citizens and businesses will have direct access to theirelected representative. I recognized the need to provide Garland citizens with theeducational opportunities that are now available through the Garland campus of RichlandCollege. This satellite campus has brought national recognition to the city and strengthensbusinesses by making sure employees are highly trained. I am proud to have supportedthis opportunity from the beginning and continue to look for ways to make it even better. Ihave worked to improve the quality of life in District 5. I look at all city ordinances andpolicies as they relate to the best interests of the entire city. I do not believe in politicalpatronage. Every citizen and business must be treated with respect and given fair andequal access to city departments and elected representatives. I have worked to keeputility rates stable by insisting that funds that are dedicated to utility projects only be usedfor those purposes. This means more utility expenses can be paid for without the need toissue debt. More debt would only mean higher utility or tax rates.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: My focus has been and will be on redevelopment and revitalization of District 5neighborhoods and shopping centers. I am currently working together with city staff,property owners, and developers on important projects in key gateway areas like SouthGarland Avenue and Centerville Marketplace. New restaurants are opening in District 5,and the first of two new Aldi grocery stores in Garland is now open in the district.Commercial development is a challenge in the current economic climate. I will continue towork closely with small and large developers, property owners, city staff, the Chamber ofCommerce, and the Garland Economic Development Partnership so that Garland willcontinue to grow with the economy. District 5 has a great potential for the next successfulconcentration of shopping in Garland.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Although Garland is a culturally diverse city, it has a very rich heritage of citizensworking together for our common good. This attitude is the core of our strength as wemove forward into a bright future for Garland.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?


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A: I favor consistently enforcing existing laws and ordinances already on the books, andcontinuing Garland’s participation in the Criminal Alien Program. I am open to consideringother laws, so long as those actions will not bring expensive lawsuits that the taxpayersmust pay to fight.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I am a strong supporter of regional mobility and transportation; in fact I voted for DARTwhen it was originally proposed. DART’s light rail is important to regional transportationsolutions. The current 635 Service Road Project will create a continuous service road fromCenterville to Shiloh Road. This will create new opportunity for businesses and along withthe completion of the SH 190 Toll Road to I-30, will also relieve traffic congestion on LBJfreeway.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Garland is an important part of the Metroplex. It is the second largest city in DallasCounty, and tenth largest in the state. It is important to create regional partnerships thatmake sense and help the regional economy, and I visit with other local and county officialsabout important issues that are regional in scope. Without regional cooperation, muchneeded road projects wouldn't get done, air quality wouldn't improve, and the quality oflife for everyone in the region would suffer. The Super Bowl coming to North Texas is onlyone example of how regional cooperation benefits everyone.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: The City of Garland effectively delivers high quality service to its citizens andbusinesses. The recent record-breaking snowfall, that resulted in extended power outageselsewhere, caused few problems for Garland Power and Light. I believe it is important tomaintain our electric infrastructure so customers are not left in the dark. Other cities inthe region are still struggling to clean up all the broken trees left by the snow. All thatdebris in Garland was cleaned up in a matter of days, not weeks or months.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The Garland City Council, and senior city staff, recognized early that we had to cut backin order to survive the current economy. Taking steps early meant that during the lastbudget, no city employees lost their jobs and essential city services were maintained. Itis essential that basic infrastructure be maintained, but expensive new projects can bedelayed until the economy improves. It is equally essential that new development andredevelopment opportunities be created so we can keep our local economy strong, andgrowing.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: There are no uncomfortable truths in Garland. We are an open, forward-looking, andproud community, whose citizens enjoy a safe, secure lifestyle in well-establishedneighborhoods. I am proud to live in Garland. I am proud to be a graduate of GarlandHigh School, and proud to live in the neighborhood where I grew up. I decided to live hereafter graduating college because there is no better place to live, work, and raise ourfamily.

Grand Prairie City Council, Place 4Description: Note: Only Grand Prairie residents living in Place 4 may vote in this race.Click here to find your district.


Richard Fregoe

Biographical Info:Name: Richard Fregoe


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Street Address: 2709 Spartacus Dr.City/Town: Grand PrairieState: TexasDate of Birth: 20 January 1936Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972.641.2981Home Phone Number: 972.641.2981Mobile Phone Number: NoneFax Number: 972.641.2069E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: None

Questions:Q: EducationA: B.S. Degree, Florida State University Executive Development Programs *Penn StateUniversity *Notre Dame UniversityQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 20 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 20 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retired Senior Executive, Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: BOD, Grand Prairie Wellness Center – Co-Founder BOD, Grand Prairie Sister Cities –Founder BOD, Grand Prairie United Charities BOD, Grand Prairie Unity Coalition - FounderQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Chairman, BOD Dallas/Ft. Worth Medical Center Grand Prairie Zoning Board of AppealsGrand Prairie ISD After School Program – Co-FounderQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Elected to Grand Prairie City Council, District 4, 1994 – PresentQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Fund raising just underwayQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: Fund raising just underwayQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: It is an honor and a privilege to represent the citizens of Grand Prairie on the CityCouncil. I wish to continue to be a part of the leadership that has excelled in positioningGrand Prairie where it is today, on the verge of greatness. My vast experience ingovernment and business, proven leadership and a results orientation along with long anddeep community involvement make me the best choice.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: I would continue to work to achieve a balanced city budget without city tax rateincreases or significant layoffs. Austerity and even greater creativity are key factors.Commuter rail service for Grand Prairie citizens is of great importance. Change in statelaw allowing a 1% local option sales tax increase is the best revenue source. Expandedhealth care continues to grow and is already funded or supported by fundraising activities.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My proven commitment, vast experience, outstanding results and extensive communityinvolvement make me the right choice.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: This is an ongoing process and to the extent allowed by state law. The city has been andcontinues to be proactive in implementing ordinances and is seeking changes to state lawthat would give the city greater control.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Grand Prairie continues to attract residential and commercial development while


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ensuring supporting infrastructure is keeping pace. I consider this planned growth criticalto the city’s future. I would evaluate the city as doing a very good job.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Growth is evident throughout the city with the heaviest in the southern sector. Theentertainment district (around Lone Star Park) continues to grow and downtown is beingre-vitalized. I like what’s happening.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Enforce the laws that are on the books.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I favor a regional system, but the city cannot be the lone funding source. Federal andstate funding is required. Local option adoption of a 1% sales tax could be the citycontribution (change to state law needed).Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: Better controls over gas drilling. Highway construction (planning and funding).Communication interoperability. I would work to support these efforts.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Improvement must always be the goal. We are constantly seeking better ways to dobusiness and clearly that is the current effort.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Present leadership is doing a good job as evidenced by current balanced budget with nocity tax rate increase or big layoffs. Attracting more businesses and residents must be akey part of our planning as well as continued frugal management.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Balancing the city budget, a challenge every resident and business owner also faces,continues to be a very real challenge. Cut backs on service levels and some services couldbe necessary. We need to work at creating more jobs.

Jeffrey Sodoma

Biographical Info:Name: Jeffrey B. SodomaStreet Address: 2631 Blackstone DriveCity/Town: Grand PrairieState: TexasDate of Birth: December 4, 1975Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 817 917 2210Home Phone Number: 972 606 1956Mobile Phone Number: 817 917 2210E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.myspace.com/jsodoma

Questions:Q: EducationA: University of North Texas, School of Community Service, Denton, TX May 2005: Masterof Public Administration (MPA) Northeastern University, College of BusinessAdministration, Boston, MA May 1998: Bachelor of Science in Business Admin. (BSBA) withmajors in Internationa. Business and Transportation & Logistics University of Wisconsin—Madison Nov 2009: Certificate—Light Rail/Rapid Transit/Commuter Rail: EngineeringFundamentals of Modern Mass Transportation Systems (2.6 CEU/26 PDH)Q: Length of residency in the city:A: I have been blessed to have lived in Grand Prairie for 2 years and 7 months.


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Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: Same.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am an Operations Planner with AECOM, a global architectural, engineering, andconsulting company. We are working with Dallas Area Rapid Transit to expand publictransportation in the 13 Member Cities that DART serves.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Currently, I am the President of the Berkshire Park Association of Homeowners, andhave been elected President three times in a row. I have shepherded the HOA through adifficult transition from builder-based to homeowner-based control system. I have workedwith the City of Grand Prairie in many areas, including code compliance, urban forestry,construction project coordination, and planning and development, as they impact ourcommunity. Working with various stakeholders and homeowners has illuminated manyfacets of the complicated interplay between residents and the City of Grand Prairie.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: 1) Member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). 2)Member of the Urban Management Assistants of North Texas (UMANT). 3) Member of theRiver of Trade Corridor Coalition (ROTCC). 4) Member of the National Model RailroadAssociation (NMRA). 5) Certified Toastmaster by Toastmasters International. 6) Participantin community-level transportation efforts—including numerous Local, State, andFederal-level meetings and informational exchanges related to transportation issues inTexas, including NCTCOG-sponsored meetings on Tower 55, the Southwest Parkway,Future Rail Alternatives for North Texas, SH 161, and others. 7) Independently authored agrant funding request for a non-profit agency in north Fort Worth which would haveallowed for the addition of multiple personnel in order to increase the depth of service tothe local community. 8) Authored the earliest extant system plan (80 page thesis paper)for a light rail startup for the city of Charlotte, NC for service between Charlotte andMooresville, NC.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: In early 2001, I ran for City Council in Fort Worth, to serve the residents of District 4 inthat City. While I did not win that contest, my quest to represent my constituents helpedme to learn many things about the community, the city, the administration of the city, thepublic sector--and public office in general.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Fund raising has begun and will continue for the duration of the campaign. Fund raisinginformation is public record with the City of Grand Prairie.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Fund raising has begun and will continue for the duration of the campaign. Fund raisinginformation is public record with the City of Grand Prairie.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I feel that everything I have done in my life to this point has uniquely qualified me to bethe City Councilman from Grand Prairie for District Four. I am, to borrow the phrase, theright person at the right place to serve at the right time. I will do my best to use myextensive educational, vocational, and social training to serve my constituents--it's assimple as that!Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1) Fight complacency at all levels--amongst citizens, elected officials, and cityadministrators, so that people will stand up and take action on any issue that intereststhem, rather than waiting for "someone else" to take the first step. In other words, helppeople "plug in" to the immense number of resources that are available within the city tohelp them achieve their goals. If everyone is more involved, the City of Grand Prairie willbe the best city in the Metroplex. I seek inclusion of all into the social and economicstructure of the City, and will do my best to utilize underused public and private resourcestoward this end. 2) Increase code compliance activities in the city. This could be paid forby making code compliance inspections more efficient (increasing technology levels so thatCode Compliance Officers were not using paper ticket pads, for instance). This would allowCode Inspectors to actually conduct code inspections and resolve code complaints, ratherthan spend time filling out paperwork. Code compliance is the first step towardsmaintaining the quality of life in our fine city. 3) Push for a more robust public


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transportation network in the city. While I realize funding options are limited for our city,and the region as a whole, and the majority of citizens may not wish to raise their owntaxes to pay for public transportation, the reality is that Grand Prairie can no longer ignorepublic transportation. The two economic engines of the Metroplex are Dallas (served byDART) and Fort Worth, (served by The T). So far, Grand Prairie has not seen the wisdom ofhaving public transport, and neither have Arlington or many of the faster-growingcommunities to the north of Dallas and Fort Worth. While those other cities will experiencetremendous transportation problems over the next few years (Arlington due to CowboysStadium, the northern suburbs due to increasing congestion and unprecedentedconstruction coming in the next 1-7 years), we are in an enviable position to captureeconomic development right here in Grand Prairie. We need to continue this push! The firststep is to remove the anti-public transportation clause in the City Charter that prevents theCity from spending money on public transportation. After that, paying for a system is up tothe citizens of the City.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My opponent has served District 4 well as a multi-term incumbent and has done manygood and honorable things for the city of Grand Prairie. It is good to fondly view theaccomplishments of the past and celebrate the accomplishments of the present. However,there must always be a view towards the future. Citizens of District 4 should vote for mebecause I am the person that is looking toward the future. It is a future full of promise andhope, and my qualifications speak clearly to the fact that I am uniquely qualified to servein this capacity at this time.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: Before committing to an answer for this excellent question, I would have to do moreresearch to determine the extend of city laws dealing with natural gas drilling, extraction,and processing. I would also need a fuller understanding of State and Federal regulationsgoverning this area of economic activity. Natural gas extraction presents a fantasticopportunity for the city, its residents, and businesses operating in the city. Conversely, wemust also understand the social, economic, and all other costs that natural gas extractionimparts on our city. Is the City doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interestsof its citizens? More than likely, no, but they are likely doing the best they can do with theresources at their disposal. If they are not, and if I am elected, I will ensure that the cityDOES do the best job they can--period.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Attracting quality development that benefits our citizens, and my constituents in thecoming years, is a worthy priority for myself, and I suspect will be for the rest of the CityCouncil as well. It is my opinion that the city has done a tremendous job of attractingresidential and commercial development to the city. However, we must now focus onintegrating the city and renewing our commitment to having a Grand Prairie that serves allcitizens as best it can. We must strive to erase the perception amongst some that thereare three "separate" areas of Grand Prairie and that we are all one city, moving forwardinto the 21st century.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: No comment.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: We must remember that there are laws already in place that govern this issue. Illegalimmigrants are breaking a Federal law, having crossed a national border for purposes that,while they may be honorable to some, are, by definition, illegal. The primary responsibilityfor enforcement of these laws should fall to the Federal Government. The City should notencourage, nor should they facilitate, the breaking of these laws, by assisting those whoviolate the laws. To the extent that, in the course of their normal duties, local police forcescan interdict illegal immigrants and facilitate their prosecution by the Federal Government,they should do so. It is my opinion that the City should not conduct "sweeps" for illegals orconduct vehicular checkpoints--again, these types of activities are not in their purview.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Absolutely I favor a seamless regional transit system. First, I will seek the input of my


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constituents to determine their transit needs. Second, I will work with numerous othercitizens of the city, through proper means, to overturn the provision in our City Charterthat prohibits the City from spending money on public transit. Third, if it suits myconstituents and the other citizens of the city, I would convene a series of meetings todetermine what direction the City should take in facilitation of a seamless regional transitsystem. It is my opinion at this time that the City could benefit from "joining forces" withone of the other three public transit agencies in the Metroplex, but if the opportunity aroseto have a locally-based transit system, and that is what the voters want, then let's try it!Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: 1) Economic development--It is my belief that the Metroplex should look pastextremely locally-focused economic development strategies. Single-city metropolitanareas of a similar size to the Metroplex often have singular goals and singular strategies inattracting economic development. In DFW, every city and local government has its ownstrategy, which must be confusing to companies relocating to the area, and I expect thiswide variety of strategies may be detrimental to the area as a whole. Why should GrandPrairie and City X get in a fight to see which city can give away the most economicincentives to attract business? The business will come to the Metroplex anyway, and bothcities are worse for the deal. 2) Transportation issues, as detailed in the previous question.3) Educational issues (school district boundaries vs. city boundaries, number of districts,quality of education in two school districts being drastically different but the districts aregeographically contiguous, etc.).Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: It would be unwise to automatically assume that any unit of government is deliveringservices in the most cost-effective manner. The longer the administration of thatgovernmental unit serves, and the more isolated the administration becomes fromadvances in governmental service delivery, the worse any problems will become. Ifdelivery of city services remains mired in "the ways of the past" and the attitude of cityadministration is not focused on cost-effective, constant, continuous improvement, thenchanges must be made. It would be extremely shortsighted for me to advise on changeshaving not been elected yet. However, one example of concrete improvement in cityservice provision that I have helped create is in the distribution of recycling bins in ourneighborhood. Over 80 homes can now recycle because I thought to question "why" thecity required individual homeowners to go pick up bins at the Animal Shelter, one byone--and asked the recycling people to bring three truckloads of bins to our neighborhood.This saved the city time and money, and helped our residents, too.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The leadership of the City has done fairly well in leading the city through the economicstorm. We don't see massive cutbacks and city service levels or large tax increasesyear-after-year in Grand Prairie, and that is a good thing. However, I have seen noevidence that the City is controlling costs or cutting back on spending levels, but instead isapproving the expenditure of tremendous amounts of capital on numerous items acrossthe entire City. We'll have a new Police Department and a new senior citizen's center soon.We have numerous streets being worked on every day. And the expenditures have notslowed in any appreciable way. We are spending our tax dollars and getting some verynice items in return--however, the questions must be asked: is it in the budget, can thecity really afford it, and can the city afford to operate it in the years to come? I also find itvery strange that a simple road construction project near our neighborhood took monthslonger than originally expected and saw over ten rather major change orders applied tothe contract, resulting in higher costs to the City. What other areas of the administration ofthe City are in need of changes to streamline, operate more efficiently, and effectively? Istechnology being implemented in a integrated manner that will facilitate higher levels ofinter-departmental coordination and effectiveness? If elected, I will, on behalf of myconstituents, work with the City administration to determine the optimum level of servicesthat the City should provide. And I will then seek to balance that against what the City canpay for. The difference between the two necessitates discussion and decision-making withour constituents as far as what level of services they want, and are willing to pay for. Its assimple as that.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Honestly, we all (voters and non-voters) must realize that our City will only be a greatplace to live if they step up to the plate and participate in the life of the City. I fear voterapathy and wonder why, in 2007, the total number of voters in the District 4 election was


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under 1000 people. I fear citizen apathy more than anything else. That feeling is notassuaged by some of the actions that I see people performing in our city each and everyday. I wonder why people litter. I wonder why people vandalize public spaces. I wonderwhy people don't mow their own lawns, or leash their dogs. There are any number ofitems that could be solved in our City if only people would stand up, walk out of theirhouses, and do something. So many people in Grand Prairie do volunteer and do goodthings, but wouldn't it be great if people kept their lawns mowed, picked up litter, leashedtheir dogs, disciplined their children, and generally took responsibility for theirsurroundings, life, and city? We must confront this basic fact: the level of government thatimpacts our lives the most is our local government. We are that government, and we needto stop always asking what the government can do for us. Let's confront apathy in ourcommunity, and get out there and do something to make Grand Prairie a better place forourselves and our kids.

Highland Park Town CouncilDescription: Note: All Highland Park residents may vote in this race.


Andrew Barr

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?


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A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Will C. Beecherl

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, what


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steps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Gail Madden

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -


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Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Larry Nixon

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on such


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issues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Stephen Rogers

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -


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Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Sam C. Tamborello

Biographical Info:Name: Sam C. TamborelloStreet Address: 4637 Southern AvenueCity/Town: Highland ParkState: TexasDate of Birth: February 18, 1967Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (214) 727-8805Home Phone Number: (214) 357-9618Mobile Phone Number: (214) 727-8805Fax Number: n-aE-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.Tamborello.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: St. Thomas High School 1985 - Houston, Texas University of Houston, Economics 1990Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 8 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: n-aQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Private businessman-investingQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: 1. Active grass roots door to door election campaign. The purpose is to talk with thetown's community and to listen to ideas and issues; 2. Active with the town regardingvarious initiatives that range from public safety, finance, and open records.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: 1. Citizen Commendation Award from the Town of Highland Park. The award was forassisting town police in the capture of a serial felon who was robbing homes in the town; 2.Initiated, advocated, and implemented a pedestrian crosswalk at a major townintersection; 3. Advocated the prohibition of hand held cell phone use in school zones; 4.Advocated the mandating of criminal background checks on current administrativeemployees; 5. Advocated the transparency of HP government records; 6. Advocated anehtics policy for our town council; 7. Identified a serial permit violator, along with severalother permit violators that were working in violation of town law; 8. Advocated a smokingordinance that reduced second hand smoke in HP restaurants.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: n-aQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I am self funded. I do not accept campaign contributions because I want to beindependent of any conflicts of interest.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: n-aQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I have never been arrested and/or involved in criminal proceedings.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares you


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to serve in this office?A: I believe that I will be a fresh face to town council, a candidate who advocates a towncouncil free of conflicts and independent thought, a candidate who advocates thetransparency of our town government, and a candidate who is passionate about listeningto the town residents about their ideas and input for the community. And, I enjoy talkingto the town residents on a one on one basis to hear their voice. I believe voters shouldconsider me a most qualified candidate because I am passionate about Highland Park inmany diverse ways. I have been actively involved with the town and the town councilranging from public safety, finance, and governmental functions. I have done what noother current candidate has ever done before, and that is, assist our town's police in thecapture of a serial felon robbing homes in Highland Park. Professionally, I have a degreein economics and have a very good understanding of fiscal responsibility. I understand thefunction of government, finance, and micro and macro economic challenges that may bepresent now and/or in the future. I have actively participated in the town's governement,and most, important, I love to be among the residents to hear their voices and ideas. Ibelieve my personality, social skills, and approachability gives me a significant advantagein this campaign.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. I would mandate a second to none 911 system in our town. I find it surpriaing thatour officers at dispatch have to manually look up some numbers, and, that our 911 systemis outdated. This would be paid for from monies already set aside; 2. I would mandateimmediate criminal background checks on approximately 50 adminstrative employees whohave never been criminally checked by the town since employed. I believe a policy tocheck "new hires" only is a failed policy and bad town management. This would be paid forfrom reserves already set aside. 3. I would mandate the immediate identifying ofbusinesses working in our town in violation of town ordinances.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I believe I represent a fresh new face to town council, a candidate that will beindependent of the "good old boy" network at town hall, a candidate that enjoys to beamong the residents, a candidate that thinks outside of the box, and a candidate thatdesires to technologically advance our town second to none in Texas.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Though residential and commercial development is important, the Town of HighlandPark is relatively a small town. Development in Highland Park is mainly comprised ofresidential development, since space is very limited for commercial areas. Though Iunderstand that some older homes are not economically feasible to redevelop, I dosupport groups such as the Park Cities Preservation Society. Our challenge as a city is tomake sure that historic homes are preserved for future generations to enjoy and notdemolished.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: I believe one area demographically that is changing is the baby boomer generationtaking care of their parents as they age themselves. As a council memeber, I would makesure that the city is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure thesafety of our aging population who are physically impaired.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: If our city or police are confronted with an issue of illegal immigration, I believe theyhave to enforce U.S. law. I think that enforcement should be done with the upmostintegrity and respect to those that are here illegally.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: The Town of Highland Park is relatively small. Any transit system that I would favorwould need serious thought due to the impact on the town and it's environment. I wouldfavor considerable planning, ideas, and input from residents if this issue was favored, andallow the town's residents to vote on any transit system.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: I believe that some issues that the city could benefit from are learning technology


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innovations that are used by other cities to make their towns more efficient, possibly learnfrom those ideas, and study the impact these technolgies would have on our own town.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: In order to determine if our city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers, I would as council member analyze the cost structures of city services todetermine the answer to this question. I think any and all city delivered services needreal-time cost evalaution due to the rapid changes in our world. Some ideas I wouldconsider are: evaluate clean energy for the city's personnel, emergency, and policevehicles and to utilize technology in various areas to lower costs that the town might incuron a daily basis.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: I believe the current leadership needs work with fiscal responsibility. I would as acouncil member implement greater oversight of adminstrative expenses so that taxpayersare not incurring large increases unnecessarily. I beleive this should be evaluated firstbefore passing costs onto taxpayers.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Voters must recognize that our town adminstration and current coucil have failed onessential basics of running our town. A few examples: 1). our town has a dated 911 systemthat should have been replaced years ago. There are some telephone numbers that policehave to mannually look up; 2). the town administrator and the current council have failedto conduct criminal background checks on approximately 50 administrative employees.These are basic and essential items for any town. It would put doubt into a voter's mind asto the effectiveness of our current town administration and current town council.

Irving City Council, Place 1Description: Note: Only Irving residents living in Place 1 may vote in this race. Click hereto find your district.


Mike Gallaway

Biographical Info:Name: Michael GallawayStreet Address: 700 Ricker CourtCity/Town: IrvingState: TexasDate of Birth: March 1stWork or Campaign Office Phone Number: (972)251-7030Home Phone Number: (972) 251-7030Mobile Phone Number: (817) 723 3367Fax Number: NoneE-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: Facebook:Gallaway For-Irving

Questions:Q: EducationA: B.S. Business Logistics-Penn State University,Dec. 1987 State College, PA; APICS-CIRMCertification, 2005Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 1 Year 3 MonthsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 1 Year 3 MonthsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Supply Chain Professional & Small Business Owner


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Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: 1.) District Improvement Committee thru Irving ISD 2.) Transportation & InfrastructureCommittee thru Irving Chamber of CommerceQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: 1.) Summer 2009: Volunteered 3 weeks to tutor 3rd & 4th Graders in Math & Reading2.) Spring 2009: Coordinatd a food drive that raised a total of 300 to 400 pounds of foodfor 2 Irving Food BanksQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: None, first time running for public officeQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Funding has been adequate to run a competitive campaign.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: At this time contributions continue to come in and a full reporting of this information willbe made in accordance with state and local regulationsQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No, I have not been involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suitsQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for Office for the following reasons: 1.) I have a desire to serve thecitizens of Irving and give back to the community in which I live 2.) I want to be part ofthe solution that continues to move Irving forward. I respectfully ask for the citizens ofIrving to vote for me based on the following qualifications: 1.) I am a man of integrity andconcern for the community 2.) My concern for the community is demonstrated thru mycommunity service on the District Improvement Committee, Transportation &Infrastructure Committee, Food drive coordinator, and summer math & reading tutor. 3.)Ihave been blessed to work in my degreed field for 22 years, 2.5 of which have been as amanager of others. The leadership, team building, communication and analytical skills thatI have developed during my career will allow me to be an effective advocate for thecitizens of Irving. 4.) I have a vested interest in Irving because I am a residential propertyowner, business owner in the Irving Heritage District, member of the Irving HeritageSociety and I worship God at Hope Fellowship Church in IrvingQ: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: The three actions that I would take are as follows: 1.) I would do my best to bringreconciliation to the city. During my campaign I have noticed that the city of Irving hasbeen divided over a number of heated issues in the last few years. I have started thisprocess during my campaign by bringing people of different beliefs, political parties, andraces together at campaign events. My purpose in doing this is so that we begin to rallyaround the one thing that we all have in common. That one thing is that we care aboutIrving and want to see it move forward. I would seek out and take advantage of similaropportunities as a council member. 2.) Economic Development: I would begin to supportthe Chamber of Commerce in attracting and retaining business in Irving. The final result ofredevelopmet efforts along 183 & in the Heritage District will have a major impact on thebusness community in Irving. I want to make sure that Irving does not become a city thatdrives away business. I want businesses (small & large) to continue to grow in Irvingbecause sales tax revenue from business is one of the key elements to keeping taxes lowfor all residential property owners. 3.) I would look at all of the current redevlopmentprojects to understand how citizen input has been incorporated into the redevelopmentefforts. One of things that I have heard during the campaign is that some citizens feel theydon't have a voice with the city when it comes to redevelopment efforts.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: 1.) The first key difference is my education & Professional experience. 22 years ofworking in my degreed field has allowed me to develop leadership, team building,communication, and analytical skills that will make me an effective servant and advocatefor the citizens of Irving. One other quality that I have developed is the ability tounderstand issues quickly. This is one trait that once again will allow me to be an effectiveservant for the citizens of Irving. 2.)The second key difference is my communityinvolvement. I would ask voters to focus on what I have been involved in during the shorttime I have been in Irving as compared to my opponent's lack of community serviceduring the 39 years he has lived in Irving. 3.) The third key difference is that I have avested interest in Irving because I am a residential property owner and small businessowner in the city.


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Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Residential and commercial development rank very high on my list of priorities. Thesetypes of activities are important to any city for a number of reasons (job creation, taxrevenue, etc) and ones that should be encouraged. I believe that Irving thru the Chamberof Commerce has been doing a good job in attracting development to the city but we mustremain diligent in attracting residential & commerical development.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: There are two major issues that the rest of the DFW region should be aware of. The firstis the expected increase in population and the need to be able to move efficiently thru themetroplex. The second is that of affordable housing. When you look at the Irving ISD yousee that there are more single parent families who have a need for affordable housing. Ibelieve Irving is making adequate progess in both of these areas to ensure that it set's thepace for the metroplex.Q: Should the city have single-member district representation? What kind of system, andwhat boundaries, do you think would give citizens the best representation?A: Single member district representation can be an effective strategy as cities grow toensure that citizens still feel connected to local governments. I have seen single memberdistricts work well and I have also seen them not work so well. The key is whether thosewho are elected work together for the good of the entire city.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Work within existing state and federal regulations to address this issue.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: I do have some concerns about the current Irving ordinance that addresses natural gasdrilling. Specifically: a.) Noise Levels: Is 90 decibels an appropriate limit or not? b.)Neighborhood Notice: It appears the ordinance calls for 20 day notice but I would suggestthat it should be 30 or 45 days. c.) Traffic Congestion: I have a major concern aboutwhether the drilling will negatively impact the traffic pattern in the drilling area. Theordinance does call for a traffic plan to be presented to the Council but I believe it shouldbe scrutinized very closely to minimize the impact.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Yes I do favor a seamless regional transit system for two main reasons. The first reasonis that the population of the DFW area is expected to double within the next 10 to 12years. With that in mind we must develop ways to effectively move throughout the DFWarea. The second reason is that this is one thing that is considered by businesses whenthey look at areas to place facilities in. Being part of such a system will only increaseIrving's ability to attract more business. In terms of making this happen I currently serveon the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee thru the Irving Chamber and this is oneof major issues this committee plans on addressing in conjunction with the North TexasCouncil of Governments.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: The other issue that comes to mind is one of air quality. Irving should continue to workwith the North Texas Council of Governments to find solutions for this issue.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: At this point I believe the city is doing their best to operate in a cost effective manner.One evidence of this is the AAA Bond Rating that Irving has. This is not something thathappens if you don't operate in a cost effective manner.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: As a residential property owner I believe the city of Irving has done a good job inweathering the economic storm. Keeping a balanced budget is about making sure that youchoose the right priorities and utilize your resources effectively. I would make sure that thecouncil has as much citizen input as possible to ensure we are choosing the right priorities.I would also make sure all city departments are utilizing new techniques such as lean & sixsigma to ensure effective resource utilization.


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Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: I addressed it in an earlier question and that is one of reconciliation. During mycampaign I have noticed that the city of Irving has been divided over a number of heatedissues in the last few years. We are not always going to agree on every issue but we needto focus on what we have in common to move Irving forward.

Trini Gonzalez

Biographical Info:Name: Trini GonzalezStreet Address: 1316 Balleywood RdCity/Town: IrvingState: TexasDate of Birth: Feb 15,1946Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-707-6380Mobile Phone Number: 214-707-6380Fax Number: 469-442-3914E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: go daddy www trini gonzalez.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: 12 yearsQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 40 years.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 6 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Self employedQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: A 22 year member of Clavary Church, J. Don George is my Pastor The communityasked me to serve and I am answering the call in this election Member of Irving HispanicChamber of CommerceQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I served my country and represented my community when I served in the Air Forcefrom 1964 to 1968 Active member of Calvary Church which does many communityoutreach projects benefitng Irving residents I love to volunteeer to help my chucrh helpthe communityQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: 3,000Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Domingo Garcia Luis Spinola Victor AriasQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running because after having been asked by people in District One , I decided toserve. I have been knocking on doors since this campaign started and I see a great needfor many voiceless citizens in Irving Disrtict One to have a voice on the Council. I want thecitizerns of District One and all Irving residents to be my eyes and ears on the ground andI will be their voice if I am elected to serve on the Council.I have lived a life of service toour country and our community. I want to continue this passion to serve others on the CityCouncil.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: !. Continue the strong economic development plans the City already has in store and tobring more such projects that are going to enhance the quality of life for all Irvingresidents 2.I want to see our whole city infrastucture , meaning all city-owned buildingsand parks to be Wi- Fi 3. I want our City to focus more emphasis and resources to betteraddress the growing homelessness problem in Irving, with a keen eye to helping homelessschool children I will push for them through town hall meetings , getting communitybuy-in and I will work to see our City be creative as possble to look for new funding means


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to pay for these proposalsQ: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The key difference is in my experience living in the heart of South Irving since 1970. Myopponent has only been here just a little over a year. In walking door to door in DistrictOne, I have personally seen the need for a Council person in this Place One District to bebi-lingual. To my knowledge my opponent is not bi-lingual.I am the sole caretaker of a 87year old mother and a 87 year old father that have lived the majority of their lives righthere in Irving. I want to make them proud to know their son is serving the community andtheir longtime neighbors on the Irving City Council.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: As I have stated previously, this is all a part of a good and well thought out, economicdevelopment plan for any City. Irving must do everything we can to protect our Triple ABond Rating. To date , our City has done an outstanding job in protecting this rating thatputs Irving in very elite company compared to other cities Nationwide.I am very proud ofirving for this , and if elected will work with my colleges on the Council to keep Irving soionacilly strong.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: The 2010 Census will tell Irving and all of North Texas that the Latino Comunnity isgrowing by leaps and bounds. If elected I want to build respect bridges amongst all citizensof Irving. Irving has had a motto " Be Kind" for years.I believe our City must do moreoutreach to all segments of our diverse community and encourage them to serve onboards and commission and to volunteer where needed within the City to make Irvingbetter.Q: Should the city have single-member district representation? What kind of system, andwhat boundaries, do you think would give citizens the best representation?A: This is an issue that has already been decided by the courts. I believe we should abideby the ruling. Of course , I realize that this is a historic election here in Irving because Iam running in a single member District, Place one .Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: I believe this is a Federal issue and the Federal government ought to give all of Americasome solutions to this situation.On the local level I believe our Police should follow , City,State and Federal laws that exist today.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: I believe as many Town hall meetings as needed should be held all across Irving tobetter educate us all about this natuarl gas drilling. I just believe there are so manyunknowns that alot more educated information has to be deciminate all across Iring beforewe go full steam one way or the other.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I favor a transit system that will have safety as its highest goal. whatever transitsystem we have it has got to transport our love ones and citizens safely.Again, i firmlybelieve that the community has to be intimately involved all the way for the concept stageto the final construction stage of any transit system.Collaboration between all partiesinvolved is the key.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: This whole issue of Health-care is still going to be big going forward for all cities andcommunities. I believe in Public-Private Partnerships. Moving forward Irving as a Cityshould strive to make all Irving residents less dependent on the government and more selfsufficient.This is going to again take a collaborative approach involving all segments ofIrving.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: More centralization of services is already being discusses within the City staff and bymany of the social service providers all across the City. I would like to see some commonplace found and nurtured that would more centralize many city services.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas do


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you have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: I gotta give the current city administration passing marks in this area, economically weare in pretty good shape right now but I believe our city is going to have to generate somenew income streams possibly through more grants and green technology grants just tomention two ways to add to our total economic pie.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: There is still racial and economic division in Irving. We should want all citizens in Irvingto live in safe , clean and affordable neighborhoods and be good neighbors to each other.Ifelected I will be a voice for all citizens of Irving treating each one with respect.

Irving City Council, Place 2Description: Note: All Irving residents may vote in this race.


Roy Santoscoy

Biographical Info:Name: Roy SantoscoyStreet Address: 7729 Pine StreetCity/Town: IrvingState: TXDate of Birth: 2/17/1966Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-929-6700Home Phone Number: 972-556-1994Mobile Phone Number: 214-929-6700Fax Number: 972-579-8038E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.roysantoscoy.comYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/v/l9MEqxjgEjM&hl=en

Questions:Q: EducationA: I am a product of Irving's public schools and a graduate of Irving High School (1984). Isubsequently completed management business courses at North Lake College in Irving.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: I have been a resident of Irving all 44 years of my life.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: Not applicableQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: For two decades, I have been the owner of a small business in South Irving on IrvingBoulevard. My business, Roy's Pawn Shop, Inc., is my primary source of income.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I currently serve as a trustee for Baylor Medical Center at Irving, where I am amember of the finance committee. I am a member of the Irving Downtown Association,the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, and the Irving Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce. At Irving Bible Church, I am a youth leader. I also participate in prisonministry outreach with Bill Glass's Champions for Life.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: My previous involvements include the Irving Convention and Visitors' Bureau vice chair;Tax Increment Finance Board; Irving Planning and Zoning Commission chair; Urban CenterTask Force; and numerous other governmental and community task forces andcommittees.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: This is the first time I have sought public office.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?


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A: To date, supporters have contributed approximately $33,000 directly to my campaign.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Louis Santoscoy Vincent Santoscoy Robert PowerQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I've long wanted to serve Irving on the City Council but needed to wait until my childrenwere a bit older and my business was stable enough to allow me to seek election. I grewup in Irving. I built a business here. My wife and I are raising our family here. I loveIrving. Because of that love, I have contributed more than a decade of volunteer serviceon city and community boards, commissions and tasks forces. Because of the challengesfacing our city today, Irving needs an elected official in the at-large Place 2 position who iscommitted to serving the public good and who can be a consensus builder for our city. I amthe most qualified candidate based on my level of involvement with and commitment toIrving.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: First, I will ask the Irving City Council and all schools serving families in our city to forma task force for the purpose of addressing dropout rates, campus violence and homelessstudents. Second, I will call for a review of the ordinances that affect small businesses;that review would include direct communication with owners to better understand theimpact these ordinances have had on Irving's businesses. Third, I will ask for a completereview of the McDougal project, the downtown redevelopment proposal; this review willinclude the history, the various project plans, and the financing. Any financial agreementswill be transparent. In all three actions, there is no new cost. It simply requires the timeand commitment to make them happen.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I will do the necessary work up front work to build consensus on issues. This issomething that my opponent has been unable accomplish. I will listen respectfully to thepublic and my colleagues and seek solutions, not just vote against issues without offeringalternatives. It's not enough to just show up and cast an opposition vote.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: My service on the Planning and Zoning Commission has shown me the value of smartresidential and commercial development. My service on the Irving Convention and Visitors'Bureau has taught me the importance of strategic promotion and relationship-buildingwithin our corporate community. Development is high on my list of priorities. Irving hasdone a good job and I believe we need to maximize every opportunity to add qualityresidential housing stock and to continue building corporate community.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: The demographic changes happening in Irving are the same as those in cities across ourregion. We are very diverse. The overall population is increasing and aging, which createsunique challenges. The school-age population also is increasing. With growth has comeurban congestion. Irving is aggressively pursuing the redevelopment of its roadways andan expansion of the DART transportation system. I support these actions. In addition, Iwould strengthen the relationship between our city and its schools in order to meet theneeds of our families and their children. Also, I will focus on issues that ensure that senioradults have a high quality of life in Irving.Q: Should the city have single-member district representation? What kind of system, andwhat boundaries, do you think would give citizens the best representation?A: This issue for Irving has been resolved in the federal courts. The time for debate is overand now we need to work together to make this new system successful.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Irving wisely avoided the legal entanglements and expense that Farmers Branch hasincurred. Irving has a form of the criminal alien program (CAP). This program is underreview by the Department of Homeland Security. We do not yet know the results of thatreview. What we do know is that effective policing can be accomplished without racial


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profiling.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: I believe we must review all current natural gas drilling ordinances in order to ensurethe safety of our community. If this review brings to light any concerns, we should adjustour regulations accordingly.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I favor a seamless regional transit system. Irving has always been a leading participantin this effort. I will continue to support sound transportation policies.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: Waste management, environmental concerns and the availability and conservation ofwater all offer opportunities for regional cooperation. I would ask Irving to take thesethree issues as seriously as it has taken regional transportation, which has achievednational recognition. I believe we can develop similar initiatives to successfully addressthese three issues.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: As a councilman, we should always review our service delivery to residents andbusinesses. I look forward to reviewing city services and to bringing my business sense tomaking them better and more cost effective for the people of Irving.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Irving's tax base is such that the economic downturn has not affected it as detrimentallyas most cities in our region. However, we need to continually monitor our tax revenuesand wisely contain costs whenever possible. Now, more than ever, we need to focus onareas of highest priority in order provide necessary infrastructure maintenance.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: There are emerging and sometimes divisive issues in Irving that, if not addressed, willsurely handicap our progress. Our diversity and our location are our strengths. I lookforward to serving in Place 2 at large on the City Council in order to represent all parts ofand all people in Irving. We have an amazing community to promote to our Metroplex, ourregion, our state, our nation and the world. Irving can be an international city that isperfect for both business and family life.

Tom Spink

Biographical Info:Name: Tom SpinkStreet Address: Home: 1319 N. Irving Heights Office: 2311 Texas Drive 1 block north ofHwy 183.City/Town: Home: Irving Office: IrvingState: Home: Texas 75061 Office: Texas 75062Date of Birth: June 7, 1938Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-554-1300 (this # is forwarded to Tom'smobile or home if Tom is not in his office)Home Phone Number: 972-554-1300 (this # is forwarded to Tom's mobile or home ifTom is not in his office)Mobile Phone Number: 972-554-1300 (this # is forwarded to Tom's mobile or home ifhe is not in his office)Fax Number: 972-579-9044E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: thinkspink4irving.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Tom holds multiple degrees from colleges and universities in Arkansas, Kansas, andIllinois, earning degrees in engineering, business and law. Tom worked his way through


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school and managed to excel in both business and school during those years. His businessendeavors have led Tom to achieve special licensing in multiple fields in order to own,manage and succeed in his almost 50 years in the business world. Tom and his wife Lindaare long time Irving residents and make their home in South Irving. Their family is grownmaking them proud grandparents, and they have now filled their home with their goldenretrievers. Some of their Golden Retrievers have been trained as “hospital” ambassadorsto various rehab groups.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: Tom and his wife Linda have lived in south Irving for 21 years. Tom also has hisbusiness offices in south Irving.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: This question is not applicable as Tom is running for an AT LARGE position on the IrvingCity Council where anyone living anywhere in the city can run and EVERYONE in the citycan vote for the candidate in this race. Tom has lived in the city for 21 years and thus isqualified to run in Place 2, AT LARGE. Tom’s previous district, where he had only servedpart of one term, was changed because of the Single Member District Lawsuit filed againstthe City and settled with the plaintiff by a majority vote of the City Council which left Tomout of his previous district by about 100 feet.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Tom and his employees specialize in insuring businesses and individuals for a completerange of coverage. Tom’s belief in diversity is apparent in his staff of multi-ethnic andmulti-generational employees. His reputation in the corporate world is impeccable. Healso serves as a consultant to the boards of several Texas Community Banks.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: In addition to attending City Council meetings and work sessions for the past threeyears, Tom attends many of the city boards and commissions meetings when he is notappointed to them so that he can stay in touch with what is going on in the city and hearcitizens’ concerns. Tom is active in Chamber of Commerce activities such as visiting withcurrent Irving businesses, making personal calls to attract new businesses to Irving. Tom isalways eager to support various IISD sports events with his time and money. Tom andLinda have donated some of their beautiful Golden Retrievers to be “Ambassador’s” withthe Animal Volunteer Group at Baylor where Tom, himself, volunteers to visit criticallyburned children. His work with Prince, the trained canine Ambassador is a particular civichighlight tor Tom. Tom has been financially involved in establishing a trust for mentallychallenged children also. Tom also maintains a professional and personal relationship withmany state and local elected officials to enhance his city council work and his work withcitizens to help solve their problems.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: During Tom’s three years on the City council, he has never missed a Council meetingnor has he missed a Council work session. In addition, Tom has visited personally withover 1,000 constituents on both personal and business related problems and concerns.Tom’s efforts have led to solving most of concerns that caused people to call Tom, throughhis efforts with City staff and others. Some of the efforts to solve problems for citizens areongoing. Tom is a neighborhood volunteer and attends Neighborhood associationmeetings all over the city regularly in addition to his home Neighborhood Group. Tom isalso a 32nd degree Mason and volunteers his time with this group. As many who havecalled on Tom for his help can attest to, volunteering is one of Tom’s greatest joys in life.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Tom’s only previous held office is that of City Councilman in Irving for the past threeyears. Tom ran for Mayor of Irving some years ago and before that ran for U.S. Senatorwhen Lloyd Bentsen stepped down and left that Senate seat open.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Tom has raised $10,000.00. Tom's supporters are the resident citizens of Irving, notUnions or out of town groups, so he has no obligations to anyone except the voters ofIrving.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Carol Wood, Don Rorschach, Mary OwenQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NO! Tom has not been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings. The only civilsuit in which Tom has been involved is the law suit against the City of Irving when thePlaintiff was seeking Single Member Districts and the city, as well as all council members,was named in the suitQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares you


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to serve in this office?A: Tom is running for this office to continue to give the citizens an INDEPENDENT VOICE onthe Irving City Council. Tom has completed almost one term of three years and hasgained knowledge of procedures and needs of the City. Tom’s education combined with hisprofessional experience provide the expertise needed to understand and deal with allaspects of being a successful councilman, including understanding and developingresponsible budgets, awarding contracts, developing personnel policies, establishingappropriate protocol and all other professionally related council responsibilities. Inaddition, because Tom’s children are grown and therefore place no demands on his timeand his work schedule allows him the time needed to spend the time to fully serve thecitizens of Irving; Tom is in the perfect position to serve a second term. Tom is a greatlistener and works to solve problems, over 1000 calls & requests, since his election. Heregularly visits Neighborhood Association meetings to learn what citizens want and whatsupport they need from a council person. He averages over 300 personal visits withcitizens per year, a fact that in itself indicates that he is serving the citizens in a way thatsomeone with young, active children probably could not manage. Tom’s experience onthe council; his relationship with dozens of Neighborhood Groups; his flexible personal andbusiness schedule; his proven ability to take the time and efforts spent on city councilmeetings and other committee meetings; and his attention to citizen and business ownerneeds clearly illustrate his devotion to the city and more importantly to those who workand live in the city.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Tom will work with council members and city staff to create a Safer and more securecity by attaining a Public Protection Code rating for the Irving City fire Department. Tomfeels that progress has been made to arrest and detain criminal illegal aliens, and otherswho participate in criminal activities but that much more work must be done to return ourCity to a safer place. 2. Tom will work for much more Transparency and Honesty at CityHall – Tom feels that it is entirely too difficult for citizens to be heard and to getinformation necessary to participate in the governing of their city. Tom continues to workto restore a televised Citizens’ Forum. Tom continues to work to obtain the third supporterwhich is required to place this item on the agenda for public discussion. Tom continues towork towards more advance placement of items to be discussed at council meetings sothat citizens can become aware and participate if they choose. Tom continues to requestthat the contract process the city uses be scrutinized more vigilantly and that extensionand expansion of contracts should only be done with the utmost due diligence. Tomcontinues to monitor the lack of progress and lack of transparency surrounding theHeritage District project and the Entertainment Venue as well as the tax dollars beinginvested. 3. Balanced Budget - Tom will continue to use his experience, expertise andINDEPENDENT VOICE to insist upon a balanced budget - - Protecting Citizens andBusinesses, especially during tough economic times is essential.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The primary differences are education, experience and work flexibility. Tom holdsmultiple degrees in engineering, business and law, all applicable to running a city the sizeof Irving. Tom has over 40 years of experience in the professional business world, all ofwhich is also applicable to running a city the size of Irving. Tom has experience in raisingmoney, budgeting large sums, working with banks, and understands the law. Tom hasmanaged large staffs of people. In addition to the education and experience, Tom has thetime to devote. It has been said by various council members that being a councilman isjust about a full time job, and Tom because of Tom’s lack of family commitments and hisprofessional position, has the time and the willingness to devote that time to city business.In addition Tom has three years of experience in city council work and responsibilitiesincluding budgeting and the myriad of council challenges as well as thousands of hours oflistening to Neighborhood groups, and concerns and problems of individual citizens andbusiness owners. Tom’s opponent is a young man with young children in the home and heis active in their sports and other activities, which leaves him without the time for CityCouncil that is needed. Tom’s opponent also owns a business which probably will presentconflict of interest in two areas: the Irving Boulevard Redevelopment as well as theHeritage District Redevelopment.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: The city does a good job attracting and developing commercial and residentialdevelopment to North Irving, which is a good thing. Unfortunately, South Irving and the


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western side of Irving along Highway 161 are not developing as they must do in order toprovide additional taxes to the Irving Independent School District. More development isneeded south of Royal Lane in order to provide a larger tax base for both the city and theIrving Independent School District. The city’s efforts and redevelopment of the HeritageDistrict began with lots of promise; however, the past 18 months have seen very littleprogress as promised. The city must observe a more businesslike relationship with theHeritage District developer and press for real progress that meets the expectationspromised by the developer or serious sanctions or charges for failure to make progress.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: The socio-economic demographic has changed and been reduced considerably for thesouthern part of the city where older homes and apartment projects offer less expensivedwelling units. This is not that different from most of the DFW area. Many areas in SouthIrving are genteel havens for senior citizens and provide quality living conditions. The citydeals well with most of these changes. The problem area seems to be an increase invandalism and crime which our police department works diligently to stop. Tom wants tosee “storefront” police location in the Valley Ranch area of Irving replaced to assure quickresponse to Valley Ranch as well as more police patrols and quicker response in HackberryCreek. Tom will strive for quicker response time for police calls throughout the city. Tomalso will work to encourage tougher charges for those criminals who commit crimes inIrving.Q: Should the city have single-member district representation? What kind of system, andwhat boundaries, do you think would give citizens the best representation?A: Irving has a single-member district representation at the current time due to thesettlement of a law suit to force that change. Commenting about what Tom would preferis a non-starter, since the court has adjudicated, required and approved the mapping forsingle-member districts in Irving.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: The police department should continue to enforce the CAP program. Especiallyimportant is getting the violent criminal element of illegal aliens identified andincarcerated. Too many citizens and others are being robbed, raped and abused by theviolent criminal illegal aliens. The police should increase their efforts to locate, identify andincarcerate violent criminals.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: Tom proposes a moratorium on additional drilling until further information can begathered which will answer whether or not the process is detrimental to the citizens ofIrving. Further, he proposes a bond to be obtained by the city to replace the road andproperty damage done by heavy drilling equipment to be sure that damage can bereplaced without the cost consuming the revenue derived from fees, production and taxeson the successful wells which are anticipated to be funds available for budget needs.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Tom favors seamless regional transit system and volunteers to work with a group ofconcerned citizens and elected officials as well as decision makers of all transit systems inthe Metroplex to further the success of a regional transit system.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: Irving could benefit from greater regional cooperation with neighboring cities to insure aregional seamless transit system. Additionally, some biohazard equipment is soexpensive that it neighboring cities could agree to either share the cost of some of thisequipment or one city could own and other cities could in effect pay a “time share” cost forthe equipment so that it would be available when needed for other regional cities.Disaster event training and practice should be a Regional partnership. Without cooperationof all regional cities, a disaster at DFW Airport or any of the regional cities could be amajor trauma for the entire region.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Irving delivers services in a moderately effective manner to taxpayers. Somedepartments such as code enforcement and garbage collection could benefit from costcontainment. As an example, garbage collection could be a once a week service to containand reduce costs. Code enforcement needs to emphasize officer initiatives to encourage


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code officers to be able to write all visible and known code enforcement infractionsimmediately when seen thus making those officers more efficient and increase residentsatisfaction. Code enforcement officers should have immediate method of liaison andresponse with police and animal control to obtain enforcement actions onwrecked/inoperable vehicles and stray animals. An animal control officer should beavailable 24 hours per day seven days a week to apprehend dangerous animals and straysthat frighten and/or threaten residents and tear open garbage bags left at curbs forpick-up. Other initiative in addition to these should be investigated and implemented.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: With sales tax reductions in our city, the city should hold the line on additionalexpenditures to prevent having to increase taxes or fees. One way to cut the budget is togo to a one day a week garbage pick-up. Another is to hold the line on personnel andincreases in pay when many residents in the city are out of work or have taken reducedpay or hours in order to keep working. Job sharing (Six-Sigma) may be a way to cut costsby allowing two people to do one job which would allow personnel to reduce child carecosts and thus allow them to work part time and have more quality time with theirchildren. Out of town garbage hauling vehicles should possibly have to pay a higher fee todump in our City’s dump to off-set the costs of repairing roads that heavy loaded trucksdamage. City street beautification projects should be put on hold until the economystabilizes. All contracts should be re-bid to obtain lower costs based on the currenteconomic climate instead of doing contract add-ons. Consulting contracts should becarefully scrutinized with reduction of costs and consultants being the goal. More workshould be done in-house. A program of contracting retired successful business executivescould be executed at a very low price or for free as community service to substitute forexpensive consultants.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Resident voters must realize that Irving, while more successful than some regionalcities with their budget requirements, does not have an unlimited source of funds forexpenses. Irving must cut all non-essential projects in order to maintain its AAA tax ratingand to keep taxes low. In order to continue to attract new businesses to Irving, we mustprovide lower taxes than some of the neighboring cities. The uncomfortable truth is thatIrving is overextended on the Heritage District redevelopment, based on the currenteconomic climate. Irving’s Council must recognize and adjust to this reality or be forcedto raise taxes and fees to cover the burden of this project, especially if the economicclimate does not improve substantially in the next few months. The longer city taxpayermoney is needed to pay the interest on the $25 million dollar loans, the more expensivethe property gets and the higher the development costs of projects. The city will probablyhave to accept less than the effective cost of the property in order to allow a developmentto be built that will be economically feasible for the area and this will mean that thetaxpayer winds up subsidizing the developments.

Irving City Council, Place 7Description: Note: Only Irving residents living in Place 7 may vote in this race. Click hereto find your district.


Gerald Farris

Biographical Info:Name: Gerald FarrisStreet Address: 1308 Mosswood Ln.City/Town: IrvingState: TXDate of Birth: 07/02/1958


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Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-754-6547Home Phone Number: 972-554-1810Mobile Phone Number: 972-754-6547E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.geraldfarris.net

Questions:Q: EducationA: Attended IISD schools: Barton, Crockett, Irving High. Attended both the Tarrant andDallas County College systems with an Associates Degree from North Lake in Irving, 1995.Attended UTA as a part time chemistry major 1995 to 1997.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: Resided in Irving over 40 years total including the first 20 years of my life and the last16 years. Have always resided in Dallas or Tarrant Counties.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 16 years (as presently drawn)Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Regulatory Manager for a local paint company.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Elected 3 times as president of the Irving Hospital District Neighborhood AssociationQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Serving my 5th year as neighborhood association board member.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I have never sought nor held public office.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: This information will be available on 8th of April.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: This information will be available on 8th of April.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for office quite simply to be a representative of the voters of Irving andPlace 7. My relationship to the voters is basic, fundamental and well grounded inrepresentative government. My experience and heritage with the city is of someone thatgrew up here and emphasizes the basics of a community through neighborhoods, churchand school. My experience as neighborhood president always placed families andcommunity first. Especially emphasizing involvement of children. My work history includesresearch and development as well as regulations at the federal and state level. I have tobe very meticulous and precise conveying safety and hazard information to our customersand with compliance reporting to federal and state agencies. My seven years in researchand development gives me experience as a self-starter and problem solver designing paintproducts to meet the specific application needs of the customer. I paid for all of my ownupper level education and completed most of it while working full time. Prior to my R&Dlab experience, much of my work experience was on the factory floor.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: One item is the 60/40 ordinance amendment 2983 approved on 22 October 2009.Whether I personally believe that this will harm the city or not, many citizens fear that itcould. Therefore, this should be revisited by the council to the reconciliation of our citizensand our faithful restaurateurs. Budget considerations and city staffing. City managementhas done an excellent job maintaining city services on the front lines while in a difficulteconomy. However, behind the scenes I have also heard dissatisfaction from current andformer city employees on the need to address fundamental HR concerns. These concernscould grow more vocal if the city budget has to be tightened. Economic development.Economic development should be promoted through private investors as much as possibleso as to increase the city tax base and maintain the city’s high bond rating. Our primaryfocus in the next few years will be the convention center and adjacent development, statehwy 183 and the downtown Heritage District.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The difference I offer is a fresh perspective. Government will benefit with fresh ideasfrom new members. City government is no different. It is not a matter of pushing people


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out. But instead, it is a matter letting in a new point of view. I will always put what is goodfor the community first. I will always listen to the concerns of constituents.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Commercial development has to rank very high as a priority. As I go out and speak tovoters, this is one of the primary concerns. I am not certain why we cannot attract goodquality retail in the southern part of the city. The northern sectors continue to attract goodcorporate and retail growth. I give the city a mixed review on this matter with need forimprovement.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: When growing up in the 60’s and 70’s we were taught equality. Now we are taughtdemography and our population is measured by statistical differences. I would deal withthat by accentuating what we have in common and less on what we don’t have in common.Q: Should the city have single-member district representation? What kind of system, andwhat boundaries, do you think would give citizens the best representation?A: Even though I am running in a single member district, I will work to serve all thecitizens of Irving. However, district 7 will certainly receive due consideration given theamount of attention North Irving has received in comparison. Whatever preference wehave as individuals, I am opposed to dividing districts down neighborhood streets thathave like problems and concerns.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: The city should continue to address problems from the perspective of a municipality.Strong police and enforced codes will go a long way in benefitting our community.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: If the citizens or other evidence is presented that causes concern, then these issuesshould be reviewed by city staff and the council. I do not know of anyone that would not bein favor of implementing greater protection for our neighborhoods and environment givenevidence and necessity to do so. Some are satisfied that this evidence has alreadyrevealed itself from other surrounding cities. This evidence can certainly be placed into theequation and acted upon at any time.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Irving has paid the price in millions of dollars to DART for the mass transit system wecurrently have. “Seamless” comes with a price. Cities that have not participated wouldcertainly have to pay their fair share to make this happen.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: Water and transportation are always areas for needed cooperation. There are manyothers such as emergency response, crime prevention, etc.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: That is something I will have greater knowledge of once elected. I will make decisionsand support changes that will positively affect efficiency if reasonable.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: As mentioned earlier, current leadership has done a good job to this point. If faced withcuts, priorities would include outside services and consultant contracts. Priorities will alsobe set with input from constituents.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Irving has always been my home and I enjoy living here. I am running for city councilto further advance Irving as a desirable place for families. I will take an approach that willpromote this goal.

Sam C. Smith


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Biographical Info:Name: Sam SmithStreet Address: 1601 Oak Meadows DrCity/Town: IrvingState: TexasDate of Birth: August 12, 1937Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-876-6835Home Phone Number: 972-253-8202Mobile Phone Number: 214-876-6835E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: samsmithplace7.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Attended SMUQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 45 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 45 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retired\InvestmentsQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Irving City Council\ 3 terms\ currently Mayor Pro-Tem City Council Liason to the IrvingConvention and Visitors Bureau & Irving Arts Board Chairman of the City Council'sLegislative Committee and Community Services Committee Member\ City Council Planningand Development Committee Member\Irving Rotary Club (16 yrs); served as ScholarshipChairman for 2 years Member\ Chamber of Commerce Member\ Irving Heritage SocietyLifetime member\ Friends of the LibraryQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Served 6 years| Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors\ Chairman ofthe Board on two different occasions. 2 years on the Irving Schools Foundation Board ofDirectors\ President of the Board First Chairman of the Board of the Irving IndependentSchool District's "Excellence Now" Committee. 4 years on the Greater Irving\Las ColinasChamber of Commerce Board of Directors\ Served as Group Vice Chairman of Marketing.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Served on Irving City Council from 2002-present.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $1,250 plus $1,800.00 personal loan to my campaign.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Carla Smith $1,800.00 K.W. Corry $250.00Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running because I want to continue to serve my city and it's citizens. I am themost qualified candidate becuse of the combination of my business\professionalbackground, my long record of public service in Irving, and the 3 terms I have alreadyserved on the City Council. My business background includes 30 years in the AdvertisingAgency Industry. I served as a Senior Executive with one of the top 25 largest ad agenciesin the U.S. From the ad agency business, I transitioned into the Executive Search businesswhere I owned and operated my own Executive Search firm for 15 years. My client basewas national and my specialty was marketing and advertising searches for major talent.After retirement, I decided to run for our City Council and was electd in 2002. Since then, Ihave run twice more and was re-elected both times. I currently serve as Mayor Pro-Tem.This unique combination of leadershp experience in my professional\business background


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and while on the City Council qualifies me to continue to serve our citizens.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: The three most important actions I will take when elected are as follows: 1. HOLD THELINE ON TAXES! We are approaching a difficult budget process for the upcoming fiscalyear. Revenues are down while basic City needs are on-going. I will work to find solutionsto a balanced budget that does NOT include any tax increase. As I mentioned earlier, theCity Council instructed staff to find ways to reduce the size and cost of government severalyears ago. This process is ongoing. We have reduced payroll while increasing the quality ofbasic city services at the same time. We have consolidated resources and combined inter-departmental responsibilities. At the same time we are opening a new library, a newaquatic center, and a new convention center this year. And, this is being done WITHOUT atax increase! Irving enjoys the lowest property tax rates and the lowest water rates in theMetroplex. When I am re-elected, I will work to see that it stays that way. 2. CONTINUETO STRENGTHEN IRVING'S NEIGHBORHOODS! Since I have been on the City Council, Ihave been a champion of strong neighborhoods and the establishment\support of strongneighborhood associations. I attended Neighborhood Roundtable meetings early in theprocess where we had trouble filling the seats. Now, we are running out of space. I foughtto establish neighborhood grants so that neighborhood associations would have dollars toreinvest into their neighborhoods. Today, I am fighting to get these grant dollars increased.I have been a major voice on the city council to dramatically increase code enforcementefforts because this represents a major tool with which to fight crime. Today, codeenforcement and our Fire\Police Departments work hand-in-hand to clean up our city andreduce crime. As a result today, Irving enjoys the lowest crime rate in our city's history.We still have lots of work to do but we have come a very long way. During the upcomingbudget planning process, I will continue to fight for funding to build strongerneighborhoods, fight crime, and continue to clean up our city. Additionally, I will advocatefor allocation of sufficient financial resources to accelerate the demolition of sub-standard"slum" apartments and work to secure authorization for bond monies to fund the effort. 3.SUPPORT PARKS AND GREEN SPACES! I was very instrumental in pushing through tocompletion the planning and development of so called "pocket" or "neighborhood" parks inIrving, whether it be the "park" at MacArthur and Grauwyler, the "park" at Shady Groveand MacArthur or other pocket parks and alcoves throughout our City. It's good for ourcitizens, it's good for our city's image; and it helps to strengthen neighborhoods, improvelifestyles and fight crime. Just as I have in the past,I will continue to support the growth inthis movement during the budget development process.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The combination of my successful business background, my long record of public servicein Irving, and my three terms on the City Council uniquely qualify me to be re-elected.Long before I decided to run for the important job of City Councilman, I had spent yearslearning about the needs and wants of our City it's problems and opportunities, and theneed and wants of it's citizens. I was fully prepared to step into a City Council seat, withoutmissing a step. I had paid my dues and was ready to go to work!Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: A. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ranked as the highest resident priority in the 2009 IrvingResidential Survey and is one of eight key focus areas in the City's Strategic Plan. WhileIrving is known natinally for its Las Colinas Urban Center, the city has other areas withsignificant economic development potential, including an expanding office\warehousedistrict in its southwest quadrant. Maximizing regional transportation systems, including 5major freeways, the Trinity Railway Express commuter rail line and the under-constructionDART Light Rail Orange Line that will serve as a direct link to DFW International Airport,Love Field and downtown Dallas, is of the utmost priority to Irving. COMMERCIAL:Through it's partnership with the Greater Irving \Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, theCity maximizes resources to achieve impressive results in recruiting and retainingcommercial development and corporate citizens. According to one of the DFW areaslargest commercial real estate brokerage firms, Irving-Las Colinas is rated as one of thetop office market performers during 2009 in the entire Metroplex. Today, nine commercialprojects have been completed and twenty eight others are under construction, including aconvention center, industrial\flex, civic-use, and others. Thirty others are planned forfuture development. New companies having recently selected Irving \Las Colinas includeGKN Aeorspace, PrimeSource Building Products, Universal Technical Institute, MojaveFoods, and AHC Inc. Companies already here which are expanding through increased lease


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space or construction of new facilites include Nokia Siemens Networks, ShermcoIndustries, Dallas Cowboys Merchandising and HMS. RESIDENTIAL: Through our focusedcommitment to improving community standards, corridor enhancements, park, recreationand library amenities and redeveloment initiatives, Irving is cultivating it's reputation asan ideal city for vital, vibrant neighborhoods. In the previous twelve months, Irvingissued building permits for 429 homes, ranging in price from $400,000.00 to$1,400,000.00. These residential developments will enhance the already diverse housingstock in our city.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Irving is a culturally diverse community. The 2000 Census reported Irving's Hispanicpopulation to be at 31%. The 2010 Census is expected to show a significant increase duringthe last ten years. The City is looking forward to receiving new updated information so wecan continue to adapt to it's changing demographics. Irving has implemented multipleinitiatives to foster and embrace a multicultural community and this committment isreflected in our City's Strategic Plan under Goal #5: Promote and Support Diversity in theCommunity. Somoe of these initiatives include: *Cinco de Mayo Multicultural Festival*Dragon Boat Race *Juneteenth Celebration *Martin Luther King event *Islamic CenterOpen House *Irving Fire Department Multicultural outreach coalition. *CommunityFest*Blue Christmas *Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce *Minority and Women OwnedBusiness participation. One demographic that goes relatively unnoticed is the growth inIrving's aging population. We must continue to support our senior citizens. When I amre-elected, I will push to contruct an additional Senior Citizens Center in a location still tobe determined. This can be funded through the activation of bonds already approved bythe Citizens.Q: Should the city have single-member district representation? What kind of system, andwhat boundaries, do you think would give citizens the best representation?A: We already have single-member district representation, I.e. 6 single-member districtseats and 3 at-large seats. The Municipal election of May 8,2010 will be the first election ofthis type ever held in our City. We await the arrival of 2010 Census information which willtell us what revisions should be made to respond to most recent data.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: When it came to illegal immigration solutions at the local level, Irving proved that thebest solutions rarely come from the same old tired models. Instead, we did somethingdifferent and what we did is working. In this case, many wanted us to follow a federalinitiative known s 287(g). This was created by Congress and it authorizes local police to actas federal immigration officers after they have been trained by Federal Immigration andCustoms Enforcement agents. But, strings were attached which included local communitiescontinuing to pay the salaries of the police officers even though they would have beensupervised and controlled by Federal Agents. It also came with many pitfalls, not the leastof which was the caft that police officers acting as immigration officers would causesignificant tensions between our police and a large part of our community. But even worse,this solution was clearly just trying to do more of what was already not working andgetting local communites to pay for it. Irving instead created what we call the 24\7Criminal Alien Program which includes an informative sharing link with ICE that allowsthem to screen prisoners into the Irving jail who cannot be easily identified by eitherfingerprints or a Texas Drivers License. With this program in place, if an illegal immigrantis arrested for violation and discovered they are held accountable. Since it'simplementation, more than 5,000 illegal aliens have been identified and deported. Thissuccess by our Police Department is unprecedented. No other municipality in the UnitedStates can match it. So, Irving found a way to make the federal government more efficientand it didn't cost anything! The Irving 24\7 CAP has been widely copied by other lawenforcement agencies in Texas and has even been formally recognized by U.S.Congressman Pete Sessions. And, Irving was invited to speak at the U.S.\MexicoCongressional Border Issues Conference in Washingto D.C. and our Police Chief hastestified about the program before an Austin Legislative Sub-Committee.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: There are many challenges facing Irving relative to natural gas drilling. These includehow to protect our landowner's rights, clear water and air, and public health. Fullyunderstanding these ever changing issues obligates us to constantly review theeffectiveness of laws that govern the extracting of natural gas. * efforts must be made to


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minimize quality of life impacts on surrounding land uses. * the location of drilling andproduction should be as far away as feasible from residents, hospitals, nursing homes, andschools to help minimize adjacent impacts. * utilities should be buried to encourage wildlifeuse of those lands. In Irving, it is the City Council's responsibility to do everything in itspower to protect our citizens and our environment from environmental problems and weshould consider any necessary oversight provisions and more frequent inspections toensure citizen safety.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: The DFW Metroplex and all of North Texas are dependent upon an effectivetransportation system. As rapid growth continues, our transportation system's limitationsbecome even more acute and they negatively affect the regional mobility of people andgoods, air quality and resident quality of life while threatening our continued economicprosperity. The answer is to create a seamless transit system consisting of multiplemodes of transportation that provides interconnectivity to the entire region. This meansthat local cities, transportation agencies, MPO's and the Congressional legislativedelegation for the entire region work together with a common understanding of priorities,finance methods and projective selection methods. The North Texas region has a numberof entities focused on transportation issues such as Vision North Texas, North Central TexasCouncil of Governments, Regional Transportation Council, Dallas Regional MobilityCoalition, Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition and Partners in Mobility, just to name afew. In order to create a seamless transportation network, it is critical that thisfragmentation of transportation entities be eliminated and a concensus on priorities bereached. We must speak with one voice while also exploring multiple methods offinancing transportation projects. There needs to be more education directed at the publicsector and North Texas residents as well as the region's congressional and legislativedelegations and transit agencies. We should consider public meetings, training workshops,and collateral materials.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: Another issue of potential great benefits to the region is the BNSF Commuter Railproject. One major proglem facing local municipalities is how to pay for aginginfrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population base. North Texans, like otherU.S. areas, have transportation needs that far outreach the capital investment they canabsorb. Although population continues to increase, there is little likelihood of a gas taxincrease and the national transportation bill has not been reauthorized to provide funding.A joint solution is needed requiring collaboration. The Burlington Northern-Santa Fe lineproject represents almost 30 miles of freight rail that cities along the line have beenworking together to include in the commuter rail network. These cities include Irving,Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Hebron, The Colony and Frisco. It is clear that this regionalunity resulted in a push forward to the project. And, although funding sources have yet tobe identified, the concept of innovative financing methods including public\privatepartnerships are being investigated. The benefits of the BNSF project are great, not only tothe cities along the line, but also to the entire region. This would reduce traffic congestion,provide better interconnectivity, reduce gas consumption and allow municipalities tobenefit from commercial development(TOD's)around the stations.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: The City of Irving Water Utilities Department was recently recognized as the bestmunicipal utility in Texas by the Texas Municipal Utility Association for it's leadership,innovation in problem solving, efficiency, and improvement in customer service.Additionally, Irving was also noted as having the lowest rates in North Texas. So, I believeour citizens are receiving a high value at a low cost.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Four years ago, we instructed staff to look at ways to reduce the size of government inorder to become as efficient as possible while remaining effective. And, we havesucceeded. We consolidated responsibilities like combining Code Inspections with the PoliceDepartment yielding the lowest crime rates in Irving's history for the last three years in arow. As we became leaner and more efficient, we were able to continue library hours atnormal hours. We recently signed a contract for electricity that saved the city over$3,500,000.00 a year for the next several years. This innovative cost-cutting mind-set hassaved dollars on fixed costs without impacting the delivery of basic services to ourresidents.


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Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: CHANGE: Irving is at a critical point in it's life cycle. We can accept what we arecurrently and be content with the status quo.... or we can dream of what we can become.Growth, in any form requires change. As Will Rogers once put it... "Even if you're on theright track, if you just stand there, you'll get run over." Through big dreams, Irving hasenjoyed abundant success... but with success comes struggle. This is the time for citizensto continue to work so we can discover and accept those things that will take thiscommunity to the next level and continue to improve the overall quality of life as itimpacts residents, businesses, and our position within the region.

Lewisville City Council, Place 4Description: Note: All Lewisville residents may vote in this race.


Thomas (TJ) Gilmore

Biographical Info:Name: Thomas “TJ” GilmoreStreet Address: 724 Juniper LaneCity/Town: LewisvilleState: TexasDate of Birth: 12/11/1972Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 469-322-9432Mobile Phone Number: 214-649-6076E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.tjgilmore.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: BA Social and Behavioral Science, University of Arizona 1996 Minor in BusinessQ: Length of residency in the city:A: March of 2001. 9 Years.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: March of 2001. 9 Years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Telecommunications Systems Sales- Regional Territory ManagerQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: 2005-Present Lewisville Community Development Block Grant Committee (Vice Chair08-09, Chair 09-10) Graduate 2009 Lewisville Citizen’s Police Academy 2010 – CubmasterPack 233 Lewisville Texas 2010 Relay for Life Advocacy ChairQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: 2003-2004 Irving Texas Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Involved incommunity discussions and feedback regarding Oil and Gas developmentQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: No Previous offices held. Ran for Lewisville City Council Place 4 in 2009.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: In these difficult times fund raising has been limited and can be found on my campaignfilings which are available through the City of Lewisville’s City Secretary’s office.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: My top contributors are individual citizens who believe in fiscally conservative ways ofaddressing Lewisville’s issues without entering into contracts with other governmententities which increase our liability and tax burden.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the most


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qualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I’m running because I believe I offer a positive and exciting vision of what Lewisvillecan be. I’ve put in the time to understand how the city and region operate, I’ve learnedabout my neighbors and citizens, and I’ve done the research on what it will take to growLewisville for my children. My over 5 years of working with approximately $600,000 peryear in city revenues through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)committee have helped me to understand the nuances of our budget. Having to spendseveral weeks per year evaluating and recommending the various civic programs as wellas redevelopment initiatives so those ideas can be presented to the City Council reinforcedmy understanding of how to solve budget challenges on a shoestring. During my term thecouncil has always approved recommendations from the CDBG committee. Myinvolvement with chambers of commerce, local businesses, social service agencies, mychurch, as well as neighborhood initiatives such as oil and gas have given me not just a‘city hall’ point of view but have allowed me to have a broad view of the tapestry thatmakes up our community. As a council member I would be the most open to new ideasthat would be best for Lewisville because of this broad involvement.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: First, would be to have Lewisville be one of the first cities in the state to enact a PACEprogram (Property Assessed Clean Energy) which was approved by the State Legislaturelast year. This State program for municipalities creates self funding incentives for propertyowners to reinvest in their home, raising the property values of Lewisville. It also reducesenergy costs, helping our seniors and fixed income homeowners to reduce their monthlyexpenses. This is at no additional cost to the city. Second, I would review our apartment,condominium, single family, multi family and trailer home zoning, much like the cityrecently did with our Hotel/Motel zoning. I would work with other council members,business owners, developers, and citizens to improve the quality of the developments wehave as well as to set the standards for new developments. This could be coupled withincentives for sustainable building practices which help keep construction dollars local.Third I would look to enact contracting rules that would encourage legal documentedemployment practices with companies that contract with the city. These rules would look toreward companies who voluntarily complied or went ‘above and beyond’ to verifyemployment practices, as well as ensure they haven’t been in violation of labor laws for aperiod of time. This would ensure the city spends its money wisely without the potential oflawsuits and big government contracts. E-Verify, should it become easier for cities to enactis a possibility, however, many State Representatives (including Burt Solomons) will belooking to enact E-Verify state wide, which would keep an even playing field for Lewisvilleand our tax dollars. I believe this issue is best handled through creative local rules, asopposed to going down well trodden paths that have done nothing but cost our neighboringcities millions in legal fees.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: Two of my top thee initiatives focus on property value. My competitor has no actionableplans for improving property values per his website. Dish and Flower Mound Texas areboth facing difficult challenges with oil and gas development. I have given personalfeedback and even had a limited amount of my ideas added to our oil and gas ordinance. Ihave rounded up neighbors to place them in a better position to negotiate leases, and Icontinue to give input on oil and gas development so that our citizens can receive benefitsfrom their mineral leases and that we are treated fairly. We need to ‘Trust and Verify’ thatthe drilling companies will be good corporate stewards of our resources and propertyvalues. My competitor has given virtually no feedback and stated in a council meeting thatwhen he worked for an oil company 29 years ago things were safe enough. This is apotentially divisive issue that needs to have strong council stewardship. Regarding myopponent, I am not a fan of ‘gotcha politics’. Making a mistake or two is only human. Whensomeone continues to perform mistake, after mistake, after mistake, one has to wonder ifthe next mistake won’t cost the city and its citizens their tax dollars. In the grand scheme,not understanding how open meetings work, asking for votes during city business, andfailing to understand tax rules might be small pieces, they add up to a pattern unbecomingof a public office holder and can impact our relations with developers, other cities, andeven our citizens. All of the above actions of my opponent are well documented and theonly response has been to misstate his liability on his web site, and claim he was jokingabout government transparency. My opponent and I are no different in our belief in theend game of illegal immigration: we both want a safe and prosperous Lewisville forCitizens. The difference is how we get there. My opponent’s only documented actionable


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items are E-Verify, which will be done at a state level, and the 287(g) program which ourpolice and even local immigration officials have said are not as effective for Lewisville asour CAP and Ice ACCESS programs. He claims that we should have one immigrationtrained office like we have one Drug Enforcement Agency officer. A simple conversationwith officers in the city has pointed out that since all arrests are run through animmigration check at the jail, it would only increase response times and put more work onour police officers to run those checks from their cars.Q: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: Lewisville is only beginning to have drilling, we have one well which is not producing asexpected and we have two pending drill sites. Our existing ordinance could bestrengthened in two ways; the first would be to require emission free drilling as is done inColorado. This could be counterbalanced with a reduction or a payback of businesspersonal property taxation so as to not be onerous. We make gasoline stations abide by azero emissions policy, it only makes sense for a drill site. We could also explore escrowingfrac fluid during the process. This would keep a record should any of Lewisville’s watersupplies be tainted, but could only be analyzed if there is a court finding that there is waterpollution. This would protect the intellectual property of the drilling companies because thesamples would remain sealed and would be returned after a period of time, say 10 years.We also need to determine if we should allow centralized fluid storage facilities like the onebeing proposed for Flower Mound.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Property development and redevelopment are central to my beliefs in a prosperousLewisville. Unfortunately I-35 redevelopment is hindering our major business corridor. Iplan to continue to give input at public forums and would be working with city staff andbusiness owners to help those impacted by the development. Lewisville’s EconomicDevelopment Department has done an excellent job developing plans for Old Town, thenew Light Rail Stations, Mill Avenue, the Arts District and even a proposed Lewisville Lakedevelopment. These are great ideas but the city needs developers to make it happen. Ibelieve we’ve laid the foundation but it is now up to our city leaders to lead the charge andattract developers with updated ordinances that encourage sustainable building methods.We need to change our energy ordinances to encourage wind and solar usage. As acouncilman my career as a sales professional makes me uniquely qualified to build theseworking relationships.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: There are 3 demographic changes that will significantly impact Lewisville: 1- Thecontinued influx of citizens of various ethnicities. Lewisville has a rich and diverse history;we need to ensure that we work with this community. I’d like to see more cultural eventscelebrating Lewisville’s African American, Latino and Asian communities. I believe this canbe accomplished with our new arts district. 2- The population of residents over the age of65 is expected to double over the next 15 years. This will put a particular burden on ouremergency responders as well as our social service agencies. Lewisville continues to fundorganizations like Meals on Wheels and Day Stay for Adults, as well as provideprogramming at our senior center. We will have to ensure funding continues for theseagencies so our seniors will continue to be a vital and engaged part of the populace. 3-Influx of Burmese or ‘Chin’ religious refugees. Lewisville has approximately 600 of theserefugees who have been given asylum by the US government. Since these refugees tendto settle where others of their extended family, displaced church, or regional affiliationshave settled, we can expect many more of these oppressed people to make their homes inLewisville. As residents and citizens they will bring a unique perspective, and unique needsthat we as a city are only now beginning to understand. The city needs to create anoutreach program to work with Chin families and help them acclimate to their new home.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: My opponent will discuss 287(g) which is being dismantled by the federal government aswell as E-verify which is being pursued by the state. Both are legislative dead ends at thelocal level. Lewisville police do an excellent job and process all arrests through theCriminal Alien Program, having removed nearly 1,000 criminal aliens from Lewisville atlast count. Why sign contracts that make our police work for the federal government whenwe have an outstanding program that makes the feds work for us? Our police have done


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an excellent job with managing our enforcement resources and have even receivedfeedback from local immigration officials stating that Lewisville is a model for using CAPand ICE Access programs. We should continue to explore programs that allow us toleverage federal resources without expending our limited enforcement budgets andmanpower. Operation Community Shield was one of these. Councilman Watts has put fortha concept for punishing companies who violate labor law while rewarding those who goabove and beyond which I am fully behind. These types of local initiatives avoid legalentanglements while still reducing the harmful impacts of illegal immigration.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Lewisville has spoken and we are large investors in DCTA and the light rail program.Having lived in cities with world class public transit; Tucson Arizona’s bus system andBoston Massachusetts’ commuter rail, I’m excited by the opportunities the rail will give toour citizens and am in favor of making the system as seamless as possible. I currentlyattend transit public forums and have given regular citizen input. As a council member Iwould push to create mixed use developments that are commuter friendly. I believe thiswill be one of the biggest economic boosts for our region over the next 20 years as energyprices continue to climb.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: Lewisville already participates in regional water and transportation associations. I wouldcontinue to keep Lewisville involved. We could also look to create and strengthen regionalcouncils on aging to ensure our seniors continue to be an active and involved part of ourcommunities. We can also look to develop regional plans for sustainable development tokeep the North Texas region leading in programs that encourage low energy consumptionand local jobs. I have, as a citizen, given input on these types of programs and wouldcontinue to build those relationships as an elected representative.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Lewisville does a solid job of providing good services at a low cost. I would like to seethe city peruse voluntary electricity aggregation for citizens, review our waste collectionand recycling programs to perhaps lower costs and increase recycling so we can stretch outthe usefulness of our landfill as a revenue source. I would also be interested in creating a‘municipal mulch’ program much like Plano and Arlington have for things like mulch,decomposed granite, and crushed cement fill for projects. These could create revenues andwould also provide additional services to residents.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Lewisville has maintained one of the lowest property and sales tax rates in themetroplex. Our fiscal conservativism has allowed us to bring outstanding developmentslike the new arts center, the light rail, and Railroad Park online. As a city we raised feeslast year and are still experiencing at least a 1.5 million dollar shortfall for the upcomingfiscal year. The city has halted a bond request for this year and has consolidated severalbonds to take advantage of lower interest rates to keep from raising taxes. There will be aslow down in capital expenses (infrastructure projects) but the city still has a ¼ cent salestax option that every city surrounding us has taken advantage of. This of course would beup to the citizens to enact and not council. I believe my property reinvestment agenda willhelp raise property values and in turn bring more revenue to the city without having toraise taxes.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Lewisville is a mature city with little in the way of empty developable space. Because ofour lack of “master planning” that other, younger communities enjoy, there can be a sensethat the grass is greener in another community. Without large Home Owners Associations,we have to work harder to engage with our neighborhoods, and we don’t have the newestand swankiest retail and restaurant options. With that being said, we do have history,stability, and more of an independent streak. That authenticity is a competitive advantage,as is our geographic location and the Lake. We will have to work hard over the next coupleof years to ensure that the I-35 development, Old Town redevelopment, and the light railare encouraged to flourish. This can only happen with more citizen involvement and morevoter involvement. This race will be decided by a handful of our over 100,000 residents.That’s a shame.

John Gorena


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Biographical Info:Name: John GorenaStreet Address: 417 Creekwood LnCity/Town: LewisvilleState: TXDate of Birth: March 2, 1962Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-315-0496Home Phone Number: 972-315-0496E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: http://www.Gorena.org

Questions:Q: EducationA: I am a graduate of the University of North Texas with a degree in EmergencyAdministration and Planning (and 15 hours of graduate level classes for publicadministration).Q: Length of residency in the city:A: Since 1987 – 23 years.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: Since 1987 – 23 years , Lewisville City Council members are elected at large (Citywide). There are no districts.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: CURRENT EMPLOYMENT: My occupation is as an IT Consultant, Owner of JMGEnterprises: Server & PC Networking, Domain Hosting Services, Web Design Services. I fixComputers, maintain server based networks for companies and residences. I had started apart-time computer repair business in 1982 while working for Texas Instruments andnamed it JMG Enterprises. As it grew, it began to demand more of my time, so in 2000 itdeveloped into a full-time business. It has been a very successful business. PREVIOUSEMPLOYMENT: I was employed with Texas Instruments (1982 to 1993). After volunteeringas a firefighter (1987 to 1993), I was led to follow my ambition of becoming a ProfessionalFirefighter Paramedic for the City of Coppell (1993 to 2000). I also worked part-time inCarrollton on the Fire Chief’s staff in Emergency Management (1996 to 1999) which startedas an intern position and later became a part-time employee for another 2 more years.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Lewisville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, various volunteer work in theCommunity. I also created and maintain the Sounds Of Lewisville website to list freeevents in the area for residents, Board member for Citizens for Immigration reform.Member of The Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce since 2000. Though the City Councilis not a partisan position I am an active member of the following in Lewisville: PachydermClub, Denton County Republican Club, Lewisville Area Republican Club, the Denton CountyRepublican Assembly, and Precinct Chair #318. I was elected to the Lewisville City Councilin June 2009 and my first meeting as a councilman was in July 2009. At the time of thiswriting, I have been on the Lewisville City Council for nine months and I am running for afull term this May.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I have had the honor of helping my community in several ways including: churchactivities, volunteering for the Lewisville Volunteer Fire Department (1987 to 1993), theBoy Scouts, along with my son, John, from (1989 to 2006), as well as, lending a hand withmany of the City’s events such as the Christmas Stroll, Summer Blast, Western Days, onthe City's Transportation Board (2007 to 2008), Working at the voting locations andElection judge in the last few elections, a sponsor of The Sounds of Lewisville, member ofOld Town Business Association. I regularly attended the City Council Meetings andworkshop sessions (since April 2007) before I was elected in June 2009.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: In the 2009 City Special Election for an unexpired term in which I received 44% of thevotes, and was in the runoff. The Runoff led to my election. This year I am running for thefull three year term.


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Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: At the time of this writing, $1550. See http://www.Gorena.org for donation informationand to donate online.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Citizens of Lewisville: Bob & Doris Hale, Daniel & Melanie Tsakonas. A Citizen fromAllen: Marvin Brooke. Though these are the top three financial contributors, I would alsolike to thank many other people who have given to this campaign with their money, time,and energy.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: The citizens of Lewisville elected me in 2009. At the time of this writing, I have beenserving for nine months. I regularly attended City Council meetings and open workshopmeetings since April 2007 before I was elected in 2009. I also served on the City’sTransportation Board prior to my election. As a citizen of Lewisville, I care very much forthis city as all the candidates do. I am running for office because I think the City needs tomake decisions differently than they have in the past. I would like to continue making theright changes for Lewisville in the positive way for its future, and in order to fulfill this, Ineed to be elected again in order to continue doing what is right for Lewisville’s residents.If I thought all was fine the way things are then I would not have run for office. I becameactive with the issues of the city in 2007 when the city council voted to build a day laborersite (which has been stopped). I think that decision was the wrong route to take.Sometimes enough is enough. As a council member, I never would have made thatdecision for many reasons. I would rather have pushed for enforcement. As a Christian, apatriotic American citizen, a person of Hispanic heritage, I am affected like otherAmericans about the issues caused by illegal immigration. As a business owner, I follow therules and run my business as a law abiding citizen. It is unfair for any business (orindividuals) to hire illegal aliens to cheat the system by not paying the employee taxes, afair wage, FICA, etc... I have a degree in Emergency Administration and Planning andhave 15 Hours of Public Administration classes at the graduate level. I understand how aCity works from the inside. For many years, I have been involved with Lewisville and othercities in the area.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Since I was elected to finish a partial term, I knew that I would be in office for about 10months. I took action quickly and tried to get things done before my partial term wouldend. Some of these items are still in process. I will continue to push for these top issues.Readers can get more detail about the actions that I took from my website athttp://www.Gorena.org and click on Status Report. I think the cost will be minimal andhave a great positive impact on our city. The Actions I took included the initiation andvoting on: taping council workshops (transparency of government), Term Limits for councilmembers, adding E-verify as a requirement for contractors, Immigration enforcementtraining (287g) for an officer or two so that they can participate in a regional Immigrationtask force with ICE. A crosswalk for a senior living community (still in progress), continuethe Liberty Freeway Concept (a proclamation already passed by Farmer’s Branch andCarrollton), and more.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My opponent is the same person from last year. I could not really discern what hisissues were. Readers will have to compare the answers from him and draw their ownconclusions. However, I know the discussion of illegal immigration is a big topic here inLewisville and he has made his position clear that he does not agree with me. I think thatwe should participate in enforcement and do all that we can to help ICE. Though I believewe should avoid lawsuits where possible, we should not cower in fear of one either. Wehave to take a stand. The opposition (racial organizations) will most likely file frivolouslawsuits knowing that many will cower in fear. There are many things we can do legallyand avoid litigation. We can vote people on the Council that are willing to actually dosomething by following the Rule-of-Law where we can. This is not narrow mindedness as Ihave been accused of being. It is courage to do what is right in the face of adversity. Theother choice is to let it continue until we cannot do anything about it. It is already costingus too much. It is not just the federal government’s job – it’s everyone’s job. That is whythe federal government has programs like 287g, secure communities, IMAGE (E-verify),


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the Criminal Alien Program (CAP), and there are many more. I am not saying thatSOMEONE needs to do something. I am saying that WE need to do something and we needto do all that we can. I would like to point out that I had pushed for participation in the287g program and add E-verify as a requirement for our contractors. See the StatusReport on my website at http://www.Gorena.org for details. All the issues are importantand there are many issues that I stand for, here are a few (more in depth answers can befound on my website at http://www.gorena.org: *** Providing for the Best Police and FireProtection *** Neighborhood and Retail revitalization *** More effective transparency ofgovernment *** Economic Stability and Growth *** Maintain or reducing our propertytaxesQ: What changes, if any, would you make to existing city laws dealing with natural gasdrilling? Is the city doing enough to ensure the safety and protect the interests of itscitizens?A: I understand the concerns from both sides of this issue. Our City Staff and City Councilare very concerned about the drilling. I believe that our Country needs to strive to beindependent of other countries and be self sufficient. However, if these drilling companiescannot do it safely, then we should not allow them to drill. Safety is a high priority. I amfor monitoring the drilling sites and our ordinances are continually being reviewed andmodified to assure the safety for our citizens. On 02-15-2010, we voted to hire aconsultant to help with the inspections of these sites in Lewisville. The costs are billed tothe Drill Site.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: This is a very high priority. The City has done well in attracting development. Lewisvilleis getting closer to a point where most of the city is built up. While we still do have someroom to build up new areas, we should start focusing on redeveloping older areas. HistoricDowntown area was a good start for revitalization and that process will continue for a fewmore years before we see the effects. Lewisville has a great location in the Metroplex andis a great place to invest. Those investing in new building construction usually do not like tobuild in an area with older deteriorating areas. Redevelopment of older areas is veryimportant to attract new development. What is needed is the right type of development.Some have been content in getting any type of business – a position that I do not agree.The type of business that attracts illegal aliens or promotes non-desirable affects on thecommunity is something we need to discourage. This is one complaint that I hear aboutthe most.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Several issues are affecting our city. In recent years, the State of Oklahoma andArizona passed laws to address illegal immigration. Illegal Aliens are leaving those statesand coming to Texas. We see this clearly in Lewisville too. I perceive Lewisville to be likeFarmers Branch and Irving was about 8 years ago. We know from recent events whatissues they are facing with illegal aliens in their communities and the positive changes thatthey are seeing because of their efforts. I want to make it clear that Illegal Alien is NOT arace. The economic impact of Illegal aliens in our community is felt at all levels: City,County, and School District. The 2009 Housing Estimates figures from the North TexasCouncil of Governments estimates that there are more multi-family (apartments/condos)housing units than single family housing units in Lewisville. Another study suggests thatabout 35% of single family dwellings in Lewisville are rental properties. Combine all theapartment complexes and those houses that are rental properties and that is more than65% rented dwellings in Lewisville. This is 25 to 30 times the amount of rental propertiesas compared to neighboring cities. Also, our mean rent is $775 which is about half of thecities mentioned. If a certain population is going to fit as many people as they can in asingle dwelling, they usually do not go for the higher rental areas. We must find ways tocontrol the number of people living in a single family dwelling or apartments. I think ourschools are feeling most of the problem at this time. If we enforce ordinances and laws,this should help.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Our police department is filled with very dedicated officers. As stated in a previousquestion, I am not saying that SOMEBODY needs to do something... I am saying that WEneed to do something. Law enforcement is mainly at the local level. We do not have afederal police force roaming our streets so who else is supposed to uphold the Rule of Law?We need to take care of our piece of America called Lewisville. Police and elected officials


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use the same basic Oath Of Office which contains, "… and will to the best of my abilitypreserve, protect and defend the Constitution and Laws of the United States and of thisState and the Charter and Ordinances of this city." Why would anyone want us to notpreserve nor defend? Though I believe we should avoid lawsuits where possible, weshould not cower in fear of one either. The opposition (racial organizations) will most likelyfile frivolous lawsuits knowing that many will cower in fear. There are many things we cando legally and avoid litigation. We can also vote people on the Council that are willing toactually do something by following the rules. This is not narrow mindedness as I have beenaccused of being. It is courage to do what is right in the face of adversity. The other choiceis to let it continue until we cannot do anything about it. It is already costing us too much.I think that we should participate in enforcement and do all that we can to help ICE. It isnot just the federal government’s job – it’s everyone’s job. That is why the federalgovernment has programs like 287g, Secure Communities, IMAGE (E-verify), the CriminalAlien Program (CAP), and there are many more. Our police department is currentlyparticipating in the Secure Communities and CAP programs. I would like to point out thatI had pushed for participation in the 287g program and add E-verify as a requirement forour contractors. See the Status Report on my website at http://www.Gorena.org fordetails. I think having one or more officers trained in the 287g program and becominginvolved with the ICE regional task force will have a positive impact. The 287g program ofthe recent past has changed to become part of about 15 different programs. We should doall these different parts that we can do.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: In Denton County, Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) has been working forabout seven years to complete the A-train from Carrollton to Denton which should be inoperation by the end of 2010 or early 2011. We will have three stations in Lewisville:Hebron Pkwy near the Mall, Old Town Lewisville which is being revitalized, and theHighland Village/Lewisville Lake station.Q: Identify other issues you think your city and North Texas could benefit from greaterregional cooperation, and what would you do to encourage regional partnerships?A: For the most part, I think the regional relationship is very good. Our Police and Firedepartments have mutual aid agreements to assist when needed. Though it would be nicefor every department to have every specialty mastered, most departments have taken theresponsibility to specialize in a few areas so that they can assist when needed. Some ofthese specialties are dive teams, trench rescue, etc… Our police department also has aDrug Enforcement Agency (DEA) trained officer that works with the regional DEA office. Ialso think cities should be involved with immigration law enforcement and get officerstrained in 287g and participate in a regional ICE task force. We are lucky to have TheUniversity of North Texas in our County with one of the best Emergency Administrationdepartments in the Country. They have recently completed an Emergency OperationsCenter to help with Regional Exercises and plans. Regional cooperation is already a priorityin this region.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: I do think our City delivers services to taxpayers in the most cost-effective manner.Departments in our City are already running with a minimum level of personnel and areproviding the needed services. With the current and projected growth of Lewisville, we willhave to increase personnel levels in Police, Fire, Streets, and Parks departments. This willbe part of our Budget retreat in August.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Lewisville has also been affected by declining revenues but because of prior planningfrom our City Staff we should be able to pull through with some effort. Recent effortsinclude refinancing debt, postponing projects, and not hiring for non-critical positions. Wewill be discussing other possible solutions at the next budget retreat.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: There are several things that citizens of Lewisville need to keep in mind and beprepared. Lewisville is about to have a large amount of disruption along the I35 corridorwith the expansion. This will take years to complete. It is unavoidable and we must stayfocused on the finished project. Lewisville is getting older and certain areas of our city willneed to be redeveloped to maintain a good local economy. Lewisville will have to addressthe problems caused by illegal immigration. With lower rental rates and a larger amount ofrental properties when compared to our neighboring cities, Lewisville’s problem will getworse if do not concentrate on revitalizing parts of our City.


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Mesquite City Council, Place 5Description: Note: All Mesquite residents may vote in this race.


Brian Hutcheson

Biographical Info:Name: Brian HutchesonStreet Address: 2606 Hollow BendCity/Town: MesquiteState: TexasDate of Birth: November 29, 1977Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-683-4032Mobile Phone Number: 214-683-4032E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.brianhutcheson.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: I graduated from Ralph H. Poteet High School in Mesquite, TX in 1995 and proceeded toreceive a Bachelor in Science from Texas A&M University in 2002.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: With the exception of a small stint in College Station, TX to receive my degree, I haveresided in Mesquite my entire life. Currently my wife and I are raising our four daughtersin the city that we both spent our childhood.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: I have always been a resident of Mesquite, TX excluding my college years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: In 2002 I became the third generation to manage our family business, Mesquite AceHardware. My grandparents opened this establishment in 1954 and I am honored tocontinue the small business tradition that my family began so many years ago. In 2005 mywife, Ashley, and I embarked on a new endeavor by starting a business in Mesquite, GoFigure Fitness for Women. Through long hours, determination and hard work thesebusinesses continue to prosper.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Currently I stay involved with our community civically through promoting the MesquiteParks and Recreation. My children participate in city sports as well as I donate time andmoney toward functions and events sponsored by our Parks and Recreation Department.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: In 2008 I was awarded the Mesquite Parks and Recreation Ca-Hoots award for assistingin programs the department held for citizens. The small business my wife and I own, GoFigure Fitness for Women, was also honored for supporting youth activities through theCity of Mesquite.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Member of The City of Mesquite Board of AdjustmentsQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Less than $1500.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Brian and Ashley Hutcheson Ace Hardware Friends and FamilyQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Mesquite is a wonderful city with tremendous potential to become even greater. As a


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citizen I have vast interest in the future of our city. Ashley and I have centered our lives inMesquite: we are raising our four daughters here, attend La Prada Drive Church of Christin Mesquite and have businesses locally. The direction our city leadership takes us willaffect all areas of our lives, particularly the future of our children and their generation. Iwant to take an active role in ensuring Mesquite is on the path for success. As one of threecandidates my qualifications are unique. Mesquite is made of families and businesses; I amthe only candidate that represents both. I am eager and tenacious willing to evoke newideas and a fresh look to city politics. Working with the public daily, I have a directunderstanding of the needs and desires of fellow residents. I am not a politician by nature,but actively seek to make a difference in our community.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Revitalization is of prime importance to the direction of Mesquite. To improve our imagewe must expand these parameters to encompass more of the city. Our current council hastaken the first step of a long journey that will take many years to complete. I will placegreat effort toward rezoning areas of our city necessary for renewal. Attracting andretaining professional families, specifically young professionals, is essential in our forwardprogression. Mesquite offers a central geographic location with easy access to majorhighways and to downtown Dallas. There is no reason Mesquite should not be the mostdesirable suburb in the North Texas area. We lack some of the amenities necessary toappeal to professinals. We need to revisit the city budget appropriating more moniestoward these needs. Mesquite has many resources to attract industry, yet we have notaggressively sought such. A larger tax base and new employment opportunitiesaccompany the expansion of industry which Mesquite could greatly benefit from. Currentlywe, the citizens, are the backbone of taxes collected. The addition of industry can help shiftsome of our tax burden to industry allowing a reduction in residential taxes.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I am a man of integrity and live by my word. My Christian values are evident in mypersonal and professional life. I have proven to be a successful businessman and willprovide the City Council knowledge of business and management while balancing themwith the needs of individual residents. Through speaking with citizens each day, I am moreaware of their trials, concerns and requests. No other contender in this race has a youngfamily he is raising; therefore, cannot relate to them as I can. I will promote family valuesand am not afraid to make sure individuals are heard.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Attracting residential development is pertinent to achieving goals I have for our city; weneed to introduce executive style housing that our city currently does not offer. Due toeconomic times, many commercial developments are vacant. A greater emphasis shouldbe placed on recruiting businesses and industry to Mesquite.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Mesquite is a diverse blended city; we need to continue to encourage diversity andcultural blending. A more proactive approach in bringing young professionals here to liveand shop is vital.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: In response to illegal immigration, we need to continue course in combating thisproblem.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I favor a regional transit system and believe we should develop a Mesquite TransitAuthority.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Our airport should be a regional hub for transit and freight. Hi-Tech, industrial,commercial and retail development require Mesquite to boost it's profile in this arena.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Mesquite can be more efficient, more productive and more accountable to it's citizens.The city needs to balance long term planning and common sense for the tax payers to


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receive maximum benefits.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Our current leadership has been able to sustain taxes during our economic downturn.We need to make sure priorities are set to encompass our needs, efficiency should becontinually evaluated in productivity and we must be persistent to never raise taxes duringthis recession.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: The allocation of resources needs to reflect the priorities of the city such asrevitalization and amenities offered to citizens.

Gary Ward

Biographical Info:Name: Gary WardStreet Address: 709 Parkhaven DriveCity/Town: MesquiteState: TexasDate of Birth: July 30, 1949Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214.284.9615Home Phone Number: 972.329.0406Mobile Phone Number: Same as campaign phone numberFax Number: N/AE-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: N/A

Questions:Q: EducationA: W.W. Samuell High School, U.S. Army (Light Weapons Infantry School,Non-Commissioned Officer School),EMT/Paramedic School, Eastfield College - AssociatesDegree, Master Fire Fighter.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 38 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 38 years in at-large districtQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: RetiredQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: March of Dimes Fill the Boot Santa Toy Drive Easter Bunny Baskets to Children’sHospital Mesquite Firefighters Scholarship Fund Addressing Mesquite Smoke detectorinstallation program for elderly and disabled Public Safety Education at various MesquiteSchools MISD Fire Safety Poster Contest Assistance to Mesquite Social Services Worked toReinstate Fire Safety EducationQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars Good Conduct Medal Bronze StarMedal Army Commendation Medal Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm UnitCitation Badge Worked to implement paramedic service for City of Mesquite (graduate offirst Paramedic class, U.T. Southwestern) Graduate of first Leadership Mesquite class withMesquite Chamber of Commerce Former Member of Chamber of Commerce Board ofDirectors First Chairman, Leadership Mesquite Committee Board of Trustees Member,Mesquite Independent School District, 1993-1996 Former Committee Member, Gross RoadBaptist Meritorious Conduct Award March of Dimes Fill the Boot Santa Toy Drive EasterBunny Baskets to Children’s Hospital Mesquite Firefighters Scholarship Fund AddressingMesquite Fire Education through Firehouse Safety with Mesquite Service League PublicSafety Education at various Mesquite Schools Public Education of CPR through MesquiteHigh SchoolsQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Board of Trustees Member, Mesquite Independent School District


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Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $9,725.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Mesquite Fire Fighters Association Ted B. Lyon Lee and Merry JohnseyQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No, with the exception of an incident 15 years ago for which I was cleared of anywrongdoing and a Judge ordered the matter expunged from my record; I have never beeninvolved in any criminal or civil matter before or since.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Having just retired after 36+ years with the Mesquite Fire Department, the last ten as aStation Captain, I believe I know the citizens of Mesquite. I have been in everyneighborhood in Mesquite and have seen our citizens at their best and their worst. I am a38 year resident of Mesquite and I am confident that I understand the issues facing our cityand its citizens. I previously served on the Mesquite ISD Board of Trustees and amcommitted to promoting economic growth in our city, ensuring that Mesquite maintains afirst-rate police and fire department, continues to improve code enforcement, whileproviding quality city services and amenities to the citizens.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Seek to convene a select committee representative of the Community to createproposals aimed at accelerating the Mesquite revitalization program, work to bring qualityeconomic development to Mesquite, protect our neighborhoods with aggressive publicsafety initiatives within the parameters of the city’s overall budget objectives.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have 30+ years of experience and civic involvement. I have worked for the citizens asa member of the MISD Board of Trustees, also with business leaders as a member of theChamber of Commerce Board of Directors. I have attended numerous City Council budgetworkshops over the past 20+ years. I also worked with a citizens committee to upgradethe Fire Dept./EMS system to a full paramedic, MICU service. My opponents have little tono such record of involvement on behalf of Mesquite citizens.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: In order to keep tax rates low, it is necessary for the City to broaden and diversify thetax base. That requires bringing in new business, which also creates jobs, which alsoincreases demand for quality housing. I believe the City has done an admirable job inattracting new development. However, we desperately need to upgrade our housing stock,but we have limited open land with which to do so. Therefore, we are left with thedilemma of how to replace some of the deteriorating housing units in some of our olderneighborhoods. With input from all potentially affected parties, including homeowners, weshould be able to amicably solve this problem.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Like all other inner-ring Dallas area cities, Mesquite is growing increasingly diversifiedand the city needs to continue to communicate the new standards and expectations to allof our citizens. I will spend time visiting with neighborhood associations and residents toget a perspective of what the needs are and then work with them to accomplish sharedgoals.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Enforce the laws that are currently in place.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I support a regional transport system whose focus is light rail.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: I would support city, North Texas, and statewide efforts to create a modern light railtransit system across our region and state. Also, regional cooperation concerning waterand public safety should also result in more efficiency and lower costs for all our citizens.


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Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Given that the average cell phone plan costs a little less than the City tax bill on theaverage home, and for that citizens receive #1 rated fire/ems services, police serviceswhich provide Mesquite one of the lowest crime rates in the Metroplex, clean water andsanitation pickup 3-times a week, recyclable collection, quality parks and recreationcenters, and a soon-to-be premiere hike/bike trail system, etc, I believe the City servicesare very cost-effective. With that said, I would like to see our recycling program expandedand continued improvement to the City’s code enforcement division.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The current leadership has done a commendable job in conserving funds whilemaintaining quality services and not imposing new taxes.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: The unfair, false perception that Mesquite does not measure up to other area cities.Mesquite is an excellent place to live and work. Our city is well positioned geographicallywith easy access to four major highways and a short commute to Dallas. But we can andwill continue to move our city toward the first tier ranking it deserves. Mesquite is at acrossroads and now is the time where experienced leadership is absolutely necessary. Thisis not the time for on-the-job training.

Rockwall City Council, Place 2Description: Note: All Rockwall residents may vote in this race.


Bill Bricker

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would you


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evaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Mark Russo

Biographical Info:Name: Mark RussoStreet Address: 402B S. Fannin StreetCity/Town: RockwallState: TXDate of Birth: 06/15/1976Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-793-2923Home Phone Number: 214-793-2923E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: Pennsylvania Culinary- Associates Degree Ohio Center for Broadcasting St.ThomasAquinas High school -Louisville Ohio R.G Drage Vocational-Restaurant ManagementQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 6 YearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 6 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Media ConsultingQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: MusicFest, Alliance for Arts, Rockwall County Coffee Conservatives, Various politicalorganizationsQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Former Rockwall Breakfast Rotary Old Town Rockwall Neighborhood Association- Boardmember Former Rockwall Boys and Girls Club- Board memberQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Rockwall City Council Place 2Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $1000 at present


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Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Robert Dillender, Gary Freedman,KL MckinneyQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: Yes Traffic Speeding Violations while 18.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for this office for a second term. My dedication to the community andability to listen are some of my strengths. I have taken the time to research the issues andI do look for cost effective solutions. During this time, Downtown has seen positivegrowth.We have pushed forward on building and improving roads. I believe in being anaction-oriented councilman. The citizens have elected to me serve two years and lookingto continue what I have started.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Keep the tax-rate where it is today by looking for alternative funding. 2. Continuewith the Downtown Plan. There are grants that are available to off set costs. 3. Look forAlternative-Funding and Resources. I believe the creation a new community-basedcommittee would provide assistance.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My philosphy is serving the citizens with high quality customer-service. Keeping thetax-rate low. I also take time to research the issues on foot and with information.Community input is important and I have been involved within the community.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: We have focused on specific areas like downtown. I do believe we can do more to bringin new and bigger businesses to Rockwall. I do belelieve the city has been aggressive ineconomic development. We do have the quality people to help achieve this goal. This is anarea we can always improve on.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: The city is growing and developing at a rapid pace. We have focused on futuredevelopment planning. We must focus also on aging neighborhoods and infrastructure. Iencourage using a City-wide Preservation plan to assist in grants and indicate future areasthat may need assistance. It is easy to get excited about new projects but, we must alsoshare the energy towards existing areas.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: We must uphold and enforce the current laws.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Currently, I feel we must still focus on our local roads and other local transportationoptions first.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Economic development and water issues. I believe it comes down to goodcommunication and information with other groups rather than consensus. Our waterdemand will be a ftuture problem and we must stay ahead of it as our populationgrows.Our water planning is crucual..Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Technology has helped reduce some costs. It is my belief we can always do somethingto better improve services in a cost-effective manner .New volunteer programs may helpoffset some costs. Another idea would be the creation of a Grant and Resource Committeethat would assist in finding new resources.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Currently, we have had many different issues arise in this economy. We must findalternative resources and utilize technology. The truth is we must prioritize our absolute


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needs first.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Foreclosures are having a significant impact. This is a time where we must be honestabout our wants versus needs. We must be very mindful of the current economy andcognizant of the needs of citizensb first. We must also focus on future water needs.

Rockwall City Council, Place 6Description: Note: All Rockwall residents may vote in this race.


Margo Nielsen

Biographical Info:Name: Margo NielsenStreet Address: 1655 Shores BlvdCity/Town: RockwallState: TXDate of Birth: February 21, 1945Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972.754.7729Home Phone Number: 972.771.9356Mobile Phone Number: 972.754.7729Fax Number: 972.771.7782E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: margonielsen.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: B.A, Dunbarton College of Holy Cross, Washington, D.C., 1967Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 25 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: n/aQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am the executive director of a non-profit agency in Rockwall that provides financial aidand healthcare to Rockwall residents facing a crisis.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: In addition to serving on the Rockwall City Council and several Council sub-committees,I am on the Board of Directors of Rockwall PAWS, an Advisory Board member of RockwallMusicFest and the Rockwall County Agricultural Extension Service and I'm an activehonorary member of the Rockwall Rotary Club.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I served as a Rockwall Child Protective Services Board member for six years,Commissoner on the Housing Authority of the City of Rockwall for nine years, President ofthe Rockwall Housing Development Corportion for eight years, and I was a chartermember of Lone Star Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Rockwall AreaHabitat for Humanity. I am a past president of the Lone Star chapter of National CharityLeague, past president of the Shores Ladies Golf Association, recipient of the SoroptimistWoman of Dististintion award, and was the Rockwall County representative to the NorthCentral Texas Workforce Development Board and the Health Services Planing Council forthe Dallas EMA. I'm a lifelong Episcopalian.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I have served on the the Rockwall City Council since my appointment to fill anunexpired term in 2005. Before being appointed to Council, I served as a member of theBuilding and Standards Commission.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have raised $3,240 as of April 2, 2010.


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Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: John and Gayle Albritton Dr. Bruce Paton Dan BobstQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I've been active in the community for almost 25 years and have a broad base ofexperience and knowledge of the issues in Rockwall. I have learned that decisions arefar-reaching with both expected outcomes and, in some cases, unintended consequences.The reponsibility of casting a vote that will affect the community for 20 years or more isone that I take seriously. I believe that I approach the work of Council with common senseand balance. Everyday, I see the needs of our residents as well as the the generosity ofthe people living here. In the non-profit world we never have enough money to solve allthe problems; we have to live within a budget. Being fiscally responsible and a goodsteward of others' money and trust is a skill that I bring to the Council from myprofessional life.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: A recent citizens survey indicated that citizens want additional street improvements,more neigborhood parks and recreation facilities and we also need a new police station.Since we don't anticipate any additional revenues from property or sales tax, all newprojects will have to be financed through voter approved bond issues. Without voterapproval, these projects will not be initiated. I support putting these issues to the votersfor approval.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I believe in the process of good government; in zoning laws so that neighborhoods inRockwall have protection against unregulated development, in quality of life improvementsthat make our community one of the most desireable places to live in the nation, inthroughly discussing the issues - whether it be about trees or tax rates - so that gooddecisions can be made because they will affect the city for years to come. I take the role ofcouncil member seriously and work hard to serve and represent the voters.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Rockwall has attracted a lot of devlopment in the past five years. The City Council isengaged with the projects and progress of the Rockwall Economic DevelopmentCorporation as well as City planners. In the past five years tens of millions of dollars inbusiness improvements have developed because of the newly built Presbyterian Hospital inRockwall and The Harbor. Two major retail centers, The Crossing and The Plaza onInterstate 30 and CostCo have been established. While home builders have not been asactive in the last two years there is still some growth in that area. The new Stone Creekdevelopment north of downtown is bringing in a grocery store and other retail outlets.Meanwhile, Downtown is thriving with four new eateries and several new shops on theSquare. Our goal is to have a shared tax burden between business and homeowners of50% each.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Rockwall has experienced dramatic growth in the last decade. Between 2006 and 2008the population grew by 85%. Rockwall was in gridlock five years ago and I'm proud thatI've been part of the Council that has taken steps to alleviate the congestion. John KingBlvd, the 205 bypass, was finished in four years; more than a dozen city streetimprovement projects were completed as was the State 205 improvement through thecenter of town. The Council has been proactive in regulating development by establishingoverlay districts, by working with planning staff and a citizens committee to develop amaster land use plan, by working with developers to institute building standards andthrough code enforcement. I am willing to continue to work hard to uphold developmentstandards that result in a quality of life that makes Rockwall such a great place to workand live.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Law enforcement officials should enforce existing laws. I hope that our federal officials


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address this issue quickly.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I favor putting the issue of participating in a regional transportaion system to the votersin Rockwall.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Transportation and economic development are two top priorities for North Texas.Rockwall needs adequate and fair representation on regional committees and commissionsso that the needs of our community are met with available state and federal resources.Expansion of roads and road improvements have been a priority in Rockwall for a longtime and will continue to be a pressing issue in the future. The creation of jobs and alabor force that has the skills to meet today's labor market are also concerns that needregional planning and cooperation. The North Central Texas Workforce Board representsmany counties in the North Texas area and is the position to be the leader in planning andbuilding consensus. Rockwall County is represented on the Workforce Development Boardand is an active partner in economic development.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: There are always ways to be more efficient and cost-effective in a large organization.The City of Rockwall initiated Customer Centered Government training three years ago.Teams, made up of a cross section of staff members, have been working on severalprocesses that will lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness. New teams are formedeach year to examine current processes and recommend improvements.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The City has been affected, like many other municipalities, with flat property values andsmall sale tax increases. Because debt service on voter approved projects and necessarycapital costs must be paid, the Council and staff have worked diligently to reduce expenseson the maintenance and operations side of the budget. Deep cuts have been made in thebudget for items including demolition of dangerous structures, planning and consultingfees, purchase of supplies, mowing, the Youth Advisory Council participation, policeovertime, etc. There was no tax increase in the 2009 -2010 budget. However, maintenanceand operations cannot continue to absorb the cost of covering new debt service items andthe Council may have to consider tax increases.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Fire protection, police protection, code enforcement, animal control, water and seweroperations, parks and recreation, street improvement and maintenance, drainageimprovements and a host of other city services take money. A well-run and efficient cityworkforce has to have adequate resources to do the job. City facilities need to operate costeffectively and be in good repair. The Council works hard to balance the needs againstwants so that the budget is the leanest we can achieve. When voters approve projects likeparks, fire stations, an animal adoption center, or an adult recreation center, the Council'srole is to fulfill the mandate. Paying for voter approved projects comes on the debt side ofthe budget - not the operations side and I think most voters understand that. Undernormal circumstances that means a tax increase to pay for the debt that is issued.

David White

Biographical Info:Name: David WhiteStreet Address: 294 PerchCity/Town: RockwallState: TexasDate of Birth: 11/23/74


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Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-771-8665Home Phone Number: 972-771-8665Mobile Phone Number: 972-771-8665E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: ElectWhite.org

Questions:Q: EducationA: Rockwall High School 1993 El Centro College 1998Q: Length of residency in the city:A: Moved to Rockwall 1987, brief stint in Dallas 1996-1998 during college to avoid I-30bridge construction traffic.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Systems Integrator. Sophisticated HVAC and building controls for very large buildingsand complexes. We create systems designed to greatly reduce the energy usage bybuildings.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Rockwall Republican Men's Club Member since 2005, Treasurer 2010 Attended all butone regular council meeting since Feb 2009, blog about it RockwallZoo.comQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Lake Rockwall Estates Annexation Task ForceQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Rockwall City Council 2009 (Ineligible being too soon after annexation of myneighborhood)Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $135Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NopeQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running because I love Rockwall and want it to be the shining example ofgreatness, not a clone of other suburbs as seems to be the goal now. "Qualified" for officeis a term used to confuse or mislead voters into thinking that one candidate's jobexperience or community service automatically makes them a great decision maker.Everyone who meets the basic "qualifiers" laid out by the city can and should run forcouncil - basically, not a criminal and lived here long enough. Basic common sense and abelief that any amount of money is real money and who it really belongs, is all it takes tobe a good councilman. In my personal life, I practice what I believe - frugality. I have zerodebt, except for a very small amount left on my mortgage which will likely be paid off thisyear. I was able to do that living within my means, just as I expect my government to do.I take care of my needs, before I start spending on extras or luxuries. Just as I expect mycity to do - if every road in Rockwall is not 100%, why is there a plan for a 20-30 milliondollar athletic complex and other luxury spending?Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: I am an odd candidate because I have no great project I wish to build so everyone intown can see how great I am. My three most important things: (1) I would push for isgetting more citizens to attend city council meetings. Many times the only two people leftat the end are the reporter from the Herald-Banner and myself. Social media has beendiscussed at length at council to do this, but this free and easy service has not beenutilized. (2) Broadcasting/streaming council meetings. This is already being discussed andcould be done for little cost. Councilman Farris is already pushing for this and I would dowhatever it takes to get it implemented. (3) Without a Taj Majal-style pet project, I am ata loss for a third.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I think voters are smart enough to read our answers and make that choice on theirown.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/or


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commercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: People want to move to Rockwall, there has never been negative growth in the city.People will always want to move to Rockwall so long it always maintains the Rockwall"feel" - small town, great community. It is more a priority of mine to maintain Rockwall'sgreatness, growth will follow. Businesses come to Rockwall because of the growth. I haveseen multiple instances where businesses that wanted to come to Rockwall get push-backand ultimately did not come to Rockwall. The are even cases where some of the newerbusinesses had to jump through hoops just to open. I would almost say the businessdevelopment occurred despite they city's actions.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: My neighborhood was annexed which is 80-90% Hispanic. The city has passed orproposed ordinances targeted at our neighborhood. Rockwall is over 150 years old, and itis odd that certain things only became an issue for certain staff and council right afterannexation. Our neighborhood has its own code enforcement officer whose job it is to help"clean up the neighborhood." The constant hammering over the head has subdued a lot forthe last couple of months. What I would do differently is encourage and work with theneighborhood and get outside people involved who want to affect positive change in theneighborhood as Lake Pointe Church has done, not try and force change with heavyhanded tactics.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: Immigration is a responsibility of the Federal government. The city should only beinvolved when hiring employees, and the police should only be involved in hiringemployees or following guidelines for turning an illegal alien over to the federalauthorities. The city has enough on it's plate without expending money and resources to dothe job of the Federal government.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I oppose only for Rockwall. If other cities want it, they can have it and they can wastetheir dollars on it. It would be nothing more than a heavily subsidized operation and itwould be a grave mistake to engage in it. DART takes in a fraction of what it costs tooperate, the rest is subsidized from taxes. A regional transit system would be an evenbigger money pit.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: If there were interest and desire by citizens regarding further expansion of CollinCounty College into the community, I would support.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: It appears that trash collection, park maintenance, police and fire protection, and roadsare done well. A result of good people employed by the city and not necessarily a directaction of council.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: There are over $65,000,000 dollars in projects being considered by council. "Projectedmoney is down, let's spend some more" is the attitude of some council members. It isunacceptable to let any road, sewer, or other basic infrastructure go into a state ofdisrepair. The city would have to cutback on some of the less-vital programs like Concertsby the Lake if the alternative means potholes and sewer problems.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Some council behavior during session is downright shameful. Mocking or berating othermembers during a meeting is an embarrassment to the city.

Rowlett MayorDescription: Note: All Rowlett residents may vote in this race.


John E. Harper


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Biographical Info:Name: John E. HarperStreet Address: 8622 Southbay CircleCity/Town: RowlettState: TexasDate of Birth: February 6, 1943 (same day as President Reagan)Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (214) 284-6972Home Phone Number: (972) 463-4926Mobile Phone Number: (972) 989-3146Fax Number: (972 463-4926E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.JohnHarper-Rowlett.comYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/v/tnzwgy26nA0&hl=en

Questions:Q: EducationA: Bachelor of Science (BS) cum laude in Accounting - Syracuse University - 1968 Masterof Arts (MA) in Finance - University of Alabama - 1971 Institute for Education Management- Harvard University - 1986 Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Administrationand Supervision - University of Houston - 1996 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) CertifiedManagement Accountant (CMA)Q: Length of residency in the city:A: My wife, Debra, and I moved to Rowlett in August 1999, almost 11 years ago. I alsolived in Fort Worth 1983-1986 and in Houston 1993-1994.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: Not applicable..I have lived in Rowlett for almost 11 years at my current address.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am semi-retired but do serve as the Consulting Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for TheCooper Institute, a Dallas-based international medical research and education group. TheInstitute is associated with the Cooper Clinic, Cooper Spa, Cooper Fitness Center, andCooper Lodge as well as the Cooper Center at Craig Ranch. Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper,founder of Aerobics, is the Chairman of the Board of The Cooper Institute. My CFO duties,which are focused on the Board of Directors, typically require about 20 hours of my timeweekly. I retired from the United States Air Force in 1980 where I served 8 years as anenlisted man and Russian linguist flying on reconnaissance aircraft surveying the SovietUnion and then 12 years as an officer in charge of financial management of worldwideintelligence units. I retired from the Texas A&M University System in 2006 after 26 yearsof service. I was a senior ranking executive and Vice President for Business Affairs atcolleges and universities in Texas, North Carolina, and Ohio. I am compensated for beingthe Mayor of Rowlett ($150 monthly). I typically spend 30-35 hours a week on mayoralduties.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I was elected Mayor of Rowlett in May 2007. I was elected GOP Precinct Chair inRockwall County in 2008. I was elected a Primary Delegate to the Texas GOP StateConvention in 2008 and again in 2010. I share the membership of the RegionalTransportation Council (RTC) with Garland Mayor Ronald Jones. I am one of the 7-memberGovernance Committee of the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition (DRMC) and also Chairthe DRMC Finance Committee. I co-chair the States and Federal Issues Committee of theTEX-21, Transportation Excellence in the 21st Century. I am a member of the RockwallCounty Planning Consortium. I am an invited member of the North Texas CrimeCommission Legislative Committee. I am appointed to the Dallas County Criminal JusticeAdvisory Board. I have written newspaper articles, delivered speeches, and madepresentations throughout the Metroplex and surrounding area on the two major issues ofmass transit and criminal justice. I am a member of the select Inaugural Leadership NorthTexas program presented by the North Texas Commission. Leadership North Texas is agraduate level leadership program aimed at recruiting, developing, and supporting leaderswho have a commitment to civic engagement, to learning, to collaboration, and to theNorth Texas region.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:


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A: Member and officer of home owners associations. Member of Advisory Board of privateclub. Member of Vestry of my church. Acolyte Master of my church. Member and officer ofcivic clubs and non-profit organizations. My accomplishments were to provide my highlevel of energy and knowledge of finance to guide each of those activities to excellence.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: None. While serving in the Air Force and again later while serving in public highereducation, holding a public office was either prohibited or strongly discouraged.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have used my personal funds for my campaign along with a modest amount ofdonations received from other Rowlett citizens.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: 1. MetroTex Association of Realtors 2. Jeff Johnson 3. Gary SmithQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I have not been sued or arrested ever. I was an Alternate Member of the IRS TaxpayerAdvocacy Panel. I was also a Neutral for the American Arbitration Association. Both ofthese required a thorough vetting before my appointment. My professional and personalreputation is important to me. I never forget that I am the “face” of the City. I have neverfiled for bankruptcy. I did initiate a lawsuit in the Small Claims Court which was settled outof court to my favor. I have managed my personal affairs in the same manner as with theCity…prudently!Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for a second term as Mayor of Rowlett to keep the momentum andpositive direction going from my first term. Much of my first term was spent on leading theCity of Rowlett to economic stability. Once the financial issues of the past were undercontrol, my leadership focused on improving communications with Rowlett citizens andwith those external groups who could assist the City with its future economic development.Significant progress has been made towards restoring civic pride among Rowlett residents,restoring trust from the citizens, and also with achieving a much improved image amongoutside builders and developers. That is the foundation for the genuine economicdevelopment which is sorely needed to continue to control the City of Rowlett property taxrate as has been done for the last three years. I have personally reached out to regionalleaders and influencers and, when invited, joined with them so I could both promote andprotect the interests of the City of Rowlett. During my second term as Mayor, the results ofthose efforts will be more fully realized. I want Rowlett to achieve its highest destiny...thehighest levels of public safety and public health along with a quality of life unique toRowlett. I want to lead that effort to make my community an even better place to live,work, and play. I currently serve as the Chief Financial Officer for The Cooper Institute inDallas. For more than two decades I served as a senior executive, a Vice Chancellor, andas an Executive Vice President of colleges and universities in Texas and elsewhere. In thatrole I managed the business affairs of large colleges and universities. Those institutions ofhigher education are very much like a small city. While the Mayor and City Council aresupposed to limit their role to policymaking, this past experience is a great advantage tome as we also fulfill our oversight responsibility to know and understand the opportunitiesand the constraints that are being managed by City Staff. I have the highest credentialsand an established professional network and the ability to bring together regional leadersfor collaboration. That is what is needed by the City of Rowlett and its citizens as the Citytransforms itself from a semi-rural bedroom community to a regional center for commercein the northeast Metroplex.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: The most important action, by far, is simply to keep your promises! I did that during myfirst term and I will continue to do that during my second term as Mayor of Rowlett. TheCity of Rowlett is very fortunate that its past leaders had the foresight and the tenacity tobring both the President George Bush Turnpike Eastern Extension and the DART Blue LineExtension to Rowlett. While both projects are enormous economic engines in their ownright, one of the most important actions the City of Rowlett must take during my secondterm is to utilize those engines to the utmost. The City now needs to assure qualitydevelopment of the areas that will soon be served by the Turnpike and the DART Rail. Thatwill require updated comprehensive land planning to align with the current markets andalso comprehensive zoning decisions to support the investors who will bring millions oftheir dollars to Rowlett for commercial development. In addition, the City will have topartner with private developers to provide their projects with access and infrastructure


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such as sufficient water and sewer. The funding for the planning is in hand and was setaside during my first term as Mayor. The funding for access roads will initially come frombalances on hand and then later, I anticipate, allocated by the Metroplex RegionalTransportation Council where I share a seat with Garland Mayor Ronald Jones. Additionalfunding will either come from the Tax Increment District or from a proposed BondReferendum, currently being considered for November 2012. Another important actionthat I will take in my second term as Mayor is to lead the presentation of a BondReferendum to finance the needed continuing investments in Rowlett neighborhoodrevitalization, municipal infrastructure, parks and trails, and city facilities. A citizen-ledBond Committee did yeoman's work in 2008/2009 to present a recommendation the Mayorand Council for a Bond Referendum, planned then for November 2009. Due to thedownturn and the slow recovery of the economy, that Bond Referendum has been delayeduntil November 2011 or November 2012. The work done by the citizen committee willneed to be updated. A citywide program, led by the Mayor, will have to be presented tofully inform and educate Rowlett citizens and civic groups about the Bond Referendum andthe benefits and costs. This will require leadership skills, organizational skills, andcommunication skills to be certain that citizens understand and support the future BondReferendum to provide financing for growth needs in Rowlett. This is a major undertakingthat will take months to accomplish. The elements of civic pride and trust in governmentmust also be constantly affirmed and grown in order to win the vote of the citizens for aBond Referendum. It is also very important to continue to reach out the leaders of ourneighboring cities to assure regional collaboration. As Mayor of Rowlett, I already workvery closely with the Mayors and Councils of Garland, Sachse, and Rockwall. I also workdirectly with the Mayors of Mesquite, Dallas, and the cities of Rockwall County. While eachCity is often competing with one another, each Mayor does recognize that a success for onecity in the region does lift the fortunes of all the cities in that region. That air ofcooperation and collaboration will become even more important in the future as resourcesbecome more difficult to come by. Shared resources by all of us is a possible solution. I donot list a revamp of the city operating budget as an action that I would take whenre-elected. It has already been done. The Rowlett Mayor and Council did a comprehensivereview almost three years ago which led to difficult, but correct, decisions to reducespending and to reorganize for greater efficiency and effectiveness. Each year for the lastthree, the Mayor and Council continued the fiscal conservatism in spending. In spite of thedownturn in the economy and lower collections of city property taxes and sales taxes,Rowlett has built its reserves sufficiently to maintain the levels of core city services untilthe economic recovery is completed.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: First and foremost...I kept my promises in my first term as Mayor! I have been verysuccessful in leading complex organizations at the executive-level for almost 30 years now,including 3 years as Mayor of Rowlett. I am trained to be a high-level financial managerand hold advanced finance degrees and the CPA certification. I have developed mycommunication skills and my people skills to be very effective at building relationships notonly with other leaders but also with the frontline workers who create the successes. Mytransition from "civilian" life to being a Mayor was relatively seamless because I have dealtwith policy matters and oversight issues in the public sector for most of my career. In myfirst term as Mayor I have been invited to join the Regional Transportation Council (RTC),the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition (DRMC), TEX-21, the Dallas County Criminal JusticeAdvisory Board, and the North Texas Crime Commission because they recognized myleadership skills and my valuable experience and professional network. In addition to mywork in the region, my presence in the City of Rowlett has been recognized andappreciated. I was awarded the "Hero of the Year" by the Men & Women of Honor...anorganization of young people ages 11-17 who are seeking adult guidance to develop theirvalues and beliefs. I am invited to the Eagle Scout Courts of Honor and asked to speakabout patriotism and citizenship. I am invited by school teachers to visit their class andspeak to their students. I am regularly invited to business groups and civic groups toprovide an update of the activities and events that will affect Rowlett citizens andneighbors. More than two years ago I established and now co-host a monthly TV newsshow broadcast on demand at the city website and also on the city cable channel. Thisshow has attracted many viewers who are now better informed and more excited abouttheir City. I often am stopped on the street and asked a question or given a compliment.Rowlett residents know their Mayor is engaged and involved. I am the transformationalleader of the City. The City of Rowlett is experiencing a cultural change from a semi-ruralbedroom community to soon becoming a center of commerce for the northeast region ofthe Metroplex. I understand that vision...I understand the role of the Mayor to achieve


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that destiny. My opponent does not have advanced training in financial management. Myopponent does not have any experience in leading complex organizations. My opponenthas not attended any of the meetings outside of the City of Rowlett where the Metroplexleaders discuss and decide the resolution of regional issues and the allocation of regionalfunds that directly affect the City of Rowlett. My opponent has not presented any vision forthe future of the City of Rowlett other than to support what I, as Mayor, have articulatedand the City Council supported. My opponent is not a seasoned leader.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Since becoming Mayor of Rowlett, I have asked many of the other Mayors in theMetroplex for their opinion of the right mix of residential and commercial development in aCity. The consensus is for a proportion of 60% residential and 40% commercial. Such aproperty tax base provides resources that can be dedicated to improving the quality of lifein a city. I believe that a city must provide the highest level of public safety, public health,and the most amenities that can be afforded. I recognized and made it my top priority,once there was economic stability in Rowlett and greater civic pride and trust in Rowlett, tobring about quality economic development in Rowlett. The Rowlett City Council hassupported me in all of those endeavors. We have been able to attract new businesses,including relocations from other nearby cities, during the severe economic downturn of thelast two years. This has resulted in a modest growth in the commercial tax base forRowlett. However, this is just the beginning. Completion of the Bush Turnpike Extensionand the DART Rail Extension will stimulate commercial growth exponentially in Rowlett.The investments made by the North Texas Tollway Authority, the Texas Department ofTransportation (TxDOT), DART, and the RTC as well as those made by Rowlett citizensthrough the latest bond referendum are beginning to bring a return on that investment.In 2008 The City of Rowlett entered into a Letter of Intent with a partnership of developersfor a 100-acre, $500 million mixed-use project on Lake Ray Hubbard. The City Staff alongwith the Mayor and Council are in the final stages of analyzing that opportunity and will bemoving forward soon. The planning for development of the Downtown Main Street inRowlett in conjunction with the new DART Rail Station is underway and will pick up speedin the next several months. I work closely with the Rowlett City Manager and the Directorof Economic Development to be a resource to them in whatever capacity I am needed. Ihave assisted with organizing and presenting two forums for commercial developers andbrokers that attracted those investors to Rowlett to learn more about the City. I simplyserve as the "ambassador" for the City of Rowlett wherever I go. My knowledge and myenthusiasm have made a difference. I believe the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, CityExecutives, and civic leaders in Rowlett have done a remarkable job to date to attractdevelopment. That is supported by the fact that the commercial tax base has increased,albeit modestly, over the past three years bringing almost 1,000 new jobs to Rowlett.Furthermore, the number of very reputable developers and their intense interest in theCity of Rowlett bodes very well for the near future. Those developers have also noted andcomplimented the changes made by the City Council and City Staff to become more"business friendly" in both policy and procedure.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Rowlett is a well-educated citizenry. Rowlett is a youngish community. Rowlett is a fairlywell-off community. The forecast for the future is that Rowlett will maintain thosedemographics but become younger still. In addition, the international community inRowlett is growing. All of these demographics are also shared by communities surroundingRowlett. What is making the City of Rowlett different is the opportunity to create newdevelopments that take into consideration the changing desires and needs of its citizens.Downtown Main Street is likely going to be a transit-oriented development with a mixtureof retail establishments, office complexes, and small residential units all tied together by apedestrian mall. The two waterfront entertainment districts will reflect the currentmarkets. The new mass transit systems in Rowlett will attract more of the youngerfamilies. All of these changes will result in Rowlett becoming a destination. Rowlett will bethe center of commerce for the northeast sector of the Metroplex. At the same time asthese exciting opportunities for the youngish community, the City is addressing the needsof our senior citizens. Our senior citizens (I am one) already enjoy significant property taxbenefits in Rowlett. Senior citizens already enjoy programs for them at the RowlettCommunity Centre. The City has also attracted developers interested in providingaffordable housing for senior citizens. That project is in process now. I would not changeany of what the Mayor, Council, and City Staff are doing to respond to the needs and wants


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of our citizens. Certainly we would all do more if the resources were available or could bereasonably anticipated. But, Rowlett lives within its means.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: I have always believed that the federal government is responsible for addressing theissue of illegal immigration. The City and the Police Department will follow all establishedstatutes and regulations...and do. However, unless asked by the federal government forassistance, it is up to the federal government to enforce those laws. I personally serve onthe Dallas County Criminal Justice Advisory Board and on the North Texas CrimeCommission. Each of those groups works hard to assure that existing federal laws areenforced. Those groups lobby our Senators and Congressmen and Congresswomen tomake and enforce proper immigration law.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Yes...I certainly do favor a seamless regional transit system. Being on the RegionalTransportation Council and the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition has greatly sensitized meto the need for a seamless regional transit system. The Metroplex is enjoying deservedrecognition for being a wonderful location to live, work, and play. Conservative forecastsproject that our current 6 1/2 million population will grow to 9 million by 2030. Where arewe going to put all those people? More importantly, how are we going to move themaround the Metroplex? The major roadways of the Metroplex are already congested. TheMetroplex already does not meet air quality standards. Additional congestion is only goingto add to the problem of air quality, road safety, and worker productivity. The solution is toget cars and trucks off the roads. So, how do we get workers who have fled the inner cityto the suburbs and to the semi-rural areas of the Metroplex to their jobs and back eachday? The answer is mass transit. However, the federal highway trust fund is almost out ofmoney. The Texas Department of Transportation has no funding for new construction. TheTexas State Legislature has stopped the construction of new toll roads via public-privatepartnerships. How do we fund the needed mass transit? The Texas State Legislature hasroutinely diverted the State gas tax for purposes other than highway construction. Theamount of gas tax paid by Texans to the federal government does not get sent back toTexas intact...a portion of it is diverted to other states. Recent Legislatures have notagreed to increase sales taxes to fund mass transit or a local option for a menu of fees andtaxes to fund mass transit. I favor a mandate to stop the diversion of both the federal andstate gas taxes. Furthermore, I favor indexing both taxes to match any increase ininflation to assure the purchasing power of those existing taxes. I would refine the Texasuser fees to be sure that those who are using the Texas roads are paying for themproportionately. The last thing I would consider is an increase in the gas tax of a nominalamount provided the voters statewide support the increase...dedicated to funding masstransit in Texas. Doing nothing is not a viable option. Having worked with the TarrantCounty and Denton County authorities for the past three years, I appreciate their ability towork together through the Regional Transportation Council to achieve mutual benefit for allMetroplex residents.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: North Texas is the fastest growing region in the country. Businesses and people aremoving here because of our good weather, our central location, and our friendly businessclimate as well as the lack of an income tax. Our inland ports are becoming busier thanever as Asian nations, African nations, and South American nations are sending their goodsthrough Texas more than ever before. We have excellent transportation systems in placenow...DFW International airport, freight lines, interstate highways...but those systems areclose to capacity and aging. Corporate relocations and expansions are dependent onkeeping North Texas transportation systems the best. Corporate relocations are alsodependent on having an educated workforce. That requires the Community Collegedistricts in the Metroplex to work together to provide trained workers without duplicatingefforts. This requires the Metroplex universities to attain Tier I status and bring the mostsophisticated researchers...and inventors...here. And, these workers expect qualityeducation for their children. Public education and higher education must collaborate andcooperate to attain and retain the best educational environment possible. The consensusbuilding will require diverse groups with diverse agendas to come together to achieve thebasic common good...quality jobs and more jobs in North Texas through corporaterelocations and expansions. This will require an acceptance of the vision and the goals andobjectives necessary to achieve that vision. Only when all the parties can see the mutualbenefit will true collaboration take place. My approach to consensus-building is to first


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identify the potential rewards of working together and then an intense informationprogram so that all participants can understand their part of the solution. Then therelationships that have been built become even more important as the leader seeksvoluntary acceptance of the roles and scope of each group participant as all work towardsachieving the vision. I have observed Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert using these techniquesand skills as he promotes the Trinity project. Success for the leader requires not onlyextraordinary management and leadership skills but also communication and peopleskills.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: The Rowlett Mayor and City Council hired a new City Manager about 15 months ago.One of the priority tasks given to the City Manager was to review all operatingdepartments to identify inefficiencies, waste, or cronyism. A system of performanceindicators to include benchmarks to measure progress towards the goal is beingestablished for each operating department. The goal is to assure that the Rowlett taxpayerreceives the maximum value from their tax dollar. That value will be measured in thequality and amount of city services provided to taxpayers. At this point, the City Manageris about 60% done with the operating reviews. Because the City Manager and the CityExecutives have adopted "citizen-centered" decisionmaking and also have made acommitment to the highest level of customer service, the city property tax rate, which hasnot been increased during my first term as Mayor, is likely not going to increase next fiscalyear either. I recommended and endorse these internal reviews. While I do not think thatthe City of Rowlett has achieved the highest level yet, I am confident that the CityManager and her team are on track to do that. The remaining operating departmentreviews must be completed and reacted to as soon as possible and those changesinstitutionalized. Then, there must be vigilance on the part of the managers as well as bythe Mayor and City Council. That can only be accomplished if there is genuine transparencyand accountability by the City. The City of Rowlett is going to be recognized by the TexasState Comptroller for its recent accomplishments to achieve such transparency andaccountability!Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: I believe the current leadership has done reasonably well in weathering the economicstorm. Decisions made almost three years ago to reduce spending then were difficult tomake and implement. Discipline to continue to set aside tax dollars to build reserves andalso to reallocate dollars for investment in the Rowlett neighborhoods was sometimeswaxing and waning. More than once I had to remind City Council and City Staff that suchdiscipline was essential. Regardless, today the City of Rowlett is prepared for a recoverythat will take 18-24 months to return to where we were revenue-wise. However, shouldthe recovery take longer than that, the new leadership will have to dig even deeper to findresources to maintain core public services without a tax increase. The City uses economicmodels to decide where to invest its maintenance dollars on roads and sidewalks as well asin its facilities and fleet. I do not advocate abandoning those models unless there is a crisissituation. Balancing the budget sounds simple...stay within your means. What that reallymeans is to be sure that the City is collecting all revenues due to it without adding newdiscretionary fees or taxes. It also means that every expenditure is scrutinized and thequestion "Is this the highest and best use of our limited resources?" answered in theaffirmative before proceeding. Furthermore, it requires full, open, and honest disclosure toour citizens and the opportunity for them to make their choices know to the leaders.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: The most uncomfortable truth about the City of Rowlett that voters must confront ishow little control we have over so many of our utility costs and costs of other services. TheCity of Rowlett purchases its potable water from the North Texas Municipal Water District(NTMWD). The City does not have a seat on the Board because we do not also purchasesewer services from the NTMWD. The policy of the NTMWD is that cities must purchase andpay whatever was the historical peak of consumption in the past at a minimum each year.To the City of Rowlett, that means the City purchases millions of gallons of water and paystax dollars for water that is never consumed. The City has no voice to change that policy.The City of Rowlett purchases sewer services from the City of Garland. Each year theGarland City Council sets the rates and even adjusts the rates without consultation. Thoserate increases are contractual and must be paid. There is no other provider to turn towithout a major investment in infrastructure. The City of Rowlett contracts with IESI forwaste services. That multi-year contract contains automatic fee increases when certainconditions are met. The City has no choice but to pay the agreed upon contractual rates.


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The effect of this is that the City of Rowlett has one of the highest utility fees in NorthTexas. Given its circumstances, it will be very difficult to ever move far away from thatstatus since spending decisions are made by others and the City must simply fund thosedecisions. The City of Rowlett does have control over discretionary fee increases.

Cindy Rushing

Biographical Info:Name: Cindy RushingStreet Address: 6305 Joel CourtCity/Town: RowlettState: TexasDate of Birth: 11/01/1952Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-475-0914Home Phone Number: 972-475-0914Mobile Phone Number: Not availableFax Number: 972-475-0914E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.CindyRushing.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Education: Graduated from Lake Highlands High School Dallas, Texas 1993 to 2001; 102hours in computer sciences, business, accounting, photography and related studies fromRichland and Collin County Community Colleges with a 3.75 GPA. Several trainingseminars related to elected officials through Texas Municipal League and National Leagueof Cities. Homeland Security Mayoral Institute Seminar for All Hazards PreparednessCrisis Prevention Intervention training completed 8 hours 2-18-09 (GISD Training Team)Leadership Rowlett Graduate of Class XVIII July 2009 Experience:Management, Sales,Clerical, Working with special needs and preschool children, Photography, and PublicSpeaking Strengths: Excellent communication and organizational skills, self starter,Involved in community activities.Q: Length of residency in the city:A: I have lived in Rowlett for 29 years.Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: I have lived in the Dallas area for 46 years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am semi-retired and currently work for the Garland Independent School District,driving a school bus for special needs children in The Garland and Rowlett area.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I believe in giving back to my community and volunteering as often as time permits.For the last 6 years I have served my community as the place 2 council member on theRowlett City Council, serving as Mayor Pro Tem in 2007. I am a current member andcharter member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). I am an activemember of Rowlett Fire Corp team 2. I have served as the chair of the Rowlett WomensClub scholarship committee 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and the treasurer of the RowlettWomens Club 2009-2010. I served last year as the Chair of the Rowlett Womens ClubChristmas Home Tour and will do that again in this year.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Rowlett is a great place to live and I have met so many wonderful friends and neighborsthrough all the difference organization I have worked with over the years. Listed below aremany of the volunteer positions I have served in during that time and recognitions I havereceived: Rowlett Elementary School assisting teachers in the classroom when mychildren attended there 1981 to 1985. Wesleyan Christian academy working as avolunteer, in my grand children's preschool classes, 2001 to 2008 Charter member of theCommunity Emergency Response Team (CERT) Received the Distinguished Service Awardin May 2008 Past Treasure of the Artist Round Texas Club (ART) Member of the AllAmerica City team representing Rowlett in the 2009 competition Graduate of RowlettCitizen Fire Academy Class 2 in 2003 Graduate of the Rowlett Community EmergencyResponse Team Training 2003 Graduate of the Rowlett Citizens Police Academy 2007


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Chair of the Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest 2007 and 2008 Graduate ofLeadership Rowlett Class XVIII 2009 Chair of the Rowlett Womens Club scholarshipcommittee 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Chair of the Rowlett Womens Club Auditcommittee 2008 and 2009 Treasurer of the Rowlett Womens Club 2009-2010 Chair of theRowlett Womens Club Christmas Home Tour 2009 and 2010 President George W. BushBronze Volunteer Service Award 2006Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I have served on the Rowlett City Council in place 2 for the past six years.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have raised about $900.00 for my campaign.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Most of the funds raised have come from neighborhood contributions.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No, I have never been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for Mayor of Rowlett because I believe the citizens want a Mayor that isresponsive to them. My years of service and volunteer involvement has given me anunderstanding of how the city works, including our opportunities and greatest challenges. Isee a bright future for our city and I am willing to work to make it happen. Rowlett istruly at a crossroads. It is time to make critical decisions that will shape our future.Reducing the tax burden is a hot topic, but at the same time we have to focus oncontinuing to update and maintain our aging infrastructure. Balancing these issues willrequire a financially responsible leader to use our limited resources responsibly. My timeon council has given me the experience to work through the budget process and find waysto make our tax dollars stretch further. Rowlett needs a Mayor with authentic leadershipskills. One who builds teamwork and leads by example. I have many years of experiencein bringing people together to accomplish group goals. I believe I am the person that canaccomplish the task before us as a growing city. My goal is to work with the six othercouncil members who all bring different life experiences to the table to publicly discuss anddebate issues that face us as a growing city. I believe together we can arrive at decisionsthat will move Rowlett forward in a positive manner.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1.I would continue the Cash Capital Improvement Spending program the city startedthree years ago to improve street and alleys with out creating long term debt. 2. I wouldcontinue to look at private public partnerships to make our tax payers dollars stretchfurther. 3.I will continue to encourage neighborhoods to consider Public ImprovementDistricts to move their project to the top of the list of needed work to be done in the city.Funds for this type of projects could be available by using monies saved as we start tolower our debt payments by paying down older bonds.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I believe the voters of Rowlett want a Mayor that is truly one of them. Someone that isactive in Rowlett. I feel interacting with our citizens at an HOA meeting or communityevents is important. I will keep the decision making process public. The voters want toknow that the decision are reach after public discussion and debate in a public setting. Notamong a few in private meetings. That things as routine as appointing board andcommission member will not be done behind close doors as has been done in the past. Andthat their Mayor truly wants to serve the community not build a resume for future politicalambitions. As always I welcome your comments and suggestions! Please email me [email protected], join my blog, or just call me at 972-475-0914. Thank you again foryour support over the last 6 years! Now I need your support to take the good ol’ boysystem out of Rowlett politics! Elect an authentic leader for Rowlett VOTE on May 8thCINDY RUSHING FOR MAYORQ: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Attracting commercial development is at the top of the list in Rowlett. We have beenvery active in the last few year in holding events geared toward the developmentcommunity in the Metro Plex area. Showing off what Rowlett has to offer is a key factor isattracting new business to our area.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region should


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know more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Rowlett for years has had a large number of young professional families. Keeping ouraverage age in the early 30's. That is slowly changing as we attract more seniors, but ouraverage age is still below 40 years old. As a city we need to find ways to have playgroundsand soccer fields for the young people and still provide activities that interest those of usthat are not quite so active anymore.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: I believe if anything at all is done on the issue of illegal immigration it would have to beon a national level not local government.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Rowlett has been a long time member of the DART transit system. It would be nice tothink someday we could ride a train anywhere. We as citizens need to learn to use masstransit. But with that said it will be hard for most of us to give up the luxury of driving ourown cars everywhere we go.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Transportation is is definitely at the top of the list for regional cooperation but waterconservation and clean water issues are a close second. But with that said there canalways be cost saving when cities jointly share in communication facilities, trainingfacilities, or lake and stream clean up projects.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Rowlett has been reducing the cost of delivering services to our residents for the lastseveral years. We are always looking for ways to work smarter and more efficiently.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The balancing act of providing services to our residents as cost continually rise and notraising taxes is a problem local government has always had to deal with. As the recenteconomic down turn has lowered property values thus lower city revenues, that job hasbecome harder. Rowlett now uses more technology to help keep our employee cost lower.The city now also out sources more operations to reduce cost. The city is also evaluatingthe size and function of our fleet so that it can be operated in the most economical waypossible.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: We still have millions of dollars of work to be done to improve our aging infrastructureand at some point we will have to incur more debt to take care of this problem.

Rowlett City Council, Place 2Description: Note: All Rowlett residents may vote in this race.


Jerry Berggren

Biographical Info:Name: Jerry BerggrenStreet Address: 1417 Sherwood DrCity/Town: RowlettState: TXDate of Birth: 1968Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-345-1378Mobile Phone Number: 972-345-1378


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E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: JerryBerggren.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: B.A. - Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA M.B.A. - Tulane University, NewOrleans, LAQ: Length of residency in the city:A: Nearly 13 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Director of Research & Information, National Association of Dental PlansQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Member of Rowlett's Tax Increment Financing District BoardQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Vice-Chair of the Parks & Recreation Subcommittee, Rowlett Bond CommissionQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: None.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: To date, my campaign is self-funded.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: N/AQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: 1. Sustainable Growth. A City Council that is patient and thoughtful in its attempts toattract commercial enterprises will do more for the future health of the city than the desireto trade our tax base for the promise of faster commercial development. We have theopportunity of encouraging the creativity and diversity of commercial enterprise that wantto establish a presence in Rowlett or we can crush that creativity with onerousrequirements that encourage uniformity and end up looking and feeling like any othersuburb across America. 2. No Increase in Tax and Utility Rates. The City of Rowlett hasthe second highest property tax rate and the second highest utility rates in North Texas. Asour city grows, the pressures to raise taxes and utility rates will be great as the city growsto support new development. As Rowlett residents, we already pay enough taxes andenough for our water and sewer services. I am running to find ways to not just keep taxesand rates flat, but to reduce our property tax and utility rates. 3. Partnerships forDevelopment. The City of Rowlett has failed to develop many of its open spaces. We arefortunate to have so many natural resources available to us for recreation, yet most ofthose resources remain undeveloped. With 30 miles of unusable or inaccessible shorelinealong Lake Ray Hubbard, dozens of empty lots with faded and crumbling signs indicating apark is coming soon, and major roads with no sidewalks for our children to walk safelyfrom one neighborhood to the next, the time has come for Rowlett to work with privatebusinesses and civic associations to find creative solutions to these problems.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Reduce the City's exposure to those services that can be managed by privateenterprises, and eliminate those services and programs that directly compete with servicesand programs offered by private businesses and civic or religious organizations. 2.Increase the cash funding for road and utility maintenance, so that the taxpayers are notasked to borrow more money through general obligation bonds to accomplish those basicservices that the city should have completed from funds available in the general budget.3. The City of Rowlett has begun a program that encourages residents to anonymouslyreport their neighbor for code violations. While the program accomplishes the goal ofencouraging property owners to maintain their property according to code, it also createsan environment that discourages community. I would like to find a way to encourageneighbors to act like neighbors rather than encourage Rowlett citizens to act like codeenforcement officers. Working with homeowners associations, religious groups and civicassociations to identify those in our community who are chronically unable to maintaintheir property AND to help those individuals with the repairs they need will do far more todevelop a sense of community than a city-run Easter Egg hunt.


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Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My wife and I face the same struggles many families in Rowlett face; raising a family,paying a mortgage, and planning for our future. I am keenly aware of the challenges thatmany families in Rowlett face, so developing opportunities for families to live, play andwork in our city is my primary goal.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Attracting commercial development is THE priority for the City of Rowlett. The Easternextension of the President George Bush Turnpike and the extension of DART's Blue Lineinto Rowlett open up miles of undeveloped lakefront to commercial and recreationaldevelopment that will transform Rowlett from a bedroom community to a regionaldestination. The next five to ten years will determine what Rowlett looks like forgenerations to come.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: Rowlett is landlocked and has very little land available for residential development. As aresult, our city's demographic profile will not likely change much over the next ten years.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: When illegal immigrants are arrested for crimes or stopped for traffic violations, our cityshould follow the existing federal and state laws that require law enforcement to reportthose individuals to the appropriate state and federal authorities.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Rowlett will see the completion of the DART rail Blue line in 2012. So to benefit theresidents and businesses in Rowlett, it is in our interest to encourage a seamless regionaltransit system into other parts of North Texas.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: The single biggest issue that will involve regional cooperation is related to lakefrontdevelopment and specifically, Robertson Park. Lake Ray Hubbard and Robertson Park arecurrently owned by the City of Dallas, yet development on the lakefront and aroundRobertson Park will be critical to Rowlett's future. The Council and the Mayor will have towork with the City of Dallas on issues related to the lake and finding common ground onlakefront development will be very important to Rowlett's future.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: Rowlett has been run, for at least the past three years, in a fiscally conservativemanner. Our high tax and utility rates are a result of an undisciplined approach to the city'sbudget prior to the current leadership. With a slow economy and an increased tax burdenat the federal level, the Mayor and City Council must do more to reduce the burden ontaxpayers in the years to come.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The next City Council must have the courage and foresight to identify those programsand operations that can be managed more efficiently by private enterprise, and not place aburden on the city's finances. Two great examples of this are the annual Festival ofFreedom and the Wetzone Waterpark. 1. This year, the Festival of Freedom is beingorganized and managed by the Rowlett Exchange Club with private funds. In the past, theCity has performed these functions with taxpayer funds. Moving the operation of theFestival of Freedom to the private sector removes the financial risk to taxpayers andplaces that risk where it rightly belongs in the private market. 2. With the exception of itsfirst year of operation, the Wetzone Waterpark has lost at least $100,000 per year, withsome years experiencing deficits of more than $500,000. I believe the city needs to getout of the business of running a water park. Rowlett needs to find a private sector partnerto operate the Wetzone. We already have precedent with the city's Waterview golf course,which is operated by American Golf. It is time we find a partner to operate the Wetzoneunder a similar agreement.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Coming increase in utility rates. Rowlett buys its water from the North Texas Municipal


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Water District. NTMWD have already informed Rowlett of fee increases of 10% for the nexttwo years. With one of the highest water utility rates in the region, the next City Councilwill have to deal with long term solutions to our ever increasing water rates.

Donna Davis

Biographical Info:Name: Donna DavisStreet Address: 6905 Westover DriveCity/Town: RowlettState: TexasDate of Birth: 08/23/1950Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-412-4030Home Phone Number: 972-412-4030Mobile Phone Number: 469-834-8610E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.votedonnadavis.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Wayland Baptist University - Bachelors Degree - BusinessQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 6.5 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 6.5 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retired after 34 years with Texas Instruments Incorporated. Main source of income isretirement funds.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Library Board Vice-Chairman, GED Tutor, volunteer instructor of Computer Classes forSenior Citizens, DART Arts and Design Committee, City of Rowlett Performance Evaluationredesign, 2010 Rowlett Citizens Police Academy, Rowlett Women’s Club and volunteer forMain Street eventsQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: 2008 Charter Review Commission, 2008-2009 Mayor’s ad hoc Bond Committee, 2009Rowlett Women’s Club Christmas Tour of Homes, Library Board, GED Tutor, volunteerinstructor of Computer Classes for Senior Citizens, and Rowlett Public Library craftprogramsQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have a pledge from the MetroTex Association of Realtors as the candidate they haveendorsed for Place 2 in the amount of $500. The remainder of my campaign has beenpersonally financed.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: I have a pledge from the MetroTex Association of Realtors as the candidate they haveendorsed for Place 2 in the amount of $500. The remainder of my campaign has beenpersonally financed.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: As we see the completion of the President George Bush Turnpike and the DART light Railline, Rowlett has wonderful opportunities for growth. We also have many challenges aheadof us. We must continue to keep Rowlett a safe place to live and work. The maintenanceand repair of infrastructure and the need for improved parks, trails, senior and youthprograms and other services are constant challenges. In running, I want to ensure that theCouncil keeps the citizen’s vision for our city at the forefront. I bring a common sense,


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balanced approach to decision making. I have thirty-four years supervisory and HumanResources work experience with Texas Instruments. Since my retirement 2.5 years ago, Ihave volunteered in many capacities in the City of Rowlett. My work as a member of the2008 Charter Review Commission, the 2009 ad hoc Bond Committee and regularattendance at Council Meetings and work sessions have given me an understanding of howthe City operates and issues we face. My work with the library, Rowlett’s senior citizensand the project to revise the City’s performance evaluation system have allowed me towork alongside many of our citizens and City employees. I believe government has anobligation to citizens to operate in an efficient, effective way that places as little tax andbureaucratic burden on citizens as possible. I fully support the right of citizens to have avoice in their governance and a vote on the issuance of any new debt. I strongly supportindividual property rights and sustainable economic development.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Economic Development I view economic development in two parts. First, the Cityand Council must work closely with our Chamber of Commerce to promote the localbusinesses already established in Rowlett. Keeping them strong only adds to our appeal asa community when other businesses are considering Rowlett as a location. Second, thecompletion of the President George Bush Turnpike and DART light rail will give ussignificant opportunities for development of the North Shore Commercial District,Downtown Transit Oriented Development, Waterfront District and the possible acquisitionand development of Roberson Park from the City of Dallas. It is critically important that weare patient and attract quality, sustainable businesses that complement each other andexisting businesses. We must do this right the first time. At the same time, we mustpreserve the safe community feel that excites so many of our citizens about living inRowlett. The right kinds of commercial development help transfer part of the tax burdenoff the homeowner and increase sales tax to fund the operation of the city. 2. Regionalissues of transportation, water, electricity and clean air without crippling tax hikes TheNorth Central Texas Council of Governments forecasts area population to grow toapproximately 9 million by 2030. Growth of this magnitude will require regional solutionsto the issues of transportation, water, electricity and clean air. It is important that Rowlettbe involved with regional initiatives and decisions on these topics. We have seen what itmeans to be a customer of a local regional water district, rather than a member city … wehave no vote on the board and little recourse. The decisions made today will impact thecitizens of Rowlett for many years to come. 3. Balance of Infrastructure repair andamenities that make Rowlett a great place to live Rowlett, like many other cities, hasmore needs than it has money to fund those needs. We must provide a balanced approachbetween repair of our aging infrastructure and the amenities that so many citizens enjoy.I believe that the current practice of using a pavement assessment program (index) servesus well. Rowlett can then repair pavement before a much more expensive reconstruction isneeded. We are still paying for neglect in the past by having to reconstruct a number ofstreets and alleys. We also face repair and replacement on infrastructure that is not sovisible. We have significant water pressure issues in some areas of our city. Over 50% ofour water lines and waste water lines are more than twenty years old. Severalneighborhoods need work. Spending for infrastructure must be balanced with amenitiesthat make this a great community. Improvement in our parks, trails, senior and youthprograms, our library and community center all impact citizens. Our amenities also impactour economic development efforts. Paying for everything that Rowlett needs will alwaysbe a challenge. Our property tax rate is already one of the highest in the region and shouldnot be raised. Smart economic development will help fund some of Rowlett’s needs in thefuture. However, we may not see the financial benefits for a number of years. I am a fiscalconservative who believes that the Council and City staff must make tough decisions aboutwhat services we offer and how we deliver them to citizens. We must be efficient andeffective and ensure that citizens are receiving value for their money. We must use theissuance of debt wisely and always with the voter approval. Ultimately, it is the voter whodetermines what they are willing to pay for.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I believe that all of the candidates for Place 2 want to see Rowlett realize its potentialas a great place to live, do business, work and play. We each have differences in the lifeexperiences and points of view that we offer. I bring a skill set to the Council that enablesme to listen to different points of view and formulate successful solutions, to understandthe importance of vision, to lead teams and be an effective team member, to research andanalyze complex issues, to make difficult decisions based on facts, to look for effective andefficient ways of doing things, to consider the impact of decisions on others and the future,


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and to communicate. My extensive work as a volunteer for the City of Rowlett has givenme a deeper knowledge of how the City works and an appreciation for our City employees.Most of all, I believe I am known for living up to and surpassing my commitments. I offera balanced, common sense, fiscally conservative approach.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: I rank smart economic development as one of my three highest priorities. Rowlett island locked with Garland and Sachse as neighbors and Lake Ray Hubbard as a border. Thismakes it critically important that we develop our assets in a way that benefits the citizensof Rowlett. We have miles of undeveloped waterfront and approximately 1,000 acresbisected by the new President George Bush Turnpike. Completion of the DART light railgives us opportunity for transit oriented development. We have opportunities foraffordable senior housing development. Smart commercial development helps shift someof the tax burden from our homeowners. Rowlett is making good progress on marketingour city to position us for future development. There has been interest from developers. Asthe economy improves, we should see more. I believe we are on the right track. Ourchallenge will be in being patient enough to encourage smart development. The Councilmust seek input from the citizens on their vision for Rowlett’s future. Then the Councilmust ensure that our zoning, codes and ordinances are up to date and reflect the citizen’svision.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: One recent demographic change I see in Rowlett is the change in income for somefamilies because of the economy. The economy and loss of jobs has led many families toseek free or low cost entertainment and services. Library program attendance is up. Anumber of families have dropped internet service providers and are now using computersat the library. Attendance at the Main Street event series remains strong. We shouldconsider these situations in making decisions to support these community services as aCity. Fortunately, Rowlett has an outstanding volunteer program and local sponsors whohelp mitigate cost. Another demographic change is the increasing number of seniorcitizens. The investment that Rowlett makes in programs and amenities for senior citizensneeds improvement. Even though cost is always an issue, I believe we can do better as acommunity. I would encourage the Council to begin to make small changes in budget nowand plan for a place seniors can call their own when revenues improve. This could beginwith a small center as a part of another city facility. Based on materials presented at thelatest Vision North Texas Regional Summit, it is expected that in the future there will bemore seniors, a smaller percentage of households with children, a larger percentage ofsingle-person households, and larger percentage of transit households. I don’t expectRowlett to be any different than the region. It is important that we keep these changes inmind in economic development as well as the types of amenities available to citizens. Ibelieve we should solidify our vision of what citizens want Rowlett to be in the future. Witheach decision, the Council should ask if it brings us closer to our citizen’s vision.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: In the normal course of stopping or apprehending an individual, the Rowlett policeshould contact the Immigration and Naturalization Services for a decision on how toproceed on the immigration issue if they find the individual is in the U.S. illegally. I believethis is the current process. Federal courts have ruled that local ordinances such as a ban onrenting to illegal immigrants are unconstitutional. Recently, U.S. District Judge Jane J.Boyle of Dallas ruled that these bans were an attempt to enforce U.S. immigration laws,which only the federal government can do. Until the federal government stands behind ourlaws, protects our borders and gives local police stronger authority to act, the handling ofillegal immigration according to our courts remains primarily a federal decision.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I rated regional issues as one of my three most important actions if elected. I believethat transportation issues have become so complex and expensive that no city can solvethem alone. Rowlett is a member city of DART and will soon see the benefit of thatdecision with the completion of the DART light rail. As population continues to grow, wemust address the movement of people and goods as a region. Transportation also has a bigimpact on our air quality. I support full participation in efforts to define current and futureneeds and develop regional solutions.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regional


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planning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: Water, clean air and the volume of electricity required for future use will requireregional planning and solutions. Rowlett should play a part in the discussions and thesolutions. With population growth, demand will only increase. As a region, we mustencourage and explore water conservation, reuse and new sources. Air quality must be apart of regional transportation solutions. The Council can change codes to allow alternativesources of energy. Citizens should be kept informed and have a voice in determining futuresolutions. I would also encourage cooperation with our neighboring cities as we look toimprove other services. Possible areas to explore would be the building and operation offacilities such as the animal shelter, a venue for the performing arts, etc. in a partnershipwith other cities.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: I am encouraged by the focus the new City Manager, Lynda Humble, has placed oncustomer centered service, cost effectiveness and value for taxpayer investment. Thereare always improvements to be made. We should continue to seek out ways to do thingsdifferently and in a more cost effective manner. The Council should always be evaluatingservices the City offers. A prime example is the Wet Zone. Since 2002, the Wet Zone haslost between $100,000 and $492,000 annually. With the changes implemented by the newmanager, this year it is forecast to break even. Citizens should have a voice in whetherthey want to continue to pay for this amenity. The Council should evaluate whether theCity should continue to operate this types of amenity, lease it out or sell it at theappropriate time. Another example of cost effectiveness and efficiency is some of thechanges in the Police Department. The recent move of code enforcement and animalservices to the Police Department allows for a more seamless partnership between allthree groups. Clean, safe neighborhoods make Rowlett a good place to live and attracteconomic development. The most difficult areas to favorably impact cost are the deliveryof water, sewer and garbage collection. We must vigorously examine our current contractsand processes and look for ways to keep costs down. This will be extremely difficult in anenvironment where increases have already been announced by our suppliers.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: Rowlett is in a good financial position and I give full credit to the City Manager, FinanceDepartment and the current Mayor and Council for their fiscal responsibility. Rowlett hasmore than its required reserves in place. It is important that we stay the course. Evenwhen the economy improves, we must learn from past mistakes of borrowing more thanwe need for the short term and raising our taxes to cover the service on the debt. Wemust make wise and conservative decisions about growth in city government and spendingtaxpayer dollars. It is by making fiscally conservative, wise decisions when the economy isgood that we remain strong when the economy is bad. In the next two years, the Councilwill face a decision about calling a bond election to seek voter approval to issue debt tofund infrastructure repairs and reconstruction. Because bond debt is such a long termproposal, it is important that we issue bonds only as needed and only with approval ofvoters. I favor listing each bond proposal separately on the ballot rather than combiningthem into one large bond package. In this way, voters can speak clearly about what theyare willing to pay for. In the meantime we should continue to search for more economicalways to maintain our infrastructure. An example is the City‘s current approach to themaintenance of streets and alleys. Using an index, they regularly assess streets and alleys.The City is focusing on repair before streets fall into a category where they must bereplaced. Repair is much less expensive than reconstruction. At the same time, they arereconstructing where they index is too low to repair. These reconstructions will take aperiod of several years.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: One of the most uncomfortable truths about our city is the high water and sewer rates.While many other cities are catching up with Rowlett, that doesn’t make the rates moreaffordable for our citizens. It is an uncomfortable truth that these rates are likely to keepincreasing in the future. Rates in Texas and the nation are forecast to increase 5% to 7%every year. There are several reasons why our rates are high. Our suppliers, the NorthTexas Municipal Water District and the City of Garland, are both raising rates to coverrising costs and the costs of aggressive capital improvement plans and qualityimprovements. Many cities don’t charge the entire cost of service in the utility rate. Inthese cases, the general fund subsidizes a portion of the cost. Rowlett has a policy ofreimbursing the General Fund for water and sewer expenses to cover costs. Subsidizing


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our rates from the General Fund would ultimately result in higher taxes. As costs continueto rise, assets need replacement and new sources of water are funded, we must seek newsolutions as a region to minimize the financial impact on citizens.

Rowlett City Council, Place 6Description: Note: All Rowlett residents may vote in this race.


Michael Gallops

Biographical Info:Name: Michael GallopsStreet Address: 5206 St Charles DriveCity/Town: RowlettState: TXDate of Birth: 11/14/1964Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 469-628-7926Fax Number: 866-537-3510E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: http://wwww.michaelgallops.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Bachelor of Science, Angelo State UniversityQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 5 years, 8 monthsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Currently unemployedQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Rowlett Fire Corps, Board Member at Freedom Life Church, Leadership Rowlett ClassXIX, Director of Freedom Life Church Job Networking, DART Blueline Art & DesignCommittee, Vice Chair of Rowlett Mayors Ad Hoc Bond Committee, Rowlett CommunityEmergency Response Team (CERT), Board of Directors - Specialized Alternatives for Family& Youth (SAFY), Rowlett Citizens Police Academy, Board Member & Secretary, HarborsideHomeowners AsssociationQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Rowlett Historical Society, Rowlett Arts & Humanities Commission, Veterans AdvisoryBoard of Verizon, Dallas Youth Resource & Advisory Council (Texas Youth Commission)Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $2500Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Friends, will be disclosed in Ethics Commission reportreport.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: Only a divorce.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Our family has lived in Rowlett since the summer of 2004. We moved here fromMesquite with 6 of our 7 children because we wanted to live in a place that had cityamenities and a small town feeling. Rowlett fit that description perfectly then, and stilldoes today. Since 2004 I’ve been involved in a variety of organizations in Rowlett and havecome to truly love this city. I’ve seen great things and not so great things happen over the


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past 6 years and that’s what drove me to run for City Council. I believe that I can make adifference, and that my 5-point Vision truly sets the framework for more great things inRowlett. My military leadership and my experience in process improvement and projectmanagement makes me uniquely qualified to serve as a city councilman.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Strengthen Rowlett’s public safety by making sure the police and fire departments havethe resources, training and support they need to keep our families and neighborhoods safeand secure, including facilities, equipment and human resources. That means supportingincreases in equipment and personnel to meet the demands of a growing community, suchas the completion of the President George Bush Turnpike Eastern Extension. Immediatelybegin to improve communications between the citizens and the City. For instance, workingwith the City Manager’s office, I want to ensure that the communication and marketingplan includes use of today’s technology, such as social networking. This enables us to reachfurther, quicker, to a different segment of our community that may not have beenreceiving our messaging. Initiatives such as this are low or no cost because they takeadvantage of technological systems that are already in place and underutilized. Reviewthe existing tax and fee structure to determine what may be lowered without impactingservices.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My experience in reviewing and improving processes is a unique skill set that myopponents do not have. My opponents also have a more singular focus while my 5-pointvision for Rowlett touches on all areas of the city – not just fiscal and economicdevelopment.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: Attracting commercial development is one of my highest priorities. I believe thedirection the city is going is the right one but efforts need to be more focused andtargeted. The economic development plan is nearly 3 years old and should be reviewedand updated on a more regular basis.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: The biggest change in demographics in Rowlett is growth in young married couples andfamilies. Rowlett’s efforts to improve the downtown area as well as the addition of theDART rail and the PBGT Eastern Extension are steps in the right direction. When attractingnew commercial development to Rowlett I’d like to see more focus on family friendlybusinesses that complement our demographics. I would also focus on improving the cityand neighborhood park system because our younger families are more environmentallyconscious and want healthier living as part of their lifestyle.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: While the issue of illegal immigration is primarily a federal one I believe that local lawenforcement should be allowed to question and identify suspected illegal immigrants in thenormal course of their duties. If they do apprehend an illegal immigrant they should beallowed to detain and report them to the federal authorities.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I favor a regional transit system as long as it is done with citizen input and approval.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: A 2030 Master Transportation Plan is a great example of interagency cooperation.Ensuring that the roads of today are ready for the traffic of tomorrow. Another issue islakeside cleanup. Regional cooperation around the Ray Hubbard Reservoir would result ina much cleaner and safer recreational area.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: I believe the city tries to do the best it can considering the economy we’ve had to dealwith the last couple of years. I believe we need to review all of our services and ensurethat we aren’t wasting tax dollars when they should be used for vital services. I alsobelieve that the city council should focus on setting policy and approving the budget andallow the City Manager and staff to determine the best manner to carry out services.


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Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: It’s critical that we find ways to work with less revenue coming in. That’s to say that weneed to work smarter, not harder to provide essential services through processimprovement and an emphasis on quality. I also believe that a focus on encouragingvolunteerism in the city will allow staff to utilize tax dollars on maintaining and improvinginfrastructure. We need to depoliticize the boards and commissions process to encouragemore citizens to volunteer. Using the expertise of citizen volunteers can also save taxdollars.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Our water utility rates are the highest around. A big part of that is because we are not amember city of the water district. We’re told we have no options for reducing water ratesbut I think we need to look harder before simply giving in.

Ron Miller

Biographical Info:Name: Ron MillerStreet Address: 7315 Stonemeadow CircleCity/Town: RowlettState: TexasDate of Birth: August 18, 1938Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-412-8444Home Phone Number: 972-475-1149Mobile Phone Number: 214-616-1767Fax Number: 972-412-8444E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: ronmiller2010.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Indiana University, 1958-1962, Business Administration Richland College, Board ofAdvisors, Construction and Technology Dept., 1982-1986 Numerous real estate landdevelopment seminarsQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 35 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: NAQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Administrative consultant and construction/development inspector to numerous DFWarea banks.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Member, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Member Rowlett DART station platformdesign, Subcommittee of Rowlett Environmental Learning Center.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: None other than above.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $175.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Bill Birdwell Jason PehdeQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: Traffic tickets....no felonies.....no civil suits.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for office because I think Rowlett will improve its opportunities to become


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a charming, modest sized city with my input. My unique career in real estate planning,construction, and land development provides the experience that Rowlett currently needsto plan it's undeveloped business tax base. I have spent nearly a half century in real estateappraisal, sales, construction, land development, finance, and loan administration. I haveexperience from coast to coast. These are unique qualifications. All are listed in my resumeand posted on my website.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Seek professional land planning "Think Tank" advice. This is preferred overdevelopers at this time. I want the benefit of the most current academic input with thefuture of Rowlett in mind instead of the future of a developer. Rowlett will have a need for"Developers for a living" later. 2. Invite companies with plant expansion plans to Rowlett todiscuss Rowlett's industrial park potential. The "high tech" clean industries would becourted. If some firms are sincere with a Rowlett expansion plan, they will be asked toparticipate in the land plan "brain storming," however Rowlett's overall developmentdesigns will remain in place. 3. Start development of a "critical path" plan to commencethe construction of bike and walking trails, waterfront parks, pedestrian sidewalks, andcomplete development of existing parks. I would want no less than a 10 year plan to tie allRowlett neighborhoods, parks, employment, and shopping into a bicycle, and walkingfriendly mid-sized city. Connections to waterfront improvements would be a priority. Watertaxis for popular stops will be considered.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have a very good friend. He is an attorney; a very good attorney. He is smart, funny,totally enjoyable, and a generally well rounded, very intelligent fellow. But, I wouldn'twant him to take my appendix out. I would rather a surgeon do that. The surgeon wouldhave the training and experience. Clearly, it is the experience. Rowlett's future rests inhow it plans and develops it's undeveloped land and water assets. These resources willprovide the tax revenue that Rowlett will need to turn itself into a charming little city. Thesuccessful conversion of these undeveloped lands will provide all the funding needed to payfor the city's new needs. To the best of my knowledge, my experience in these matters farexceed my competition's experience.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: This is by far, my top priority. It is the basis under which I am running for office. Rowletthas only provided the most modest business attractions. It has been somewhatreactionary. My plan is to go proactive. Rowlett has done a fair job of keeping up withgrowth, but only on an "as needed" basis. It is my opinion that we should have a moreaggressive say in our future. I want to pick the best, then go after them.Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: The demographics of the city has always been that it is a young city. The average age ofRowlett is 33 years old. We raise a lot of children here. We need the features set out aboveto provide good lifestyles for all our residents, but particularly the kids. Rowlett is a lowdensity city. There is a lot of room. We need to keep it that way and work on lifestyle morethan more people. We are at 56,000 population at the present time, and will max out dueto space at about 75,000. We are getting a new DART station and George Bush Tollway iscoming right through the center of town. We have always had Lake Ray Hubbard, but wehave almost ignored the lake. When taken together, these features will change the city ofRowlett dramatically. It creates a brand new canvas in which to paint. It is my intention toredesign the city around these new features and the lake.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: This is a very difficult assignment. I feel the city police are limited in what they can dountil the federal government figures out what they want to do. Of course, they must arrestthe law breakers, as with any group. However, if they rounded up every illegal immigrantin town, where would they put them? We need a national, or state, policy before our policedepartment has any clear guidance. It is long, long overdue. Lock up the lawbreakers andreport the illegals to Immigrations. I think the best the police can do without guidancefrom state or federal is to arrest law breakers. I don't know what else to advise.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I would be in favor of a seamless regional transit system if someone could give me a


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reasonably undisputed cash flow analysis on where the money is coming from toimplement it and where the money is going to be spent. Until that can be done, there's notmuch time that I care to spend thinking about it. It is a very big dream. I would listen toproposals, but would be reluctant to put any money into it at this time. We started fundingDART in 1984. We have sent in $40 million. A current value calculation would make thatnumber about $100 million. We were a charter member, but we won't get DART foranother two years. I won't lead our city into that kind of "deal" again. There will have tobe a lot of federal or state money brought to the table first.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: When the population of the metroplex becomes 8 million people, I think the NorthCentral Council of Governments should be taking a much larger role in coordination ofcities. I think it would be difficult to get all the cities to agree on much of anything as abody, unless there is an overseer. It can't be the state. I think COG needs to expand andassume a role of coordinating all the various cities and towns over an 11 county area. Ithink the state and federal governments can fund a great portion of the COG's needsbecause they would not have to spend the money to coordinate the cities themselves.Essentially, they could subcontract some government jobs out to COG. I think anotherlayer of government to coordinate between various cities is okay provided it replaces stateand federal jurisdiction on the same matters. I think the COG responsibilities should belimited to transportation, water quality, evacuation and mutually beneficial grant funding.All else would remain as is.Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: I think the Rowlett elected officials have done a pretty good job of cost-effectiveness inrecent years. Of course, everybody can't be pleased, but I'm convinced that city leadershave had a pretty tight fist. Maybe to a fault. Some things around town look a little seedy.The fault is not necessarily cavalier spending, but an absence of income. I don't think agood job has been done developing a new business tax base. Residential housing can notstand any more taxing. The whole basis of my running for city council is to ignite a push fornew business development.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: I think the current leadership has done a pretty good job, considering thecircumstances. Revenues have fallen off considerably because of less sales tax and lowerreal estate values. The absence of revenue is a direct result of an absence of business taxbase. Of course, it takes time to create this tax base. One can't look at their watch andsay, "Okay, we're going to have business tax base at 12:00 tomorrow." To be in a morecomfortable position today, the dials would have to have been adjusted four or five yearsago. They weren't, and we don't have any money, now. Now it is long overdue to makeplans and adjustments to accommodate the changes coming to Rowlett. You do not haveto be a far reaching thinker to know the time is imminent, when you have to dodgebulldozers and dirt trucks and see railroad track stored around to know that something'sgoing on. We are not going for less revenue. We are going for more revenue. Everythingwill take care of itself when we have the money we need. It's kind of an American thing. Ifyou don't have any money, you go make some.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: Sadly, many Rowlett residents do not see the "diamond in the rough" qualities ofRowlett. Some of it is understandable. When I moved to Rowlett in 1975, the populationsign at the edge of town said the population was 1527 people. It is now 56,000. The earlierpeople of Rowlett weren't that prolific. Most of the people moved in from somewhere else.Therefore, there may not be strong hometown ties. However, their kids do considerRowlett their hometown. It is incumbent upon the Rowlett voters to build a great town fortheir kids. I worry that they do not see the clean piece of paper we now have in which topaint a new picture. We can build the most charming (and that's the important word) cityin north central Texas. I fear many Rowlett residents do not see the opportunity and willignore the call.

University Park City CouncilDescription: Note: All University Park residents may vote in this race.



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Robert Begert

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Robert Clark


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Biographical Info:


Steve Cooke

Biographical Info:


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Jerry L. Grable

Biographical Info:

Questions:


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Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Steve Metzger


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Biographical Info:Name: Steven C. MetzgerStreet Address: 2941 Daniel AvenueCity/Town: University ParkState: TexasDate of Birth: October 9, 1947Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-740-5030 (office)Home Phone Number: 214-361-8001Mobile Phone Number: 214-957-2505Fax Number: 214-523-3838E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: None at this time

Questions:Q: EducationA: Juris Doctor, 1972, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas; Bachelor of Science,Business Administration, 1970 University of Missouri, Columbia, Columbia (AccountingMajor); Professional Licenses - Admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the Stateof Texas (April 1973); United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas (1974),Southern District of Texas (1990), Eastern District of Texas (1991) and Western District ofTexas (1991); United States Tax Court (June 1979); Supreme Court of the United States ofAmerica (September 1979).Q: Length of residency in the city:A: 23 years plus in University Park, TexasQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: 23 years plus in University Park, TexasQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Member, Metzger & McDonald PLLC, Attorneys, Mediators & Counselors 3626 N. HallStreet, Suite 800, Dallas, Texas 75219Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Member of the Board of Adjustment of the City of University Park May 2004 to Present;Member of the Board of Directors Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. 1981 to present; Memberof the Executive Committee Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. 1981 to present; GeneralCounsel Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. November 1, 1994 to Present; Chairman of theBoard Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. December 2000 to November 2001. Member of theBoard of Directors of DSM Management Group, Inc. 1998 to Present (entity operates andmanages the various entertainment venues, including the Musical Hall at Fair Park, TheMajestic Theatre and in the near future The Texas Theater)Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Member of the Board of Trustees of Kemper Military School and College, Boonville,Missouri February 1981 to May 1996; Chairman of the Board, November 1984 to May 1993Member of the Administrative Board Highland Park United Methodist Church January 1983to December 1985; Finance Committee Chairman January 1993 to December 1993Member of the Board of Directors of FNB West Texas (formerly First National Bank WestTexas) November 1988 to January 2002 Member Highland Park United Methodist Church,Royal Oaks Country Club, Park City Club, Order of the Flags, Mustang Club, SMU AlumniAssociation, University of Missouri Alumni Association, American Legion Love Field Post453.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: No elected office previously sought or held.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: None to dateQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: None to dateQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: Never arrested; as a lawyer, have represented individuals and entities in civil and


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criminal litigationQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I seek the position of at large city council member of the City Council of University Parkto serve the people of University Park. I have been actively engaged in the private practiceof law for over 36 years in the Dallas, Texas area principally as a corporate and securitieslawyer, as a financial institutions lawyer and as a bankruptcy lawyer representing clients inmany and varied fields including real estate, finance, technology, service, hospitality andentertainment including restaurant financing and operation as well as general civillitigation. I have also been involved with the City of University Park as a member of theBoard of Adjustment, long ago completed the UP Leadership Class and have a significantinterest in ensuring the continuation of the current quality of life in University Park. Basedupon my experience as a lawyer in private practice and current involvement with the Cityof University Park, I am more than prepared to serve in the office as a member of the Cityof Council of University Park.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: The City of University Park faces three significant issues for the ensuing year which are1. Completion of the planning and initial construction phase of the Bush Library which is inprocess and on the road to completion without further significant action needed with theexception of the movement of a water line. 2. Continued challenges in the planneddevelopment district for the Chase Bank Building located at the southwest corner of Danieland Hillcrest which continues to require Counsel approval of various portions of the PDthrough its refinement process. 3. A reduction of overall revenues for the City from (a)lower property values which will either result in less revenue or an increase of the taxrate, (b) lower interest rates which are reducing revenues on excess cash invested (c)sales tax revenue decline due to the current economic circumstances. The first two itemsare in process of completion. The third item involving decreased revenues will necessitateeither an increase in the tax rate or a deferral of certain desired expenditures on behalf ofthe City. The City of University Park pays for all of its expenditures as it goes withoutbonded debt or other indebtedness.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The members of the University Park Community are best qualified to determine thedifferences among the seven candidates for election to four positions as members of theCity Council of University Park.Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: As University Park, Texas is geographically surrounded by other cities, and as itscommercial property areas are limited, commercial development which would add to thetax revenue base in the City of University Park has limited opportunity for futuredevelopment. Those areas which are presently permited development within the City ofUniversity Park have been developed, renovated and continue to prosper. Thedevelopment challenges that continue to exist center around redevelopment of the ChaseBank tract located at southwest corner of Hillcrest and DanielQ: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: The demographic changes occurring in the City of University Park are the same thathave naturally occurred over the past fifty years with young folks moving in with theirfamilies for the benefit of the school system with the expectation of the continued life stylethat has existed in University Park for several years.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: The City of University Park and its Police Department have not had significant issues inaddressing illegal immigration within the City of University Park.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: I favor a seamless regional transit system. However, it is largely beyond my capacity toresolve the issue. To me the system must keep the current participants involved to fundthe system and add new cities to expand in other areas. Currently the City of Plano isdiscussing potential withdrawal which, if that occurred, could reduce funding. Theexpansion currently underway involves a line running through western City of Dallas to the


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western side of Love Field on north to Carrollton/Farmers Branch to hook up to Lewisvilleand Denton. Those construction costs are currently funded with a 1% sales tax in allparticipating cities and ridership revenues which at present are approximately 23% of therevenue for DART. Until the system is fully constructed it will be difficult for the ridership toincrease percentage wise for the benefit of all.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: None of which I am awareQ: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: YesQ: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: The current leadership has not yet had to deal with the economic reduction as the taxbase at January 1, 2008 yielded sufficient revenues based upon those values; only aminimal decline occurred in January 1, 2009 which resulted in a continuation of thoserevenues at past levels. Currently in January 2010, a decline of approximately 16% inmarket value overall throughout the City will yield a similar reduction in revenues whichwill either need to be offset by an increase in the tax rate or a stretching out of the costs ofcurrent programs over a greater time.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: The current uncomfortable truth about the City that voters will need to confront is whatto do about the decline in revenue from all sources including the decline in ad valoremtaxes based upon a reduction in value, a decline in sales tax revenue and a decline ininterest income from excess cash.

Thomas H. Stewart

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in the city:A: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would you


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evaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: - no response -Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: - no response -Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: - no response -Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: - no response -Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: - no response -Q: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: - no response -Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: - no response -

Dr. Alan S. Wasserman

Biographical Info:Name: Dr. Alan S. WassermanStreet Address: 3132 Westminster AvenueCity/Town: University Park/DallasState: TexasDate of Birth: October 12, 1954Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-691-7241Home Phone Number: 214-691-7241Mobile Phone Number: N/AFax Number: N/AE-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: N/A

Questions:Q: EducationA: B.A. in Biology-University of Missouri-Kansas City M.D.-University of Missouri-KansasCity M.B.A.-Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business Paralegal Certificate-University of North Texas Professional Development Institute American Red Cross-Instructor in Lay Responder First Aid, CPR, AED, and BBPQ: Length of residency in the city:A: 11.5 yearsQ: Length of residency in district, if applicable:A: I was born in St. Louis, Missouri. My wife and twin daughters joined me in our move toTexas in 1988. We moved to University Park and Dallas County in June 1998.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retirement and disability funding.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: City of University Park Parks Advisory Board: 2006 to present City of University ParkCitizens Emergency Response Team: 2008 to present Certified Red Cross Instructor forthe City of University Park: CPR/AED (2010) Member of the Texas Medical Association and


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the Dallas County Medical Society Member of Temple Emanu-El congregation My wife andI support numerous organizations in the community, including HP Athletics, HighlandBelles, University Park Elementary School, Robert S. Hyer Elementary School, John S.Bradfield Elementary School, John S. Armstrong Elementary School, and the local BoyScouts and Girl Scouts We are happy caregivers to three dogs (SPCA-rescued dogs) andthree catsQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Member of the 100-Member Temple Emanu-El Choir in 1999 Member of the UniversityPark Community League in 2002 Graduate of the second Leadership University Park Classof 2004 Member of the City of University Park Home Charter Review Committee in 2005Member of the City of University Park Coffee Park Committee in 2007 Election Poll Clerkfor the City of University Park-SMU Potomac Park Election in 2007 Member of the firstUniversity Park Citizens Emergency Response Team Class of 2008 Water Station/MedicalAttendant with the Youth Advisory Council during the 2009 University Park Firecraker 5KFun Run President of the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians in2009Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: None at this timeQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: None at this timeQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I first joined the University Park Community League in 2002. After hearing apresentation about the history of the community and the possibilities of involvement attheir annual meeting I decided to first get involved at the HPISD level. With my wife Iattended the High School PTA meetings and helped with sales in the school’s supply roomand football game concession stands. In 2004 I had a chance to meet with Mayor “Blackie”Holmes and Council member Syd Carter. I expressed interest in running for a Councilmember position in the future and had just retired from the family practice group that Iwas working for. I had more free time and wanted to fill in the gap by giving back to thecommunity. They gave me a list of activities to help prepare me with the properbackground and experience to achieve my goal. That has allowed me to know most of thestaff of the City of University Park, starting with the City Manager, Bob Livingston. I havea record of diverse community involvement, training in the City-sponsored Leadership UPclasses, familiarity with the district’s most pressing needs, and clarity of vision about whatneeds to be done. Having attended many City Council meetings and reading most of theagendas online since 2007 I am well-versed in the details of what has happened at CityHall in the past. Managing a medical practice, in both solo and group practice, I developedorganizational leadership skills for the successful leading of teams and individuals. And mydaily usage of risk analysis in the past allows me to persistently question the validity ofstaff and petitioner presentations. My paralegal education will accelerate the learningcurve when called on to guide council actions.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: My Primary Goal is to be an Advocate for the Neighborhoods: A. EstablishingPermanent Home for the University Park Library-In 1901 the city of Dallas was able tobuild their first library with a grant from the great philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. In 1929a bond issue was approved by the voters of Highland Park for the construction of their ownCity Library. And in 1989 The Friends of the Library for the Park Cities was incorporated toestablish a library in University Park. Unfortunately the Library did not have the financialsupport that the prior two cities developed. In the 1989 University Park Master Plan thefirst of 8 key recommendations was for the establishment of a University Park Library. In1997 Mayor Goldman formed a Library Task Force. They recommended a $10 millioncapital campaign with a specific location not using any parkland nor adversely impact anyresidential property. This project never had the funds to undertake the final project. In2001 with the generosity of Albert and Mary Huddleston the library was able to rent out5,500 square feet in the former Hillcrest State Bank building (first drive-in bank in theworld) located at Hillcrest and Daniel. However the Huddleston’s announced in 2010 thatthe long-term agreement to rent space will be ending within the next two years. Therefore


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an immediate decision is needed for the permanent home of the library whose HonoraryChairman is former First Lady Laura Bush. SMU has recently stepped up to the table forUniversity Park. By two different land purchases (Potomac Park and easements on the SMUcampus) from the City $2,190,171 was obtained for the City’s pool renovation, GermanyPark playground, as well as the renovation of Coffee Park. $15,875,201 was obtained andis available in a special reserve in the City’s General Fund. Why do we need a library? SMUcertainly provides an academic library, but the public libraries in Highland Park charge$150 and Dallas charges $250 for non-resident usage. Thus a permanent public library isneeded to provide the children and youth in our community a place for continued learningand reading; to provide our adults with a great bargain for novels (instead of paying retailprices); and our seniors with a great bargain for internet access. Based on the Texas StateLibrary space needs model for the approximate 28,000 residents of University Park 20,000square feet are needed. And Highland Park, Dallas, Plano, and Richardson have found outthat libraries need to be part of the City human resources structure to maintain adequateemployee retention. Therefore a Master Plan should be immediately developed, additionalprivate donations solicited, and a permanent location built for the University Park Library.It is time to match a quality public school district, a quality private university, and DMagazine-honored community with a quality modern library facility. B. Snider Plaza-Fornine years the City Council agenda has been highjacked with an ongoing review ofproposals from the Legacy Hillcrest Group with its plan to renovate its building at Hillcrestand Daniel. The Council has two documents that should be followed for future planning. In2005 the Snider Plaza Planned Development Concept plan was developed. In fact the Planwas given the 2009 Project planning award by the American Planning Association TexasChapter. More recently a great amount of input was given for the 2007 Snider/HillcrestStrategic Plan, also commissioned by the City Council. The Council has to apply the samerules and regulations to this entity as the rest of the commercial ownership community inUniversity Park. The City paid a large amount of money for the above plans and theyshould be followed. 30% of Snider Plaza is public property in the form of sidewalks, streetsand parking spaces. It is interesting to note that most complaints are made about thoseparticular areas over which retailers have no authority. C. Safety-Fire Department-continue CERT expansion, including CPR/AED instruction for the community. Developprotocols for Severe Weather preparedness that all citizens can follow. For example theFebruary 11 snowstorm cut off electricity to most of the area and 3-1-1 calls doubled.Under the direction of Fire Chief Howell a magnetized sheet could be sent to all residentsyearly with the monthly bill and Arbor giving step by step directions for the community tofollow. Medical-develop unified policies to handle medical emergencies at large HPISD andSMU events that entail EMS attention (e.g. Highlander Stadium, Ford Stadium footballgames) D. Parks-continue the process used during my four years on the Parks AdvisoryCommittee to develop or upgrade parks in the city: meet with area residents living by theproject to get input as well as for them to give advice on the initial master plan; and toutilize 3-D drawings so that Committee and Council members can accurately analyzecontemplated upgrades and improvements. All parks should have annual reviews toinclude drainage improvements, walkway and accessibility improvements, adequacy ofpark signage, playground-bench-table damage, and proper lighting.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: As a retiree I have much time to serve the needs of our Community as a City Councilmember. After 25 years of medical practice I can bring a different viewpoint that wouldallow a deeper discussion of Council matters. I am skilled at asking questions, being agood listener, and finding solutions utilizing utilize evidence-based decision making. Mychildren have graduated from HPHS in the last five years and I maintain a large interest inthe PTA affairs of our schools. Thus I would like to continue the PTA partnership thatCouncil member Kelly Walker started, meeting with all the HPISD PTA presidents andpresident-elects four times a year. As a communicator I present my views in an even,informed manner; my written responses are clear and reasoned. With my business schooltraining and leadership roles I would utilize a strategic management process reach Councilgoals: SWOT analysis, mission and policy formulation by the Council, implementation bythe great staff assembled by City Manager Bob Livingstone, and installation of a cyclereview to adjust and evaluate the achieved goal. My most recent usage of this system waswhile leading the four hundred members of our DCAFP medical chapter. I maintain a highinterest in the preparation of emergency management and operations by assisting FireChief Randy Howell and Assistant Fire Marshall Margaret Horn and can provide anexperienced Council voice in protecting our citizenry during emergencies. In fact I will beproviding CPR and AED instruction to the UP community starting this year with the FireDepartment.


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Q: Development challenges vary from city to city. Where does attracting residential and/orcommercial development to your city rank on your list of priorities? How would youevaluate the job your city has done to date in attracting such development?A: The present City of University Park is land-constrained. Residential development forsingle family residences is a product of property acquisition, tearing down the existingbuilding, and building a new structure. Our community standards and top-rated schools doall of the attracting that we need. As for multi-family development the CommunityDevelopment department of the City has worked with developers in a fair and consistentfashion to provide logical code requirements. With SMU now venturing into higheron-campus living for underclassmen the need for MFD is not as high a priority. The twomajor commercial sites-the Miracle Mile and Snider Plaza-are of the highest priority forsuch development. The Snider/Hillcrest Strategic Plan conceived in 2007 actually describesthe issues affecting both sites. The Miracle Mile area on Lovers Lane is trying to maintainits image and character, provide relief for traffic congestion especially in the middle of theday, and supply adequate parking for patrons and employees without spilling over into theneighboring residential streets. The Snider/Hillcrest Plan lists the problems with muchclarity: “Snider Plaza is unique among community retail centers in the region. It is dividedinto small property ownerships, and is largely comprised of one-of-a-kind stores andrestaurants. Competing centers include Highland Park Village, Mockingbird Station, WestVillage are each under single ownership and attract chain stores and restaurants. There islimited accessibility of Snider Plaza to major highways contribute the undesirability forchain stores, but makes it attractive to mom and pop operations. The character of recentdevelopments, the presence of traffic congestion, shortage of parking spaces, and thespill-over parking into surrounding neighborhoods is challenging the health and vitality ofSnider Plaza. There is a need to develop and enforce development standards to make thearea more user and pedestrian friendly.”Q: What demographic changes are happening in your city that the rest of the region shouldknow more about? How is your city dealing with those changes? What, if anything, wouldyou do differently?A: In the 2000 census (new one being completed this year) the population was 23,324residents with 5,291 families. Almost all new residential buildings are the product oftear-downs. It has been cited in the biennial list of D-Magazine as having the top ratedsuburb to live in North Texas, based on education, safety, housing, ambiance and airpollution. In fact 80% hold a BA degree or higher. With HPISD, SMU, and multiple churchestax-exempt taxation is provided by 92% residential, 8% commercial. The City supported aHPISD-passed bond issue to remove portables and complete an extensive building projectthe last few years at all schools-I wouldn't do anything different.Q: What should the city or the police department do to address the issue of illegalimmigration?A: The issue of illegal immigration in Park Cities is not one often cited as a problem withour residents or municipal bodies. The issue impacts more on the taxes we pay to DallasCounty for the medical care, education, and incarceration of illegal immigrants. Moreoverthe Texas legislature provides in-state tuition benefits at public colleges for illegalimmigrants. Therefore the local law members do not have to be overburdened by illegalimmigrant law enforcement in University Park.Q: Do you favor or oppose a seamless regional transit system, and if you favor it, whatsteps would you take to make it happen?A: Having traveled in Europe and Asia on their modern high speed rail lines I would love tohave a seamless regional transit system. That would be great for North Texas but not asimportant in our smaller community. It has been reported that the population of NorthTexas would exceed 8.5 million by 2030. In fact the Regional Transit Initiative was createdthrough the Regional Rail Corridor Study to answer that very question-is it possible tocreate a large-enough structure for public transportation in North Central Texas for futureneeds. House Bill 2702 allowed public discourse in this matter and the present Texaslegislature will put in their input. There again with the state’s budget projections to be lowagain the only options for funding this system would be a fuel tax, Federal stimulus money,or a half-cents sales tax. None appear palatable by voters or politicians.Q: On what other issues could North Texas and your city benefit from greater regionalplanning and cooperation? What would you do to encourage consensus-building on suchissues?A: UP is a member of North Central Texas Council of Governments. Since I am anadvocate of consensus-building in all negotiations I would seek election by our Council tobe the representative on the NCTCOG and find areas of efficiencies in the following areas:Radio Communications Emergency Preparedness Homeland Security Environment andDevelopment, including Air Quality Planning and Recycling Transportation Interlocal


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Purchasing Water and Waste DistributionQ: Do you think that your city delivers services in the most cost-effective manner totaxpayers? If not, what changes would you recommend?A: The City of University Park does a superb job of managing the finances of our city whileproviding quality services in public works, parks, police, fire, information services, andcommunity development. We have a pay-as-you-go Capital Improvement program andthe City is debt-free. The FY 2010 CIP budget is $13,123,380. And the City property taxrate has remained unchanged for the last 16 years. The only improvement I can suggest isa reduction in printing services: the City Council and its committees could be more efficientby sending all communications via email, saving on postage and paper costs.Q: How has the current leadership done in weathering the economic storm? What ideas doyou have on how to balance the budget with less revenue coming in and the ever-presentneed to maintain roads, sewers and other basic infrastructure?A: With falling sales tax, building permit, and interest revenues dropping during therecession of 2009 the City did an excellent job balancing the budget by reducing plannedexpenditures for one year, not approving new positions, and maintaining level salary levelsfor the year. The problem for 2010 is that Dallas County residential property taxes areprojected to be lower again for the second year. The FY 2010 budget will rise by 1.8% to$42.5 million with a 15% increase in City water rates. Unfortunately quality services withefficient management of expenditures often results in tax increases.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about your city that voters must confront?A: The University Park Public Library is in need of a new home; parking is only going to getworse with more expansion by SMU, Churches and Snider Plaza projects; and our alleysstill need more resurfacing!

Allen ISD, Place 5Description: Note: All residents living within Allen ISD may vote in this race.


Gary Stocker

Biographical Info:Name: Gary StockerStreet Address: 1305 Cassandra LnCity/Town: AllenState: TXDate of Birth: 05/25/1963Mobile Phone Number: 469-286-8855E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: WWW.GARYSTOCKER.COM

Questions:Q: EducationA: I have a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Oklahoma StateUniversity. Major: Management Science and Computer Systems Minor: Computing andInformation SciencesQ: Length of residency in district:A: I have lived in the district for over 11 years and in Texas for over 23 years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am an IT consultant by profession.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Trustee for Allen ISD, currently serving as Board President • AISD Collaborative


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Partnership Committee • Allen Community Outreach volunteerQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Allen Independent School District • Vice President (2008-2009) • Secretary(2006-2007) • Trustee (2004-present) • Strategic Planning Team (2007-present) •Elementary Boundary Rezoning Committee (2002) • Board Academy (2002) • Project Kids(2002, 2003, 2008) • Board Academy (2002) • Calendar Committee (2001) City of Allen• Planning and Zoning Commissioner (2002-2004) • Capital Improvements AdvisoryCommittee (2002-2004) • Allen Citizen's Police Academy (2001) • Allen Citizen's PoliceAcademy Alumni Association (2001-2007) Texas Association of School Boards • Allen ISDDelegate (2006, 2007) • Legislative Advisory Council (2008) Civic & CommunityActivities • Chairman, Legislative Committee; Bolin PTA (2002-2003) • Co-ChairmanDirectory Committee; Bolin PTA (2002-2003) • Chairman Nominating Committee; BolinPTA (2002) • Assistant Softball Coach - Coach Pitch League; ASA (2002, 2003) • AssistantVolleyball Coach - 7th-9th Elite League; ASA (2007) • Collin County Medical Reserve CorpvolunteerQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: The only public office I have sought or held is that of Allen Independent School DistrictTrustee. I first ran in 2004 and was elected to the office.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I just started raising money for my campaign, anyone wishing to support my campaigncan learn how at WWW.GARYSTOCKER.COM/donate/Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Fundraising has just begun for my re-election campaign.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I have been a party in two civil suits (as a defendant); in each case I was serving in anofficial capacity as a member of a commission or a board. The first suit was initiated by abusiness that disagreed with a decision made by the Allen Planning and ZoningCommission. The second suit was initiated by a citizen that felt harmed by a decision madeby the AISD Board of Trustees. In both cases the suits were either dismissed or found infavor of the defendants.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for office because I want what is best for each and every student in thedistrict. Six years experience as a trustee on the Allen ISD School Board makes me themost qualified choice. I base my board decisions on how each vote will impact the studentin the classroom.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: I do not have an agenda. I would continue the vision the Allen community has for ourschool district. The district is three years into our five year strategic plan; I would continueour focus on this community developed plan.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have six years experience as Trustee and currently serve in the position. I have aproud history of extensive service to the community in various civic, school and citycapacities. I have developed personal and professional relationships with numerouscommunity and civic leaders across Allen, which allows me to keep in touch with the pulseof our community.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I attended school board meetings and workshops before I became a trustee. Sincebecoming a trustee, I have attended almost every board meeting. The board truly valuescommunity input and appreciates the time, energy and thought our citizens put forward tobetter our district. We have extremely talented students. It is a great reflection of theirefforts as well as that of their parents and the wonderful teachers they have experienced.The trustees before me defined many successful processes and procedures that are used tomake each meeting a success. Our community leaders in decades past were visionaries torecognize and embrace the growth that Allen ISD continues to experience every day. Theirplanning and vision of the district continues to enable Allen ISD to educate our childrenwith one of the lowest revenue per child amounts when compared to neighboring districts.We owe the successes that are now being celebrated to them; we must remain goodstewards, and continue to be forward thinking to visualize where Allen ISD should be in thefuture.


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Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The legal duties and responsibilities of a board member are principally defined in TexasEducation Code, Chapter 11, Subchapter D. Briefly the role is: • Govern and oversee themanagement of the school district • Adopt a vision statement and comprehensive goals forthe district • Hire an excellent superintendent to be the educational leader of the district. •Adopt an annual budget • Adopt a tax rate • Set policy • Work as a cohesive team Newpolicies or changes to existing policies can be initiated by any trustee by following boardprocedure. Additionally, through the use and timing of locally developed DistrictEffectiveness Reports the board is given the opportunity annually to review theimplementation of policy. The DER’s provide a system to meet the Board’s accountabilityrole in district governance. The DER schedule can be found atWWW.GARYSTOCKER.COM/DER you will be forwarded to the appropriate page on theAISD web site.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Each school is increasing student success in all subject areas. All teachers in the districtare part of a professional learning community (PLC.) These PLC’s help teachers,instructional specialists and administrators share best practices and develop moreengaging lessons to benefit the education and enrichment of all our children.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Allen teachers and students have done an excellent job of closing the achievement gapacross all student groups. We have a six year trend of ongoing student improvementacross all areas: Science, Math, English – Language Arts and Social Studies. Educationalresearchers have demonstrated that low socio-economic status is a greater indicator of agap in student achievement than race or ethnicity. You can see how Allen has reduced theachievement gap by going to WWW.GARYSTOCKER.COM/GAP and clicking in the buttonsfor each subject area. One of the best activities parents can do to help close the gap is byreading to their children at a very young age. During summer vacation, encourage yourchildren to read each day. Rountree Elementary has empowered children in a summerreading program producing significant results by the students that actively participated inthe program.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Allen ISD is aggressively working to maintain our historically low percentage ofdropouts. Early identification of potential dropouts is one of the best ways to reduce andeliminate this challenge.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: There are hundreds of ingredients, a few are: • A positive and uplifting environment •Well equipped, comfortable and safe facilities • Engaging, empowered, well qualifiedteachers • Qualified support staff and supportive administration • Continuously improvinginstructional leaders and teachers • A comprehensive curriculum • A community thatstrongly believes and supports the local school system • An excellent elementary feederschool system • A well funded school district • Supportive parents • Students willing andengaged in learning • A supportive business community Allen ISD is fortunate to havethese and many other ingredients that make our district a great place to education ourchildren.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The problematic school finance system must be acknowledged by voters, taxpayers,businesses and the Texas Legislature. The complex state funding formula has over 60parameters. The current formulas do not allow the revenue generated from an increase inlocal property values to flow into the maintenance and operation budget of Allen ISD. Theextra revenue only reduces the state’s burden and does not benefit local school districts.Our state senators and representatives have already indicated local school districts shouldnot expect any financial relief during the 2011 legislative session. Local property ownerswill continue to be asked to support the majority of the resources needed for local schooldistricts. Any responsible discussion of property tax reduction or elimination must alsoinclude a comprehensive discussion of school funding. Additionally there must be amechanism available for school trustees to provide additional program enrichment basedon local community expectations.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Forty years ago new classroom technology was an over-head projector using


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transparencies and a cassette tape player. Today classroom technology includes laptops,iPods, Kindles, iPads, cell phones, text messaging and streaming video over the internet.Technology is constantly changing and we shouldn’t focus on the tool delivering theinformation (laptop vs textbook) but rather the content and curriculum being delivered. Anengaging curriculum that can be delivered across multiple media better enables teachersto engage students in learning. We need to understand what problems we are beingasked to solve and why. Is it to find a more efficient and effective delivery of educationalinformation currently found in a textbook? Or are we trying to provide equal access totechnology for all students? The answer to each question will likely be very different.Shouldn’t we really be asking: What should our children be learning to best equip them tobe successful in an ever changing world? Limiting the discussion to laptops vs textbooksonly focuses our attention on a technology that will be outdated before it can besuccessfully implemented.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Parent involvement helps student performance. Start by attending your school’scurriculum night; attend PTA events or meet-the-teacher nights. Volunteer to help at yourschool. A program implemented at some elementary schools and increasing parentinvolvement is Dads of Great Students. This program focuses on bringing dads to campusand involving them in various campus activities.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Linking pay to performance is usually strongly opposed by many teachers. It placesteachers vs. teacher, disrupting the professional learning communities, thus reducing oreliminating the sharing of best practices used to engage students and create enhancedlearning opportunities.

Paul Sundar-Singh

Biographical Info:Name: PAUL SUNDAR-SINGHStreet Address: 930 LAIRDS LANECity/Town: ALLENState: TEXASDate of Birth: 05/18/1969Home Phone Number: 214-383-9403Mobile Phone Number: 214-226-1294E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.Paul4AllenISD.org

Questions:Q: EducationA: Master of Science in Computer Science, Texas A&M University-Commerce; Master ofArts specialized in Personnel Management, University of Madras; Bachelor of Arts inBusiness Management, University of Madras;Q: Length of residency in district:A: 3 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Information Technology Manager for a non-profit financial institution.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: PTA Member, Texas A&M University-Commerce Alumni Association, Plano Ham RadioClub.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Project Kids, Elected Village Representative, Member of Metroplex Tamil Sangam(Indian Cultural Organization)Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: President of DFW Metroplex Tamil Sangam, Secretary of DFW Metroplex Tamil SangamQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: None so far.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: N/AQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:


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A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: It's time for me to give back to our community. I feel that education is the foundation ofour society. I have two master’s degrees. I believe that demonstrates one example of mycommitment to education. I have fresh, new, forward looking ideas and I feel that I mustput these ideas into action. I have ideas that will improve our school district, a schooldistrict I feel very strongly about. Yes, I also have a vested interest in the success of ourschool district because I have two children in Allen public schools. With my education, myfamily background and strong sincere interest, I will raise the bar of excellence in ourschool district.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. School status: Allen ISD is a recognized school district. With the combination of myfamily educational background and my personal knowledge and experience, I want toensure that Allen ISD can become Exemplary, the highest rating achievable by a schooldistrict in Texas. 2.Teacher development: Our teachers are vital to the success of ourstudents. I believe in allocating more of our school district budget to allow our teachers tobe even more successful. 3.Forward Thinking Approach: I bring forward looking, forwardthinking ideas to the Allen School board. We must face issues which stem from city growthand we must manage build out considerations, not just the status quo. This is one of theareas in which we must be more forward thinking.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have a forward looking approach. I come from a family of teachers, schooladministrators and I myself have taught mathematics. I know what it's like to be aneducator. We want change and fresh new ideas. My opponent has been there 6 years and itis high time for a change. Long term solutions are necessary rather than patching issuesfor short term gain. The city continues to grow. We need to have better plans in place forthis future growth.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes, I have attended school board meetings. From these meetings, I have learned thatI have a role to play and an opportunity to contribute towards the success of all thestudents in Allen ISD.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The school board oversees the management of the local public schools in our district. I,as a school board member, represent the entire community and not any particular sectionof the community. My role and my responsibility is to look out for the interests of each andevery student and teacher in the Allen ISD. I take this responsibility very seriously.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Every school in the district is doing all that they can with the resources that have beenmade available to them to ensure that each child is up to grade level expectations. Theschool district needs to provide more resources, the resources that our teachers need tomake our students more successful.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: We must provide more learning opportunities for students so that this gap can beclosed.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Currently we do not have a significant dropout problem in our school district. That beingsaid, I still want to ensure that there is absolutely a zero dropout rate.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Key ingredients for success include student teacher ratios, student and teacherinvolvement, parental involvement, facilities, sense of community feeling, and continuingeducational opportunities for teachers.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The growth in the Allen school district does not match the long and short term plans toaddress that growth. There is a disconnect between the district population growth and theschool district’s plans. The plans are more reactive than proactive.


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Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: While technology is being used effectively, to some extent, in the classroom thereneeds to be a better ratio of students to personal computers in the classroom. Currently insome classes there is one computer for every seven student which means that not everystudent would get the same benefit of using the computers. I would like to reduce thisratio so that every child will have the same amount of time on the computer to do theirwork. Ideally I would like to have one computer for every student. The future should be acombination of both laptops and textbooks. Textbooks cannot be entirely substituted for bylaptops.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Schools should be encouraged and enabled to host events that would provideopportunities for parents to be involved. Encourage businesses to excuse their employeestime spent to participate in their children's school activities. This could be a way forbusinesses to give back to the community.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Teaching is a noble profession. Our schools are filled with hard working, dedicatedteachers who are proud of what they do. Student performance should not be the onlyfactor for teacher pay. Student academic growth over time should be measured as well asperformance. It sounds like a great way to encourage teachers to do a better job, but howwould it work under following circumstances? 1. A teacher has a student for one year andthe student’s prior teachers and learning play a big part in how ready they are to learnthat year’s material. 2. A test score is a snapshot of a child’s performance. A student couldhave straight As and be an analytical thinker, but if something upset's the student theprevious night that could cause the student to perform poorly that one day. 3. There aregroups of students who consistently perform low in school, or who require much moreteaching time to help them achieve. If a teacher gets none of these kids by chance oneyear his/her scores will be higher, whereas the years the teacher gets a few of themhis/her scores will be lower. 4. How will we get teachers to teach at the lower performingschools for less money, when they really have to work harder to get the kids to achieve?One way would be to track student growth each year as a better means of decided payraises. Take a baseline of where every student performs when he/she walks in theclassroom in August and then again in June and base merit pay on that. Every teacher whois doing a good job will show excellent growth, whereas those who are just doing amediocre job will show only the expected growth. But this ideas has problems too. Whatwould you do with special needs kids who learn at a slower rate? And gifted kids whoeither learn faster and show great growth, or score so high at the beginning of the yearthat it’s hard to show tons of growth? Who will look at the data and decide raises? It wouldhave to be a non partisan group. A principal can see much more than just the scores. If ateacher simply teaches his/her best every day and tutors every afternoon and his/her kidshave the highest growth rate, does he/she deserve more money than those who teachtheir best, tutor only twice a week, but coaches extracurricular activities three days afterschool? Why should he/she earn less money when they are probably reaching morestudents and sharing their knowledge and expertise with them? So even this idea is notideal! It’s a great thought but there are too many factors.

Arlington ISD, Place 5Description: Note: All residents living within Arlington ISD may vote in this race.


Alisa L. Simmons

Biographical Info:Name: Alisa L. SimmonsStreet Address: 4205 Hopewell CourtCity/Town: Arlington


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State: TexasDate of Birth: August 16, 1963Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 817 939-7288Home Phone Number: 817 516-0281Mobile Phone Number: 817 939-7288Fax Number: 817 516-0281E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.alisasimmons.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: BS Degree Journalism - Texas Woman's University - Denton currently pursuing Mastersin Communications Management - Syracuse University - Syracuse, NYQ: Length of residency in district:A: 22 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Public Relations Manager Tarrant County 9-1-1 DistrictQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: AISD District Level Instructional Decision Making Committee AISD Workforce DiversityEnhancement Committee YMCA of Arlington Board of Directors American Red Cross Boardof Directors - Chisholm Trail Chapter Arlington High School Orchestra Booster Club LifeMember Arlington High Basketball Booster Club PTA Board Member - Arlington High SchoolMember, New Beginnings Christian FellowshipQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: City of Arlington Library Advisory Board - Past Chair Parenting Center Board ofDirectors AISD Calendar Committee AISD Textbook Adoption Committee Elementary &Junior High Site-Based Decision Making Committee PTA Board Member - Key Elementary,Gunn Junior High Leadership Arlington, Class of 2007-08Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Candidate for AISD Board of Trustees - 2008Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $1,000Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: SelfQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: My motivation stems from wanting to see our students and staff succeed and to providereassurance, leadership and support toward that success. With 13.5 years of localgovernment management experience, service as a director on several community boardsoverseeing budgets and guiding policy, I offer a broad range of leadership experience. I’vehad the privilege of serving on several AISD committees, including the District LevelInstructional Decision-Making Committee which has provided insight into AISD instructionaloperations. It is my belief that our public schools are entrusted with developing in all of ourstudents the knowledge, skills, character and values of life-long learning, responsibility,discipline, effort, honesty, and fairness; all of which are needed to manage one’s life and toserve society’s best interests.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Ensure the education offered by AISD is equitable and provides opportunities forevery student to be successful. All AISD students deserve a quality education where weincrease student success and graduation rates and prepare our children for either four-yearuniversities or for high tech jobs through certification programs. Monitoring students at thebeginning of the year and measuring their performance is vital. We must engage allstudents by offering quality programs that maximize student interest. 2. Make everyeffort to ensure that the district is efficient and cost effective in everything it does fromimplementing policy to new programs. I plan to carefully listen to input from citizens,parents and teachers. We need realistic help from the state for school budgets. I proposewe partner with other school boards in the region to work with legislators to push forproper allocation for public schools. In the meantime, we must determine how to do morewith less, by working with community partners. 3. All teachers, para-professionals andsupport staff in AISD deserve an environment in which they can help every child maximize


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his or her potential. AISD salaries and benefits must be competitive to retain the best.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The key differneces between me and my opponents is that I represent a new, freshperspective. While representing all students, educators, I will serve as a voice for thosewho are currently under represented.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes. What always moves me is the passion of those parents and educators who come toaddress the board to advocate on behalf of children and those who are charged witheducating students.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: a. As the responsible voice for her constituency, a member of the Board of Trustees isdirectly responsible for school policies, school finances, and the hiring/firing of schoolemployees. b. The initiation of a policy can originate from several sources, including aschool board member’s direct observation of the district’s functioning, the needs ofconstituents, and/or a platform issue on which the board member’s campaign was based.Once an issue is identified, it should then be presented to district’s administration and theBoard of Trustees for proper research into the feasibility of implementation based upon itsmerit and justification.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: AISD currently has six exemplary school elementary campuses. Creating opportunitiesto ensure that the principals and staffs that have made gains are sharing their strategieswith other administrators and teachers is key. The district is to be applauded for its effortsto achieve Vertical Alignment whereby both teachers and administrators track the contentstandards across grade levels to develop an understanding of what’s being taught at eachlevel and how it’s being taught.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: First we need to make sure the curriculum incorporates languages other than Englishand provides a cultural relevance to the student. Find out which teachers are moresuccessful with educating that particular demographic. We must also address theengagement of parents and their communities in the education of the children. We’ve gotto make sure that children who are not moving forward in the learning process are not leftbehind.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: As long as there are dropouts, there is more work to do. When kids drop out it isbecause they are overwhelmed and become disconnected. Not every student is collegebound. We must provide multiple paths to graduation for a student who has interestsbesides college. Strong technology, technical, and vocational pathways will provideattractive opportunities for students. In addition, we must engage parents in the success oftheir children and work with them to insure a reduction in dropout rates. Conduct researchto determine why each child makes the decision to leave and determine if there isanything that can encourage them to re-enter.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: The ingredients are the same for all levels – elementary through high school. Theseingredients include the teamwork of faculty, staff, parents, and community along with thestudent for a purposeful and successful educational environment. It is always insightful tomonitor one’s rate of success.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The legislature has mandated many educational programs and requirements withoutproviding the necessary avenues for funding these mandates. Districts with limitedresources are finding themselves canceling many positive programs and much needed staffwhich lowers the level of educational services provided. The state has placed astranglehold on the finances of our district. AISD has done a fantastic job of managing itsfinances but because of state restrictions, we are running a deficit budget. The taxpayersof AISD will need to work with us as a Board to address the school funding issue. Anotheruncomfortable truth; AISD’s professional staff is not reflective of its student population,which is 70% minority.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?


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A: Yes. I believe that the current technology available to our campuses is being usedeffectively. The future emphasis should probably be toward mobile devices. Our studentsmove at a much faster pace in keeping up with the latest technology and it is already apart of their lives. I read an article about a classroom using their phones to take a pictureof a river, create a video and make a digital map. Also, the lower cost of mobile devicescompared to computers should be another advantage. Providing laptops for every studentis expensive. I think it would be interesting to think out of the box and see the costcomparisons. However, I would want to be assured that our teachers are comfortable withthis technology leap.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: When you follow low-performing kids to their house, there are not always parentssitting there. The idealistic family does not exist for each child. You want to make sure thatwhoever supports a particular child is welcomed. Ensuring we have social workers and thatwe are tapping into the outreach organizations that can help the district connect with thosesingle-parents, grandparents, kids who are trying to raise themselves, or children whoseparents are serving in the war. You have to think about the best strategies for a particularcommunity. What kinds of events/activities would these parents come to? Frequentlyparents are asked to come in for a discussion. Maybe that’s not the best approach at first.Perhaps they need to come in for something more social, more appealing. Encourageparents to volunteer.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: There is no proven, valid measure that links student performance with teachereffectiveness. While it should be the goal of AISD to have an effective teacher in everyclassroom, it isn't just the teacher in the classroom that affects student achievement. Allthe educators in the school from the principal to the custodian affect the success of thestudents. Students must also be held accountable for their own success.

Jamie Sullins

Biographical Info:Name: Jamie SullinsStreet Address: 2610 Shadow Ridge DriveCity/Town: ArlingtonState: TXDate of Birth: 3/10/1961Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (817)692-1799Home Phone Number: (817) 695-6959Mobile Phone Number: (817) 692-1799E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: Bachelor's of Business Administration - Finance Texas Tech UniversityQ: Length of residency in district:A: 25 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Community volunteerQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: In order to avoid a conflict of interest, I resigned from a number of AISD advisoryboards and community groups. During the campaign, I continue to serve on: 1) ArlingtonIndependent School District Council of PTA's (PTAs’) Executive Board, 2) Lamar High SchoolPTA Executive Board, 3) Lamar High School Choir Booster Club Executive Board, 4) City ofArlington Library BoardQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: AISD District Level and Board of Trustees Appointments 1)2009 Bond AdvisoryCommittee - Appointed by the AISD Board of Trustees to serve on the district’s first bondcommittee in a decade. 2)2009 Bond Advisory Facilities Subcommittee 3)2009 “Vote forour Kids” Bond Campaign - The group that educated voters about the bond campaign.Voters approved the election by a 2:1 margin. 4)2009 – 2010 Citizens Advisory CommitteeAppointed by the AISD Board of Trustees to review and analyze district revenues,expenses and efficiencies 5)2009 – 2010 Security Advisory Committee 6)2009 – 2010 AISD


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Insider Review the District’s: nfrastructure,Programs,Services,Challenges andopportunities. 7)2009 – 2010 AISD Council of PTAs AISD Campus Experience 1) 2006 –2010 3,000 documented volunteer hours on multiple AISD campuses in classroom andleadership capacities. 2)PTA President – Lamar High School – 2 terms 3)Choir BoosterClub President – 2 terms 4)Site Based Decision Making Committee Representative5)Principal Selection Committee – Parent Representative 6)John Ben Shepperd LeadershipInstitute – Parent Project Coordinator 7)TAKS Writing Feedback Clinic- grader 8)1995 –2006 Comprehensive campus service 9)Executive Board Member of Local PTA Units for 14consecutive years serving elementary, junior high and high school campuses. PTA Lifemember. Community Boards and Organizations 1) Founder, President: North ArlingtonEducation Alliance (NAEA) – NAEA is an innovative model of community engagement inAISD schools to promote Multigenerational volunteerism Neighborhood engagement inschools Private investment in neighborhood schools 2) Dance Theatre of Arlington,Executive Board – collaborating with AISD via the “I Am” program – a motivationalprogram for 4th graders. 3) City of Arlington Library Board Participant in the CentralLibrary Visioning Project 4)Boy Scouts of America – troop leader 5)Girl Scouts of America– troop leader 6)Vacation Bible School Co-director 7)Pine Cove Christian CampAmbassadorQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: All required financial reports will be filed. At this time,$9,325 has been raised incampaign contributions, in-kind donations and pledged contributions.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Including pledged donations: ARLINGTON BOARD OF REALTORS ®, Self, WRS Electric-William & Linda SpradlinQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I was a named defendant in a small civil issue that was resolved quickly via mediation.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Over the years, my experience in schools and on district wide committees has given mea good perspective regarding where Arlington schools are now. AISD is a good schooldistrict. As I look to the future, my goal is for this city to proclaim that its school district isa high performing, premier school district. To achieve this goal requires strategic planning.Visionary planning that must begin now. I am committed to seek community input,collaborate with leaders to help the district achieve improvement goals and make themove from good to great. Like most Texas school districts, AISD is facing another year ofdeficit spending. I am the only candidate in this race with a background in businessfinance. After a number of years working as a capital investment analyst for an areadefense contractor, I worked as the manager of financial planning and analysis at aninternational aerospace company. The District must balance the budget while ensuringclassroom excellence. I feel that in these tough economic times the district could put myprofessional financial planning and analysis experience to good use. I have lived in theAISD school district for 25 years, the city of Arlington for 17 years. To my knowledge, I amthe only candidate that has lived in three geographic areas of AISD. I have lived in thesoutheast, northwest and northeast corners of the district. Among the candidates in Place5, my AISD voIunteer experience is the most consistent, comprehensive and extensive. Ihave spent a tremendous amount of time volunteering to promote education excellence inArlington. My fifteen years of AISD volunteerism has not been limited to specific agegroups or areas. I have been active at elementary, junior high and high school with PTA;also with site based decision making committees, principal selection committees andathletic and fine arts booster clubs. I logged 3,000 hours of service from my campusinvolvement alone in the past 6 years. In addition to my campus level involvement, Ihave been appointed to study and analyze a variety of district issues by the AISD Board ofTrustees and Administration. To my knowledge, I am the only candidate that has beenappointed by the Board of Trustees to perform in-depth studies of district issues. I haveserved on two Board appointed committees and three committees that were appointed bycentral administration, and one district wide PTA position. Through these multiple levels ofappointments, I have prepared to serve as Trustee by studying the district’s infrastructure,programs, services, budget, challenges and opportunities. This experience, combined withmy professional experience has prepared me to serve and gives voters insight into mywork ethic, follow through and committee voting record. Outside of AISD, I recognized theneed to involve parents and community in AISD schools in a new way. I founded the North


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Arlington Education Alliance (NAEA) to forge new pathways of community engagement,promote multigenerational volunteerism and private investment in our schools. NAEA is inits inaugural year, but is already hard at work developing strategic plans for volunteerengagement, researching grants and connecting people to benefit AISD schools. NAEAhopes to share what we have learned with other leaders in the community so that similargroups can form citywide. I am passionate about education excellence in Arlington. I amprepared to serve as Trustee. I will be productive as Trustee and work diligently to build ahigh performing premier school district to serve our students first and foremost, but also toserve as a rock solid foundation for our local economy.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1) It is my goal to balance the district’s budget while maintaining classroom excellenceand distinction in extracurricular programs. House Bill 1 ushered in an era of deficitspending. Deficit spending erodes our fund balance and must end. As Trustee, I willcontinue the Board’s long term philosophy of maintaining a strong financial foundation sothat the district can withstand future economic downturns. I would suggest four methods toincrease district revenues: a)Collaborate with local legislators to reduce unfunded andpartially funded state and federal mandates. b)Search for efficiencies and effectiveness inour $445M financial expenditure budget. c)Improve daily student attendance which willincrease student performance and state aid. d)Identify, apply and receive additional grantfunding. 2) The district should develop a comprehensive strategic plan to chart the coursefor AISD to become a high performing premier district and guide the district's educationalphilosophy, goals for student achievement, financial decision-making,operations and torecruit and retain highly qualified educators. 3) Safe campuses are essential. As amember of the Board appointed Bond Advisory Committee, I realized the District’s needsfor additional classrooms, enhanced security, and proper maintenance of our campuses. Iwill continue to address these needs with careful implementation of the $197.5 milliondollar bond program.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: 1) I am the only candidate in Place 5 with a professional financial planning and analysisbackground. The district is entering the 4th year of deficit spending. My professionalbackground fits one of the district’s most critical needs. 2) I am the only candidate in place5 with Board of Trustee appointments to study district issues and make recommendationsto the Board. These committees differ from District committees because they areappointed directly by the Board of Trustees and signify the Trustees acknowledgement ofmy long term commitment and effectiveness in AISD. Experience on Board appointedcommittees has prepared me to serve as Trustee. 3) I have the most experience servingon both district and Board committees. 4) In Place 5, I have the most experiencevolunteering on our campuses in classrooms and leadership positions. I have fifteen yearsof a consistent, comprehensive district volunteer record. My volunteerism has not beenlimited to specific age groups or populations. To my knowledge, I am the only candidatethat has volunteered on campuses where my children were not enrolled. 5) I have aproven track record of visionary planning and collaboration. The North Arlington EducationAlliance is a low cost, ground breaking model of community engagement. Research showsthat schools that have active engaged volunteers outperform othersQ: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended many school board meetings in person. I have also watched a greatnumber of Board meetings on AISD-TV. I have attended too many meetings to list, butmany stand out. I have attended sessions that included discussions of budgeting, finance,bond issues, dress codes, teacher raises, Chamber of Commerce collaboration,superintendent selection, principal appointments, student recognition and more. As I seekto serve as Trustee, my experience attending and watching board meetings has given megood perspective on Board decorum, policy initiation and discussion. I have a keenawareness of the need for a cohesive board that works as a team to benefit the districtQ: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: State law clearly defines the role of school board members. In strict compliance withChapter 11, Subchapter D of the Texas Educations Code (TEC), the Board is a bodycorporate, performing at properly convened and conducted meetings. Trustees cannot actindividually and can only act as a Board. A school board member contributes to the entireBoard’s oversight of the management of the district. In general, the Board’s role includes:1) Adopting a budget. 2) Adopting an operating budget tax rate. 3) Adopting policies. 4)Acquiring and authorizing sale of property. 5) Calling for bond elections. 6) Overseeing the


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superintendent. 7) Ensuring a complete internal audit. As Trustee, I will attend requiredmeetings and arrive prepared in advance to discuss and act on agenda items. Policies areinitiated in properly convened meetings following Robert’s Rule of Order. Policies areconsidering one at a time, the Board encourages discussion and acknowledges majorityrule.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Many people would turn to our state’s accountability ranking and list schools receivingthe highest marks. I prefer a different approach. While schools receiving high state ratingsare clearly doing a good job, it is equally important to acknowledge that some classroomsmay have students that are well below grade level. In many cases, these classes maycover more territory and make more annual grade level progress than their counterparts.Both the high performing schools and those making dramatic progress as they close theachievement gap are doing a tremendous job. The district should investigate, identify andadopt the best practices employed by both the high performing campuses and those thatare closing the achievement gap.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: In AISD, an achievement gap exists between Anglo (including Asian) and Latino, AfricanAmerican and economically disadvantaged students. In order to close the achievementgap, AISD must provide extra resources, concentrate on English proficiency, improvestudent attendance and provide individualized instruction when needed.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Every AISD drop out is a serious problem. Dropout prevention policies should not belimited to junior high and high school students. Instead, dropout preventions should beginin elementary schools and continue seamlessly through junior high school and high school.Individualized guidance counseling should begin in elementary schools and target both thestudent and parents or guardians. All students entering the District should be assessed toidentify the need for academic intervention or mentoring.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: • Safe and Secure learning environment. • Faculty and staff focused on the individualneeds of each student. • Appropriate curriculum serving all students needs. • Adequatefacilities: un-crowded, well-maintained classrooms and buildings. • Comprehensive,cohesive technology access. • Multiple opportunities and activities in Fine Arts (Choir, band,orchestra, dance, etc.) and Athletics (men and women). • Parents engaged in theeducation process through PTAs, booster clubs and student organizations. • Parents whomake education a priority. • Community collaboration, involvement, investment andvolunteerism. • Supportive and efficiently functioning School Board and AdministrationQ: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Many of the district’s facilities are aging and in need of extensive remodeling and repair.The $197.5M bond package addressed the most critical needs, but more work is needed.The bond will move some students into permanent, un-crowded classrooms. As a memberof the Bond Advisory Committee, I agreed with the findings that the long term use oftemporary buildings to ease over-crowding can lead to unsafe and unsanitary conditions.Campus redevelopment is expensive and necessary. As the nation, state and city recoverfrom the economic down turn, the district should begin a campus needs assessment, andaction plan.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: As a member of the Bond Advisory Committee (BAC), I agreed with the TechnologySubcommittees findings. The majority of the district’s classroom computers are out ofdate. Approximately $60M of the $197.5M bond package will be spent to replace out-datedsystems. The BAC recommended that the district restart their computer replacementprogram, adopt a five-year technology refresh cycle, level out the “computer to student”ratio across the district and create a five year technology road map. The future shouldinclude a form of an electronic device that is affordable because it can deliver curriculum ata very low cost per student and can be updated continually at a much lower cost. Today’sstudents are comfortable using personal technology. Technology offers great interactivitywith the student that traditional textbooks cannot. Mainstream consumers are using moretechnology to deliver content, we as a district should be open to the idea.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: PTAs have done a good job of connecting with parents. More parent involvement isneeded. The district should identify obstacles and address such as parents work schedules,


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language barriers or understanding of district involvement opportunities interfere. As adistrict, we must find new ways to communicate with parents. The district should consideremail, encouraging PTAs, direct calls and parent mentoring, evening or weekend parentmeetings, meetings that include child care for young children and language interpreters.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Individual teacher salaries should not be based on student performance on stateaccountability tests.

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Place 5Description: Note: All residents living within Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD may vote inthis race.


Lynn Chaffin

Biographical Info:Name: Lynn ChaffinStreet Address: 1708 Paxton DriveCity/Town: CarrolltonState: TXDate of Birth: 03-10-1950Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-728-4879Home Phone Number: 972-492-9400Mobile Phone Number: 214-728-4879E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: BBA - Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX Major Accounting Minor EconomicsMBA - Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Tx Executive MBA Program GraduateCertificate - Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Tx Conflict Resolution Alumni -Leadership Metrocrest (1996) Alumni - Leadership Irving (1999) Alumni - Leadership TASB(2001) – earned Master Trustee designation Alumni - Leadership Texas (2005) Member ofthe Texas Fellows Alumni Program (Center for Reform of School Systems) Numerousprofessional development classes & seminarsQ: Length of residency in district:A: I have lived in the district almost 30 years. My three children graduated for CFB highschools. My oldest son attended and graduated from Newman Smith High School. Mydaughter attended C-FB schools K-12 and graduated from RL Turner High School. Myyoungest son attended C-FB schools K-12 and graduated from Creekview High School.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am a Senior IT Manager for a local municipality.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Elected in 1998, I am currently serving in my 12th year on the Carrollton-FarmersBranch ISD Board of Trustees, Place 5.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Elected in 1998, I am currently serving in my 12th year on the Carrollton-FarmersBranch ISD Board of Trustees, Place 5. I have held various roles on the board includingSecretary and Vice President. I am currently serving as President of the Board. In 1999, Iwas a member of the board when it won the Region 10 School Board of the Year and wasone of five finalist boards for the State of Texas School Board of the Year. In 2000-2001, Iparticipated in Leadership TASB, a professional development program for school boardtrustees through the Texas Association of School Boards. Through this program, I earnedthe designation of Master Trustee. Prior to election to the Board of Trustees, I served onthe PTA boards of the Dale B. Davis Elementary PTA (Council Delegate), Charles M. BlalackMiddle School PTA (council delegate and president), RL Turner High School PTA (LegislativeChairman). I served on Council of PTAs Executive Board for over 5 years; I served on theExecutive Board for the Association for Gifted and Talented. I was on the SteeringCommittee that worked to establish the C-FB ISD Educational Foundation and served onyear on the Foundation Board prior to election to the Board of Trustees. I have served onKey Communicators and various calendar committees and bond committees. I am aformer member of The Civic League. I am a long-time member of the First Baptist Churchof Carrollton. I have participated in various Chamber of Commerce developmentprograms including Leadership Metrocrest and Leadership Irving Las Colinas. I am an


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alumni of Leadership Texas and a member of the Foundation for Women's Resources.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Elected to C-FB ISD Board of Trustees Place 5 in 1998Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: none sought; none acceptedQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: n/aQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: noQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am committed to this district. As a district, we are doing good things for students. Wehave huge challenges ahead and need experienced leadership. There are three boardmembers up for re-election. If all three were to be replaced, come June 2010, our districtcould have five board members with a total of 18 months experience between them. Thatconcerns me very much. I have served 12 years on the Board. I have achieved a MasterTrustee designation from the Texas Association of School Boards. I have taken manyopportunities to develop leadership skills associated with Board work. I am a strongcommunicator with a broad business, leadership, and management background to bring tothe board table as it relates to both the business of the district and its executive guidance.My work in municipal government provides insight into the operation of a governmentalentity. At the City of Dallas, I work with the City Manager’s Office and various departmentdirectors, assistant directors, and managers; I am responsible for strategic automationinitiatives. I am involved in the application selection process and contract negotiationprocess for projects that range in value from $6 million to $12 million. I also represent theCity of Dallas on the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Regional Public SafetyCommunications Governance Committee. Prior to working for the City of Dallas, I haveworked for major financial institutions such as JPMorganChase and CitiGroup (formerly TheAssociates). In these companies, I have had responsibility for technical projectmanagement and operational responsibility for business departments supporting treasuryoperations, cash management, debt issuance and service, and budget and planning,business continuity, and disaster recovery. I will bring experienced leadership that cankeep the main thing the main thing. The main thing is helping our district personnel focuson the education of all of our students. I will continue to promote thoughtful and deliberatedecision making looking for the best educational opportunities for all of the students of ourdistrict. I have demonstrated the courage to do what I think is right in the face ofcontroversy. The last 18 months have been difficult; I have always tried to bring calm, civilleadership to the district.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Work with the board to improve board relations and the performance of boardoperations. Work to keep the focus of the board and district on the education of all of ourchildren and student learning & achievement. Continue to work with local and statelegislators regarding public education issues and opportunities incluing fundingopportunites.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My experience on the board as well as my work experience and training provide mewith a broad base of experience to bring to the job. I am not only an experienced boardmember. I work for a governmental entity so I understand the constraints that come withthe territory. This volunteer job requires a great deal of time and energy. In addition tothe job itself, a new board member must come up to speed on local, state, and federalissues and rules. Coming up to speed can take 12 - 24 months; being the incumbent, I willnot have that learning curve and I already understand the time commitment.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: As the incumbent, I attend all board meetings. Prior to running for the board, Iregularly attended board meetings for 3 years. I have learned that it is not as easy as itlooks and there is more to it than is seen at the surface level.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The board of trustees is responsible for the governance of the district. The board islegally responsible for a limited number of responsibilities: 1) Hire and maintain a


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superintendent. 2) Set the budget. 3) Set policy. 4) Set a tax rate. Through thoseresponsibilities, the board as a body sets the tone for the district. The board is notresponsible for the management of the district; management of the district is theresponsibility of the superintendent. As an example, the board is not responsible tobalance the checkbook but the board is responsible to ensure financial governance policiesare in place and for hiring external audits to ensure policy adherence and to verify thatstandards of generally accepted accounting principles for governmental entities are inplace and functioning. A trustee should also be a positive representative of the district. Itis the job of a trustee to be informed, to communicate to the community at large about thethings going on in the district, to positively represent the district to the public, toeffectively work with state and federal legislators to help them understand the issues andopportunities of public education. Board members should suggest new policies forresearch. The board member should explain the logic and value of the new policy to otherboard members and provide enough information to enable the administration to draft apolicy. The proposed policy would need to be reviewed to ensure that it was not in conflictwith policies or procedures required by the State of Texas or the Texas Education Board.Then, the drafted policy would be reviewed by the board as a body and be accepted,modified, or rejected. If the concept of the new policy is included in a current policy, thenthat policy would be reviewed and, if it is a local policy, it could be modified to incorporatethe concept into the existing policy.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: C-FB ISD exists for student learning and student achievement. It is a data-drivendistrict. It is also a district of wide diversity. Our schools have unique needs and one sizedoes not fit all; further, we have a high mobility rate in some of our schools. However, as adistrict, our personnel look at local results and national research to find out what worksbest to teach students. We are blessed to have the C-FB ISD Educational Foundation thatsupports our teachers with grants to try new programs. When we find a method thatworks, we celebrate the success and share what has been learned. We have a very strongprofessional development program for our teachers to help them understand andincorporate new teaching methods into what they do with students every day. Additionally,C-FB ISD offers a wide variety of programs to challenge students at every level.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: The demographics of Texas and the entire nation are changing. As of October 2009, ourdistrict was 52% Hispanic, 15% African American, 10.9% Asian, and 21.4% White. Evenwere illegal immigration stopped tomorrow, the Hispanic population would continue to riseat a faster rate than the Anglo due solely to internal birth rates. C-FB ISD has worked hardat closing the achievement gap of all subpopulations and we have had success. There isstill more work to do. As indicated in the prior question, the district continues to evaluateteaching methods, seeking to find the ones that work best. We have to be able to showstudents that what they are learning is something that they can use outside the four wallsof the school building.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: I’m not sure that it can ever be quite enough. We are focusing on success in middleschool and successful transition to 9th grade. If a student finishes his or her 9th grade yearwith no credits, it is very hard for them to graduate on time. The further behind they get,the higher the likelihood that they will drop out. In order to better address issues aroundLatino drop out, particularly Latino males, we need to find more and better ways to reachfamilies to help them understand the value of staying in school.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Relationships. Parent involvement is always critical. If parents are involved andencouraging their students, the students have a much higher likelihood of being successful.When students are able to build a relationship with one or more teachers, when thestudent believes an adult cares, they are much more likely to be successful. Relevantlearning. Being able to show a student that what they are learning has application for theirreal world engages the student. An engaged student is more likely to be successful.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The uncomfortable truth for some stakeholders is that our population demographic isnot going to see a reduction in minority students. The population of C-FB, the DFWMetroplex, the State of Texas, and the nation is seeing an increase in the Latinopopulation. Even if illegal immigration were stopped tomorrow, the internal birth ratewould keep Latino populations growing at a faster rate than Anglo populations. Our


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students are coming to us poorer and less prepared to learn. However, it is absolutelycritical to future of our community, our state, and our nation that ALL children areeducated at high levels so that the work force of tomorrow is prepared. The otheruncomfortable truth is that culture is hard to build and quick to damage. C-FB ISD has builta culture that is focused on student learning and student achievement for ALL students.Most people don’t realize that school district revenue is capped at the State. If propertyvalues rise, the State simply contributes less money. The cap was fixed 2 legislativesessions ago (4 years) and is not adjusted for inflation or other cost increases like fuel orelectricity. The quick fix of cutting personnel and cutting programs is attractive to some butmay not be what is best for the district or our economy or society in the long run. Publicschools exist only for student learning. This past year, despite numerous outsidedistractions, our teachers have maintained a focus on student learning. We need to respectthat. The distractions continue despite the fact that our district is consistently recognized atthe state level for our financial management and we receive positive audit reports. Ourbond rating is Aa2 with Moody’s Investor Services and AA with Standard and Poor’sServices. We need to be able to reduce the “noise” and distractions, and support ourteachers and administrators, our paraprofessionals and cafeteria personnel and janitorialstaff … so that they can focus on student achievement.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: C-FB is widely known for its innovative use of technology in the classroom and as amethod to communicate with parents. In the classroom, teachers have technology thatallows them to get the answer from all of the students, not just the ones that hold up theirhands. In this way, the teacher can see who may need special help. The teachers haveaccess to tools that let them challenge students using technology and students engagebetter this way. As the State supports it and publishers move to make electronictextbooks more available, there will be a shift in that direction. However, I doubt that wewill eliminate textbooks entirely in the near future.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: This is tough. Many parents think that they need to be involved in elementary schoolbut not so much when kids hit middle and high school. That is when they are needed themost. Parental involvement is complicated in families where the parent or parents mustwork multiple jobs just to make ends meet. And, because the district requires identificationfor any person to enter the school, some parents are frightened to come at all. We areworking to make schools a more “parent friendly” place. This often includes providinginterpreters and explaining that the district is only interested in educating children. Itcertainly means that every visitor to the school is greeted with a smile. Another idea thatseems to work is to offer the opportunity to eat while meeting with school personnel, whena way can be found to pay for it.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Coming from a business background, the tendency is to say “absolutely” but it is notthat simple. Schools and teachers have no control over the quality of the raw materialthat they are given. Further, teaching should not be a competitive environment but rathera cooperative one where they mentor each other freely. But, given a test at the beginningof the year, and a test at the end of the year, a student should have made at least oneyear’s progress. If some rational percentage of students have not achieved at least ayear’s progress, then, excepting some other extenuating circumstances, perhaps thatteacher should get less of a raise. Any program must be rational. It must be logical andtransparent. It must be quantitative; it cannot be seen as a popularity contest.

Bob Mora

Biographical Info:Name: Bob MoraStreet Address: 2104 Menton DriveCity/Town: CarrolltonState: TexasDate of Birth: May 20, 1943Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-418-8024Home Phone Number: 972-418-8024


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Mobile Phone Number: NAFax Number: NAE-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: http://mora4trustee.webs.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: University of North Texas-Certification, Professional Mid-management Administrator;University of Texas at Dallas-Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics; University of Texasat Arlington-Bachelor of Arts, Major: Mathematics, Minor: Spanish; University of Texas atArlington-Certification, Provisional High School - MathematicsQ: Length of residency in district:A: 23 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retired/pensionQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: NoneQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: NoneQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: 0Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: naQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am the only candidate that brings experience and understanding to Place 5. I am aretired school administrator with experience as teacher, assistant principal, and districtlevel coordinator of mathematics and instructional technology. Twelve of those years werespent in the CFBISD, where I was responsible for developing and managing multi-milliondollar budgets. I also have business experience as educational consultant with a majortextbook publishing company. I have visited school systems throughout the USA and haveseen programs that are successful in working with students of varied backgrounds.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1-Budget: The district must operate under the financial constraints of the legislature,but I will evaluate all programs to determine their effectiveness and ensure theiralignment to the vision of the District. 2-Academics: Teachers and principals need the bestresearch-based educational practices that address students from all backgrounds. Imaintain that all students can learn. The task of the teacher and principal is to determinehow the individual student learns, then deliver that instruction in an efficient and effectivemanner. I will ensure that maximum resources are allocated at the point where studentsare affected. Finally, I will explore incentive programs that attract and reward successfulteachers. 3-Communications: I will meet with the community on a regular basis to listen totheir concerns.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have worked in Dallas ISD, Irving ISD and C-FB ISD as teacher and assistant-principal. I understand the challenges teachers and principals face daily such as changingdemographics, low socio-economic populations, and limited resources. After retirementfrom public education, I worked for twelve years as senior sales consultant with a majortextbook publishing company. My position allowed me to call on teachers, supervisors,assistant superintendents, and superintendents throughout the United States where Iwould discuss the benefits of our instructional programs. I visited schools that hadprograms that were cost effective and successful at meeting the needs of all children. I amfamiliar with Texas Education Agency regulations as well as those of many other states.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I attended C-FB ISD Board meetings regularly during my tenure as Mathematics andInstructional Technology Coordinator and found that many times the Board had to make


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unpopular decisions. My belief is that decisions made by a Trustee must always have thestudent in mind. Namely, how will the decision affect students on a daily basis?Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a school board member is to set district policy, set district budget, andevaluate the superintendent. Policies that I initiate will be carefully researched and studiedto ensure that the cost and benefit to the District is positive.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: The district has many schools that have an Exemplary rating and my goal is to have allschools in that category. Those schools exemplify what a dedicated staff can do withchildren from all backgrounds.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: I believe that all students need to feel real success in the classroom. This isaccomplished with highly qualified teachers who are caring and nurturing. Rigorousstandards are paramount but having a staff that will help students reach those highexpectations is imperative.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: No. I will charge the Superintendent to look at districts that are successful in reducingthe dropout rate. I maintain that potential dropout students are not interested inacademics because they do not see how school relates to life. Many are more interested ingetting a job and earning money. The District offers Career and Technology Education aspart of the curriculum and that is a good first step.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Decisions made by students in middle and high school have a big impact on what theywill be able to do in the future. Schools with a caring and knowledgeable counselingdepartment will help guide students in laying the foundation for post secondary educationor employment. Successful secondary schools have dedicated staffs that involve studentsin their learning and make it relevant. Those teachers can answer the age-old question:When am I going to use this?”Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The most uncomfortable truth facing all school district in Texas is reduced funding fromthe state and increased enrollments. This coupled with the continued increase in the cost ofoperating a school facility makes many districts ripe for a school tax increase. C-FB ISDmust operate under the financial constraints of the legislature, but I will evaluate allprograms to determine their effectiveness and ensure their alignment to the vision of theDistrict. I promise to scrutinize the budget and look for ways to cut unsuccessful programsand inefficient practices.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: I have two grandchildren at Country Place Elementary and have been very impressedwith the way computer technology is being used. At the last Open House, the classroomcomputer projection system was running and each student showed their presentation totheir parent. I was impressed that a kindergarten and 2nd grade student knew how todevelop a PowerPoint presentation. The issue between laptops or textbooks is something Iam very familiar with since I was in the textbook publishing business for 12 years afterretirement. A majority of public school textbooks are presently available for computers.The issue is equity. Many families do not have computers in their home and many do nothave Internet connections. A traditional textbook can be used by all students.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: One of the best ways to get parents involved in schools is to showcase student work andstudent activity. This works best at the elementary grades, but as students go intosecondary schools, parent interest wanes. Parents of students in extracurricular activitiesare more apt to be involved in the school.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: There is a parallel between teacher merit pay and compensation in the business world.As a sales consultant, my bonus was tied to achievement of a goal set by the company. If Ireached or surpassed the “number” then I was rewarded with a bonus. I had no controlover factors such as school funding of textbooks or my competitors who offered better“deals.” Teacher merit pay is something similar. A teacher bonus could be tied to studentperformance on TAKS as well as teacher evaluation by the principal. I understand thatteachers have no control over the students who are assigned to their class but all Texas


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students have a history of past performance on TAKS. A teacher’s bonus could be based ongrowth of performance during 1 year of instruction. I would instruct the Superintendent toresearch successful instruments and procedures then recommend a plan to the Board.

Susie Perez

Biographical Info:Name: Susie PerezStreet Address: 1202 Laguna Ct.City/Town: CarrolltonState: TxDate of Birth: 11/01/1958Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: work 469-547-3216Home Phone Number: 972-466-2501Mobile Phone Number: 214-641-5005Fax Number: 214-764-2399E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: None

Questions:Q: EducationA: 1981 BBA St. Mary's University San Antonio Texas 1991 CPA License 2008 to presentSMU Program for Certificate of Financial PlanningQ: Length of residency in district:A: 21 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Comptroller - Ferrer, Poirot & Wansbrough 17 YearsQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: 2003 to Present Carrollton Farmers Branch Educational Foundation Vice-Chair forAdministration 2000 to Present P.E.O. Chapter IA member - Program for ContinuingEducation 1998 to Present Financial Edge Market Investors - A Women's Investment Club -Treasurer 2007-2009 Volunteer AAUW "Reach for the Stars"Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: 1997 - 1998 Good Elementary PTA: Family Nights Coordinator 1998 - 1999 Perry MiddleSchool PTA: Council Delegate 1999 - 2000 Perry Middle School PTA: Treasurer9/2000-12/2000 Graduate of the Carrollton Government Academy 2001-2002 City ofCarrollton Committee Member Carrollton Multicultural Task Force 2000-2001 Perry MiddleSchool PTA: Treasurer 8/2001–10/2001 Bea’s Kids Volunteer – after school tutoring 2004 –2005 Newman Smith Band booster club TreasurerQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Sought Carrollton City Council SeatQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have personally contributed $260.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Susie PerezQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NOQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I believe in community service. As citizens, we cannot sit in the background and criticizeunless we are also willing to contribute our time and talents. I am a member of thebusiness community; I have experience in budgeting, human resources and auditing. Ihave the experience to evaluate policies, weigh their importance and consider long-termeffects. I am committed to building consensus and creating a strong effective board.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: One of the responsibilities of the school board is to establish policy. I will beopen-minded and work with the other board members to establish policies that areeconomically sound and benefit our children’s education.


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Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I do not have long-term relationships with either current trustees or the schooladministration. I bring a fresh perspective to discussions.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have not attended any regular session board meetings. I recently read the minutes forthe meetings from August 13, 2009 through February 11, 2010. I have learned the generalflow of the meetings, procedure for removing items from the consent agenda for furtherdiscussion and a general idea of items on the agenda.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: “The role of the school board member is to work with other trustees as a bodycorporate to govern and oversee the management of the public schools of the district.” Aboard member does not initiate policy but he or she can create an atmosphere thatencourages a free exchange of ideas and suggestions. Policies are established based oninput from administration and the community, a board member should be willing toencourage input from interested parties, make suggestions, consider new ideas andevaluate recommendations based on their merit.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: There were 18 schools out of 38 that improved in their accountability ratings, thedistrict should identify how these schools were able to increase their ratings and applyprocedures that can be duplicated in other campuses.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: As a Spanish speaking board member I would attend meetings designed for parentswith limited English proficiency to discuss the importance of parent involvement. I wouldencourage more community involvement from Latin professionals as tutors and mentors.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: One dropout is one too many. I would encourage dialogue between the student, parentand teacher to determine the reasons a student is not engaged in school, only then can asolution be developed.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Qualified teachers who are passionate about teaching and administrators who evaluateprograms based on proven results.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The cost of a public education is increasing and we must find ways to increase revenuesor cut costs, public schools must remain competitive, there are other alternatives.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: The AMAT academy at RL Turner provides training using current programs available inthe industry. Graduating students are confident that the skills they acquire in this academycan be applied in the workplace. The technology offered at any school is limited by thebudget adopted. Given unlimited funds, the schools would make use of all the latesttechnology.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: There will always be parents who, due to economic conditions and language barriers willnot be involved in their local schools. The only solution I see to this problem iscommunication. We must find a way to communicate and connect with these parents.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: No, the teacher does not have control over all factors that affect student performance.



Sedric Flood

Biographical Info:Name: Sedric R. Flood


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Street Address: 1709 CoxCity/Town: CarrolltonState: TexasDate of Birth: December 8,1965Home Phone Number: 972-242-9571Mobile Phone Number: 214-663-7269Fax Number: 972-242-9571E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: I graduated From Evan E. Worthing High School in Houston, Texas. Class of 84. Movedto Dallas On July 3rd 1984 to attend DeVry Insitute of Technology. I studied in thereEnginneering programs for two years before I heard the call of the United States MarineCorps. I joined the Marines in April 1986.Q: Length of residency in district:A: I have lived at the same address for 18 years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am a Postal Worker. I have been a Postal Worker 13 years.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: None at this time.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: In the 2008 Presidential election I was the delegate from Precinct 1408.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: noneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: noneQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: n/aQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for this office for my children. I have three children that are part of theC-FB ISD,an i want to ensure that this school district gives the children that are coming inbehind them the same or better quality of education. I'm not the most qualified, I'm hearto ensure that the our school district remains the strong and horonable school district thathas educated my children.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I'm bringing old school values back to the table. I'm in touch with the kids of today andI make them respect the fact that i'm an adult and not their friend.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: noQ: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a school member is to make sure that the school is recieving all the supportthey need to educate the children of our communty. The policies of the school board has tobe agreeded on. All ideas should be discussed and the agreed on ones shuld be voted on ina respectable environment.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: - no response -Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: This gap has to be closed at the pre-school and elementary levels of education. Theremust be more Spanish speaking teachers in these schools to help the parents and theteachers communicate. If the parent and the teacher can't talk to each other the child islost.


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Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: - no response -Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Good leaders and obedient soldiersQ: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: - no response -Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Yes technology is being used effectively in the classroom. Todays childQ: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: I think more parents would get involved if they were asked. We shouldn't just dependon the PTA to get support from our parents. The parents should know that they are neededin every arena of the school and encourage them to join in. Parents must be involved inthe school's life not just the life of their child. Give what you have to offer to the school andlet all the children beefit.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: No pay should not be liked to performance.

David Lloyd Kirby

Biographical Info:Name: David L. KirbyStreet Address: 2824 Reedcroft Dr.City/Town: Farmers BranchState: TexasDate of Birth: 11-7-1957Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-247-2845Home Phone Number: 972-406-9795Mobile Phone Number: 214-755-6645Fax Number: 972-247-2856E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: David L. Kirby for CFBISD place 6

Questions:Q: EducationA: Graduated from CFBISD in 1976 from Turner High. Attended Stephen F. Austin, majoredin Forestry, minored in business. Returned to family business prior to graduating. StudiedFederal Aviation Regulations Non-Destructive Testing procedures Applied real lifeaccounting to manage the business. Sold the Company to Banner Industries (publiclytraded company) then bought it back. Worked 7 years for that firm under their tutelage.Q: Length of residency in district:A: Born in Dallas County, moved to FB when 5 years old attended Janie Stark for 1stgrade. Live, work, play in Farmers Branch all my life.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Self Employed proprietor, in an Aviation Service company. We service aircraft wheelsand brakes from civilian aircraft to military transports.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Board Member of local baseball entity Farmers Branch Baseball Association. Rotary ClubMember. Booster club President and/or member of two RLT clubs: Wrestling and Baseball.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: VP of Carrollton Farmers Branch Basketball Association - now Carrollton BasketballAssociation. Board Member of CFBSA the local soccer association - coached 7 years.Coached Basketball 5 years Soccer 7 years Baseball 8 years and continuing. Wrestling 4years.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: None


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Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: NoneQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: N/aQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I felt as if my tax money was not being spent wisely. Coupled with the fact that thisdistrict has very poor athletic achievements in the last decade, have prompted me toinvestigate as to the reasons. Last Thursday School Board meeting was a slam dunkclincher. The board was presented with a budget at a 12 million dollar deficit. One item inthat budget was $47 thousand dollars for coffee, and save for two board members theycould not bring themselves to scratch this item from the budget. So, just how serious arethey about the use and spending of our tax dollars?Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Financial Responsibility. Open budget meetings, posting of non-personnel checkregister. 2. Eliminate Deficit Budgets. assistant superintendents and staff would be first togo before any teachers were removed, laid off, or reduced in their schedules. We are wayto fat in supportive staffing. 3. Review of the mandate NCLB as it relates to LEP. No ChildLeft Behind does not adequately suit our needs to prepare Limited English proficiencystudents. I for one am tired of the lip service given to these programs and will insist uponactions that drive both state and federal regulations above the bottom threshold.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: Of my three opponents I only know about two of them and their background. FrankShor is a good man, mentor and friend. However, he seems to have fallen into theentitlement trap, whereby the superintendents are seemingly entitled to certainexpenditures etc., as in his tenure of three years he has approved deficit spending everyyear. Now we are faced with a possible tax increase due to the lack of mental fortitude.The other gentleman has been an employee of the district for over 20 years, and to thisday is a contract employee. So I do not think anyone would believe he would seek thechanges necessary for this district at this time, but would be a vote in favor of more thesame.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes several. Last meeting - 3/24/2010 was a meeting that shall not be easily forgotten.As mentioned previously the siting board save the two newest members could not, orwould not cut expenses necessary to bring the budget into restraint. Now, being that thesepeople are the gate keepers to the public funds, what does that say to you as a citizen?Incorrigible!Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: There is a published list of some 25 items that depict various duties and actions a schoolboard member should do. Of these the preeminent one to me is to 'govern and overseethe management of the public schools.' Second is to Establish performance goals and thusmonitor those goals. The umbrella from which all that takes refuge is a board membersconcern must always be on providing the highest quality of education for all students. Itcomes down to teachers in the classrooms not supportive staffing in the corporate offices.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: My son was able to attend Country Place Elementary, and I can tell you the curriculumthere is night and day from the curriculum in Janie Stark. The District can learn that havingdivergent curriculum's is not supportive to higher expectations throughout the district.There may be a need for variances but the main theme of the curriculum should be carriedout within the district.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: The Urban Institute has published a pamphlet titled "Who's Left Behind?", ImmigrantChildren in High and Low LEP Schools. At present I am formulating my background so as toproduce methods ideas and measurable concepts to close this gap. The board needs toassess this type of information instead of relying upon the Administration to come up with


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a means to accomplishing this end.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: I do not think so, however, it is a very dynamic problem. We have TAKS tests, LEP,testing, etc etc., but do we really test for the problem solving skills necessary for today'smarket? I also think there is an element of weeding out those kids that are struggling. Wemake it an easier decision to enter the work place unprepared and unable to gain anysustainable employment. I would promote the establishment of mentoring segments in allareas of each campus, so that these children can see and understand that they are avaluable asset to this society and can become so much more through education.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Success is an elusive intangible element. We could measure it by TAKS scores.Exemplary or acceptable rankings. We could measure it by winning football season orbasketball or baseball or even district championships in wrestling. We might even dare tomeasure it by choir or band district finishers, drill team, cheer leading. You name the UILevent......But in the end successful in a community sense means that families want tomove into this area for OUR schools, not in spite of them. South Lake Carrol isn't popularbecause of their academics ~ football is what drives that machine, and the academicswhile being impeccable are not what drives families to move to that district.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Deficit spending by CFBISD that has lead us up to the brink of draconian tactics tosalvage what we can. Even the proposed tax rate hike will not prevent deficit spending inthe next 3yr budget. It is time for a new paradigm, a new way of looking at the issuesthat surround our community, new leadership stemming from a new board. Not as it hashappened in the past - administration telling the board what needs to be accomplished,and the board stamping their approval.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: I do not know the answer to this question completely. However, I do know that anexperiment was tried at Vivian Field a few years ago whereby each student had a laptopand their homework assignments and progress was monitored. It failed miserably. Notsure due to lack of proper planning or students/parents were not ready for that type ofprogress. With the demographics this district contains I do not think technology is beingused effectively, nor do I believe it is the right time for such an environment. We need toconcentrate upon the three "R's", the old fashioned way to obtain results in a short timewith the resources we have. Our Teachers.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: There are so many ways in which to accomplish this that it would be impossible to list.However, it starts with a sense of community. Each child/parental unit must feel they are apart of something bigger than themselves. They make a contribution to it and they arevital to its continued ongoing livelihood. Presently we have segments of our communitythat do not feel apart of anything associated with the school.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Yes. I do not believe in tenure pay, for the simple reason just because a teachers hangsaround is not cause enough for salary increase. Merit pay based upon a qualitative reviewprocess like the business world implements would be best. Exit reviews for outgoingstudents, a review process that takes in consideration the students testing upon entranceand his./her exit test scores. Then we would have the means to justify merit basedincreases and/or opportunities to improve.

John Mathews

Biographical Info:Name: John MathewsStreet Address: 2001 Stefani Ct.City/Town: CarrolltonState: TexasDate of Birth: 12-19-47Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972 968 5671Home Phone Number: 972 492 9441Mobile Phone Number: 972 824 1709Fax Number: 972 968 5695E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: N/A


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Questions:Q: EducationA: North Dallas High School - 1966 NTSU - 1970, B.S. PE/History TWU - 1991, M Ed.Education Administration/SupervisionQ: Length of residency in district:A: 41 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retired educatorQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Member - First Baptist Church, Carrollton Sing bass in the church choirQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Various church activities Former umpire in C-FB softball and Little League baseballQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $1,525Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Conway/LeBlanc Law Firm James & Krista Rakovan Don & Janie WimberlyQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: When I was 19, I was arrested for forgetting to pay a traffic ticket that I'd gotten 9months earler.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I have a passion for the students and staff in the C-FB I.S.D. My entire professionalcareer (two-thirds of my life) has been spent as a teacher, coach, and administrator in thisdistrict. No other candidate has as much experience as an educator.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: I would try to increase overall student attendance in the district by at least 1%. Indoing so, several important benefits would occur: 1. More students would be in class and,therefore, more students would be educated. 2. The district would receive approximately$1,400,000 in additional money from the state (based on the fact that we get about $5,600per student right now, and we're averaging about a 96% attendance rate.) I would also tryevery way possible to increase parental involvement in our schools - with emphasis on themiddle and high school levels. Finally, I will be an "out & about" board member. I will visitevery school in the district at least once a year for every year I'm on the board - simply tomake myself available, listen to their concerns, and offer any possible solutions. Theseactions would cost more time and effort than money.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: Quite simply the fact that I've spent 40 years working in the Carrollton-Farmers BranchI.S.D. One of my opponents has referred to me as an "insider" as if that's a bad thing. Ithink not. If a poll was taken of school district superintendents as to how they would likethe make-up of their school boards to be - I believe they would ALL want formereducators.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes, I've attended many school board meetings over the years. The main thing I'velearned is that although board members do not always agree on everything, they usuallycome together and do what's best for the district.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: Personally, I feel it's very important to be a "team player." It's obviously incumbent oneach board member to follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding educationalpolicies. In order to initiate new policies (or change existing ones) much collaboration,discussion, and brainstorming must take place.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: We have several schools in some of our lower socio-economic areas that are achievingat outstanding rates in reading & math. This tells us that with the right mix of excellentteachers, administrators, parental involvement, and hard work - students can, and will,achieve success!~


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Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: We need to target language instruction to improve their levels of english profiency. Thisnot only needs to take place in language arts/english classes - but across the entirecurriculum.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Until we have no dropouts, we can always do more. I believe early intervention is thekey to lowering the dropout rate. I think the focus primarily needs to begin with 9th gradestudents. Some of the thingsa we can do are to increase parent conferences/involvement,have "credit recovery" programs, and offer summer school scholarships to those in need.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Engagement and involvement from both parents and students in all areas of the school- both curricular and extracurricular.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: In our particular district, we need to realize that we are no longer a "suburban" schooldistrict. With our growth over the years, we've become more of an "urban" district. Somefolks in our area do not want to accept that truth.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Yes, technology is in widespread use in our district. Here are some examples: a.Televisions in classrooms b. Projection systems c. Online video streaming d. Laptops andcomputer labs e. "My access" program used in english and other classes for essay writing Ibelieve that future emphsis should be on laptops instead of textbooks because manytextbooks are going to online formats.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Parental involvement is vitally important to education. Howver, parents need to haveopportunities to be involved. Communication to parents is of the utmost importance inevery school. We need to let parents know that their input is very important, and provideavenues for them to give us their input on a regular basis.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: To me, this is a yes & no question. Yes, in the fact that it may be an incentive for someteachers to work harder, etc. No, because some teachers will begin to "teach to the test."There are also other factors which teachers would have no control over. I also believe itcould hurt collegiality between teachers, i.e. not wanting to share good ideas, etc.

Frank Shor

Biographical Info:Name: Frank ShorStreet Address: 2517 Danny LaneCity/Town: Farmers BranchState: Texas 75234Date of Birth: February 12, 1952Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (972) 242-8887 OfficeHome Phone Number: (972) 241-2421Fax Number: (972) 446-7976E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: Not Applicable

Questions:Q: EducationA: Hamden High School, Hamden, CT 1970 University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, B.A.1974 Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, JD 1977Q: Length of residency in district:A: 29 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:


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A: AttorneyQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I currently am a School Board Trustee of the Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD, sitting inPlace 6. I was elected in 2007, and have served the public in that position since then.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I moved into the School District in 1981. Since then, I have served three terms as a PTAPresident. I served as a Co-Chair of the Farmers Branch 50th Anniversary CelebrationCommittee. I served as a Co-Chair of the Farmers Branch Educational Task Force and theChairman of the Farmers Branch School Community Relations Committee. I have alsoserved on the Board of Special Care and Career Services.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I ran for and was elected to the Board of Trustees for the Carrollton Farmers BranchISD.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I refuse, and will continue to refuse to accept any contribution from anyone who has achild attending any school in the Carrollton Farmers Branch Independent School District. Ihave received $ 975.00 in direct financial contributions at this time.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: If the question is asking who are the people who have most contributed to my life, Iwould need to expand the list to four - my wife and my three sons. The top three financialcontributors are Mr. Jeff Lanzolatta, Mr. Karl Albert and Linn “Mac” McCain.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I have never been arrested. My “involvement” in criminal proceedings is only as anattorney. I am also involved as an attorney in thousands of civil proceedings. I havepreviously been a Plaintiff in about two or three cases and a Defendant in one or two.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: The United States is one of the few nations that does not mandate service of its peopleto the country. I believe everyone should be required to serve their country, in somecapacity, for some period of time. It would be hypocritical of me to harbor this view andnot be willing to serve. It is based upon that conviction and a belief that I can “bringsomething to the table” that causes me to seek election. Having been a resident of theDistrict for almost three decades, a taxpayer, a parent, a coach (having taken basketballteams to national tournaments throughout the United States), a business owner, and as alawyer (before being elected a School Board Trustee, I represented teachers and studentsagainst School Districts) all have helped prepare me more than any other candidate toserve in this office.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: If I am elected to serve in Place 6 of the Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD Board ofTrustees, then the most important actions I would take would be to ensure that thefinancial decisions made were the most efficacious for the District, that the Superintendentand the staff continue to perform at the level the District is entitled to and deserves, and toimprove the quality of communication among the newly elected School Board members.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: As none of the other candidates seeking election to Place 6 have a history of publicservice, it would be presumptive of me to categorically answer this inquiry. What is knownis that I possess a “track record” of public service, that my commitment to do the jobcomes from within, and that I have not been asked to run by any “special interest group”. Ihave chosen this position because of my deep commitment to education. As a lawyer, Ideal with competing ideas and competing interests daily. All these contribute to making methe best choice.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Prior to being elected I attended and spoke at numerous school board meetings. Sincebeing elected, I have only missed one meeting (due to a long overdue medical procedure).I learn from each meeting the poignancy of the adage “you can’t please all of the peopleall of the time”. We have remarkable people who, not surprisingly, are doing remarkablethings. Almost 90% of our schools are rated exemplary or recognized, with a studentpopulation as eclectic as any district in the State.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?


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A: The role of a school board member is to be a part of the body corporate which is knownas the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees of a School District governs the District. It(the School Board) hires (and regretfully, if necessary, fires) the Superintendent, and setspolicy. The School Board, and individual board members are “out of bounds” when theymicromanage the District. As in any combination of people, any idea which may benefit thegroup, should be discussed and analyzed. A good board member remembers that criticismof an idea is not a personal attack, but rather a demonstration of a shared commitment forthe “hoped for” good of the District.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: All of the District’s schools teach from the same curriculum and have available to themall of the resources available in the District. As a result of this, the scores of the majority ofthe students in Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD exceed the State’s scores in Math andReading. As the District learns techniques that enhance teaching effectiveness, thosetechniques are “rolled out” throughout the District.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: By now, we all know “it takes a village”. To this I would add, “but households are whatmake up a village”. If you show me a committed parent, I will show you a committedstudent. Each of us must commit to hold ourselves, our neighbors, and the others in ourcommunity we do not know personally, to feel invested, not only in our children’seducation, but our neighbor’s children’s education. This is accomplished, in part, by lettingpeople know that they are cared about and expected to achieve at a high level. The goal isto raise both “the ceiling and the floor”, but hopefully decreasing the distance between thetwo.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: As long as there exists one dropout in the State of Texas, each of us should look in themirror and acknowledge that the face we see there has not done enough. Regretfully,there are “markers” which help identify potential dropouts. Those individuals need to havethe proverbial arm put around their shoulders, they need to be made to feel cared about,need to be shown that they are expected to succeed and to refrain from submitting to the“forces of (what I refer to as ) the dark side”.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: The same ingredients that make for any successful entity. Caring, compassionate,daring, careful, flamboyant, quiet, contemplative, extravagant, spontaneous, reflective,energetic people encouraging those around them, and themselves, to soar to the heightsabove which each thought their wings could carry them. Alas, we do not yet live inCamelot. Appropriate administrators providing the requisite tools to caring teachers,conveying lessons to adequately nourished (food, exercise and sleep) children, arrivingfrom residences with involved adults, are ingredients that make for successful schools.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The uncomfortable truth is that funding for public education is inadequate, yet set by agroup which has a disproportionate number of its children unaffected by this inadequacy.So long as a number of State legislators continue to send their children to private schools,and as long as the inadequacy of the funding remains directed at isolated programs withina particular school district, and so long as there is no public outcry over this egregiousendemic injustice, the answer to this question will remain the same, as it has for over acentury.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: The March 2010 issue of Texas Lone Star (a publication of the Texas Association ofSchool Boards) commends the Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD on its innovative use oftechnology in the classroom. The data confirms that technology is being utilized effectivelyto enhance our students learning. The future emphasis should be on using that which mostenables each particular student to grasp the material being taught, so as to learn what isnecessary to achieve success.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: The Mayor of New York City has proposed paying parents for their appearance at schoolevents. As odd as this may sound to some, the funding of a parent’s attendance at aparent-teacher conference today may save the taxpayers thousands of dollars tomorrow. Ihave previously advocated for a report card to be issued to adults, grading the adult on theparent’s commitment to the child’s education. Anything that is not illegal, which makesadults increase their commitment to their child’s education, is what I would be willing to


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consider.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Because many factors other than teacher competence and commitment contribute tostudent under-achievement, I believe such an approach would be unfair. Teachers who aredemonstrably incompetent or uncommitted should be terminated.



Mike Sheaffer

Biographical Info:Name: Mike SheafferStreet Address: 3550 Golfing Green Dr.City/Town: Farmers BranchState: TexasDate of Birth: October 12, 1950Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972.207.9270Home Phone Number: 972.207.9270Mobile Phone Number: 972.207.9270Fax Number: 972.406.3060E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.cfbisdmike.comYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/v/NA&hl=en

Questions:Q: EducationA: Texas Tech. BBA. 1975.Q: Length of residency in district:A: Since October 30, 1989.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Owner and President of Hi-Line, Inc. (www.hi-line.com)Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Chairman of the American Pregnancy Association; Member of the Chief ExecutiveOfficer's Club; and a Stephen Minister at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Junior Achievement; Instructor at the Lubbock Chess Club; and an Instructor for theAmerican Karate Black Belt Association.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Approximately $2500 to date.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Self-funded.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: First, I have a passion to serve the students, voters, teachers, administrators, andtrustees of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. Secondly, I have a passion for education.And third, I lack trust and confidence in the current C-FB School Board. By actively servingon the board, I would get much closer to the issues and realities of the C-FB ISD. TheSuperintendent of C-FB is a Chief Executive Officer. He'll tell you that. The district, an


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organization, has 26,000 students (customers), 3,000 teachers, administrators, and staff,and annual finances of $300,000,000.00 If you look at the current C-FB Board, you'll findminimal, if any, CEO experience. A CEO knows, that for him or her to be successful in thelong term, they must surround themselves with other CEOs. I have served other CEOs andknow what it's like to need the advice and ideas of other CEOs. Even though my companyis privately held, we have a Board of Directors that I'm accountable to and who help mewith my company's larger issues. The C-FB ISD needs at least two or three CEOs on theSchool Board.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Increase communication. A system or process which allows voters, teachers,students, administrators and their staffs to easily and quickly communicate their ideas,suggestions, likes, and dislikes to the school board. I would encourage this new actionthrough dialogue and debate with the school board and the superintendent. It would beimportant to create a safe communication pathway for all parties involved. This systemwould not require any new funding. 2. The C-FB is presently experiencing a budget deficitof $5,000,000.00. Next year, that deficit is projected to be $12,000,000.00. Creating anenvironment that encourages out-of-the-box thinking regarding how the ISD receives andspends money would be an action I would pursue. In the business world, a business mustcontinually adapt and readapt to external forces (i.e. 911, recession, healthcare). The C-FBISD is no different. "We've always done it this way" can hold back organizations. Itrequires minimal imagination, effort and innovation to simply say, "we must raise the taxrate". New and fresh ideas should be encouraged through robust open meetings and newvenues of communication. This action would not require additional funding. 3. Reducingteaching turnover would be a critical action I would undertake. Turnover is extremelyexpensive in direct and indirect ways to any organization. I would propose doing threeseparate studies pertaining to teacher turnover. One study led by the students,themselves. They would be under outside adult supervision, but they would be responsiblefor creating and executing the study. Another study would be done by a group of teachers.And the third study would be conducted by the school board. Each study would have to beextremely confidential. A teacher turnover study done by the school administration in thepast lacked adequate confidentiality safeguards for the participants.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: We're very opposite which is pretty interesting. My opponent is a retired kindegartenteacher and a grandmother. She was a kindergarten teacher for 30 years. She has servedon the C-FB Board for years. She is well known and respected in C-FB. Her husband is avendor to the C-FB ISD. On the other hand, I've traveled a different path. I'm not as wellknown and have minimal connections to the C-FB ISD. I've served on both governing andoperating boards. I've reported to boards, presently serve on boards and have an activeboard in my business. I've been President of my family business for the last 15 years. Eachyear is different when you operate a business and we must continually find new ways tocontinue our success. I have two children who are in 8th and 9th grade. One child is inprivate school and the other attends a C-FB high school. I would serve on the schoolboard with a fresh perspective. Asking challenging questions, studying results, drillingdown, expecting accountability, exploring new ideas and actively listening to other peopleare all things I do day in and day out as a business owner and would be comfortable doingas a school board member. I believe the voters and taxpayers would expect as much.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes. There appears to be excessive rubber stamping. There is minimal open dialogue onthe issues. New ideas and new thoughts, good or bad, are not welcome or encouraged.Attendence at the meetings is embarrassingly low, especially considering the size of thedistrict and its issues. If a member of the board meeting audience has a spontaneousthought or idea, that may be germaine to the discussion by the Board, the audiencemember cannot contribute or must contribute at a later untimely date. This can be a wasteof a good idea or suggestion and probably helps to explain why attendence is minimal. Theverbal questions, challenges and ideas by the majority of the current board membersduring a board meeting are rare and lacking in substance. The C-FB ISD has 26,000student (customers), 3,000 teachers, administrators, and staff, and annual financesencompassing approximately $300,000,000.00. The C-FB ISD's board and board meetingsshould be very dynamic and lively when you consider the shear size of the organization.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: "To provide local citizen supervision and control over education at a point close to the


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parent and child. The individual board member's major responsibility is to study, evaluate,and deliberate the policy issues confronting his or her district, then to vote in the bestinterest of all students. The board establishes policy for the governance of the schoolsystem after considering the superintendent's recommendations. The superintendent isresponsible for designing and implementing procedures to effect the requirements ofpolicy" (2010 Guide for School Board Candidates, TASB). Initially, a school board membermust invest time and energy discussing, studying and debating potential new policies withthe board members and the superintendent. From those conversations, the seeds of a newpolicy may be planted.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: There are many schools within the C-FB that are "recognized" or "exemplary" and haveachieved grade level goals in reading and math. What we can learn from the best of thebest is that it's about the people. The students, the teachers, the counselors, theadministrators, and the parents all play a role in the schools that get the best results. Thedistrict already knows it's all about the people, but must continually remind itself of thisfact and incorporate this understanding into day to day decisions as well as board leveldecisions. The schools that have students up to grade level in reading and math also setthe bar for the schools which don't.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Great question. Let's first try ideas that don't require more funding. Let's try new ideasthat feel risky in the beginning, but are fresh approaches. We can always return to the oldway of doing something. First: Build a student group or student organization that ischarged with closing this gap. Make it their challenge. Get students to take ownership ofthe issue. Our students, as we know, are bright and have fresh viewpoints. Give them achance. If successful (what's in it for them), they will achieve national recognition and thepossibility of helping other districts that have a similar issue. Our students are aphenomenol resource and we should let them tackle real world problems. Second: I'vebeen to school meetings for parents and typically they were never exciting, challenging nordynamic. Interaction among concerned parties was poor. The meetings were poorlyfacilitated. You can't expect someone to successfully facilitate a meeting who hasn't beentrained to do so. If you want to involve parents more, and close the achievement gap inthe education of their children, the parents must be heard and feel an ownership stake.Teachers, administrators and parents presently plan and lead these meetings. I believe atrained meeting planner and facilitator should lead these meetings and take ownership ofthe meeting. Third: Inviting successful adult Latinos to speak, advise, and mentor Latinostudents will help. Not only would speeches and presentations by Latino doctors, teachers,pilots, jocks, scientists, entertainers and business people help, but these same peoplecould communicate with the students by video, email,conference call and letters. Thesesame successful adult Latinos could "adopt a school" for a year or so. Surprisingly, withenough lead time, many of these people will give their time at little or no cost. We mustpursue them and work within their schedule, however.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Studies show that during 9th grade, students make up their mind to eventually dropout.This self-fulfilling prophecy is the root problem. They may dropout a year or two later, buttheir decision was made in 9th grade. I would like to give ownership of the problem to agroup of 12th grade students. Let them have an opportunity to decrease the dropout rate.Adults have had ownership for decades of student dropout rates. Now let's challenge thestudents to come up with a solution(s). We must do something differently during 8th and9th grade. Our students may already possess the answers.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: First and foremost, a positive attitude that starts with the principal. Students who feelthey belong, are safe and are accepted. Teachers who experience job satisfaction day inand day out and love all students. Administrators who remember they're still teachers andwho stay connected with the students, teachers and staff. Another key ingredient is thecurriculum. A vibrant curriculum and a curriculum that provides what the students need.Extra curricular activities that can involve students at some level. And whether they'reteachers or counselors or friends, a school must have people who truly care about the wellbeing of each person in the school. And finally, an environment where, if a student fails tolearn or understand something the first time around, they are provided other opportunitiesto grasp and learn the material.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?


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A: They know their tax money could be utilized more effectively within each public schooland the district.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Yes, technology is being used effectively in the classroom, but it can always be usedmore effectively. But until all students have a suitable computer, at home and at school,we will have limitations. If a student already has access to a personal computer, thatcomputer will become more effective when its software or hardware is enhanced. As thetechnology improves, we must be dedicated to constantly improving our technology at theclassroom level. Learning Boards in most rooms is a lofty goal, but a worthwhile one. Iwould encourage finding ways that allow us to learn whether students prefer laptops ortextbooks. Some students may learn best from laptops. Some students may learn bestfrom textbooks. It's highly likely we can anticipate further movement towards laptops andaway from textbooks. But I doubt we'll see an end to textbooks in the near future and weshould listen to and pay attention to our student's preferred learning methods.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Actively listen to them in small groups and process that information appropriately. Helpmake parents feel safe and welcome in the schools. Value their input. Seek their input.Encourage them to speak up at school board meetings. Have a translator present atmeetings. See how many families don't have computer access at home. We're relying onhome computers for communication with our parents. If a significant number of parentsdon't have computer access, the district must adapt accordingly with its communicationstyle with parents.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Another way to say it is, teacher pay and teacher performance. Yes, they could belinked, but only if its an equitable system. The school board could develop a smallcompensation committee comprised of wise and respected compensation experts fromoutside the district. These experts should have a history of developing competitivecompensation plans. Give them a specific time frame to arrive at a proposal for linkingteacher pay and student performance. While doing that, have the teachers meet andchoose a small team of teachers who will develop their own preliminary proposal forlinking pay to performance. The teachers will submit their plan(s) to the compensationcommittee. The same approach would be taken with a group of senior high students, aswell. They would develop a proposal as well and submit it to the compensation committee.The same process would hold true for the district's administrators. Then theCompensation Committee would take those three proposals (ideas) and use thoseproposals to help them develop the final proposal. The final proposal must be awin-win-win for teachers, students, the citizens and the district. Before being voted on bythe school board, a majority of the teachers would have to be in favor of the new plan.

Nancy Watten

Biographical Info:Name: Nancy J. WattenStreet Address: 2744 Bay Meadow Ct.City/Town: Farmers BranchState: TexasDate of Birth: 1/29/37Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-912-4365Home Phone Number: sameMobile Phone Number: sameFax Number: 972-241-2675E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: same as aboveYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/v/na&hl=en

Questions:Q: EducationA: B.A. in Early Childhood Education, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 1958 M.A. in EarlyChildhood Education, University of No. Texas, Denton, Texas, 1975 Bilingual CertificationQ: Length of residency in district:A: 46 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retired teacher/TRSQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Carrollton-FB ISD Board of Trustees Farmers Branch Woman's Club Carrollton Womens'


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Club American Association of University Women Carrollton-FB Girls' SoftballLeague/Treasurer/Ways and Means (40 yrs.) (also have managed the Oran Goodconcessions for CFBGSL for 35 years)Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: PTA/Elem., MS and HS levels/held presidency and every other office every year (40yrs.) American Association of University Women (35 yrs./held every office/presidencytwice) Carrollton-FB Girls' Softball League (40 yrs.) Numerous other organizations Womanof the Year (FB) (1997) Jimmy Porter Athletic Award (Carrollton Athletic Award)(1995) FBSports Hall of Fame (2005) VIP (Very Important Professional) teaching award ((1996) Localand state PTA awardsQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Carrollton-FB Board of Trustees; have served 3 yrs.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I am not soliting nor accepting funding from outside sources; I will be funding mycampaign totally from our own personal finances.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: SelfQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I have taught in the CFBISD for 32 years and I continue to have a strong interest in theeducation of children. Throughout those years I served on numerous curriculum, academic.planning and personnel committees. I have contributed to the Board during my first threeyears in many areas due to my expeience "on the other side of the desk". My passionshave related to the following issues: procedures to recruit and keep our young employees,solutions to our problems of teen pregnancy, dropouts and drugs and revising the presentStudent Code of Conduct. I presently serve on task forces dealing with all of the above andwish to continue my service on these committees. I have also been a strong supporter ofour Career-Technology program as I believe it is imperative that we implementopportunities for ALL STUDENTS, not merely for the college-bound!Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. I have already chosen to negate a tax election this year due to our tough economythat has put a financial strain on everyone; thus, I will continue to promote a "tightening ofour belts" without watering down our academic programs, our fine arts programs and ourathletic programs and withouot eliminating jobs. 2. I will push to get our new StudentCode of Conduct requirements accepted by the Board. 3. I will push to hire 2 additionalcounselors at the middle school level in order to aid in our task force proposals forstrategies to address our teen pregnancy, dropout and drug issues.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have been a classroom instructor for 32 years and I have kept updated on all thenewest academic and technological innovations of our District throughout the 4 years sincemy retirement. I have served on the Board for the past three years, I have receivednumerous hours of training within those years in all the important areas of expertiseneeded to serve as a Trustee and I have contributed my experiences as an educator innumerous areas since taking office.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Since I am the incumbent I cannot begin to describe the wealth of information I havelearned in the past three years! (particularly relating to the budgeting and financingprocesses) I have also gained high respect for the adminstrators in our District who carrynumerous "umbrellas" and who are often caught in a vise with pressure from parents andemployees below and the Board, their own administrators and the state/federal laws andmandates from above!Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: As a school board member I feel it is essential to listen to employees and to thecommunity, to relate their issues to our administration and to follow up on these concerns.We are not micro-managers! However, we are responsible for recommending andestablishing policies. I appreciate that we appoint sub-committees and task forces todiscuss issues before we take action.


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Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Every one of our schools has made incredible improvement and achievement in the fourcore areas. I am very proud of all our elementaries, middle schools and high schoolsbecause we are educating a highly diverse population and we have surpassed numerousdistricts in our state with identical populations. In fact, our schools are visited frequently byemployees of other districts to learn from our many innovative programs. Ouradministrators and instructors are constantly gaining from staff development as well aslearning from one another! I feel that the success of our strong achievement is due to thefact that our building administrators do work together and share strategies with oneanother and that they are guided by our superintendent and assistant superintendents.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: We are already doing a credible job of closing this gap! We are constantly refining,evaluating and reevaluating our bilingual programs and instruction in order to get ourlimited English speakers into strong, academic, comprehensive English as soon as possible.This is another area where we mentor other disticts who are confronted with such achallenge.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: I believe our Career-Technology initiative where we map students' interests, talents andabilities in 8th grade and develop their schedules in high school accordingly (under theguidance of their counselors) will contribute to a decrease in our dropout rate. It is aprogram that addresses the goals and "dreams" of every student, eliminating the pressureand expectation that all children must go to college. I have also proposed an idea todisplay posters throughout the high schools depicting graduates and their successes aselectricians, plumbers, auto mechanics, lawn service owners, store managers, teachers,policemen, business personnel, engineers, etc.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Successful middle schools and high schools depend totally upon the positive interactionof principals, all employees and parents. I believe it is also important that there be cooper-ation. mutual respect and interaction between the elementary, middle and high schools sothat the transition for students be a smooth one. Unfortunately, the emphasis on testscores has put such a weight upon the shoulders of the above-mentioned parties that theyhave to work overtime to give our students the personal, one-to-one attention they needand deserve. But, our instructors devote an enormous amount of their own personal timeand dedication to tutoring our students.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: It's a truth that is confronting all public (and private) school systems as well as our ownpersonal budgets......increase in expenses and decrease in income! Since we dependentirely upon property taxes and zero increase in funding from the state, we are finding itnecessary to scale back in uncomfortable areas without going to our taxpayers foradditional funding. Isn't it interesting that the state of Texas was able to find $31,000,000to fund the 2011 Super Bowl and, yet, they continue to cry "we're broke" when it comes toproviding financial help to our school districts.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technology is being used in our classrooms every day from PK-12. Our teachers useSmartboards where the students constantly intereact with the curriculum. We even havevirtual classrooms where students are learning math skills totally via technology under theguidance of a teacher/monitors. Our instructors and Tech Dept. are continually developingnew, innovative, creative means to utilize technology in the classroom. Yes, I believe it isinevitable that laptops will eventually replace textbooks; the latter are controversial andexpensive and are often outdated by the time they are published and disseminated to theschool districts. In fact, there are high schools that are technology-only institutionsalready! Once again, our District is way ahead of many other districts in the state in thisarea and, once again, our tech specialists find themselves as mentors and trainers ofothers. In addition, the director of our Technology Dept. is on top of all the latestdevelopments in his area and he manages to keep us ahead-of-the-game on a"shoestring"!Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Overall, we have strong parent participation in our schools, thanks to encouragementand incentives generated by our administrators and instructors. We are especially proud ofthe involvement of our numerous nationalities and cultures who are now experiencing


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comfort in attending the activities of our schools. It is important to plan our activitiesaround our parents' work schedules and to make our parents feel welcome as volunteers.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: No!! Every teacher from PK-12 is responsible for the success of students' learning and itis unfair to reward only the teachers who are responsible for high test scores.

Coppell ISD, Place 3Description: Note: All residents living within Coppell ISD may vote in this race.


Anthony Hill

Biographical Info:Name: Anthony HillStreet Address: 138 Hartford CircleCity/Town: CoppellState: TexasDate of Birth: March 6, 1961Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: N/AHome Phone Number: N/AMobile Phone Number: N/AFax Number: N/AE-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: N/A

Questions:Q: EducationA: MBA, Clark Atlanta University, Finance BA Wittenberg University, AccountingE-Commerce Certificate, University of Dallas Graduate School of ManagementQ: Length of residency in district:A: 17 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Financial AnalystQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Your Federal Credit Union, Vice Chairman of the Board and Supervisory CommitteeCoppell YMCA Board Member Theatre Coppell Volunteer Greeter,The North ChurchQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Big Brother/Big Sister Ulster County (mentored male student for 6 years) PremiseMentor at Poughkeepsie High School, Poughkeepsie, NY IBM eMentor Program forNorthwest ISD and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISDQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Coppell ISD Board of Trustee, Place 3 / since May 2007Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have not raised any money at this point.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: NoneQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I believe there are still additional contributions I can make to provide opportunities forstudents to achieve a quality education. I further believe the experience I have gainedover the past three years has equipped me with knowledge and wisdom to address theimmediate and future issues facing the district. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving thedistrict and the community during my first term and it has been a joy to work with theteachers, administrators,students, parents, community members, and board members inthis district. The reasons people should vote for me is because I have accomplished anumber of key initiatives during my first term: the partnership with IBM on the WorldCommunity Grid donating idle computer time --- to find cures for ChildhoodCancer,Nutritious Rice for the World,Discovering Dengue, The Clean Energy Project, HelpCure Muscular Dystrophy, and more, Kidsmart Early Learing Systems for PreK students touse at 3 elementary schools, increase 5th grade students exposure to the field of science


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and egineering through National Engineer Week with volunteers from IBM, increasingvisibility and extending partnerships at both the elementary and secondary level with theAmerican Association of Respiratory Care, Alliance for Technology and Women, NorthTexas Future Fund Literacy Inititative, extend mentoring for students at 2 middle schooland 2 elementary campuses. I have worked collaboratively with the board members andsuperintendent to establish New Tech High @ Coppell, a second high school in the district,settlement of the North Lake Land Development, passing of a 2009 Bond Project, andestablishment of an International Baccalaureate program at our high school. It isextremely important to work together as a board to support the quality of education in thedistrict and take prudent risks to ensure the skills students need are being met in thefuture. I have devoted many hours (over 2,100 hours since May 2007) in preparation formeetings and activities, attending meetings, attending campus events and classes at theelementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as attended conferences to understandall the topics surrounding education. In canvassing school board members, both locally andin other districts, a recurring theme I have heard from them is that you have to beprepared, open to new ways of doing things, and willing to work collaboratively. I believe Ihave done that and more since May 2007. I have over 23 years of experience at workingat IBM in Finance, Capital Planning, and Information Technology which has been useful inhelping the CISD Board make key decisions over the past three years, in addition to thevarious district committees in which I have served on for nearly ten years in Coppell.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: If re-elected I would continue to work with the Superintendent, CISD Board of Trustees,and administrators to communicate the need for funding to preserve the quality ofeducation in the district. Next, I would continue to work on supporting the staff in thedistrict to find ways to provide the teachers support on instruction to work with students tosucceed in all subjects. Finally, I would continue to work with the district staff and teachersto develop additional and meaningful partnerships with profit and non-profit businesses toenhance the learning experience of students. I would take advantage of opportunities ofmeeting businesses and organizations to assist the district through sources they alreadyhave available, the intellectual capital to facilitate in growing the quality of education,supporting teachers, and enhancing learning experiences.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I can't speak to my opponent. I can only speak to my qualifications and what I havedone and desire to achieve if re-elected. I am committed to continuously learning about allmajor areas of the educational process as they evolve in:security, finance, nutrition,educational instructional concepts, facilities, technology, staffing and support, leadershipdevelopment and any other areas as needed to improve the Coppell ISD. I am committedto working with the collective team of administrators, board members,teachers, parentsand students, as an advocate for opportunities for teachers and students. I am committedto achieving the objectives of our district's Strategic Plan, District Improvement Plans, andCampus Improvement Plans. I am committed to work with other districts to supporteducation within the state as a whole to ensure the legislation that is enacted at the statelevel meets the needs of the students and staff in the district.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended all regular and special school board meetings (with the exception ofone regular school board meeting, due to my attendance at the National School BoardAssociation conference), for the nearly 3 years of my term on the school board. What hasbeen reaffirmed is that K-12 education is very complicated and has many parts that mustwork together to provide a quality process for the benefit of the students, teachers, staff,and administrators. Also, the tools needed to support students are constantly changing toprovide the wide range of services for all students, and if students need multiple supportsystems in order to be successful, it is even more important for everyone to be on thesame page. Most importantly, it is essential to have a strategic plan that looks out 5 - 10years,and the District and Campus Improvement Plans are in synch, then measuredregularly, and modified accordingly to achieve the desired results.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The roles of a school board member are: evaluating the superintendent's performance,evaluating goals and policies,approving the annual budget, approving the annual tax rate,ensuring the district and campus improvement plans are comprehensive,communicatingwith our community, and collaborating with staff and administrators to ensure we arethorough in evaluating results. There are two types of policies: those that are mandated by


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federal/state legislation and those that are initiated at the local level. A board members'function is not to write policies, but to evaluate policies to ensure they are thorough andcomplete and achieve the objective as intended. Any local policies of operation are donethrough the Superintendent and his staff, and as a board member, I would have input as toupdates within a policy to make it complete.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: All of our schools in the Coppell ISD have done a great job in evaluating studentassessment data and have enlisted different strategies based on the needs of the studentsto get every child up to or above grade level in reading and math.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Economically disadvantaged or highly mobile students tend to have a wider gap ofachievement. School districts have to implore wider and more extensive support systems.Some options include (1) more time in school either before the start of the regular schoolday or after the end of the regular school day to have access to resources to get studentsback on par with their peers, or (2) different methods of instruction tailored to a students'need like dual immersion, or individual education plans or (3) it can include havingmentors (parents, community members,business people) to build confidence in students or(4) adult literacy programs for parents of students where English is not their nativelanguage has proven to be very beneficial for students in helping them to achieveacademically.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: The definition of dropout is important to clarify before actually answering the question.Texas uses the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) dropout definition. "Underthis definition, a dropout is a student who is enrolled in public school Grades 7 - 12 , doesnot return the following fall, is not expelled and does not: graduate, receive a GeneralEducational Development certificate (GED), continue school outside the public schoolsystem, begin college or die." First, our district does an excellent job in keeping up withour students and maintaining contact with households as to their status from the end ofone school year to the start of the next year and throughout the current school year. This isan essential factor in keeping our numbers very low in our district. The district is doingeverything it can to prevent any dropouts. Second, the district is very active in providinginteresting and engaging environments to make school a positive and enjoyableexperience. Our middle schools provide engaging classes, clubs and competitive activities,and both of our high schools are providing great opportunities such as a project basedlearning high school, and our flagship high school has a variety of career and tech basedclasses, numerous clubs and competitive academic activities and will be starting 3academies (Science Technology Engineering; Math (STEM), Public Service - Health Scienceand Ready, Set, Teach for those interested in teaching, and Emerging Media andCommunication) which are the extension of existing programs. As a school board memberit is important to be supportive of the district staff to have the tools and support they needto meet the needs of the students. This makes it possible for them to execute effectively.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: There are several factors that make for a successful secondary school (middle and highschool): (1) comprehensive strategic plans that are practical(2) visionary superintendent,(3) talented, cohesive, and supportive central administration to provide the support to thecampuses, (4) exceptional campus administrator leadership, (5) enthusiastic teachers andsupport staff, (6) supportive parents for both academic and non-academic activities, (7)great facilities and tools (technology - hardware, software, technical staff, andinfrastructure), and (8)finally, willingness to take prudent risk.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The public school system as we know it today will have to change in the future becausethe necessary investment required to meet the demands of students is not sustainable.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: The use of technology in our district continues to improve at all levels. The technologydirector and his team of technology integration specialists are on each campus in thedistrict and they work with the teachers and staff on the campus to help integratetechnology with instruction. Our classes have computers - desktops and laptops are inclassrooms for students to receive hands-on access and use. Smartboards from SmartTechnology are growing in use throughout the district provided through a combination ofthe district, campus PTO's, parents, and the community. The key to the use of the


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Smartboards is to allow the students to utilize the technology and have the teachersfacilitate the use of the technology versus lectures. The software applications available forthe Smartboards is an integral part of the boards as effective tools in classroominstruction. Interwrite Pads are another tool that provides immediate feedback to teacherson how well concepts are being learned, and I have seen this technology used in math atthe middle school level. Another set of technology which students have really respondedwell to is the use of Smart Response Units. Recently, I saw this technology being used in amiddle school English class going through a lesson. It provides an immediate feedbackconfirmation of concepts that are understood and those that require additional instruction.iPod -- iTouches, Nano's and Shuffles are being used in a variety of ways from podcastingto Art classes with color wheels. There are a variety of software applications that are beingused in the learning process that compliments the hardware being used in the district in avariety of the classes at each level for different disciplines. Also, the librarians are a part ofthe technology learning process to help students and are an extended part of theclassroom in the learning process, whether researching topics, identifying reliable contentsources, etc. The future emphasis should be on technology as a comprehensive concept,meaning not just focusing on a specific device such as laptops, but technology deliverysystems such as workstation virtualization that allows for students to interact, collaborateand learn. However, I believe that books will still have a place in instances wheretechnology is not available to all students either at school or at home. Newer and cheaperforms of technology are continuously being developed; therefore, the laptop should not beconsidered as the only education tool of choice, since handheld devices are becoming moreprevalent in the learning environment.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Our district has a strong group of involved parents, with many of them being able toparticipate based on their own individual schedules during the course of the school day,evenings, and weekends. In order to increase parents' participation, there needs to becontinued communication by parents that are already involved to other parents in helpingto match their talents to the needs of the schools. In addition, the education process canbe intimidating for some parents and that has to be a more inviting process by campusadministrators and teachers to let them know they are welcomed. For example, I haveseen in our district that when campus administrators and teachers have reached out toparents to encourage broader parent participation, parents were more receptive tobecoming involved. The more parents get involved in their schools, the greater theopportunity for the community as a whole to become involved in the schools and forcommunity members to provide additional support, talents,and skill to the school district.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: No, it is a logical thought, but it is not practical to educate students through teacher payfor student performance. It drives teachers to help students to be good test takers to meetstandards, and not learners, which is the long lasting and ultimate goal of the educationprocess.

Tom Ladusau

Biographical Info:Name: Tom LadusauStreet Address: 336 MeadowoodCity/Town: CoppellState: TexasDate of Birth: 12-29-1950Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-978-7182Home Phone Number: 972-304-5606Mobile Phone Number: 972-978-7182Fax Number: 972-393-8621E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: N/A

Questions:


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Q: EducationA: 1969 graduate from MacArhur High School 1971 graduated from Hill Jr. College 1974graduated from TCU BS Health and Physical Education 1984 graduated from Univ. of NorthTexas MEd. Public School AdministrationQ: Length of residency in district:A: I moved to Coppell in December of 1989.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Educator for 33 years; retired with twenty years of service as a school administrator inCoppell ISD.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I am currently a member of the Coppell Rotary Club and just finished a six year term asa board member of the Coppell YMCA. I still am a committee member of the CommunityCare Committee at the Coppell YMCA. This committee supports individuals and familieswho need assistance and sponsors activities such as the Angel Tree, cell phone collection,the Canine Classic, and other activities as requested and needed. I also am a DivisionChair for the annual Partner's campaign which is a fundraiser which scholarships individualsand families so they can continue exercising at the YMCA.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Previous civic involvement has been through the YMCA and Rotary.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: No previous public offices sought or held.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: We are currently planning to have a fund raising activity to help raise funds for thecampaign but as of this writing no funds have been raised.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: none at this time.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: no.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I was a professional educator for thirty three years and have extensive experience inthis realm. I have been involved through the years in almost every aspect of theeducational system from writing curriculum to serving as an executive director for SupportServices. I believe this gives me an unique perspective of what is happenning in thedistrict. I know what the teachers and students need to be successful and understand theirissues. While in Coppell ISD, I served as an assistant principal, athletic director, interimhigh school principal, director of Transportation, and executive director of support services.I have supervised hundreds of employees in these capacities as well as being responsiblefor multi million dollar budgets. As a director, I always tried to find ways to lower costs andsave money. I am frugal in spending tax payer dollars but not hesistant to spend moneywhere it is absolutely needed to insure student success. I am a service oriented person andstrive to achieve win-win solutions to all concerns. I am a good listener and will listen tothe concerns that anyone may have. I will maintain an open door policy and do promise toreturn phone calls and emails in a timely manner. I do not believe in passing the buck butwill give you the best knowledgeable answer that I can. I will not forget that I am workingfor the school community and no one else.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. I would like to see how the district's strategic plan is progressing and makeadjusments if necessary. I would to see more of the "how" these suggestions are going tobe implemented and how much time will be needed to execute them. 2. I would push forsome immediate serious planning for the future needs brought on by the Northlakeproperty issue. This needs to be ongoing and lets not procrastinate on how this is going tobe funded....be PROACTIVE. 3.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I believe the key diffence that I have is my experiences as an administrator in CoppellISD. I truly understand the issues that come before the school board. I have been a part ofthe superintendent's cabinet where decisions were made. I feel that being immersed in thesystem, it itself, has enabled me to view what was really effective and necessary to do thebusiness of the district.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?


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A: I have attended many Coppell ISD school board meetings. Most of these have been asa school administrator but recently as a citizen of Coppell. The board does have to makedecisions that will impact the district and there is an abundance of homework that onemust complete to insure quality decisions are made. It is not all fun and games as someissues are quite sensitive such as the closing of a school or changing the school boundaries.A board member must be sensitive to all the needs of the school community and be readyto take some criticism whether it is justified or not. I believe I have those skills to bear thecriticism that may occur but will always be respectful of others at all times.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: School board members do have guidelines to follow and must not micro manage thosein the district. The board is charged with many duties which are outlined in the district'spolicy book but should never create courses because of personal need. I will be one whoattends as many school functions as possible so that I can get a better pulse of what isoccurring in the district. When parents have concerns, I will listen intently, but encouragethem to commicate with the principal and resolve the issue at the campus level. I will notserve as a mediator but as an encourager so the parent feels good about any outcome thatmay result.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: We are fortunate in Coppell ISD that most of the schools are exemplary and have greatreading scores as well as math scores. The staff understands the great importance of beingable to read as it leads to successs in all the other disciplines. There are devoted segmentsof time during the school day where students are allowed to read a libray book or a bookof choice which encourages them to continue this at home. In math, there are programswhich are allowing children to be successful in math. The teachers are continually learningnew ways to reach each student and then sharing those new strategies with others in thedistrict.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: The gaps in Coppell ISD, fortunately, are not as wide as in some other districts. Ibelieve the differences first come from the fact that CISD teachers strive to teach eachstudent. They look for ways to teach to their individual diffences and are patient in thisstrategy. They also have strategies to improve their skills at home which can instill a levelof self pride/achievement.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: The dropout rate in CISD is fairly minimal but any dropout is too much. Again, this maybe inevitable for some students whose home environment is so poor that the stress ofgoing to school is just unbearable. In CISD, the dropout will usually occur at the secondarylevel. This usually has been building for some time so it is imperative that the counselorsbe highly proactive and recognize the at risk students and then execute a prevention planto alleviate a dropout from occurring. These students need attention immediately andconsistently to reinforce that school is paramount.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: One of the biggest factors is that the leadership has to create an environment andattitude that is highly positive and encouraging. I believe that what the students' see willgreatly impact what they will do. Teacher rapport is critical in student achievement alongwith students knowing that all the rules are there for them. As teachers and students enterthe school house, they need to be encouragers and positive in their daily approach. Manyvolumes have been written about this subject but students and teachers who dread comingto school can destroy any achievement that may occur. If the leadership and teachersdemonstrate a caring attitude toward the students, the students will embrace it and takethe learning to new heights.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Schools are dependent on the taxpayers of the district to provide enough dollars tooperate a school system. No one likes to see the tax rate go up but sometimes it is anecessary evil to insure the school can operate. The baby boomer generation is now aboutto become a large group of retired citizens who do not have any children in the schools sothey are most concerned with tax rate issues unless they are at least 65 years of age.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technology is being used more and more in CISD. Although each student is not issued alaptop, the computer labs do provide opportunity for students to use technology on a daily


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basis. Smart boards are being used in the classrooms as well as smaller individual boardsthat each student uses which projects student work on a large screen (some classes).Although students are using more technology in the classroom, there are some teachersthat are still apprehensive about its use. These teachers must not be afraid but embracethis new teaching tool that can enable more knowledge to be absorbed by the students.Textbooks are being phased out to some degree as many of the textbook companies aresupplying more information through dvds and other media sources. The future emphasisshould be on what is feasible for each district as laptops are an expensive item for districtsto fund. Certainly, the textbooks, which have an adoption period of 10 years, can not keepup with the current trends of the day.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Coppell is fortunate to have a large number of parents who get involved in the schools.I always encouraged parents to get involved and help no matter what the need. There isalways a need for chaperones for school dances, to help with field days, to help withteacher appreciation luncheons, and many other ways. This is an gateway for parents tocreate a relationship with staff in order to acertain how the parents can help in theacademic areas as well such as tutorials. So many parents work and can not come tomeetings unless these are scheduled later in the day after the work hours. Schools couldprovide some free baby sitting which would enable single parents to attend the meetings.This might help stimulate more interest in parent volunteering.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: I believe it is already linked if you have administrators who are clearly experts in theappraisal process. I would not be for giving merit type pay increases based solely onstudent performance as it can end up being quite subjective. I believe great teachers do sobecause they have an intrinsic passion to do their very best. Teachers do not get to spendmany years with one child, but only a short period to motivate and drive the student toachievement. These teacher clearly understand that going through the motions of teachingwould jeopardize being rehired and most enjoy getting that monthly paycheck.

Dallas ISD, Place 4Description: Note: Only residents living in Place 4 may vote in this race. Click here tofind your district.


Nancy Bingham

Biographical Info:Name: Nancy BinghamStreet Address: 3450 Jordan ValleyCity/Town: DallasState: TexasWork or Campaign Office Phone Number: DISD: 972-925-3165 Campaign:214-793-1448E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education/ Mary Hardin- Baylor; Master of Education inEducation/East Texas State at Commerce (now A&M Commerce)Q: Length of residency in district:A: 40 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retired teacherQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: District 4 Trustee, Dallas I.S.D. (6 years), Secretary to Dallas I.S.D. Board (2 years),Chair-DISD Board of Trustees Education Committee, Member of Oak Grove Baptist Church,


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Sunday School Class Teacher, Member of the Mesquite Retired Teachers Association,Member of the Dallas Retired Teachers Association, Member of Texas Association of SchoolBoards, Member of the Chancey Book ClubQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: During my 25+ years of community service, I was appointed by Dallas City CouncilmanAl Lipscomb to serve on the following committees: Dallas Municipal Library Board andSoutheast Dallas Land Use Study; and by Dallas City Councilman James Fantroy to thesecommittees: West Kleberg Land Use Plan & East Kleberg Land Use Plan (chair), Coalitionfor the Betterment of Far Southeast Dallas, Dallas’ Community Development GrantCommission, Dallas Municipal Library Board, Interstate-20 Corridor Land Use Committee.I have also served as a member of the following: Revitalization Committee of DowntownSeagoville, Seagoville Parks Master Planning Committee, Kleberg/Rylie Library Friends(member & chair), Kleberg Land Use Study, Kleberg/Rylie Recreation Center AdvisoryCouncil (member & chair), Kleberg Neighborhood Alliance (member & chair), DallasHomeowner’s League Board of Directors, Poteet High School Site Base Committee(member & chair), Kleberg Elementary School Site Base Committee (member & chair).Civic achievements: I was instrumental in bringing needed city services to Kleberg/Ryliearea (recreation center built in 1989; library in 19950, halting the expansion of andultimately closing the Trinity Oaks Landfill (Hwy 175), working with sewage treatmentplant to protect and enhance community and city needs, completing 5 land use studies inthe southeast Dallas area-all approved by the City of Dallas Plan Commission and theDallas City Council, completing the Master Plan for the Dallas Public Libraries.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Elected to DISD Board of Trustees in 2004; re-elected in 2007Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $14,000.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Patrick McEvoy, Erle Nye, John ScovellQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: In 2007 I challenged the residency of a candidate in the District 4 Trustee race. Thejudge supported my challenge and found that the candidate had lied about his residency,did not live in the district and was unqualified to run.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: When I first ran for Trustee in 2004, I believed that with good leadership and sounddecision-making, we could solve all of DISD’s problems. From the outside looking in, thesolutions seemed simple. But once my term began I realized how big the problems reallywere, and that most of them stemmed from the fact that Dallas ISD had become a “jobs”program, with more emphasis on providing employment than on providing a goodeducation for our children, and that the revolving door to the superintendent’s office hadlargely contributed to an unstable environment for academic reform. Although thechallenges were greater than I imagined, I believe that we have made great strides inacademic improvement, and am running for re-election to finish the job I began when firstelected. In 2005, 67.7% of our students passed the TAKS test, 79% are now passing. Since2007, we have gone from 27 Academically Unacceptable schools to 22 and have increasedour Recognized and Exemplary schools from 47 to 128. Although we aren’t there yet, weare well on the way to providing a good education for all students in DISD. As aprofessional educator who taught remedial reading, honors reading and ESL classes, Iknow firsthand what is necessary to provide a good education for students. My broadhistory of community involvement prepared me to work towards goals even when thegoing got tough. And my 6 years on the school board have provided training andexperience in dealing with the role and responsibility of the trustee.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: My top three priorities are to provide full day pre-k to all children in the district, tocontinue development of our “pathways” and other trade/vocational programs; to promoteprograms with flexible hours for over-age students, which would help to curb the dropoutrate; and to look more closely at in-district charters that will meet the specialized needs ofmore district students. Some of these items are currently being addressed by the boardand could be funded within the existing budget. Obviously, there will have to be are-alignment of resources (e.g. replacing teacher aides in some grades with certifiedteachers for Pre-K; replacing some daytime teachers with teachers who can work eveninghours, etc.), and then the question becomes: will the board, the administration and the


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teachers’ organizations (Alliance/AFT, NEA and DFPE) support what is in the best interestsof our children or focus on protecting jobs?Q: Please evaluate how well Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is performing. Is he the rightleader for the school district, or should the School Board begin considering otheralternatives?A: Based on the performance of previous DISD superintendents over the past 12 years orso, I suggest that there are no perfect superintendents. I would rate Dr. Hinojosa’s overallperformance a “B+”. He has stayed the course, and in spite of spending much of his timeand energy on dealing with problems that he inherited, academic performance has steadilyimproved under his leadership: test scores are up, graduation rates are up and two of ourmagnet schools are rated among the best in the nation. If DISD is to continue to progress,we must have stability at the top. The Board holds Dr. Hinojosa accountable and I believethat to change superintendents now would be a huge setback for the district.Q: DISD’s goal was to build itself into the nation’s best urban district by 2010. How do yourate its progress? And what is your overall view of the Dallas Achieves effort?A: With the local media and teacher organizations constantly criticizing the district,“insider” assessments of DISD’s progress are often suspect. So let’s look at what“outsiders” are saying about us: The Council of Greater City Schools-June 2009-“DallasISD’s “academic gains” have been some of the most impressive in the country, and theDistrict is now viewed as one of the nation’s fastest improving school systems.” BrownCenter of Education Policy, Brookings Institution-Feb. 2009- “Dallas ISD has improvedmore than any other urban district in Texas and more than all but 1 urban districts in thecountry in narrowing the achievement gap.” Newsweek Magazine-June 2009-“Top TwoPublic High Schools in the Country---School for the Talented & Gifted and School forScience & Engineering. Finding great schools is hard; finding our list’s two top schools closetogether in the same building is beyond belief.” Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, whenannouncing a $3.77 million grant-“Dallas ISD is pioneering a college readiness warningsystem and we are proud to lend our support to it.” Dallas Achieves was instrumental inhelping the district determine the problems and develop solutions.Q: Given past corruption scandals, why should taxpayers trust the district’s leadershipclass? What new controls should DISD put in place to curb corruption?A: DISD has certainly had its share of scandals. Each one has revealed deep-rootedproblems with systems, processes and/or employees that started long before my tenureon the board or the current administration. To resolve the issues required a two-stepapproach: fix the systems and processes and, when appropriate, fire and/or prosecuteemployees involved in wrongdoing. Since my election in 2004, the credit card (P-card)scandal and the bribery/money-laundering scandal involving DISD’s Chief TechnologyOfficer resulted in firings, convictions and prison terms. The 2008 budget deficit was aresult of outdated, inefficient systems and unqualified employees in the budget and humanresources departments. The systems and processes have been changed to address thoseissues. Although I believe that the vast majority of our 20,000 employees are hardworkingand honest, there will always be the small few who are greedy or lazy and want somethingthey haven’t earned. It is unlikely that we will ever end all of the scandals, but I believethat we have turned over all the “big rocks” and implemented policies and procedures thatwill prevent major problems in the future. We also need to adhere to a strict procurementprocess that is based on a point system. The scandals are prime examples of the problemscaused by a “jobs program” mentality, nepotism, and the revolving door to thesuperintendent’s office. All of the scandals started before this administration, but at somepoint somebody has to clean it up and hold people accountable. In spite of the politicalbacklash, that’s what this administration has done.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: As a taxpayer with 32 years of teaching experience and 25+ years of communityinvolvement, I have a broad perspective on the district’s needs, its strengths andchallenges. A candidate who runs on a “single issue” because they are angry, willultimately harm the district and the children. I have no vested interest in being on theschool board, do not have a personal agenda, and have made no promises to any personor organization in exchange for a contribution or endorsement. My only goal is to providethe best possible education to the students we are charged with educating while beingfiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: My attendance at regular school board meetings, called board meetings, briefings,retreats, and workshops has been excellent. I’ve only missed a handful of any of these inthe last 6 years. I’ve learned that reforming public education is not easy nor is it for those


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with a faint heart-it takes a lot of courage and perseverance. The board and administrationare often under attack by people who resist change and want things to go back to the waythey were done “in the good old days”. But the good old days took their toll on our schoolchildren. We’ve raised the bar on education in DISD and those who criticize the loudest arethose who can’t reach it.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: A school board member’s role is one of governance-to set policies, to hire thesuperintendent and to hire an external auditor. Involvement in student or personnel issuesat the campus level is micro-management and inappropriate for a school board member.The impetus for updating or changing policies would come from: requirements by TASB(Texas Association of School Boards), new or revised legislation from state or federalgovernment, responding to issues or needs within the district, correcting flaws in existingpolicies or procedures. The procedure for initiating policies is to submit the proposed policyto the legal department in writing. If approved, it then goes to the full board for discussionand a potential vote.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: W.W. Samuell High School, just last year on the brink of closure, has done an excellentjob of turning things around and have met the minimum academic standards. It is anexample of the importance of having a good principal and leadership team.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Studies show that when minority students start school many of them are alreadysubstantially behind their Anglo peers in terms of language development. The best bet wehave to close that gap is to offer full-day pre-kindergarten across the district. Another vitalelement is making sure that every child has an effective classroom teacher, especially inthe early years.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: We will never entirely solve the dropout problem, but we know that there are somefactors that can be addressed. We need to continue to build our trade and vocationalprograms (e.g. the Pathways programs at area high schools); we need separate programsfor over age students; we need programs with flexible hours for students who have towork. All of those programs are currently being developed.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: The key ingredient is an excellent leadership team that has the courage to weed outineffective teachers and motivate effective teachers. With that in place, students aremotivated and parents are more likely to be involved. Additionally, we must do more tocoordinate the transition from middle to high school so that student records and anyspecial needs are immediately addressed.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The most uncomfortable truth is that they will never be perfect, regardless of ourefforts. The socio-economic diversity, the developmental gap between students, thebudget constraints will constantly change and constantly create challenges.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: The use of technology varies from school to school, depending on the infrastructure, thesystems and utilization by the teachers. With many of our schools over 50 years old, theinfrastructure cannot support today’s technology and would be outrageously expensive tochange in light of budget constraints. 90% of DISD students are economicallydisadvantaged and many of them do not have internet access at home. It would beunrealistic to think that we could replace textbooks with laptops, but I believe that weshould work toward a combination of the two.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Even when I was in school back in the 1950’s, there was a marked reduction in parentinvolvement from elementary school to middle school to high school. While I supportefforts to involve parents 90% of DISD’s student population is economically disadvantaged,which means that the parents of those children have limited time and resources. The vastmajority of parents want their kids to be educated and feel that it’s the school’sresponsibility. We shouldn’t criticize those who are not able to participate because of theircircumstances.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: The criteria currently used for teacher evaluations are: a teacher self-evaluation, one


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45-minute principal observation and student performance. The first two are highlysubjective. There must be some objective criteria. The teachers’ organizations areadamantly opposed to student performance as that objective measure, but in spite ofnumerous requests to do so, they have failed to come up with a better alternative. Untilthey do, student performance should be the third criteria. In the business world people areheld accountable for outcomes. In DISD, where taxpayer dollars are the primary source ofincome, I believe that we have an obligation to taxpayers and students to hold employeesaccountable.

Jesse Diaz

Biographical Info:Name: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILLAPPEAR ON THE BALLOT. JESSE DIAZStreet Address: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAMEWILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT. 9217 HOMEPLACECity/Town: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILLAPPEAR ON THE BALLOT. DALLASState: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEARON THE BALLOT. TEXASDate of Birth: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILLAPPEAR ON THE BALLOT. FEB.13,1949Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROMTHE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT. (214)228-6778Home Phone Number: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HISNAME WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT. NoneMobile Phone Number: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HISNAME WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT. (214)228-6778Fax Number: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILLAPPEAR ON THE BALLOT. NoneE-mail Address: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAMEWILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT. [email protected] Web Site Address: None THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THERACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT.Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/no&hl=en

Questions:Q: EducationA: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. N.R.CROZIER TECH 12th grade high school 1,3000 hours of school hours withno College credits.Q: Length of residency in district:A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. 30 YEARSQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. COMMERCIAL AND REAL ESTATE SALES AND MANAGEMENTQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. BOARD MEMBER SOUTHEAST HISPANIC CHAMBERS OFCOMMERCER,METROTEX REALTORS,DALLAS CENTRAL. APPRAISAL DISTRICTQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. HISPANIC ADVISORY DISD,dallas achieves,pres.lulac 4496,Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. ran for disd,commissioners court,city councilQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. none yet not askingQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. not askingQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ON


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THE BALLOT. DWI 1970Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. I HAVE LIVED IN THE THE DISTRICT FOR OVER 30 YEARS.I HAVE SEEN THECHANGES FROM MAJORTY WHITE,AFRO AMERICAN TO NOW MAJORTY HISPANIC.MY FOURCHILDREN HAVE GRADUATED FROM DISD NOW I HAVE A 8 YEAR OLD GIRL IN THE 3THGRADE AT WILLIAM M ANDERSON IN PLEASANT GROVE.I SEE FIRST HAND THE PROBLEMSAT ARE SCHOOLS.WE HAVE NEVER HAD A TRUSTEE FROM THIS AREA AT DISD.I HOPEYOU KNOW THAT 90% OF THE SCHOOLS ARE LOCATED IN PLEASANT GROVE AND ALL OFTHEM ARE MAJORTY HISPANIC.WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS IS ISPEAK SPANISH.I WILL BE SPEAKING TO THE PARENTS IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH,TO THEKIDS IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH ABOUT STAYING IN SCHOOL FOR STARTERS.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. 1.I WILL VISIT ALL SCHOOLS IN MY DISTRICT,AND LISTEN TO THEPRINCIPALS,PARENTS,CHILDREN,AND COMMUNITY.THAN TAKE ACTION. 2.PARENTINVOLVEDMENT.I SPEAK SPANISH THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AGAIN ALL THE MAJORTY OFTHE SCHOOLS ARE HISPANIC.WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE ROLL THEY CAN PLAY.3.DROP OUT RATE .EVERBODY NEEDS TO PLAY THERE PART.I WILL BE THE MASSAGER.Q: Please evaluate how well Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is performing. Is he the rightleader for the school district, or should the School Board begin considering otheralternatives?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. SORRY DMN BUT I SUPPORT THIS SUPERINTENDENT 100%.THIS IS THEBEST SUPERINTENDENT DALLAS HAS EVER HAD. WHAT ALTERNATIVES HE IS DOING AGREAT JOB.Q: DISD’s goal was to build itself into the nation’s best urban district by 2010. How do yourate its progress? And what is your overall view of the Dallas Achieves effort?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. WERE GETTING THERE I THANK ITS GOING TO TAKE A LITTLE MOOR TIME.IWAS A MEMBER OF DALLAS ACHIEVES WE PUT A LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT AND IT PAIDOFF BIG TIME.Q: Given past corruption scandals, why should taxpayers trust the district’s leadershipclass? What new controls should DISD put in place to curb corruption?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. THE PAST IS THE PAST PLEASE REMEMBER AT LOT HAS CHANGED SO THATIT WILL NOT HAPEN AGAIN.HOWEVER WE MUST PUT MOOR CONTROLS IN THE DISTRICTTO SLOW DOWN THE CORRUPTION I DOUNT THANT WE CAN STOP IT 100%Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. I WAS BORN IN DALLAS MOVED TO PLEASANT GROVE OVER 30 YEARSAGO.WE NEED A PARENT WHO HAS A CHILD IN THE DISTRICT AND LIVES IN PLEASANTGROVE WERE THE MAJORITY OF THE SCHOOL ARE LOCATED.I ALSO SPEAK SPANISHAGAIN THE MAJORITY OF THE SCHOOLS ARE HISPANIC.I CAN COMMUNICATE BETTERTHAN MY OPPONENTS.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. YES,A LOT THE BOARD NEEDS TO WORK MOOR TOGETHER.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. I NEED TO SELL DISD TO THE COMMUNITY FIRST.THAN WORK WITH ALLBOARD MEMBERS TO MAKE DISD THE BEST DISTRICT IN THE COUNTRY.THEN WE CANSET BETTER POLICIES.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. MY GIRLS SCHOOL WILLIAM M. ANDERSON.THEY HAVE AFTER SCHOOL ANDSATURDAY SCHOOL.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gap


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between Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. WE NEED SOMEONE WHO SPEAKS SPANISH AND THATS WERE I COMEIN.PARENT INVOLVEMENT IS VERY IMPORTANT.I WILL GO TO THE SCHOOLS PTA ANDEVEN SOME HOMES TO TELL THE PARENTS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR THEM TO GETINVOLVED.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. NO.WE NEED MOOR COMMUNITY,PARENTS,TECHERS,AND DISTRICTINVOLVEMENT.WE HAVE TO PUT MOOR PEOPLE OUT IN THE STREETS TO DO HOME VISITSTO GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM FOR STARTERS.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. PARENT INVOLVEMENT PARENT INVOLVEMENT PARENT INVOLVEMENT ANDIT HAS TO BE HISPANIC FRIENDLY.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. FREE SCHOOL FOR KIDS THAT ARE NOT CITIZENS.THEY DOUNTUNDERSTAND THAT THERE PARENTS PAY TAXES.THE MEDIA DOES A VERY POOR JOB ONTHIS.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. NO,I HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS FOR YEARS.WE NEED TO GET RID OFALL TEXTBOOKS.AND JUST USE LAPTOPS.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. HAVE MOOR PROGRAMS IN SPANISH.DO HOME VISTS,TALK TO SPANISHMEDIA ASK FOR THERE HELP.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT. YES YES YES .IF THE STUDENTS DO WELL THAN LETS PAY THE TEACHERWELL.IF THE STUDENT DOES BAD,THAN GET RID OF THE TEACHER.

Camile D. White

Biographical Info:Name: Camile WhiteStreet Address: P.O. Box 271192City/Town: DallasState: TexasDate of Birth: 10/26Home Phone Number: (972)288-5369E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.Camilewhite.info

Questions:Q: EducationA: University of Texas at Arlington Master of Arts in Political Science 2008 DeVry Instituteof Technology Bachelors of Science in Computer Information Systems 1986Q: Length of residency in district:A: Twenty years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Public RelationsQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Hillside Oaks Crime Watch St. Luke “Community” UMC Friends of the Pleasant Grove


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Branch Library PTA Political Party House District 100 Coordinator Precinct Chair Matters –Secretary Concerned Citizens of HD 100 Party Advisory Council Precinct ChairQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - Harry S. Stone Montessori PTA Membership Chairperson Legislative ActionChairperson Cultural Arts/Fundraising Chairperson Health Chairperson/ReflectionsCommittee Treasurer/Reflections Committee PTA President - DISD Calendar CommitteeMember - Dallas Council of PTAs Area 1 Representative Subcommittee Member -University of Texas at Arlington Mediation Team, Dr. Charles Kneer – Sponsor - DiscipleBible Study FacilitatorQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Sought: Dallas City Council District 5 3314 Precinct ChairQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A:Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Because I don't agree with some of the decisions that are currently being made by thecurrent board member and I feel it is time for a change. Some of the things I saw weredecisions being made about stakeholder’s children who were not kept abreast of plannedactions that were going to directly impact them. I saw no compromise, no compassion andmost importantly no concern for the feelings of the children, or the stakeholders in District4. I am deeply concerned about the high dropout rates, graduation rates and raisingacademic standards in schools in district 4. Currently I feel there is a disconnect incommunication which I plan to resolve by having meetings to keep stakeholders abreast ofwhat is happening not just in our district but districts wide. I also strongly believe intransparency in governance.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: I would ensure funds are reaching the Academically Unsuccessful campuses, CommunityInformational meetings, and Transparency in the government of DISD.Q: Please evaluate how well Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is performing. Is he the rightleader for the school district, or should the School Board begin considering otheralternatives?A: Under his leadership there was an over hiring of teachers, which had to be fired due tobudget deficits. Funds have gone unaccounted, his son benefited from a program that wasdesigned to assist low income children and he has made himself unavailable to every daycitizens. Perhaps an alternative to Mr. Hinojosa is not a bad idea.Q: DISD’s goal was to build itself into the nation’s best urban district by 2010. How do yourate its progress? And what is your overall view of the Dallas Achieves effort?A: All of the High Schools in District 4 are currently or were Academically Unacceptable,graduation rates are unacceptable, alone with dropout rates. So due to these factors Iwould have to rate Dallas Achieves efforts unacceptable. The parent component is missingand teacher input as well.Q: Given past corruption scandals, why should taxpayers trust the district’s leadershipclass? What new controls should DISD put in place to curb corruption?A: Until some major policy changes are implemented there should not be trust. First andforemost policy concerning board members being able to profit from contracts from theDISD should be banned.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have children that currently attend DISD schools, I have been involved in PTA, SiteBase Decision Making and activities involving my neighborhood schools. I have been asubstitute teacher in the schools in my District 4;therefore, I have firsthand experience ofsome of the concerns on the campuses in District 4. I also like to gather all of the factsbefore making a decision and I cannot agree with a Superintendent just for the sake ofgoing alone to get alone. I don't mind attending community meetings and working withparents in the communtiy.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: That board members have made request of District staff for materials and they have


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not been received in a timely manner, or at all. That board member(s) do favors for theirfriends by rallying for their contracts to be passed by the board. And that some of themare there for their own personal gain and not that of the children who attend DISD schools.That certain board members have formed a voting bloc, that some members hold sideconversations while the meeting is taking place and the communities voice is not heard.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: Board members major responsibility is to study, evaluate and deliberate the policyissues confronting the district then to vote in the best interest of all students, and settingeducational goals for the District just to name a few.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: I currently do not have enough information to give a detail answer this question. But bylooking at the ratings I would be led to say - Julius Dorsey because it is rated Exemplary.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Educating them just like all children about the importance of a good education, set upsupport systems to assist them with issues and work with their parents.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: NO. By having systems in place to intervene when a student first exhibits signs oftrouble. Such as not showing up for class, not completing assignments and disruptivebehavior are all signs.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Great curriculum, parent involvement, community involvement, experienced teachers,small classroom sizes, tutoring and support, Service Learning and great principals.Wonderful after school activities.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: That children are not being educated.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: No it is not. The equipment on most campuses is old and out dated and there is notenough to be utilized by every student or in some cases to assemble a decent computerlab. I personally feel we need both text books and laptops. Because on the World WideWeb students can reference other books and topics not covered in their text books. Themore information available to students the better their learning experience. There shouldalso be LCD projectors in every classroom so that teachers can use PowerPointpresentations to instruct their students.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: By having them select the topics that they would like to receive information on and thenprovide them with the training classes. And by also suggesting other classes alone with thetopics parents have selected. These classes would be focused on parent education andparent advocacy.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: No. I feel this is a bad idea. It has the potential to make teachers fudge here and thereto meet standard goals. Some would do this in order to keep their jobs and/ or to receivebonuses and other compensation



Lew Blackburn


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Biographical Info:Name: Lew Blackburn, Ph.D.Street Address: 2130 Lanark Ave.City/Town: DallasState: TexasDate of Birth: June 30, 1956Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-663-1956Home Phone Number: 214-948-6022Mobile Phone Number: 214-663-1956Fax Number: 214-948-7988E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.lewblackburn.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: High School diploma Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in Dallas ISD. Bachelors ofMusic Education degree - Texas A&M University-Commerce Masters of EducationalAdministration degree - Texas A&M University-Commerce Doctorate of Philosophy degreein Educational Administration - University of Texas at Austin, as a Fellow in the CooperativeSuperintendency ProgramQ: Length of residency in district:A: Since 1998Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Educational AdministratorQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Dallas ISD Board of TrusteesQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Boy Scouts, MentoringQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Approximately $3,000Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Erle Nye, Lucious Williams, and Rolando RiosQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I have been the trustee representing District 5 since June 2001. Since then, manyimprovements have been made in the areas of student achievement, facility expansions,and teacher quality. While I am thankful and appreciative of these improvements, there isstill a great need for additional improvements. We must continue for even more progressin student achievement, leadership capacity, and financial accountability. I can help makeit happen for Dallas ISD. As a career educator, my experiences in educationaladministration lends well to the knowledge and skills needed for the trustee position.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. No schools rated “Academically Unacceptable” by the Texas Education Agency. UseTitle I funds to pay for tutors to work with students who need additional personalassistance. 2. Increasing district leadership quality and effectiveness. Use Title II funds torecruit and develop good principals into great principals, 3. Financial stability, with anappropriate fund balance. Professional development for the finance staff in their respectiveareas of responsibilities. Reduce expenditures with a focus on adding $30 million each yearto the fund balance through 2012.Q: Please evaluate how well Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is performing. Is he the rightleader for the school district, or should the School Board begin considering otheralternatives?A: We have more schools rated “Exemplary” and “Recognized” by the Texas EducationAgency. We have fewer schools rated “Academically Unacceptable”. Student achievement ison an incline. However, our graduation rate is dropping and our dropout rate is increasing.In the past two fiscal years, we have overspent our actual revenue by more than $84million, reducing our fund balance to $35 million. Our fund balance should be about $125million. Teacher and staff morale is down. Public perception of our district is down. We


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must demand greater accountability and productivity from Superintendent MichaelHinojosa. In the next two years, if the district has not improved greatly, the Board ofTrustees should begin considering other alternatives.Q: DISD’s goal was to build itself into the nation’s best urban district by 2010. How do yourate its progress? And what is your overall view of the Dallas Achieves effort?A: While Dallas ISD has made great strides since the pronouncement in 2005 of being thenation’s best urban district by 2010, we have not reached the level of improvement neededfor the distinction as determined by the Broad Foundation. Before we can achieve the goal,we must improve our financial stability with a healthy fund balance, increase ourgraduation rate, and decrease our dropout rate, while continuing the upward trends inacademic achievement. The Dallas Achieves initiative is a good idea, in that it involvedvarious stakeholders who share the goal of Dallas ISD becoming a greater school district.We should continue the recommended strategies towards building a better school systemfor our student and constituents.Q: Given past corruption scandals, why should taxpayers trust the district’s leadershipclass? What new controls should DISD put in place to curb corruption?A: Dallas ISD needs more financial controls in place to drastically minimize theopportunities for abuse and misuse of financial integrity. We also need to tight the controlson testing administration so that opportunities for dishonesty is greatly limited.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have been the trustee representing District 5 since June 2001. Since then, manyimprovements have been made in the areas of student achievement, facility expansions,and teacher quality. While I am thankful and appreciative of these improvements, there isstill a great need for additional improvements. We must continue for even more progressin student achievement, leadership capacity, and financial accountability. I can help makeit happen for Dallas ISD. As a career educator, my experiences as a trustee, and ineducational administration lend well to the knowledge and skills needed for the trusteeposition.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: As a trustee since 2001, I have attended more than 95% of the Board Briefings andRegular Meetings. I have learned that trustees should ask the best questions to get thebest answers before making the best decisions for the students, staff, and constituents ofthe Dallas ISD.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: A school board member’s role is to work with the other trustees in overseeing themanagement and governance of the district. We do that by gathering information aboutthe management, with a goal of improving the district through effective policies thatgovern the district. A board member should initiate changes to policies after learning ofopportunities whereby management does not have prescribed practices and procedures forgoverning the district. A board member can work with the administration to revise policy,or submit their own revision to the administration and the board for review, and possibleaction.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: The magnet schools at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, along with the HarryStone Montessori schools and the Dallas Environmental Science Academy, are performingthe best of all schools in District 5. Among the comprehensive schools in District 5, John N.Bryan (Exemplary), Albert S. Johnston (Recognized), Lisbon (R), Eladio Martinez (R),William B. Miller (E), Elisha M. Pease (E), John P. Starks (E), are performing well also. Theconstant thread among each of these schools is increased leadership capacity and highteacher effectiveness. As we address these areas with the other schools, they too willperform at the same high level.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Closing the achievement gap between Latino students (66.5% of the total population)and Anglo students (4.6%) is occurring in Dallas ISD, with the help of an increase inbilingual teachers, counselors, and principals. Whereas the Latino students were at thebottom of the gap in the past, now the African American students (27.6%) are at thebottom in every testing category; every grade level. Thus, there is a greater need to closethe gap for them at this time. With either group, we need to focus on the individualstudent, addressing their academic deficiencies directly.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do to


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address the dropout problem?A: We are not doing enough to lower the number of dropouts. Just as teachers leave DallasISD primarily because of their diminished relationship with their principals, students leaveschools because of a deficiency of a positive relationship with their school. As we focus ondeveloping a closer relationship with our students, we can address their needs before theycontemplate dropping out of school.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: 1. Positive parent and community involvement and engagement. 2. Safe learning andteaching environment. 3. High expectations of students’ abilities to learn with a rigorousand relevant curriculum. 4. Students’ and their parents’ acceptance of accountabilitytowards the student’s continuous learning. 5. Real world applications of the knowledge andskills students have learned. 6. Teachers having the resources to be successful; data,curriculum, instructional strategies, materials, supplies, leadership support, etc. 7.Continuous professional development for teachers in their instructional content areas. 8.Effective leadership development among administrators and teachers.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The fund balance is too low at $35 million. The more comfortable level is about $125million.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: We have great technology at some schools in some classrooms. There are schools suchas Townview that have an abundance of computers. Others, such as Jackson Middle School,are lacking in the number of working computers for students and teachers to use. Thus, weneed an equitable distribution of computers in all schools. Perhaps, some of our studentsare ready for laptops instead of textbooks. We should consider testing their use with alimited number of students before making the decision to use them districtwide.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: We need to invite the parents into our schools, as well as having the schools go out tothe neighborhoods where our parents live. Together, we can improve our schools.However, we must come together on shared grounds, around shared priorities, towardsshared solutions. As our parents begin to feel that we are genuine in reaching out to them,and accepting of their input and support, they will forge strong and beneficial partnershipswith the schools.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Part of the portfolio evaluation for teachers should include the academic progressstudents make on tests such as the TAKS. Frequent administrator observations, withemphasis on teaching and learning, are another part of the evaluation portfolio. I wouldalso add student and parent perceptions to the evaluation portfolio as well. Teachersshould also be given the opportunity to demonstrate their effectiveness through apresentation of their progress; professionally, and students’ academic and socialachievement. The District uses CEI rating as one measure of determining teachereffectiveness. A great concern is that a teacher’s students’ progress is measured withstudents from across the district. Teachers are more comfortable with the use of testscores as a measurement when they are based on the growth their students made whileunder their instruction, regardless of a comparison to other students from other schools, indifferent communities in the district.

Daphene Edmond

Biographical Info:Name: Daphene EdmondStreet Address: 3140 Dahlia DriveCity/Town: DallasState: TexasDate of Birth: February 23, 1967Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-693-2862


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Home Phone Number: 214-374-3919Fax Number: 214-374-3919E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: daphenefordisd.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: I attended elementary school at Charles Rice until 4th grade when South Dallas kidswere bused to Martha Turner Reilly & Annie Webb Blanton. I attended Fred F. Florence Jr.High School and graduated from “The Great James Madison High School”. I attendedGrambling State University.Q: Length of residency in district:A: I have resided at 3140 Dahlia Drive for 21yrs.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I work as a clerk for Beirne Maynard & Parson’s and I am the owner of a travelbusiness.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: None, I only want to serve on the DISD School Board.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: As of today all of my campaign funds have come from my personal account. I amexpecting some contributions in the near future.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: Yes, many years ago I was charged with assault for what I thought was self defense.The case was no billed and I learned a very valuable lesson about control and how preciousfreedom is.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for this office because I am passionate about public education. I am theonly candidate that is fully knowledgeable about what it really takes to live and getstudents through schools in District 5. I am the only candidate that still permanentlyresides in District 5 and has 3 graduates that began their DISD education in District 5 andended their DISD education in District 5. I do not have titles before or after my name andI have not worked on other boards. I have no other political aspirations other than to be aschool board trustee. I am a parent that has learned my way through DISD out of fear thatif I didn’t my children would fall through the cracks. I am an advocate for teachers,parents and students.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Fiscal Responsibility: Cut wasteful spending, before cutting programs, teachers andstaff. Transparency: Posting budgets, spending and contracts online so that thecommunity can feel that there is real accountability in our district. Placing copies of thebudget at each school so that taxpayers can obtain it easily. Vocational Classes: Ideallywe would like each student to go to college and at least obtain an Associate Degree. Haveyou asked the question, what happens to the student that does not want to invest 4 – 5more years in college. We need more vocational classes that will allow graduates to enterthe work force in entry level positions.Q: Please evaluate how well Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is performing. Is he the rightleader for the school district, or should the School Board begin considering otheralternatives?A: I once had great hopes that Mr. Hinojosa was the right man for the job. I no longer feelthat he is the right man for the job. He has not been thrifty with taxpayer money and hecontinues to lie to and ignore the general public. Although it is expensive to replaceSuperintendents I think it is something that board members should consider.Q: DISD’s goal was to build itself into the nation’s best urban district by 2010. How do yourate its progress? And what is your overall view of the Dallas Achieves effort?A: I will not undermine the efforts of the teachers and students in DISD that have andcontinue to make improvements academically in DISD by responding negatively to this


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question. Much has been done but there is still much to do. Dallas Achieves had a greatconcept but no one could tell if the The Road To Broad was actually being followed.Q: Given past corruption scandals, why should taxpayers trust the district’s leadershipclass? What new controls should DISD put in place to curb corruption?A: Board members have to demand accountability. They have to research the items thatthey are being asked to vote on regarding taxpayer money before they vote on it. Thereshould be no disbursements of funds unless doing so benefits the students and theireducation.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My opponents have each been involved in various school boards, have many followersand have vast amounts of money for their campaign. My opponents are very proud of theirprofessional and educational accomplishments as they should be. While I do not have aprofessional degree I feel that after 20+ years working my way through the schools inDistrict 5 I am clearly the best candidate. I know what it’s like to deal with teachers andadministrators that are less than desirable as well as what it is like to have a teacher thatbends over backwards or to have a principal that is parent friendly. I know how frustratingit is to email a teacher or principal and never get a response. I am not a politician and myonly political desire is to be a voice for the teachers, students and parents of District 5 andDISD.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended many school board meetings and I have learned that many votes anddeals regarding issues are already decided before the meetings. I have learned that thetrustees are more fascinated with hearing themselves talk than listening to the concerns ofthose that elected them.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The Board of Trustees establishes the policies by which schools operate. In carrying outthe task of setting policy, the board identifies needs and establishes priorities for the schoolsystem, allocates financial and human resources among the priority areas, and evaluatesschool performance. The board also is empowered to provide tax monies for schoolmaintenance and operation and submits bond issues for construction of school facilities thatare voted on by Dallas ISD residents. The board also hires the Superintendent of Schoolsas the district’s chief instructional and executive officer.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: So far each of the schools in my community are making great strides in reading andmath. They dedicate a lot of time in the reading area because it is the basis for everyother subject. They have tutors and mentors and reconnection.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Schools have to become the centers of family support and community development.Student’s academic performance can be interrupted by family and community crisis. Wehave to start working together to close the achievement gaps between allstudents.Struggling students should be matched with timely and effective interventionsstarting in kindergarden. The achievemen gap must be addressed from pre-school throughhigh school graduation.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Reducing the drop-out rate in DISD is of crucial importance. To minimize the extremehigh drop-out rate, our students have to be provided with a curriculum that meets theirindividual needs and let’s them understand the value of education and the impact that itwill have on their future. Research shows that students who successfully transition frompre-school to elementary school, who are reading proficiently by third grade, and whomaintain strong attendance records during middle school, will be prepared to avoid thedrop-out trap after 10th grade. Each school must work to organize community coalitions ofparents, teachers,college students to mentor. Everyone would keep an eye on studentswho show signs of falling through the cracks and will work to prevent this from happening.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: A successful middle school and high school starts with motivated teachers that arehighly qualified and patient. The students have to come to school ready to learn and thelearning environment must continue into the home. Parents have to involved. Principalshave to foster a welcoming environment that motivates the teachers, students andparents.


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Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The uncomfortable truth is that there really are many students in DISD that leave thedistrict unprepared for college or the workforce.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: I have never felt that DISD uses technology effectively in the classroom. If you walkinto most junior high and high school computers room and observe how many computerseither do not work or are outdated, you would be shocked.Most schools are not wirelessand often the internet is down. I am not sure that laptops should replace textbooks.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: I would have round table meetings that would allow parents to voice their opinions andget answers to their concerns. I would try to provide answers to their questions in a timelymanner. When parents feel that their involvement in the education of their students iswanted and appreciated the learning process continues well beyond the classroom.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: I believe that teachers should be compensated for performance if their studentsperform over and beyond but I do not feel that standardized test should have any part in ateacher’s compensation. We have to find other ways to determine compensation as far toomany factors can determine the outcome of student test scores.

Claudia Denise Fowler

Biographical Info:Name: Claudia Denise FowlerStreet Address: 4531 Solar LaneCity/Town: Dallas,State: TexasDate of Birth: October 10, 1960Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-915-4600 office,214-646-7139,Campaign phoneHome Phone Number: 214-607-6461Mobile Phone Number: 214-607-6461E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: Claudia Denise Fowler for DISD School Board, Facebook

Questions:Q: EducationA: 1979 Graduate of Wilmer-Hutchins High School, 1984 Graduate of Bishop College, 1990Graduate of Southeastern Paralegal InstituteQ: Length of residency in district:A: 49 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am employed with the Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas,Inc. Ihave served in the role as the case manager for the SAMHSA grant,the main goal of ourprogram is to reduce the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS, Substance abuse andhepatitis in minority communites and post incarcerated individuals and youth,throughstrategic plans that incorporates, referrals, risk reduction and case management services.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: South Dallas/Fair Park Trust Fund Board, Co-Chair, NAACP Executive Board Member andPolitcal Action Chair, Top Ladies of Distinction of Dallas, Pres/CEO Joppa South CentralCoalition for Neighborhood Redevelopment, Inc. Texas Justice Seekers/Board Member,Holmes Street Foundation/Board Member, Afiya Center/Board Member, Precinct Chair3526, 2010 Demoratic Primary Committee, Dallas County Democratic Party AdvisoryCommittee, Mayors Complete Count Committee Task Force/Dallas, Progressive Center ofTexas/Board Member, Host of Claudia Fowler's Coffee and Conversation monthly ForumQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Past Secretary of the South Central Community Development Committee,Inc.,organization that sponosored the afterschool and outreach program in the 75216 and75217 zip code areas.2006 Recipient of Girl's Inc, Parent of the Year, 2007 Rose FortuneCommunity Service Award, 2008 Mayor's Special Recognition, 2010 Honoree of Women'sHistory Month Award, Honorary Member of the Black School Educators,Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Wilmer-Hutchins School Board 1986-1993, Board Secretary 1999 Dallas City Council,District 5Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?


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A: $3,550.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Claudia Fowler, Bill McIntyre/ Education Foundation Family and FriendsQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running as I have a committment to children and committment to communitywhere I live and serve in assisting to provide them with an excellent earlychildhood,primary, elementary and middle high school education and foundation forlearning that will ultimately prepare them for high school and beyond, whether it is collegeor career point, I would like to also be an advocate for parents who in DISD feel as thoughthey are not listened to and respected and consider the Board of Trustees, a facelessmonster and their tax dollars are not utilized in the best interest of our children. Votersshould consider me the most qualified as I have previous Board experience,communityexperience and proven leadership and my ability to work effectively with administrators,bargaining units and my method of working with fellow board members that I presentlyserve on.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: The three most important actions I would take would be first to throughly examine andcorrect district fiscal policies and spending, secondly to protect jobs if in jeopardy due to anunbalanced budget and thirdly to ensure that parents and taxpayers are involved with thedistrict from all levels of parental involvement and programs at their local schools withinDistrict 5, and if any programs I would support needed funding I would look at communitybusinesses for partnership oppportunities.Q: Please evaluate how well Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is performing. Is he the rightleader for the school district, or should the School Board begin considering otheralternatives?A: While I respect Supt. Hinojosa's role in leadership and his educational accomplishmentsand credentials,after five years of his leadership , DISD stands today in need of andexpecting better fiscal responsibility and academic improvements are needed at all levels.Alternatives the School Board should maybe consider is "having a conversation" with Supt.Hinojosa on his focus for the district and him in the role of Superintendent following policyand that he has a clear precise understanding that he is employed by the Board Trusteesand the Board of Trustees are not employed by the Superintendent of Schools and thatdirectives and benchmarks are given at his evaluation focusing on his leadershipimprovement and the improvement of the district.Q: DISD’s goal was to build itself into the nation’s best urban district by 2010. How do yourate its progress? And what is your overall view of the Dallas Achieves effort?A: As I look at the Unacceptable schools, especially in District 5 ,which are A. MaceoSmith, Roosevelt and Pinkston High Schools on the secondary and most crucial level oflearning, I would rate the progress at Poor. The graduation rate for Roosevelt High Schoolis 56.6% and at year 3 of Academically Unacceptable, W. W. Samuell,(not in my district)Completion rate of 55.3% Unacceptable Year 4, My personal assessement of the DallasAchives effort is that while goals were set and reachable from the onset,it is still a work inprogress.Q: Given past corruption scandals, why should taxpayers trust the district’s leadershipclass? What new controls should DISD put in place to curb corruption?A: A review of the current ethics policy and implementation of a stronger ethicspolicy,meet with the Office of Professional Responsibility, so the Board will have a completeunderstanding and be knowledgable of their role, when it comes to fraud, waste and otherissues and engage the board to participate in an Ethics Training from the Texas EthicsCommission.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: One of the key differences between myself and my opponent(s) are my 32 years ofcommunity leadership experience, past School Board experience (for one of myopponents) and my vision that I have to see DISD become a distinguished school districtthrough diligently working in the capacity of a board member in making sure that we havea content staff on all levels, despite economic stabilities, assist with bringing programs likePBS, which is a Positive Behavior Program,where administrators, teachers and staff have arespect and high morale for teaching and students have an interest for learning, I would


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assist in making decisions that would be best for DISD, saving money, saving jobs andbringing resources while managing district funds and making sound policies, taking time tothroughly examine and correct if necessary district fiscal policies, my past and presentexperience of working with parents, local/state officials and my initiative of keeping theparents taxpayers informed.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended school board meetings and I have learned information that I would nothave known if I had not attended,i.e voting convictions of board members. I witnessedparents, community members and taxpayers voices being heard but limited. I havewitnessed teachers who come and share concern with the board for non support of issuesconcerning the learning environment of their chidren, ranging from textbook issues tosafety in the schools.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a school board member is to approve budgets, set policy, hire and fire staffand make requests of the superintendent. It is not to micromanage and perform day today operations of the school district.Additionally,the role of a board member also should gobeyond meetings, showing representation at school meetings such as PTA's,campusprograms and holding town hall meetings in the District in which they serve foraccountability and provide transparency to the parents, taxpayers and constituents. Aboard member should channel their request for a policy to be placed on the agenda fordiscussion and adoption, through the Board President and or a recommendation fromsuperintendent and administration as board meetings are a meeting of the board in publicand policy changes are only effective upon the majority vote of the body corporate.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: For example, several surrounding school districts have implemented a vision to be aworld class school district, establishing early college high school, that partners with CedarValley and other DCCCD schools that provides college level instruction for high schoolers, Ithink DISD and the failing schools should take a closer look at, Townview Talented andGifted (District 5) Nathan Adams in DISD, who just won the Blue Ribbon for NationalExcellence in Urban Education,certainly review the schools in the district who haveexemplary ratings, schools such as Stonewell Jackson, Victor H Hexter, Bowie and IrmaRangel, and Mt. Auburn and the schools who were just named to the 2009 Texas Businessand Education Coalition Honor Roll such as James Bonham Elem, Lakewood Elementary,William B. Travis Vanguard, George Peabody Elementary.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: If there is a greater emphasis on English as Second language, the student will be moreprepared with the skills necessary to close the acheivement gap. Support more schoolcurriculum for ESL programs.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: No. I do not think the district is doing enough to lower our dropout rate. However,according to a December 2009 progress report due to the School Archive Project whichstarted in 2005, only two of the 32 high schools in DISD have recived over 90% of theMiddle School Archive project children, the two high schools account for %55 of theincrease in 11th and 12th grade enrollment for all 32 high schools from 2005-2006 schoolyear which is focusing students on their future. There are other programs I would supportand implement such as the Victory through Performance program which is a collaborativedropout reduction program which focuses on three low perfoming high schools, the schoolsserve majority minority neighborhoods that range from low -low middle class, targeting9th and 12th graders, program will offer college tutors,college classes, readinessworkshops employment and most importantly attendance interventions and eliminate allbarriers so the student can attend school.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: My vision for the ingredients for a successful middle school are strong parentinvolvement, career opportunity exposure,pre dropout prevention measures as statitisticshave shown that most dropouts occur in the 9th grade and in the 12th grade andcommunity ogranizations like Education is Freedom are prevalent in the schools. Successfulingredients for a high school would include the foregoing as well as to ensure that seasonedprincipals/staff are hired and in place in high schools, especially in the failing high schools.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?


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A: That the majority of the children are not prepared as they are not ready academicallyfor middle school and that taxpayers dollars are not being utlized in the best interest of ourchildren.Oftentimes, consultant fees and other projects tend to take priority over theeducation of our children.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Not as effective as it could be used. An example is that it needs to be an expansion ofthe public-private partnership of technology companies. I personally feel as though thefuture emphasis should be on laptops, textbooks tend to be outdated because they arerevised every five to ten years.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: I would certainly look and support programs through community based non profitorganizations such as Education is Freedom, Pep It up and Project Still I Rise,theseorganizations offer to parents trainings on and additional services for the students and theirfamilies either by public or private entities. Parents need a link between their children,school and community, I would sponsor Town Hall meetings on the State of the Schools inDistrict 5, provide infomation given to parents in attendance of issues or early identifiers ofpotential problems concerning TEA ratings,budget information,offer through organizationstrainings on interventions for children to academic enrichment programs offered to supportthe greater acheivement for their children.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: The world and society that we live in everything is based on data, I however do feelthat test scores should not be a way to determine a teacher's compensation orperformance level. I sincerely feel that it could be used to provide incentives for asbonuses, as money sometimes can be a motivator, but test scores should not be used in apunitive fashion to punish, demean or demote a teacher.



Eric Cowan

Biographical Info:Name: Eric CowanStreet Address: 821 N. WindomereCity/Town: DallasState: TexasDate of Birth: 6/27/1971Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-862-6555Fax Number: 214-946-1901E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.ericcowand7.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Graduate of public high school, Lubbock, Texas, Bachelor of Arts in Communications,Baylor University, Waco, TexasQ: Length of residency in district:A: 3 Years in District 7, 10 Years total in DallasQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Director of Revenue Management, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek and RosewoodCrescent HotelQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Supporter of Rosemont Early Childhood PTA and Kings Highway Conservation District.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:


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A: Involved in organizing community building events such as Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Paradeand Cliffest.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: noneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $4000Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Michael Morath, Michael Amonett, Howard CowanQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: noQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am seeking the Board of Trustee position as a concerned taxpayer and concernedparent. I believe all children are entitled to a quality public education. I am commited tofiscal accountability, accessibility to the public, and a focus on achievement for all students.As Director of Revenue Management with Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, I bring a uniqueand critical skill to the Board and the District.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: After elected, I will request a detailed copy of the budget from the Superintendent. Iwill meet teachers, administrators, and parent groups in District 7 to see how I can bestrepresent them as a Trustee. I will work through the Superintendent to have key staffmembers brief me on DISD initiatives that impact district achievement.Q: Please evaluate how well Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is performing. Is he the rightleader for the school district, or should the School Board begin considering otheralternatives?A: A good governing body such as the Board of Trustees should always have a contingencyand succession plan if the General Superintendent were to leave. I look forward toreviewing the performance evaluations, reading his contract, and seeing how hisperformance has improved and what issues need to be addressed.Q: DISD’s goal was to build itself into the nation’s best urban district by 2010. How do yourate its progress? And what is your overall view of the Dallas Achieves effort?A: Dallas Achieves set some admirable goals, but student test scores and graduation rateshave not progressed to where they should be. As Trustees, we need to analyze theprograms and policies that were put in place, cut those that were not effective, and buildupon the successes.Q: Given past corruption scandals, why should taxpayers trust the district’s leadershipclass? What new controls should DISD put in place to curb corruption?A: We can gain some immediate credibility by focusing on accountability, accessibility, andachievement. Let's also hold ourselves accountable in our fiscal and education policies. Wecan promote accessibility by being completely transparent in our budget process and otherpolicy-making decisions. We can focus our attention on achievement by making soundpolicies that are in the best interest of our teachers and students.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I am data-driven and results oriented. I bring a unique and critical set of financialmanagement skills that will be beneficial to the Board and DISD.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes, I have attended school board meetings. I witnessed some trust and divisivenessissues. I hope to work with Trustees more collaboratively and to help keep the focus of ourmeetings on the one question that matters during all discussions: "Does this improve theeducation of our children?"Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a Trustee is to serve as a member of a body that governs through policymaking. I will initiate policies through transparency and consensus building among theother Trustees.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: It is very difficult for the public to discern which schools are doing their best in gettingevery child on grade level in reading and math. In speaking with veteran teachers fromGabe P. Allen Charter School about getting our children on grade level, they recommend


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reducing class size, focusing on reading intervention, and having campus-specific initiativesthat address the needs of each campus.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: The key to closing the achievement gap, regardless of race, is reading. If a child isbelow grade level in reading, that child also will struggle in math, science, and othersubjects.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: We need to focus on our elementary children being at grade level or higher in readingand math, so they aren't behind once they reach middle school. We need to focus moreattention on our middle school students so they are prepared for high school. Let's trainour principals to be strong leaders and reinvigorate our teachers to be innovative in theirmethods. We need to do a better job of educating the parents on what their child islearning and encourage their support. As a Trustee, I will focus on matching the needs ofschools with those volunteer organizations most appropriate to fill those voids.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: First, we need to have our children at grade level in all disciplines before they move onto middle and high school. We need strong principals, a safe environment for our studentsand teachers, and a stimulating curriculum. Let's invest in retraining and reinvigorating ourteachers. Finally, we need community and parent/guardian involvement.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: In speaking with voters and taxpayers, we are not preparing all of our children to besuccessful and productive in an evolving global economy.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: No, despite significant money being spent on technology, we are not embracingtechnological innovations to better educate our children. There are still classrooms withonly one computer. We could be more efficient in research and state-of-the-art curriculumif every child had a laptop. By using electronic tools and applications, we allow children tothink broadly and develop technology for the future.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Parent/guardian involvement is a critical component to improved student performance.We can offer "Parent University" to inform parents how and what schools are teaching theirchildren and how best they can be involved in that process. Additionally, communicationtools between parents and teachers, such as the parent portal, will engage moreparents/guardians.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Yes, they can be linked but only as one of numerous factors in determining teacher pay.

Olegario (Ole) C. Estrada

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Length of residency in district:A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ON


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THE BALLOT.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Please evaluate how well Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is performing. Is he the rightleader for the school district, or should the School Board begin considering otheralternatives?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: DISD’s goal was to build itself into the nation’s best urban district by 2010. How do yourate its progress? And what is your overall view of the Dallas Achieves effort?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Given past corruption scandals, why should taxpayers trust the district’s leadershipclass? What new controls should DISD put in place to curb corruption?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.


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Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE, BUT HIS NAME WILL APPEAR ONTHE BALLOT.

Louis Tranqui

Biographical Info:Name: Louis T. TrujilloStreet Address: 1127 Hollywood AveCity/Town: DallasState: TXDate of Birth: 09/02/1970Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-943-4300Home Phone Number: 214-638-2331Fax Number: 214-330-4444E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: n/a

Questions:Q: EducationA: Graduated from Sunset Highschool, attended Mt. View College.Q: Length of residency in district:A: 36 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Own and operate an Income tax preparation service and co-own an Insurance agency.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: St. Cecilia Catholic Church Financial Council member (2003- present) Knights ofColumbus member (2002- present),Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Lida Hooe Elementary SBDM Chairman (1999-2003) Sunset Highscholl SBDM member(1999-2001) W.E. Greiner SBDM member (2006-2008) St. Cecilia Scholl Advisory Council(2002-2004) Dallas Appraisal Review Board Member (2000-2005) Kidd Springs RecreationCenter Advisory Committee (2003-2007) Oak Cliff Lions Club (2006-2007) Oak Cliff KiwanaClub (2001-2003)Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Sought: DISD School Board Trustee in District 7Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $0.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: n/aQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: noQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: First and foremost, I am a concerned parent and citizen. I am a business owner since1999 and prior to that worked for my parent's Farmers Insurance Agency in Oak Cliff. I ama self starter, highly motivated individual that believes that honesty is "the" only policy. Ihave wanted to serve as a DISD Trustee since 1998, as I believe that I have something ofvalue to offer. I am a product and graduate of DISD. I have lived in district 7 for 36 years.I know the community well. I am well aware of the issues from the community's point ofview, as I too, am a member of this community. One can't expect change standing on thesidelines....Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: In my mind there is only once issue, ensuring that all of the children of DISD get anadequate education. Getting a handle on the budget crisis is certainly the means by whichwe can begin to solve some of the other issues being affected by a shortage of budgetdollars.Q: Please evaluate how well Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is performing. Is he the rightleader for the school district, or should the School Board begin considering otheralternatives?


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A: It would be unfair for me to evaluate Mr. Hinojosa from where I stand. Though, the"buck" may stop with Mr. Hinojosa, DISD is a huge machine with a myriad of moving parts.No one part being an island and thus no one part being soley to blame when the "machine"doesn't run well.Q: DISD’s goal was to build itself into the nation’s best urban district by 2010. How do yourate its progress? And what is your overall view of the Dallas Achieves effort?A: It's difficult to say, but suffice to say that any effort being made to improve is always astep in the right direction. I think Dallas Achieves' efforts are not only welcome, butnecessary since they can be more objective.Q: Given past corruption scandals, why should taxpayers trust the district’s leadershipclass? What new controls should DISD put in place to curb corruption?A: Taxpayers should always demand disclosure and transparency. This is the best methodby which to regain trust. Maybe it's not so much about "new" controls but more ofdisclosure and transparency and definitely stricter enforcement of policies that are alreadyin place.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: As any track coach would advise their athletes, "don't lose momentum by looking backto see where your opponent is, just keep moving and looking forward".Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: none recently.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: As I understand it, a school board member reviews and makes policies. Initiatingpolicies should be done only if it's in the children's best interest and with input from otherboard members and community.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: I reviewed elementary scorecards only as I believe this is the foundation and where asuccessful education begins. James Hogg, Lida Hooe, George Peabody, and James Bowiestood out, but I noticed two others (not in District 7) William Travis and Harry Stone. Thelatter, are exceptional schools for talented children and I think DISD should examine thesetwo closely. As far as the former schools mentioned, we need to take a look at what theprinciapl is doing to keep teachers and parents engaged and involved, as it seems to equalchild involvement and success.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: I believe it really ties back to other issues facing DISD as in over crowding, which itselfstems from another issue, the budget crisis. If adequate resources are consistantlyprovided, I believe we could come closer to closing the gap.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: It goes beyond just instruction at school, parents must be involved and sometimes it'sabout life skills and maybe that's something DISD needs to explore.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Besides solid parental support, definitley early childhood education.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: A general sense of apathy all the way aroundQ: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: It's difficult to say, but I believe there is always room for improvement in any situation.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Making it know specific areas where parents are needed and to make it a more "parentfriendly" environment.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: I do not believe test scores should be utilized to determine teacher compensation forthe simple reason that it is not fair and it's punitive. I do, however, believe that test scoresshould be reviewed and analyzed, as they represent important data which can be used forthe purpose of evaluations. The scores should only be incorporated in a review process forthe sole purpose of improving a teacher's effectiveness and to be certain that he/she isplaced in the correct grade level or environment best suited to their teaching abilities. Ibelieve tracking test scores is vital in achieving the unanomous goal of providing anadequate education for all the children of Dallas ISD.


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DeSoto ISD, Place 1Description: Note: All residents living within DeSoto ISD may vote in this race.


Curt Krohn

Biographical Info:Name: Curt KrohnStreet Address: 204 Charles StreetCity/Town: DeSotoState: TexasDate of Birth: December 30, 1960Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (972)223-0000Home Phone Number: (214)394-0118Mobile Phone Number: (214)394-0118Fax Number: (972)230-3896E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: NA

Questions:Q: EducationA: I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ball State University and a Master of DivinityDegree from Grace Theological Seminary.Q: Length of residency in district:A: 16 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am the Senior Pastor of Faith Bible Church in DeSoto.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I am currently in the 25th Anniversary Class of Leadership Southwest. I am on theDeSoto Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. I am a member of the DeSoto RotaryClub. I am involved with the DeSoto Ministerial Alliance. I am the current Vice-Presidentof the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Prior to becoming a School Board Trustee, I was the PTA President on two DeSoto ISDcampuses for years in a row. I was voted 'Volunteer of the Year' in DeSoto ISD prior tobecoming a School Trustee. I have also served as Vice-President of the DeSoto MinisterialAlliance. Last year I was selected to be a part of the Leadership TASB (Texas Association ofSchool Boards) Class of '09. I graduated from LTASB in May with the designation of 'MasterTrustee' ~ the highest honor TASB bestows.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: None...other than serving as a DeSoto ISD Trustee for the previous six years.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have not attempted to raise any funding to this point in my campaign.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: NAQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NOQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I serve in the DeSoto community, first of all, because I love our city and our students.Additionally, I serve this community because of what has been given to me and my family.I have two sons who are products of the DeSoto public school system. They both receiveda quality education with one recently graduating from college and the other a Sophomore


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at A&M. Both are successful, in part, because of the instruction and care they receivedwhile attending DeSoto schools. Education has always been important to me personallyand to our family. I strive to model the value of always being a student. Learning does notstop at the school building or upon graduation from high school or college. I have had theprivilege of being involved with and now leading an organization and a staff in the DeSotoarea for these past 16 years. I have learned much while serving the Body of Faith BibleChurch and I bring those lessons with me to the Board table. I believe that one of thegreatest possessions a community can provide for their children is a quality education anda solid foundation that prepares them for the varied challenges they will face in life. TheDeSoto community has a moral duty and responsibility to highly value all our students andtheir education. I want to do whatever I can in the DeSoto community to assist in trainingup our children in the way they should go. It seems to me that this is the best investmentany of us can make!Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Fiscally responsible leadership....we must balance our budget. Additional funding isnot always the simple answer to student performance. While we must advocate in Austinfor adequate public school funding, we must also live within our means at the local level.This does not require additional funding. In fact, this first action would find me insisting onreducing cost in the district 2. I would continue to be an advocate for parental involvementdistrict-wide. I am committed to seeing parents actively involved in our PTA's, BoosterClubs, in our classrooms and in attendance at their student's extra-curricular activities.This does not require a financial investment but yields great dividends in both our districtand the lives of our students. 3. One of the issues of great concern to me in recent yearsis the cutting of foreign language classes. Budget constraints cause districts to be forced tomake difficult decisions regarding academic programming. It seems that when 'belts aretightened' that the arts and foreign language classes are the first to go. I believe theseacademic opportunities are vital for students and I will continue to advocate for additionalforeign language offerings in our district. We all have an obligation to challenge leadershipin Austin to properly fund our schools such that these offerings are not dropped ~ I willcontinue to lobby for these classes with my state representatives. We also have anobligation at the local level to make ration decisions and I will continue to strongly searchfor other avenues of savings before resorting to dropping the arts or foreign languages.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: While I do not know my opponent personally, (1) my demonstrated commitment toserve, (2) my previous experience at the Board Table and (3) my confirmed ability to leadset me apart as a qualified and able Trustee.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: As the current Vice-President of the DeSoto ISD, I have attended many boardmeetings. The lessons I have learned from my involvement are so numerous and variedthat it is difficult to identify only a few. I have learned that our community does not alwaysget a clear picture of what happens daily in our classrooms simply because they read anewspaper article or listen to a news report. While already aware of this, I learned anewhow passionate our community and our parents are about their students' success. I havelearned that, while the 'business' of the District (budgets, TAKS info, AEIS data, districtgoals, policy, etc.) must be dealt with, the business of the district that receives the mostattention is usually the highs and the lows, the celebrations or conflicts, students whoreceive national recognition or students who are in trouble with the law, etc. There are,however, many other students and staff who function at a high level everyday and do notreceive the attention that they deserve. I have learned countless acronyms: AEIS, TAKS,ARD, AYP, PEIMS, TEA, DAEP, NCLB, and more. This list could continue for many additionalparagraphs.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: It is the Trustee's duty to ensure that he/she understands and operates within his/herlegal responsibilities and the policies already laid out in the district. Trustees are to workwith the Superintendent, the district's CEO, to provide the students of their district with thefinest educational program available. Board members are to guide the district regardingthe district's goals, the Superintendent's priorities, to have final authority over the district'sbudget and to adopt district policy. The Board will also plan the construction of additionalfacilities with counsel from school administration, demographers and architects. Anyboard member may initiate policy by requesting that the issue be placed on an upcomingagenda for discussion by the board. District policy is partially dictated by state and federal


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law but there is some latitude in local policy issues.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: DeSoto's Freshmen campus went from Unacceptable in school year '07-'08 toRecognized in '08-'09. This is the consequence of focused effort and singular dedication tothe task of increasing student achievement and raising the district's TAKS scores. Aligningcurriculum to the TEKS, ensuring teachers understood and followed the direction providedby administration and motivating staff/students with an 'I Can!' attitude was key in thisamazing turn-around. All students can learn and succeed. Our the Freshmen campusdemonstrated that fact.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: We must challenge our Latino students with a rigorous curriculum while speaking totheir unique academic needs. Certainly, additional bilingual classes are neededdistrict-wide. While DeSoto already has implemented a bilingual program, additional stepsare necessary to ensure student success at each level. Recently, I was able to tour a publicschool in El Paso in which I observed Latino Kindergarten students speaking Japanese withtheir teacher. This class was taught in English, Spanish and Japanese on alternate days andthese students were excelling, not only in Kindergarten, but school-wide. These students'families were involved in their education, committed to their success and engaged in theirschool.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Our district's dropout rate is less than 1%. While my desire is that no students dropout,we are currently fairing much better than the state average. DeSoto ISD hasdemonstrated a commitment to working with that student who is tempted to dropout andhis/her family. Students who dropout do not simply wake up one day in high school anddecide to leave school. The genesis of the struggle is to be found (I believe) much earlierin the student's school career. As early as elementary school, when the student fails to besuccessful in the classroom, the seeds of the desire to dropout begin to germinate. Wemust catch these students early in order to ensure they are reading on grade level andcomprehending what they are reading. If a student does not successfully learn to read,frustration will continue to build until it is overwhelming for that student.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: The ingredients of a successful high school and middle school are a successfuladministration that provides for students a safe environment and the necessary tools tolearn; successful classroom teachers who know their students, provide personal attentionand additional assistance as needed for each student and who teach a rigorous curriculumthat connects students and learning to the 'real world'; successful students whose familiesand community resources all encourage their success!Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: While the school board is the final authority in the district, the school board is faced withan incredible number of mandates from the state and federal government over which ithas no control. Many parents and tax payers believe school boards are able toadministrate independent of any outside control...it just is not true. Additionally, one truththat the public must confront is that public schools are better than most people think!Texas does a good job educating its students...a message not widely publicized.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: My personal sense is that books will always be with us and will always be a part ofeducation. While technology will be, and should be, increasingly utilized schools willcontinue to rely on books as a primary source. Today, students have access to the world inmost of our classrooms as teachers have been provided 'smart carts' ~ carts with digitalprojectors and internet access. While these tools, and others, are resources and provideadditional information and detail to the text book it is hard to imagine that they willcompletely replace text books. A text book has a shelf life of more than approximately 10years while the life span of a lap top is much shorter than that. The difficulty districts faceis that, even today, many students do not have access to the internet or the resources ofcomputers/laptops. However, many of the text books adopted today also have digitalversions or CD's that provide access to websites that contain the text and additionalinformation. This is a good alternative to sole use of a text and can be provided studentswho have reliable internet access.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Parental involvement in every aspect of a child's education should be one of the primary


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concerns of every public school district. DeSoto has a solid history of support for PTA's,Booster Clubs, parents in the classroom, and more. One very useful and well receivedavenue that DeSoto ISD has developed within the past 5 years is the Community Forum.These Forums encourage parental and community involvement. During these CommunityForums parents and community members are informed on a variety of topics and thenallowed to ask questions of the administration. Another tool that has proven useful is theregular mailings of 'Eagle Express,' DeSoto's award winning communication piece.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: No. Studies have shown that merit pay does not boost student achievement. While it isreasonable to believe that teachers who do their jobs well deserve to be rewardedproportionately, the problem is with the tool to measure effectiveness. And definingeffectiveness must recognize that there are more facets than simply student performanceon standardized testing.

Sandra Wheeler

Biographical Info:Name: Sandra WheelerCity/Town: DesotoState: TXDate of Birth: 08/29E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.wheelerfordesotoisd.wordpress.org

Questions:Q: EducationA: Master of Science, Amberton University Bachelor of Science, Texas Woman's UniversityQ: Length of residency in district:A: 8 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Human Resource Manager, Training and Development or ManagementQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: NoQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: NoQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: NoneQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: Donations from all my family and friends of their time, advice and prayers arepriceless. The Business Initiator for the $200 e-blasts and Total Praise Internet radio forthe $400 in airtime.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Voters should consider me most qualified for the position of Desoto School Board Place1 because I can make a difference in the level of education our students are receiving bybridging the gap between our community and schools. As a former teacher with threeyears of service in the classroom, I understand the rigorous training required to make theconnection with every student and inspire them to achieve. This training requires a passionfor your subject matter, as well as, a passion and creativity for the success of the allstudents. Secondly, as Human Resource Manager for two major corporations, I had theresponsibility to hire, train and recruit youth, work with the co-op teachers, and buildrelationships with the schools. This experience has given me first hand knowledge incommunity development Finally, I am the PROUD parent of two: a son currently servingin the US Army and a daughter who is a National Junior Honor Society Member. I'vewalked in the shoes of the voter, the parent, the corporate liaison and the teacher. Fromeach position, I've gained valuable insight and would like to transfer that knowledge toimpact the Desoto School District by bridging education, parent and community. I believeby partnering we can make a great difference in education for our youth.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?


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A: Three actions I would like to take if I am elected are; A.)Implementing tutoringagreements for students that are performing below grade level and/or failing; B.)Increaseparent and community involvement; C.)Develop a rigorous Career Fit & College ReadinessProgram. First, preparing our students for College and life after high school. Which meanshaving a rigorous academic program for those who are planning to attend any school afterhigh school and those who wish to simply join the workforce. Seniors should haveinternships their with organizations or companies within our community, capstones shouldbe required of them and they should be leaving high school with certifications and a skill toacquire a job or trade. There should be a class to assist them in choosing a career that fitstheir talents and skills. These students are the future to the growth of our community andour nation, it is imperative that we provide them with the necessaties This is free andmerely requires some work on the part of the career or co-op counselors and teachers.Next, in order to increase parental and community involvement, I'd like to develop aconctractual agreement with parents to volunteer 20 hours a school year. This can beachieved by attending pta meetings, school board meetings, assisting with copies or in theclassrooms, field trips, filed days, in the concessions, and/or career days, just to name afew. This is free it requires no funding, but is great for the student and the campus. Whenparents are involved, students are less liklely to have issues. I'd like to increasecommunity involvement, by inviting community leaders, companies and theirrepresentatives to attend school board meetings. I would like to have our students begainfully employed in our community with an organization in a position that fits thestudents career goals. Ex. If a student wants to be a pharmacist. I'd like Walmart,Walgreens or CVS to employee them as a pharmacy tech. This is an EXCELLENT way forour students to gain experience in the career they are interested in and they can transferthis skill and work at any pharmacy during college. (Free...Requires Relationship Building& networking co-op teachers and counselors) Finally, developing and implementingmandatory tutoring agreements for students that are fail to maintain passing scores.Students, parents and teachers should develop a strategic performance plan to helpimprove the understanding and knowledge base of a student failing any subject, whichwould include mandatory tutoring.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I am a hands-on leader. I want to be in the schools finding out how I can help teachersbe the best in the state and the student to be successful. I want to know whats happeningin the classrooms, hallways and lunchrooms.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes, I learned parental and community involvement are lacking at school boardmeetings.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: School board members are elected by voters to set goals, conduct strategic planning,hire and oversee the superintendent, adopt the school district budget and create policy.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: The Ninth grade center. The district can learn, "Yes, We can achieve success withstudents passing!"Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Addressing any learning gap is always a challenge, but it begins with addressing theissue and the need of the students involved. The question is, "Why are there gaps or Whatis causing the gaps?" Once we know this, we can specifically set up a plan to conquer andreduce the gap with things such as small group instruction, tutoring and parentalinvolvement, just to name a few. Parents are the primary ingredient in all learning,because they are needed to communicate with the teacher, to assist and reinforce theinstructions and applications the teacher are implementing in the classroom, making surehomework is done etc,. Together we can close the gaps!Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: No; To address the dropout rate, there should be a program9S) to address the reasonsfor students wanting drop-out which will alleviate the potential for them to dropout. Forexample, possibly placing on a partial academic and vocational tract along with providingcounseling to address the social and emotional concerns for dropping out. This option couldbe a solution for those who want to exit school early and work instead of attending schooluntil their are 18yrs.


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Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Quality teachers, administration and parental involvement.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: In order to attract and retain quality teachers, salaries need to be increased. Thequality of instruction in public school isn't comparable to the level that of private schools.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technology is being used effectively by numerous teachers. But with there being alimited number of technological resources in districts, which make it difficult at times forteachers to accomplish this task consistently. Future emphasis should be on both textboksand technology through laptops for all students, but especially at the junior and senior highschool levels, since they are preparing to enter college or the workforce.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Make a contractual agreement for all parents to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours perschool year. If you have two children, it would be 10 hours per child for a total of 20 hoursand so forth. These hours can be obtained by attending school board meetings, PTAmeetings, working at concessions, committee involvemeent, career days, helping at bookfairs or libraries etc.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: No.

Duncanville ISD, Place 1Description: Note: All residents living within Duncanville ISD may vote in this race.


Tom Kennedy

Biographical Info:Name: Tom KennedyStreet Address: 1010 Plateau StCity/Town: DuncanvilleState: TexasDate of Birth: August 17, 1943Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-709-0015Home Phone Number: 972-709-8376Mobile Phone Number: 214-808-1258Fax Number: 972-709-8893E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.reelecttomkennedy.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: I have a B.S. in Biology from Little Rock University.Q: Length of residency in district:A: I have lived in the district for 22 years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Promotional advertising salesQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: area Chambers of Commerce and the Duncanville Rotary Club> I am also on theDuncanville ISD School Board having served 6 years.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Texas PTA Life Membership and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas PTA. Voted Man of the Year by the Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce in 2009.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I have served on the Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees twice once from 1991 - 1997and again from 2004 - 2010


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Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have not raised any money at this point. I signed a pledge not to exceed $500.00 incampaign expenses.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: NAQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: Yes a civil suit as the result of a car accident.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for this office because I believe in Public Education and I care deeply aboutthe quality of education our children receive. It is also my way of giving back to mycommunity for what it provides me. I should be considered the most qualified due to my12 years of experience on the board, my 19 years of of involvement and dedication to theschool district and the amount of education I have received from going to Texas EducationAdministration sponsored training classed. I have also been a small business owner for 23years and understand how to manage a budget and to work with people to get a job done.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. establish a goal of higher academic standards for the district and find a way for thehigh school to achieve recognized status. 2. study ways to improve the safety and securitystandards for our school district and implement sound policies to insure the methods areenforced. 3. Continue to work to provide a balanced budget without having to reduceeffective academic performance.I would push for them by explaining the importance ofeach idea to my follow board members and getting agreement from key administrationpersonnel. The cost of any of these would not be significant and could be paid from generalfunds.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have 12 years of board experience plus I have served on numerous schoolcommittees and have also served as President of three campus PTA's. I have alsoattended many state TEA sponsored training courses to be up to date on current stateeducational code requirements. My opponent has no previous board experience and noinvolvement in our district. I also live and work in the district and know all the principalsand all the key administrators in the district.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: In the 19 years I have been involved with the district, I have attended numerous schoolboard meetings. I have learned from them that it takes a great deal of time anddedication to be up to date on what is required to be a good productive school boardmember. I have also learned that being a good school board member requires you to be amember of the team of eight and not a single individual. I have always been considered agood team player even when the vote is not in my favor. I learned that it takes almostthree full years or one term for an person with no experience to be up to speed and able tocontribute.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a school board member as defined in policy is to hire/fire thesuperintendent, set policy, establish a tax rate, develop a budget, and sell schoolproperty. He should also be a positive spokesperson for the district. Policy should beinitiated after careful study and planning of the policy as to how it will effect the schooldistrict and the students. Policies should be well defined and meaningful. A board membershould have an understanding of the purpose of the policy and its effect.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Our elementary, intermediate and middle schools have done the best. Thirteen of ourschools were either exemplary or recognized this past year. The schools that were notshould review the practices at these schools and incorporate what works.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: In Duncanville we have little or no gap in most academic areas. The one area that wasthe greatest was science. I believe that the gap is directly related to the length of time inour district and in this country. I believe that by identifying the students with the greatestpotential of failure early and providing extra help we can eliminate this problem.


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Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: I believe our district is doing a good job with this problem. We have a school just forstudents that have the potential to drop out. I believe that by expanding the program andidentifying the potential students early we can do more to eliminate this as a problem. Ialso believe that expanding our vocational program and trying to guide potential dropoutsinto an area where they can develop job skills would help to reduce the drop out rate.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Great teachers and great administrators make a successful high school and middleschool. A good academic program that encourages learning by participation also helpskeep students at this level involved. Involving parents in the students education wouldalso help. Teachers and administrators should have a strong sense of fairness whenenforcing policyQ: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The most uncomfortable truth is that the current method of school funding is unfair andunequal in how it treats each school district. Some districts get more per student thanothers thereby enabling them to have more and sometimes better programs. This canonly be changed by electing legislators that believe in equal funding for every schooldistrict.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technology is alive and well in Duncanville ISD from the elementary schools to the highschool. Many of our intervention programs are computer based. Programs such asengineering and CAD classes use the most up to date technologies available. Sincecomputers for every child is not a sustainable item due to budget constraints I believe thattextbooks will have to be used. I do feel that the latest technologies should be used werepossible.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Our parent involvement is great in our elementary and intermediate schools bu we startlosing participation as the kids get older. We have started doing a parent teacher meetingtwice a year to encourage more parental involvement at the upper grade. They have beenmoderately succesful and I believe as more parents learn about them they will be better. Ihave always been a believer in parental involvement. When I was a PTA President I triedmany different things from free food to free movies to encourage parents to attend PTA orother school events.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Yes, I believe if a teacher works very hard and develops a good plan that results in highperformance by their students they should be rewarded. I do believe that the plan must beadministered fairly to make sure that all teachers who are deserving are included.

Patrick LeBlanc

Biographical Info:Name: Patrick LeBlancStreet Address: 1134 Spring Lake DriveCity/Town: DuncanvilleState: TexasDate of Birth: August 2, 1964Home Phone Number: 972-572-1238Mobile Phone Number: 817-371-6577E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: WWW.PATRICKLEBLANC.INFO

Questions:Q: EducationA: Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary •Fort Worth, Texas Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries and Physics from Dallas BaptistUniversity • Dallas, TexasQ: Length of residency in district:A: I have live in Duncanville for a year and eight monthsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Marketing Manager - The Excel Center of Fort Worth Regional Coordinator - The JasonFoundation IncQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -


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Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for the office of School Board Trustee because I want to have an impact onour future, and our children are the future. I am motivated to see them develop, grow andachieve their hopes and dreams.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Student Focus: (1) Reduce truancy, (2) Safe campuses, and (3) Remove non-residentstudents. Teacher Focus: (1) Recognized and Respected as professionals, (2) Empoweredto do their job in the classroom, and (3) Rewarded for excellence. Community Focus:Reconnect community to schools embracing each campus in the true spirit of the “City ofChampions.” It would take some creative and collaborative thinking from the entire boardto push and pay for these initiatives.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My opponent has served well as school board trustee. I will bring a fresh and greatersense of community involvement to the board.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes, I have attended several board meeting. I have observed the board doing a goodjob but it could do an even better job if it empowered its schools and teachers grantingthem the needed flexibility to truly address the student’s needs.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a school board member is to make decisions about educational programsbased on community needs, values, and expectations. The school boards primary focusshould be on the students. The needs of students are to be translated into policies that willbe supported by the community.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: - no response -Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Unfortunately a silent achievement gap exists as low-income and minority students aremuch less likely than their higher-income and white peers to earn high academicachievements. All cultural, racial and ethnic differences should be acknowledged andrespected while providing curriculum and instructional techniques that will narrow theachievement gap without lowering it.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: There are always areas of improvement when there are students that remain truant ordropout. A program such as Assuring School Attendance Program (A.S.A.P.) has beeneffective in other districts but any program would have to be adjusted to fit our district.The process of reducing the dropout numbers involves four mechanisms: Prediction:Processes for identifying students early on who are in danger of dropping out.Intervention: Programs and initiatives to help high-risk students get back on track.Prevention: Ways to organize school programs that will minimize the chances a student willbecome at risk of dropping out. Recovery: Options for keeping older students in thepipeline when intervention and prevention are not enough. Each student is different andthere is a root cause for lack of interest in school. An assessment of the causes is a goodstarting point but the solution rest in collaboration between the district and parents thatwill strengthen families and develop resilient children.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?


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A: Ensure that students have been given the proper math and science instructions inmiddle school so they are on track in high school to complete college preparatory courses.Programs that develop and assist more students realize the goal of college attainment.Promote a college going culture and connections with local and state colleges anduniversities. Having the right credentials to get into college doesn’t necessarily meanstraight A’s. It just means students should earn decent grades, take college-preparatorycourses, and perform well on their college entrance exams. Students who fulfill the abovecredentials should be able to get into a competitive, four-year college, even if it isn’t theirdream college. These accomplishments will be a direct reflection of our high school.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: There is a need for more accountability, authority and discipline in our educationsystem.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technology is evolving and expanding daily. It is here today and will be an integral partin the future. Students should be familiar with technological advances that will preparethem to be productive citizens in society. Both laptops and textbooks should be used.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Develop and build leaders and advocates for the schools within their neighborhood.Parents, Neighbors, and the whole community around the school belong together. Theyneed to 'own' their school for their children, and need to be involved in the decisionmaking. True Learning Communities are the best way to ensure the importance of parentinvolvement, school spirit, and discipline! This has made neighborhood schools successfulover many centuries over the entire world, whether diverse or not.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Yes, performance-based pay can have a positive impact on student achievement.School boards could consider these things when designing a pay-for-performance plan:Guarantee stable and adequate funding. If teachers think funds will dry up, they have littleincentive to change. Provide competitive compensation. Determine how large awardsneed to create a true incentive for teachers to change their practice, or to attract newteachers to a district. Build strong measurement systems. Value-added measures offerpromise as fair ways to assess student growth, since they measure the gains studentshave made since the previous year rather than overall achievement. These systems shouldbe used to monitor the plan’s effectiveness. Include principals, administrators, andteachers in the design process. Getting ideas and agreement from those most directlyaffected will smooth implementation. There are several grants that may be applicablesuch as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 which includes $200 millionfor the Teacher Incentive Fund, which will provide grants to states and districts to developperformance-based compensation systems for teachers and principals.



Phil McNeely

Biographical Info:Name: Phil McNeelyStreet Address: 839 Sherrill Blvd.City/Town: DuncanvilleState: TexasDate of Birth: 1/10/1952E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: Education


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A: Bachelor of Business Administration Master's Degree of Education with a Certificate inAdministrationQ: Length of residency in district:A: 28 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retired Educator and Boy's Basketball Coach Duncanville High SchoolQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Nominated for Duncanville Man of the Year Grand Marshal - Duncanville Lion's 4th ofJuly ParadeQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Fairmeadow Basketball Program - Mentoring Program (1995-1998) Member of 1stUnited Methodist Church in DuncanvilleQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: NoneQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: Self-fundedQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I was an educator and coach for 31 years. I have been actively involved in theDuncanville Independent School district for the past 27 years. My entire family hascontributed or continues to contribute the educational community. My father retired as anAsst. Superintendent for Irving ISD. My mother and brother are retired teachers. My sisterserves as President of the Crosby ISD Board of Trustees at the present time. My daughter,Kristin, attended Duncanville schools her entire school career. My wife is currentlyemployed at Duncanville High School as a Support Counselor and has been employed for28 years with the Duncanville ISD. I believe that I can offer this office a unique perspectivefrom my experiences.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Positive and safe environment for students and employees. Communication. Employeemorale.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I grew up in a family of educators who were involved in every level of education fromteaching through administration. My father retired as an Asst. Superintendent. I watchedthe day to day operations and the tough decisions that a school district faces. I have 31years experience myself in the educational process....27 years in Duncanville...I am aparent whose daughter graduated from Duncanville High school and benefitted from thoseexperiences. I am a community member who has lived and paid taxes for 28 years now.My wife continues to serve the Duncanville School District as a Support Counselor atDuncanville High School. A majority of her experiences have been working with SpecialEducation and At-Risk students. All of these life experiences give me a betterunderstanding of the issues that our school district faces. I will use these experiences inthis office.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes. I have learned where board members stand on issues as well as some immediateissues that our district is facing at this time.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: A board member should be a good team member; however, he/she should stand up forhis/her beliefs. It is important that a board member make time to be accessible to citizensand employees of our community. He/She should always be a good listener.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Our school district works hard each and every day to accomplish this goal at everylevel. We are constantly working to find strategies to help our students be successful. Outof 17 schools within our district, 9 schools were Exemplary, 4 schools were Recognized,and the rest were Academically Acceptable. Although there is always room for


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improvement, I believe that our teachers and administrators are doing a good job.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Duncanville continues to work hard to educate minority students. In the past severalyears our Latino population has increased greatly. We continue to develop successfulstrategies for "closing the gap" for all minority students. This is evident by our districts'academic ratings.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: We continue to develop strategies to prevent students from dropping out of school. Wemust continue to fine tune our instructional programs so that students will find theseprograms relevant and interesting. Programs must be in place to help students with issuesthat keep them from attending school on a regular basis.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Successful schools incorporate different elements of engaging students. They have thetotal package. Strong academics are essential; however, a balanced extra-curricularprogram is necessary in building the total student. The learning environment will have apositive outcome when parents, students, and teachers feel empowered.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Voters and taxpayers should be made aware of the formula and the funding burden thatis being transferred to the local taxpayer from the state level.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: State of the art technology is necessary for student success in today's world.Duncanville continues to strive to provide cutting edge technology and programs that arerelevant to today's world. Our career and technology program is one example of ourdistrict's success in the use of technology. Some of our programs offer our students anoppurtunity for knowledge that is taught at many colleges during the first year. Laptopsshould be a future goal of schools; however, funding will dictate the fulfilllment of this goal.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Parental oppurtunities for involvement are important. School communication can leadto better parent involvement. (i.e. district website, campus website, checking studentprogress on line, newsletters). Schools must continually work to provide different avenuesfor parent involvement.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Accountability is important to school success. Teachers are one key ingredient to thissuccess, but there are many other variables that go into student success. Positive studentoutcome should be rewarded.

Cynthia Werner

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares you


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to serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: - no response -Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: - no response -Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: - no response -Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: - no response -Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: - no response -Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: - no response -Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: - no response -Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: - no response -Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: - no response -



Renita Miller

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -


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Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: - no response -Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: - no response -Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: - no response -Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: - no response -Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: - no response -Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: - no response -Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: - no response -Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: - no response -Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: - no response -

Marlies Peregory

Biographical Info:Name: Marlies L PeregoryStreet Address: 411 Softwood DrCity/Town: DuncanvilleState: TexasWork or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-849-6110Campaign Web Site Address: marliesfortrustee.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district:A: Mrs. Peregory has been a resident of the Southwest Dallas area for over 20 years. Sheand her husband Larry have been married for over 25 years, and have three children whoattend Duncanville ISD schools.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Mehtodist Charlton Medical CenterQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Life Membership Texas PTA Supporter of Duncanville Education Foundation Activemember First Methodist Church Duncanville A founding member for a Hospial Auxillary forMethodist Charlton Medical CenterQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Nominated for Duncanville Woman of the Year-2008Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?


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A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: noQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: My purpose in running for re-election so I may continue the work the Board, as acohesive whole, initiated 3years ago; to increase fund balance, maintain a balanced budgetand move forward with our visionary planning for successful student achievement. As anincumbent trustee our goals as a Board will allow me to maintain the continuity in aforward motion. My preparation to hold this office is multi-faceted: a parent of 3 childrenwho reap the benefits of education from Duncanville ISD, a tax payer who lives inDuncanville , and employment with Methodist Charlton Medical Center which demands aknowledge and understanding of fiscal responsibility.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: • The continued support of the Districts vision of learner and engagement. • Takenecessary steps to enhance the safety, district wide, of the staff and students forDuncanville ISD.The first step was to implement a comprehensive study to identify thespecific areas of need and costs for school year 2010-2011. • Maintain a strict fiscalresponsibility to the taxpayers of Duncanville ISDQ: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: Incumbent experience and heavy community involvement keeps me aprised of what ison the minds of our taxpayers and staff.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: In 3 years I have missed 2 Board meetings because of family emergencies. Everymeeting I walk away with something. It may be a proud moment in teacher or studentachievement, listening to citizen’s voice their concerns in the public forum, orunderstanding the sometimes differing of opinion from fellow Board members.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The Board sets the direction of the district by establishing policy. They act as a wholewith the best interest of children as their focus.My role as Trustee is:accountability forstudent achievement,fiscal responsibility and accountability to the community.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: With 18 campuses ,Duncanville has 13 which are exemplary or recognized whichreflects how we are exceeding in academics, which is a result of the high standards weplace on quality teaching.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Setting high expectations for all students allows us to diversify opportunities oflearning.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: The drop out rate continues to be an issue for all districts. Schools need to evolve withthe changes in our societal systems. Keeping students engaged in learning is key.We needto look at developing diverse learning opportunities such as virtual classrooms.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Preparing students for career opportunities that are relative to their interests,strengthsand talents.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Inequitable state funding for public schools still exist in Texas. With strict fiscalresponsibility we have been able to continue our high standards of educationalopportunities without increased State funding or a tax increase.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: The emphasis should always be on meeting student’s needs. Duncanville has alwaysexcelled in areas of technology. Integration of other technologies for classroom learning is


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certainly something Duncanville would love to incorporate student laptops, virtualclassrooms and other technologies but at this time our hands are tied by the State pursestrings.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: The social media of Facebook and Twitter are 2 areas Duncanville has recentlyestablished as an outreach to parents, students, staff and the community. Parents alsohave online access to their child’s grades which are updated weekly. Parent educationprograms also help minimize the wall between home and school .Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Programs that have a positive impact on students have paved the way for enhancingcollaboration and rewards for designing engaging lessons ,so yes, I believe there should beacknowledgement of high performance between the teacher and student. The area of payis an issue to be further investigated, once again dollars tied up by our State legislators.

Grand Prairie ISD, Place 2Description: Note: All residents living within Grand Prairie ISD may vote in this race.


Cathy Dismore

Biographical Info:Name: Cathy DismoreStreet Address: 1818 Northtown DriveCity/Town: Grand PrairieState: TexasDate of Birth: March 13, 1953Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-641-0542Home Phone Number: 972-641-0542Mobile Phone Number: 214-755-6921E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: I am a graduate of Grand Prairie High School in 1971. I have a Bachelor's of MusicEducation and an elementary certification from the University of North Texas in 1975.Q: Length of residency in district:A: I have lived in Grand Prairie for forty years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am a retired Grand Prairie I.S.D. Teacher.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I am a member of Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church in Arlington where I direct threebell choirs. During my free time I like to volunteer with Pet Partners. I am a member ofDelta Society, an animal assistance program, and my dog, Holly, and I visit nursing homesand schools in Grand Prairie. Holly, is also a Reading Education Assistance Dog which usesthe companionship of therapy animals to build and encourage children’s love of books, andthe reading environment, and provides an opportunity for them to practice the full range ofcommunication skills. I am pleased to be able to provide positive experiences like this thathave been proven to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have raised $900 at this point.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Ann and John Pogue, Roger Dismore and Cathy Dismore.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?


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Please explain:A: No, I have never been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am a retired teacher. I gave twenty-six years of service to G.P.I.S.D. teaching fifthgrade, fourth grade, and elementary music. I graduated from Grand Prairie High School in1971 and have been a resident of Grand Prairie for forty years. I want to be an advocatefor teachers, students, and parents. I intend to be a voice for teachers as well as all typesof students regardless of their needs and issues. If a parent or a teacher comes to me witha situation, I will be a good listener and try to find answers. I realize that some things areregulated by state and national educational laws, but the things that can be resolvedlocally should be done with an educated decision for what is best for the education of GrandPrairie's children.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Low teacher morale is one of the biggest issues facing Grand Prairie Independent SchoolDistrict. If teacher morale is low, how will they be able to “Capture Kids’ Hearts”? Toimprove teacher morale, I would like to increase communication in acknowledging gains instudent’s performance. Small improvements should be applauded so that we get back toteaching the child. Teachers should be given a chance to brainstorm and give ideas onthings that would help improve morale. Another way morale might improve is by havinginput on new programs. One idea might be to have "Foot Health Fridays" where teachersare encouraged to wear athletic shoes and casual attire. Change is good if it makes theteacher’s and student’s job more efficient, but not if it just creates more work. Happyteachers create a healthy learning environment.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I am the best choice for this position because I am a retired teacher, parent, andtaxpayer. My recent experience as a teacher makes me familiar with the day-in andday-out struggles teachers face. I am passionate about education and want to serve thecitizens of Grand Prairie.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended many meetings this school year. I have learned that while it is a forumfor citizens to ask questions, I have realized that the process is slow since they only meetonce a month. I love the fact that accomplishments for schools are acknowledged andstudents are encouraged to attend to see how the board works.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a school board member as part of the board is to govern and oversee themanagement of the school district, levy and collect taxes, set the policies for GPISD,develop and improve the educational system, secure adequate financing, select thesuperintendent of schools, and foster good community relations. To initiate policies, theboard member should first research to see that the policy adheres to the goals andobjectives of the district and follows the the guidelines set forth by TEA. When deemedappropriate and beneficial to the students and constituents of Grand Prairie, then the boardmember should work with the superintendent to propose the new policy.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: This past year, Grand Prairie schools had a gain in both Math and Reading. Three of theelementary schools that have done an outstanding job of getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math are Powell Elementary, Moore Elementary, and WhittElementary. I am most familiar with Powell elementary having been a former teacherthere. The entire staff is committed to helping each child. All staff members, includingoffice staff work one on one with individuals tutoring. The positive encouragement andcreative lessons keep students engaged. Most schools in Grand Prairie do this, but alongwith staff involvement, the parents are invested in their child's education as well. I feelthat for a school to be completely successful, it must be a joint effort of staff, student, andparents.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: While Grand Prairie I.S.D. has done a good job in this area, to improve even more, Iwould encourage a dual language, two way immersion program for those that might wishto participate. This type of program would put English speaking children with Spanish


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speaking children. Their subjects would be taught half the day in English and half the day inSpanish. Research shows that not only do students in these programs perform on gradelevel or better, they complete the program being bilingual. This accomplishes many things.Students are more accepting of other cultures, they learn another language, and as aresult are more prepared for our global community in the job market. "When you learn anew language you gain another world." - GoetheQ: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Grand Prairie can be proud of a new Career and Technology High School, Dubiski HighSchool. This year is Dubiski High School's first year. This school offers a variety of techprograms and advanced programs to help students with their further education or careersafter high school. The school also has a small city where students do the various jobs. Tohelp with the dropout problem, I would encourage the district to start as early aselementary school, making students aware of this type of program. Possibly field trips orpresentations by the students at Dubiski High School. Improving parent education andcommunication is vital in reducing the number of dropouts.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Successful high schools and middle schools begin with great leadership and instruction.If the students are learning and enjoying school, discipline issues are less. Parents,students, and teachers need to work together. School spirit and friendships are importantas well, so that the students feel like they belong. Participation in electives such as finearts and sports can sometimes be the one thing that motivates a student to do their best.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: An uncomfortable truth is that the dollar does not stretch as far as it used to. With newadvances in technology, come new costs, and technology is constantly changing. Anotheruncomfortable truth is that the school cannot do it all. The parents must build a foundationat home of respect and character for the child to thrive at school.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technology is being used effectively in some classrooms. Some schools in Grand Prairiehave Smart Boards and i-pods for the students to use. The boards are interactive and thestudents are more engaged. Each school has one or two computer labs and each teacherhas their own computer. Because of the high cost of technology, not all classrooms havethe equipment that some classrooms are supplied with. Newer schools seem to be builtwith technology in mind. I think laptops will be the wave of the future, but the cost will begreat and it may have to be a gradual implementation.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Getting parents involved in school has always been a tough issue since most familiesare two income families and are tired when they get home from work. Grand Prairie ISDand their schools, offer numerous opportunities for parents to be involved from HealthFairs, to PTA programs, and sports activities. Other opportunities for parent involvementinclude evenings with their child at school for Science night, Math night, and CampRead-a-lot. Offering "fun technology" nights for the parents might be one way to getparents more involved since this is an ever changing area.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: I feel strongly that teacher pay should not be linked to student performance. While allstudents can learn, not all students come to school with the same background. I personallyhave taught in an economically disadvantaged school and a higher economic school. Whena child has not been fed anything at home, he is not thinking about his education, he isthinking about his next meal. This is an added challenge for the teacher. The pressure thatis placed on students, teachers, and principals for their school to pass the TAKS test isincredible and if you then link pay to student performance, it is my opinion that manyteachers would leave the profession.

Jonathan Kirby

Biographical Info:

Questions:Q: EducationA: - no response -Q: Length of residency in district:A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: - no response -


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Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - no response -Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: - no response -Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: - no response -Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: - no response -Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - no response -Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: - no response -Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: - no response -Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: - no response -Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: - no response -Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: - no response -Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: - no response -Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: - no response -Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: - no response -Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: - no response -Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: - no response -Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: - no response -

Chester McCrary

Biographical Info:Name: Chester McCraryStreet Address: 3637 Ridgewood DrCity/Town: Grand PrairieState: Texas


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Date of Birth: October 1942Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: N / AHome Phone Number: 972 642-8587Mobile Phone Number: N / AFax Number: N /AE-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: n / A

Questions:Q: EducationA: Graduated from: Grand Prairie High School Texas A&M Commerce - BS Texas A&MCommerce - MSQ: Length of residency in district:A: LifeQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: RetiredQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Board of Trustees Grand Prairie ISDQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: N/AQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: N/AQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: NoneQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: N/AQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: The reason I am running for this office is that I care deeply about GPISD. I amqualified because I have been a public school teacher 23 years, teacher of the year at GPHigh School in 1985, a Career and Technology Director 5 years and an administrator forGPISD 14 years. I have worked in maintenance and operations and curriculum andinstruction. My extensive voluntary training by the Center for Reform for School Systems(CRSS)(also known as The Texas Institute for School Boards) and TASB training sets meapart as a better prepared candidate. .Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: The most important actions I would take would be to hold the superintendentaccountable for continuing improvement in student success, make sure the board adopts afiscally responsible budget based on the district's vision and goals, and work closely withthe board to insure we are a team of eight.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The key differences are my four years experience as a board member, my votingrecord on policy and governance, and my extensive voluntary training by the Center forReform for School Systems (CRSS)(also known as The Texas Institute for School Boards)and TASB to be a better board member.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended every board meeting for four years with one exception. Also, I haveattended many workshops and seminars oh how to be a better board member. I havelearned that it is critical that the board select the best superintendent possible, supportthat superintendent, set high standards and hold the superintendent accountable.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The board members role is to govern by policy and to make certain the superintendentis always directly involved in the policy development process. Board members need tofoster cooperation, not compliance, and strive for a balance between accountability andresponsibility. One of the reasons school boards exist is to foster relationships betweenteachers and students. Policy is made through board workshops, individual research andcollaborative dialogue with the administrative staff, superintendent, teachers and


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community members.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Over the past three years math and reading, as measured by commendable scores,have improved significantly at the elementary level. This preparation in elementary schoolhas built a foundation that we anticipate will be a healthy opportunity for improvedachievement for all students going forward. This commendable achievement is due to highperforming teachers and competent leadership at the campus administrative level.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: The achievement gap between student populations has closed significantly in GPISD.There is no gap in ELA scores and math and science have shown double digit improvementduring my board term. Making instructional decisions based on data and addressingindividual student’s needs is serving to close the gap.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: I support the Crosswind’s Accelerated High School as well as Dubiski Career andTechnology High School as schools of choice. Opportunities for choice within the schooldistrict give student ownership of their own learning. Engaged classrooms and attention toeach student’s learning needs both contribute to reducing the dropout rate.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Ingredients that make a successful school are a strongly aligned curriculum, engagedstudents, teachers who have access to the tools, training, and support needed to work withadolescents and young adults, access to co-curricular and extra-curricular activities,appropriate and up-to-date technology, and spacious facilities.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Public schools continue to be underfunded. Funding was “frozen” in 2006 and some ofour students who are the most difficult to teach attend the most poorly funded schools.Students of today deal with many problems that were not concerns to educators of a fewdecades ago. We have students who are homeless, who have one or more parentincarcerated, and who live in stark poverty. These students must be held to high academicstandards; however, if they are to break free of their circumstances, we must have thetime and resources to meet their immediate needs, build significant and appropriate adult-student relationships, and help them build a foundation for their own future.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technology is being used very effectively in most schools today. Our students usenetbooks, ipods, and many other types of technology. Laptops are a tool for handlingknowledge and data; textbooks are another resource for students and teachers to use. Theemphasis should be on the instructors of today having the most access possible to all typesof learning / teaching resources.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Our principals and parent liaisons do a great job of getting parents involved. We havefamily science and math nights, open house, parent meetings for scholarships and collegeinformation and other events. We recently hosted a number of evening meetings formiddle school students and parents so they could plan the next four years! I believe thatwe should keep making parents feel welcome and treat them like the customer. As a boardmember, I always want to listen to parents and help them find the best ways to help theirchildren be successful in school.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: It is very difficult to fairly link teacher pay and student performance. We want to hireand retain the highest quality teachers we can find and pay them the most money we canpay them!

Irving ISD, Place 5Description: Note: All residents living within Irving ISD may vote in this race.


Gwen Craig

Biographical Info:Name: Gwen CraigStreet Address: 804 S. Story Road


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City/Town: IrvingState: TXDate of Birth: June 20,1949Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-790-6925Home Phone Number: 972-790-6925E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: I am a 1967 graduate from Irving High. I hold an Associates’ Degree from MountainView Community College, a Bachelor of Arts from North Texas University and a Master’s inEducation from the University of North Texas.Q: Length of residency in district:A: My husband and I have resided in Irving ISD for twenty-three years. Our three childrenare Irving graduates.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: My main source of income comes as a result of being a retired educator from the TexasTeacher's Retirement System. My husband as a pastor receives a housing allowance andgasoline allowance as well.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I am a president of the Irving chapter of the Association of Texas ProfessionalEducators. I am involved in my church that my husband pastors. I have been a volunteerfor Irving Baylor Healthcare for over three years.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I was involved in each one of my children's schools as a volunteer. I served as an officerwith the Nimitz Booster Club. I have always been a member of PTA in each of the schoolsthat my children attended and the schools that I was employed.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I have never sought a public office before now.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have raised $1,450 so far in my campaign.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: My top three financial contributers are: Larry Craig Kelly & Shawn Hancock JuliaRahmerQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No, I have never been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I became a teacher because I wanted to help kids, I became a counselor because Iwanted to help kids, and I want to become a trustee of Irving ISD to help kids. I am atwenty year veteran educator and during my educational experience have served onvarious committees including District Improvement Committees in two different districts. Ihave served as a classroom assistant, a special needs classroom teacher, and anelementary counselor. I am interested in helping Irving ISD to bring the best programsthat promote the success of all children.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. I would like to see more parent involvement and would suggest that we have a daythat all parents could observe a showcase of services that are available to them. I wouldtry to find ways to show parents that they are major stakeholders in their children’seducation. There are parent initiative grants that can be applied for to promote parentinvolvement. Perhaps the district could discuss the feasibility of providing funding for ameal at certain parent activities in the evenings since parents may have a difficult timegetting to a meeting because they must prepare the meal for their family. 2. While IrvingISD works extremely hard to retain teachers, it still continues to be an issue. I would lookfor ways to keep our good teachers in Irving by showing them how valuable they are tothe educational process. Again educational grants are available to help encourage teachersto try methods that will enable students to be more successful. When teachers are able tosee students being successful, they have more vested where they have experiencedsuccess and will want to stay. Another idea that may help in retaining teachers is to allowthem to have choice in grade level that they wish to teach as positions become available intheir favorite grade or subject that they are certified to teach. 3. I would like for ourdistrict to be able to provide net book computers for all of the middle school students. At


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the present time, each middle school has 360 net books that are shared by the school. Thisis a ratio of one computer for three students. There might be technology grants that areavailable to assist the district financially or bond money that can help pay for these.Q: Should the school district have single-member district representation? What kind ofsystem, and what boundaries, do you think would give citizens the best representation?A: If I am elected as a school board trustee, I believe that all students in Irving ISD wouldbe my responsibility. Single-member district representation tend to look at the needs ofthe students that reside in that district above the needs of all students in Irving ISD.Candidates for school board should be chosen for the qualifications that they possess ratherthan where they live. It is only as we reach out in our community and embrace all culturesthat all of our citizens and students are best represented. We must work together for thefuture of all the children in our district.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The main difference between my opponent and I is I have spent many years in theeducation business. I understand that every child can learn and need opportunities tosucceed. As a veteran educator, I have been in the classroom and challenged children tolearn and have observed both their successes and failures. Having been an educator, Iunderstand the challenges that educators face as they teach children to reach theirpotential and go beyond the expectations of the state.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I attend school board meetings regularly; not only do I attend the evening boardmeeting, but many times I attend the noon work session. I have learned that the boardhears from the administration and makes many decisions based on the information thatthey received at a noon session on the evening of the board meeting. We have devotedand committed board members; they spend many hours discussing the business of ourdistrict. While our board members do not always agree, they are very respectful of oneanother and seem to be open-minded. I have observed the board ask the administrationto gather more information so that they can make the best informed decision.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a school board member is to govern and oversee the management of thepublic schools of the district. (Education Code 11.151(b) The board contracts and appraisesthe superintendant who in turn initiates the board policies. The Board of Trustees sets thetax rate and approves the employment and discharging of all staff. The Board of Trusteesvotes on policies that are set in the district.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: There are three elementary schools that have earned Exemplary ratings, they areFarine Elementary, John Haley Elementary, and Stipes Elementary. I have visited with theadministrators or staff in these schools and every member of the staff tutors for forty-fiveminutes at least twice a week. Students that are having difficulties get more one on one.One of the teachers told me that they are not forced to do this, but volunteer to do this sothat they can see students succeed. The administrators of these schools even have theirgroups that they tutor. This tells me that it takes all of us to get children on track inreading and math. One of these administrators told me that they just teach the children tolearn and do not focus on the test, but focus on teaching students to read. I also visitedLamar Middle School who do many things to help their students and are very close toExemplary status. Teachers and staff spend many hours after school tutoring students.Lamar also has Saturday workshops focusing on the different core subjects. I was told thateach staff member is dedicated to help students learn.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: We must continue offering the Dual Language classes that challenge students by givingthem instruction in English and their native language. Students actually get manyopportunities to use their higher thinking skills when they are in dual language classes. Wemust encourage student to participate in extracurricular activities such as fine arts andsports. If we can connect them to some of these extracurricular activities, they will stay inschool. If they are not passing their classes, they cannot take part in these extracurricularactivities because of UIL regulations. This is another way that we can reach out forparental support.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: The district is offering vocational programs to help lower the number of dropouts.


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Barbara Cardwell Career Preparatory Center works with Ratteree Career DevelopmentCenter and offer programs in Cosmetology, Auto Technology, Collision, Diesel Tech, andTransportation to prepare students for career skills so that they might gain employmentusing those skills right after graduation. When we offer these programs to our students,they see hope and will not drop out of school. We need to address what motivates studentsto stay in school and have as many programs that we can to encourage students to stay inschool. We also need to understand that early intervention is important to lower thenumber of dropouts. Teachers need to start talking about college and careers with childrenas early as kindergarten and continue to teach them the possibilities all the way throughtheir school experience.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: I believe that the technology initiative that we have in Irving that puts a laptop or smallcomputer in each student’s hand will help our students be successful. We must continue tostrive for more parent involvement to help our middle school and high school students.Good communication between home and school is an absolute must in order to havesuccessful high schools and middle schools. We must also strive to keep our highly qualifiededucators that can identify with these students in these schools.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: One uncomfortable truth about local public schools is that educating our young people isvery expensive and if we want to continue to help students be successful, we will have topay the price. It is our responsibility as voters and taxpayers to educate all children thatreside in Irving ISD.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: I am very proud of the fact that technology is being utilized effectively in theclassrooms. We have put laptops in the hands of our high school and some of our middleschool students. The Early Childhood Centers and the Elementary Schools all have fourcomputers in each classroom and that is very important. I walked into an Early ChildhoodCenter last week and saw that these computers are being used for Science concepts. It isobvious that we are moving toward more technology when four years olds are learninghow to use computers. Teachers need to continue to integrate technology into their lessonplans as well as give students the opportunity to illustrate their learning throughtechnology. I think the future will continue to dictate computer instruction.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Technology is another way that we can get parents involved in schools. Each of theteachers and staff that I visited at one school have a Twitter account that parents canaccess. The schools that I have visited that have good parent involvement have parentcenters where they can bring their young children when they are volunteering for theschools. This also encourages those young children to anticipate going to school and theyhave a more positive first day experience in Pre Kindergarten or Kindergarten. When theirpreschoolers are welcomed, parents feel welcome and want to take part in the educationprocess.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: All teachers should feel a responsibility for their students’ performance. If teachers workhours outside of the work day, they should be compensated for those hours. I am not infavor of giving someone more money just because their students performed better on astandardized test. A teacher might have very high achieving students one year and thenext year low achieving students. When teachers are paid for student performance, theyare penalized for reaching out to low-performing students that might not be able to scoreas high on tests.

Pedro Portillo

Biographical Info:Name: Pedro PortilloStreet Address: 2601 S. MacArthur Blvd.City/Town: IrvingState: TXDate of Birth: 7/19/1955Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-215-9233Home Phone Number: 972-804-6556Mobile Phone Number: 214-287-8590Fax Number: 972-986-2150E-mail Address: [email protected]


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Campaign Web Site Address: voteforpedroportillo.blogspot.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Master degree in Philosophy Master degree in TheologyQ: Length of residency in district:A: 10 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Senior Pastor at Santa Maria de Guadalupe Lutheran ChurchQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Member of the Superintendent's Advisory Council on Diversity Board member of theIrving Police Academy Advisory Committee Member of Irving Fire Cheif's MulticulturalAdvisory CommitteeQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Member Of Excellence Now Committee of Irving ISD appointed by the School BoardQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $ 3,000.00 So farQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: Rene Castilla Meyancis Chevez Dr. Elba GarciaQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running because I believe as my campaign motto says, "We can educate betterunited together" Voters should consider me the most qualified candidate because I havebeen preparing myself to run for this position for the last 5 years. I will bring a passionwhich grows out of my occupation as a Pastor to represent all students of all races andethnic backgrounds with an emphasis on involving more parents with the IISD. One of mygoals is to build a bridge between the district and all parents to make them feel morewelcome to serve our district.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - Search for the most talented and gifted teachers we can find. - Conduct frequent TownHall meetings to constantly address drop out prevention. - Formulate a plan with the helpof other board members to take all of our low achieving schools to an exemplary level. Iwould push for them through diligience and committment and by seeking the buy in fromall parties throughout our District. We must adequately manage the budget to achievethese goals, but the town hall meetings won't cost much and collaboration with localbusinesses can stem any budget shortfalls the District might have.Q: Should the school district have single-member district representation? What kind ofsystem, and what boundaries, do you think would give citizens the best representation?A: This is an issue that I believe should be decided by the majority of voters within theIISD boundaries. I understand, that this issue is still in the appellete courts so the courtsmay still decide this issue for the district once the 2010 census is completed.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: This is the key area that I believe I'm better prepared to acomplish than my opponent.I am running because I believe at this time, I can better involve parents of all races to getmore involved in the IISD.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended many school board meetings. I have also attended the school boardwork sessions and I have learned that this is where the issues coming before the board areresolved and throughly vented before going out to the public school board meeting.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: To be an advocate for all employees of the District, all teachers, councelors and ofcourse all parents and students and to ensure all District policies adhere to State andFederal law. A board member should be an active listener and a proactive leader whoworks with the school district keeping a watch for any and all new policies that canimprove the delivery of education to all students.


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Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Branderburg and Farine Elementary, just to name two. What the District can learn fromthem is attitude. From the principals of these two schools and throughout their staff it is acolletive team effort to reach the goal of all students being on grade level in reading andmath.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: This is an area that I beleive will be one of my strengths as a board member. I will be apositive role model for all the latino children and anglo kids to send a message that we areall a part of the same team. The parents must get more involved in closing this gap.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: I think Irving like all Districts can do better in this area. This is one of the big issueswhere I feel I can make a big difference. I intend to tell the Hispanic parents in particularand all parents that they have nothing to fear in becoming more involved in helping thedistrict prevent dropouts. I will achieve this by frequent Town Hall meetings.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: The ingredients are strong communication, strong parental involvement, strongbusiness partnerships and a collective community effort to stress the importance of aquality education by providing tutoring, mentoring and help by providing programs for thelow achieving students.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The economic gap that tends to push upper income families into the private schoolsand, the other uncomfortable truth is that many taxpayers feel the school taxes are toohigh and may get higher.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Of course! Distance learning is just one example. We can virtually have a class visitliterally any setting in most parts of our country and the world with distance learningtechnology. I believe the emphasis should be balanced between textbooks and laptops.Every child learns differently.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Through encouraging more parental involvement in PTA's, by communicating by e-mailsand newletters where they can give me feedback and by frequent Town Hall meeting allacross the IISD seeking input from parents from all walks of life.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: I believe this is already being done in many school districts all across the state andcountry. This is a decision that should be made collectively by the board and should bespecified upfront in all teacher contracts and the district should get the approval of themajority of the community before doing this throughout the district. I personally believe inrewarding master teachers.

Irving ISD, Place 7Description: Note: All residents living within Irving ISD may vote in this race.


Ronda Huffstetler

Biographical Info:Name: Ronda HuffstetlerStreet Address: 332 Lane StCity/Town: IrvingState: TxDate of Birth: 5/18/59Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-257-0434


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Mobile Phone Number: 214

Questions:Q: EducationA: I graduated in 1977 from Irving High School. I became a licensed cosmetologist in 1978and have continued taking mandated coursework for the last 34 years.Q: Length of residency in district:A: I have lived in Irving for 42 years and my two sons are graduates from MacArthur HighSchool.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am a self-employed business owner as a licensed Cosmetologist.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: . President of the Sunrise Rotary Club IISD Land and Facilities Committee, ActingChairmen IISD Policy Review CommitteeQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Past president of Altrusa Past president of local Irving schools PTAs Past president of theIrving Council of PTAs Past president of the MacArthur Booster ClubQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I have only sought and held School Board Trustee position.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: To date, I have raised approximately $1500.00.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Mr. Harry Longwell, Nancy Klinke, Mr. and Mrs. StehmanQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I have no arrest record or criminal proceedings.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I have served as your school board representative for three terms. I feel that myexperience, along with the respect of other board members, I am able to bring to the tablethe ability to express my thoughts and present the research of the subjects at hand. In myservice as your trustee, I have always maintained the policy of listening to parents,teachers, and administrators to ensure that only the best decisions—those that affect ourstudents and taxpayers, are made and my voting reflects this. I have owned a smallbusiness in Irving for17 years. During the trying years since 911 I have had to rethink andbring new ideas to my business to keep it going and to help it grow. The same is true as aboard member when faced with prioritizing spending to ensure that the end result ishelping our students learn. Experience, especially in this economy, should be an asset forthe voters. Many projects specified in the 2007 Bond are nearing completion and I feel Ihave been instrumental in holding parties accountable to spend accordingly. The publicwants safe and secure dwellings. In past votes you will see that security was an importantaction and we have changed to keyless locks at all buildings and security checks uponentering the buildings. Cameras have been installed inside and out at all buildings. Ourteachers are among the highest paid so Irving can attract and retain “highly qualified”teachers and provide this type of instruction. That money came from a board consensus tokeep our fund balance very healthy.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Three actions to focus on include: a. Continue to research and use my vote to promoteprograms that prepare all students, including our non-college bound students. We must getall students to graduate from high school. b. Prepare to make the changes necessary forthe new state mandated STARR testing. I would push for the changes to be provided tostakeholders to ensure compliance. As a member of the Curriculum committee, I haveknowledge of the importance of making a smooth transition for new exit level testing. c.As a board member I would always be aware of our fiscal responsibility of not overspending and keeping our fund balance above the 16.67% as our policy mandates.Q: Should the school district have single-member district representation? What kind ofsystem, and what boundaries, do you think would give citizens the best representation?A: No-to single-member district representation. Keeping all places at large insures that allboard members are working for the good of the district and not just their home schools.The board is to work as a collaboration of people to come up with actions that better allour children and all of our buildings and all of our programs. We represent all children andthis philosophy crosses all boundaries {neighborhood, ethnic, economic,etc.}Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you the


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best choice?A: I have only briefly met my opponent and have not had an opportunity to serve with himon any committees and I do not believe his children are school age at this point. Myexperience to serve as a re-elected board member comes from working in the schools. Mytwo sons graduated in this district and I have been involved in each school they attended.Being knowledgeable of the highs and challenges in our district is one thing. Havingexperience in working through these matters sets me apart from my opponent. I haveworked hard to serve this community and build trusted relationships with the staff, so myvoice could be heard when representing our students. I believe a school board membershould have some type of first hand knowledge of what goes on in the schools and thechallenges that face our teachers and students. I have this knowledge. As a businessowner, I am cognizant of the tax base and am comfortable making the decisions that areneeded to move our schools to the next level.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: For nine years I have attended board meetings as a member. I attended prior to myfirst appointment. I have learned that it takes 4 votes to make changes. If at some pointyou can not earn the respect and trust to get your 4 votes to make changes, then you maybe in the wrong place. I have also learned that because of state and federal mandates andlaws there are things that cannot be changed. You work as a team to make excellentchoices for our students. I have also learned that decisions should be based on data andhow the end result will benefit the students.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a school board member is to guide and support the Superintendent not tomicromanage his movements. A board member can always initiate new policies or reviewexisting policies. You need 4 votes to make it happen so you need to be prepared withfindings to make it happen.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: The schools that have reached recognized and exemplary status from the State aredefinitely schools to consider as models. Sharing best practices is always a benefit.However, the majority of our schools are inches away from reaching recognized orexemplary status and many have remarkable reading, science and math programs. Theseschools are largely represented by their ICE (Irving Celebrates Excellence) submissions. Inthe past year the district has spent more training time as “clusters” and reviewing thesedisciplines as stepping stones (elementary to middle to high school). I believe our studentswill benefit from this “building block” mentality. Students taking math in their senior yearof high school will also have a great benefit to their college readiness.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: If you watch the reports that are given at board meetings you will see that Irving isclosing the gap between Latino students and Anglo students. Many of our Latino studentsare performing at very high rates. Anglo students’ rates remain steady at a marginalincrease. It has taken time but we have always moved forward on this gap. My thoughtshave always been to have very good bilingual teachers that can speak both languagesclearly to their students and to educate the parents on the value of education and thevalue of their involvement in it. While we are required to look at sub-group reports, myphilosophy is that ALL children are capable of learning, although there are culturalconsiderations. However, my expectation is that our Superintendent, Administration andTeachers embrace and display this mentality to work in the district.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: We have a good system in place to try and keep our freshmen in school until theirsenior year, but we have to continue working on the drop off rate. We have to keep ourstudents and parents engaged in the process to embrace the benefit of having aneducation. For many of our students they are first time graduates in their family, so thechallenge is difficult. That being said, the families want their students to graduate and wemust consider each and every student as an individual person and not as a “widget’. It is2010 and many districts understand that some students learn in a non-traditional settingand can excel. Irving has some wonderful programs offered at the Cardwell Preparatoryand Singley Academy that benefit these students and help to prepare them for a career inthe workforce as well as college.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: The main ingredients are a great Principal and a great staff (teachers, office clerks,


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aides, crossing guards, etc.). How this “village” creates the climate is what makes all thedifference. I have seen it with my children and the children of my friends. The childrenknow if the staff wants them there and wants to make school the best learningenvironment possible. Ask any great leader and they have a wonderful story about ateacher that makes all the difference. The other component is parents. Parents must beengaged and involved in their child’s education.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The Texas State funding formula is not adequate and until it is changed the state has ashortfall for education that the community will pay thru local taxesQ: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: This year the Board changed board goal # 4 to say “require” all professional staff toeffectively facilitate teaching and learning by engaging in high quality staff developmentand using technological resources to engage students so that all graduates can succeed.Using technology extends beyond the research on internet, PowerPoint presentations andspreadsheets. Technology allows us the opportunity to use out of the box methods forlearning the core and extra curricular disciplines (distract learning classes at Irving High,Skate Kids Reading program at John Haley Elementary, on campus media teams at manyof the elementary, middle and high schools are some examples). Irving has always beennationally recognized for our use of technology via our 1 to 1 laptop program. We are nowusing technology extensively to reach our students and parents via Twitter, Teleparent andemail. On-line textbooks are the direction that many colleges have gone to and ourstudents are having the same opportunity. For many students there is a need for hard copybooks and we need to have limited supply for their usage. The state has mandates fortextbook purchases and Irving does a great job in working within the confines of themandate. Reading is fundamental and we must provide the means so students have thebest opportunity to have access to the reading material.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: I have severed on the District Improvement Committee and within that I served on theParent Involment committee and made several suggestions with other members that wereput to task and we have seen great improvement with that. Since I have been on theBoard we have added the Parent Student services Department. We have over 5000 Fathersparticipate in Strong Fathers programs at several Schools. The Hippy programs services400 families in the homes to become better readers for their children. Irving.net teachesEnglish classes and classes on how to understand the School system and there are over350 participants. This is what I have already been helping to accomplish in terms ofparental involvement. Parents of students and retired parents always have a place in IISD.Our students’ success is directly correlated with the support they receive from parentalinvolvement and as a Board member I will never cease my solicitation for more to getinvolved.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: When I am asked this question I always hear the answer that Mr. Singley would give.No, teacher pay and student performance should not be linked. The teacher’s goal shouldbe to always teach at their best. Some of the very best teachers have challenging classesand conversely some have classes full of high achievers. One does not choose thisprofession strictly for monetary gain. Excellent teachers bring out the best in their studentsand if a student improves, even at a small percentage, this is a triumph! Districts shouldand we have provided incentives for teachers through extra curricular stipends and thestate DATE program.

Jamey Stegall

Biographical Info:Name: Jamey StegallStreet Address: 3210 McDermottCity/Town: IrvingState: Texas


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Date of Birth: 07/24/1973Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-401-8789Home Phone Number: 972-986-7052Mobile Phone Number: 214-717-9210E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: I have a Bachelors of Science in Business Management and I am 12 hours away fromcompleting a Masters Degree in Human Resources. I have attended extensive leadershipand human resources training where I have gained knowledge on retention, recruitment,teambuilding, and process improvement. I also consider my enlistment in the UnitedStates Marine Corps a quality education where I learned lessons on integrity, loyalty,commitment, and dedication.Q: Length of residency in district:A: I have been a resident In Irving for the past 7 years. I have attended Church andworked in Irving for the past 9 years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I have been employed at Las Colinas Medical Center for 10 years working in variouspositions spanning from supervisory positions to most recently human resources andrecruiting. I recently transitioned to the division office, HCA North Texas. I am currentlyworking on a pilot project “North Texas Veterans Connecting with Healthcare”. Theprogram was designed to assist veterans’ transition into the healthcare industry. I havehad the opportunity to build a strong relationship with the military community and I canhonestly say this has been the most gratifying project I have been involved in. Our militarymen and women are true heroes and I have been honored to assist veterans in findingemployment within my organization.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I am an active member of Irving North Christian Church where I currently serve as aDeacon and I also served several years as a youth sponsor. Irving North Christian Churchhas a long-standing commitment to serving the community and I have been blessed to bea part of their many outreach efforts. I am also a member of the Dallas Fort WorthHealthcare Human Resources Association.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I am a past member of the Irving Evening Loins Club. This club has done manywonderful things for the children of Irving and I take great pride in being associated withthe Irving Evening Lions Club.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: None.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: To this point my campaign has been self funded.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: N/AQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: Yes, 12 years ago I was arrested for Public Intoxication and charged with amisdemeanor for resisting arrest in my hometown of Wichita Falls, Texas. I had justreturned home from the Marines and I was celebrating Memorial Day with some friendsand I was arrested for public intoxication. I was in my early twenties and I used poorjudgment. I took complete accountability for my behavior and I believe this incidenthelped shape me into the man I am today. I can honestly say it was a valuable lesson inhumility that I carry with me to this day and which I will never forgetQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I have a vested interest in the Irving School District with 2 children and I am running tomake a difference. I bring integrity, a commitment to serve, and I have a provenprofessional record of achievement. I am a lifelong learner and I have a passion foreducation. I will bring an ethical and fiscally conservative approach to the School Board. Ihave expertise in problem solving, relationship building, service excellence, and recruitingwhich would be an asset to me as a board member. I have extensive experience workingon various process improvement teams and have experience establishing workingrelationships at all organizational levels and across organizational boundaries.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?


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A: 1. Set new standards and improve the quality of education. There is no additional cost,this requires the School Board to raise standards and set clear expectations. According tothe AEIS 2008-2009 report evaluating the class of 2008, only 39% were college ready inMath and English. This is unacceptable and the School Board can no longer accept this typeof mediocrity. 2. Make the schools safer and ensure our children have an environment thatis conducive to learning. We can pull community resources and build on existingpartnerships with the Irving Police Department. Also, the board can evaluate the district’spriorities and make the necessary adjustments to the budget. According to the 2008-2009budget, Bilingual/ESL education made up 24% of the budget while security and monitoringmade up only 1%. 3. Recruit and Retain top level teachers to educate our children. Theboard can look at existing recruiting and retention strategies but there should be noadditional costs. Many districts are comparable in salary so the top teachers are looking atother factors when choosing where to teach. The way to attract the top teachers is byraising the standards and creating a district where all of the top teachers want to teach.Q: Should the school district have single-member district representation? What kind ofsystem, and what boundaries, do you think would give citizens the best representation?A: I respect the recent decision by the courts and I believe the current system gives thebest representation.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My opponent is running on the assumption that 9 years of experience on the SchoolBoard automatically makes her more qualified and I respectfully disagree. There are 2things to consider when voting on May 8th, professional experience and education. I haveextensive experience demonstrating the skills which make an effective trustee. I havedemonstrated budgeting, leadership, and critical thinking skills in a corporate setting. I amalso focused on education and I am in the process of completing graduate school. Iunderstand and respect the dedication it takes to pursue an education. My professionalexperience, education, and tangible skills make me the logical choice for place 7.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I watch meetings on television and I consistently read the Board Action Newsletter. Ihave gained insight on the various protocols and the how meetings are conducted.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: In the simplest form the School Board has 3 primary functions, 1. Employs andevaluates the superintendent, 2. Establishes and oversees policy, 3. Approves the annualbudget. I believe a School Board Member represents the public and brings accountability tothe superintendent and district.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Farine Elementary and Stipes Elementary are 2 schools which have done an excellentjob. I believe we can use these 2 schools as a benchmark and evaluate their successes.The district can work with teachers and administration from these schools to build anachievement model for the district.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: I believe the bilingual program is a failure and is not properly preparing our students. Inmy opinion, Irving should incorporate straight ESL classes for non-English speakingstudents. Statistics prove that many children who come up through the bilingual programand then go to ESL or regular classes have a difficult time adjusting. The children would bebetter off either starting in ESL class or going into an emersion class.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: According to the 2008-2009 AEIS evaluation of the Irving ISD class of 2008, 12.6% ofstudents either dropped out or received a GED. The district must build on the initiativesstarted by Jack Singley and continue workforce programs for students not interested incollege to minimize the number of dropouts.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: I believe the key to successful high schools and middle schools is strong extracurricularprograms, solid teachers who challenge the students, solid administrative support, andparental involvement.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Many high school graduates are not prepared for college. Irving IISD has manyexceptional students who are successful in college but there are many students who are


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not college prepared. According to the AEIS 2008-2009 survey, the district was below thestate average in ACT and SAT scores. I am a proud Irving resident and I am not satisfiedbeing below the state average in any area which has to do with the education of ourchildren.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: I applaud the labtop initiative implemented by Jack Singley and I believe Irving isahead of the curve in this area compared to other districts. I believe the future emphasisshould be on electronic books which are downloaded on the labtops. Textbooks can beseveral years behind but electronic books give the district the opportunity to ensure thematerial stays current and electronic books are more cost effective.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Lack of parental involvement has been an ongoing issue and, unfortunately, there is noeasy fix. I believe the majority of parents in the district care about their children and wanttheir children to succeed. The challenge is to find a way to engage these parents andincrease parental involvement. I will hold a town hall meeting each semester, possiblymore depending on the feedback. I will also ensure clear communication from theadministration building to the classroom so our parents are well informed. I am also opento any suggestions from our parents which might help improve parental involvement.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Teachers should be responsible for their student’s achievement, however, I believe thedistrict should incorporate a pay model which evaluates several factors and does not focussolely on student performance. The model should incorporate student performance, annualperformance review, peer review, and parent evaluation into the mix.

Lewisville ISD, Place 3Description: Note: All residents living within Lewisville ISD may vote in this race.


Tommy Kim

Biographical Info:Name: Tommy KimStreet Address: 3225 Shadow Wood Cir.City/Town: Highland VillageState: TexasDate of Birth: January 25, 1969Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214.783.7905Mobile Phone Number: 214.783.7905E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: Graduate of Lewisville High School 1987, Graduate of United States Naval Academy1991, United States Navy Supply Corp School, Athens, GA 1992Q: Length of residency in district:A: Lived in Lewisville ISD over 30 years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: PrimeSource FoodService Equipment - Managing Director - YUM Brands! SellingRestaurant Equipment and Smallwares to Quick Service Restaurants such as Pizza Hut,Taco Bell, KFC, A&W, and LJS.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Lakeland Baptist Church - Active Deacon Council, Lewisville ISD - School Board ofTrustee - 12 years, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Adisory Board - CISNT Communities ofSchools of North Texas, KACDFW - Korean American Coalition, AACC - Asian AmericanCitizens Council, Blue and Gold Officer United States Naval Academy for LISD, PTAMember


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Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: (1) Navy Commendation Medal, (3) Navy Achievement Medals, (1) Kuwaiti LiberationMedal, Coached Soccer in GLASA, Coached Baseball in HVA,Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Lewisville ISD - School Board of TrusteeQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $400 - All donations have been less than $50.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: CitizensQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I received my education from K – 12th grade in Lewisville ISD. As an immigrant to theUnited States, I wanted to give back to my community and country that provided me withso many opportunities. Throughout my 10 years of military service, 14 years as anexecutive in a Fortune 200 Company, and 12 years as a School Board of Trustee, I havegained much experience in Leadership, Finance, and Communications. I want to continueto make a difference in the lives of our students and teachers. I am indeed grateful thatboth my sons have that same opportunity in the Lewisville ISD educational system and Iwant to continue to move the district to higher levels of achievement in all areas.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Maintain the districts quality programs such as AVID Program, NightSchool,Orchestra, Career Centers, Early Childhood, 21st Century Community LearningCenter, and many many more quality programs. 2. Continue to attract and retain thehighest quality work force including the hiring of a new Superintendent for LISD. 3. SchoolFinance - These are challenging times for school finance. With the challenges presented tous in school funding by the state legislatures, we are looking at an $18 million dollars indeficit for next year. With great foresight by our Superintendent, we started looking at cutsa couple of years ago. Our original deficit was at $30 million. As most budgets in thecorporate world, salary and benefits or our teachers and administrators is majority of ourdistrict’s budget at 85%. It is necessary to look at all areas, but my objective will be toprotect impact of the classrooms to the least extent as possible. So, we have cut around$12 million in areas outside the impact of the classroom such as modifying custodialcontract saving $1 million, bid on electricity contracts saving $10 million, restructured ourmaintenance into zones saving $1 million, and supply cuts throughout the district. I willcontinue to look at opportunities that will not affect our teachers and their support of ourkids in the classroom. I will also support the use of our Fund Balance (Savings Account)that is at $100 million to help lessen the deficit.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: There are several key differences between me and my opponents. The two majordifferences are experience and time in community as well as having gone throughLewisville ISD from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Having gone through the LewisvilleISD educational system, I have seen and lived through the difficulties of some of thechallenges that face us today. Rezoning is something we don’t like to do, but as a student,I was rezoned 7 times. 9th/10th grade campuses: I went to Marcus High School for9th/10th grade when it was a junior high to Lewisville. The second major difference is theexperience I have as a 12 year Board of Trustee. Through challenging financial times withschool funding, I have the knowledge of the school funding and the experience having indepth knowledge of programs in our district. My experience will also be an advantage toour new Superintendent search that will take place in the next year. We have only had 2superintendents in the last 25 years. I was a part of the Superintendent search thatbrought Dr. Roy to us for 9 years. I believe experience and knowledge of the district iscrucial. These experiences as a student in LISD, military service to our Country and alsomy corporate experience as an executive in a Fortune 200 company have helped me makesound decisions for our district.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have been attending school board meetings since 1998. I have been through 12 yearsof changing boards and styles. I believe that everyone has their own views and opinions. Istate my views and opinions and the board may have differences, however, the main goal


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of the board is to go through each decision putting the kids and teachers first. Sometimesthe board will disagree, but we must move forward still as a cohesive team in line with theSuperintendent. We are a TEAM of Eight!Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: School board members are policy makers who set district strategy and long-term goalsand objectives. We serve as a TEAM of 8 (7 Board Members and 1 Superintendent) tocreate visions, adopt goals, evaluate, adopt budget and tax rates, hire the superintendentand communicate with the community. Although most policies are handed down to thedistrict through updates, there are some policies that need to be addressed at the locallevel. The first thing I do is define an issue or problem that needs to be addressed in apolicy or redefining a current local policy to meet the needs of today. If I believe the newpolicy or change to an existent policy is important to the achievement of district goals andstrategies, I would address this with the superintendent. The superintendent and hisadministration would then get information and date regarding policy. This would be sharedwith the Policy Committee. The entire Board will have an opportunity to review this policyand debate it before the vote.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Lewisville ISD has many high performing schools in all areas, not just reading andmath. For 2009-2010, Lewisville ISD achieved "RECOGNIZED" status. We have 33"Exemplary" and 19 "Recognized" schools. National Center for Education Achievementrecognized 21 LISD schools for high academic perofmance in Reading, Writing, Math,Science, and Social Studies. The measurement is based upon increased studentacheivement over the years as well as college readiness. Only 5% of the schools in Texashas earned this recognition. We attribute our success to top notch teachers and greatcurriculum and instructional support including a great partnership with parents.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: In 2001, we recognized the need to provide additional resources to this problem andestablished a Accelerated Instructional Services Program that provides additional supportfor schools. The district redesigned bilingual and ESL summer school programming leadingto increased Limited English Proficient student learning and achievement. The district alsohas an Early Childhood 4 year old program and full day Kindergarten. We implemented21st Century Community Learning Center after school and summer programs. The districthas accomplished a lot, but we need to strengthen these programs and also work closelywith other agencies such as CISNT - Communities in Schools of North Texas.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Our drop out rate is very low, however, we continue to work at lowering the rate. Wehave asked our administration to incorporate a night high school which include core classessuch as math, science, social studies plus elective courses w/accelerated curriculum. Wewill open our second Career Center for the 2010-2011 school year. Both Career Centerswill have Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy Technician, Pre-LVN training, GeographicalInformation Systems, and Advanced Legal and Criminal Justice Pathway including Pre-Lawand CSI Lab. We are also implementing our 9th grade and 9th/10th grade campuses inorder to provide smaller learning environments for their critical years. Through theseprograms, we are actively pursuing drop outs in order to provide a second chance.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: I believe that creating a great learning environment. Giving our kids a chance toexperience every aspect of school life including the many different electives offeredthrough curriculum, athletics, arts and band. This is done by creating a smaller learningenvironment for the critical years of their lives. We don't want to disenfranchise any kid byhaving to big of a school. Also, our goal every year is hiring and keeping the best teachersand administrators who nurture our kids to achieve their goals and dreams. This happenswith a partnership between our teachers and parents working to achieve the same goals.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The Texas Legislature has failed to adequately fund the state’s public schools. In 2007,our state legislators created a new system where it froze school district budgets at the2005-2006 rates. This did not allow for inflation, annual salary increases to our employees,and or expand educational opportunities. There was a promise to replace the money thatwas lost, however, districts still have not seen this. We will either pay now or pay later inthe form of very expensive social programs.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should the


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future emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Lewisville ISD is at the cutting edge of technology and it is exploding in our classrooms.We have a program of training in place for our teachers called Administrator's TechnologyAcademy. We have incorporated computers, hand held devices, and smartboards in all ofour classes from K-12. All districts need to continue to develop and move to a digitalelectronic environment. Will it be laptops? That remains to be seen, however, the trend ismoving to the electronic environment. The Board moved to an Electronic Board Bookseveral years ago. We need to be effective in staying with the times and ensure ourstudents are ready for the real world.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: The administrators and teachers at school work very hard to support the PTA’s. Theysolicit parent involvement in every aspect of their schools. Another way to get the parentsinvolved is by providing many different types of extracurricular activities from athletics torobotics teams to Decathalon teams to Debate teams to Band etc. These extracurricularactivities increase the opportunity for Parents and Administrators and Teachers to worktogether.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: No, there is no evidence that linking compensation to student performance has doneanything to improve instruction.

Jeff Knapp

Biographical Info:Name: Jeffrey KnappStreet Address: 2071 Cameo DrCity/Town: LewisvilleState: TexasDate of Birth: 12-6-60Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-718-3897Home Phone Number: 972-315-7449E-mail Address: [email protected] (for candidate questions)

Questions:Q: EducationA: BS Accounting, Ball State UniversityQ: Length of residency in district:A: 16 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Financial Planning and Analysis for VerizonQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Booster club treasurerQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Board member of various booster clubs PTA member LBA baseball coachQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I believe I will reach my goalQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: My contributions are all from friends and neighborsQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I started following School Board issues closely and became more involved more than ayear ago when some district-wide issues grabbed my attention; I began to attend Boardmeetings and talking to parents of children at other schools. Until then, I had chiefly beeninvolved in local education issues within the scope of where my children attended school.LISD is facing some very large, yet fundamental, challenges in the next few years. In thenext year, the Board and taxpayers must address a current budget deficit. To satisfy somenear-term desires, I believe the current Board and past Boards have sacrificed long-termplanning. This is where my leadership, experience and background would benefit ourtaxpayers. Apparently, we have the bond money to build new schools. That’s great, but dowe have the operating budget to staff them and turn the lights on?Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would you


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push for them and pay for them?A: First, we need to address the students’ needs. We need to look at drop-out rates andhow we are preparing our children for college and life after graduation. A recent article inthe Dallas Morning News addressed the preparedness – or lack thereof – of graduatingseniors. It was quite eye-opening. Second, we must address the LISD’s budget deficit.Everything needs to be thoroughly reviewed. Payroll is the largest percentage of theoperating budget but a growing percentage has become the debt service. We need to takea long-term view of our actions. I know the board recently voted to change start time forelementary and high school students to save on busing. This is a big savings but we willobviously need to find more. Third, with the hiring of the new superintendent, a districtthe size and scope of LISD should be able to attract a number of highly qualified candidatesboth from within and outside the LISD family of administrators. Dr. Roy was acommendable leader, as was Dr. Downing before him; however, this school district nowneeds someone with the right blend of pragmatism and vision to lead us into the seconddecade of the 21st century. The status quo won’t cut it. The Texas Education Agency’sAcademic Excellence Indicator System reports show the LISD demographics are changing.We need a leader prepared to deal with this.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I am not part of the status quo group that sits on the LISD Board. I’m a CPA, a financialplanner and financial analyst. This makes me a good choice considering the financialchallenges facing the district. I also will bring a different perspective and some fresh ideasthat would greatly benefit the taxpayers and children who attend LISD schools.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended the LISD Board meetings, and they lack transparency. It appears thiscurrent Board makes predetermined decisions regarding issues that the rest of thecommunity only hears about when they are brought up for vote. I’ve witnessed numerousfrustrated parents and citizens leaving these meetings. I plan to attend other districts’school board meetings just to compare the two.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The board should be the link between the community and the administration. Boardmembers should work to represent the entire district. The Board should be prudent withthe taxpayers’ money and the newly elected Board will have the opportunity to select thenext superintendent for LISD.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: The Flower Mound schools seem to consistly score well on the TAKs testing. I am not afan of the TAKs testing but it was the only yardstick I could find to Measure the schools.Obviously looking at what drives this may benefit the other schools in the district.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: The board should be the link between the community and the administration. Boardmembers should work to represent the entire district. The Board should be prudent withthe taxpayers’ money and the newly elected Board will have the opportunity to select thenext superintendent for LISD.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: While, the alternative study program is good and provides dropouts an opportunity toreturn to school without attending the traditional school classroom, we should alwaysconsider new ideas to further decrease the dropout rate. I believe the district could do abetter job of motivating these students towards a high school diploma and a collegedegree.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Success stems from student participation and parent involvement. Participation inactivities raises students’ self esteem and makes them feel like they have an ownershipstake in the school’s success. Parent involvement enforces parent ownership and keeps theadministration accountable. The administration must have the respect of the parents andthe teachers.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: One of the greatest uncomfortable truths is the emphasis that is placed on high schoolathletics and the money that is spent supporting them, especially football. I support ourstudent-athletes as much as the next person but let’s connect some dots here. Bond


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money builds stadiums. Taxpayers’ money pays off bond money. Taxes go up every timewe build a stadium. So, is it really necessary for the district to ensure that each high schoolhas a football field on their campus?Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: I believe LISD is effectively using technology in the classrooms. Teachers have laptops,projectors, and other tools to present material for the curriculum. Wireless and high-speedwiring allows students and teachers appropriate access to the internet. One question LISDmust answer is: are we going to be among the first to move away from books tosomething like iPads? This could be a fiscally responsible way to replace expensive – andenvironmentally unfriendly – textbooks.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: I would open up the lines of communication and be transparent to our parents andtaxpayers. And it’s more than just email responses to questions. Let the parents knowtheir opinions are valued. Increase student programs at the schools to get parents intoschools.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: I wish there were an easy way to link pay to students’ performance, but then thatmakes the education process completely objective… and we all know there’s a great dealof subjectivity involved in the education of a child. In fact, linking the two would likelyincent a behavior that may not be in the best interest of the students. Sure, there shouldbe better accountability. Over a period of time it becomes quite obvious who the betterteachers are. Just like any profession there are those who excel, those who need somecoaching, and those who might need to pursue a different career.

Mike McDaniel

Biographical Info:Name: Mike McDanielStreet Address: 4 Remington Dr.City/Town: Highland VillageState: TexasDate of Birth: 8/5/52Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (972) 317-2630Home Phone Number: (972) 317-2630Mobile Phone Number: (972) 746-8500E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: McDanielforLISD.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: BS Degree in Education - Texas A&M University; Masters in Education - University ofNorth Texas; Mid Management Certification - Sam Houston StateQ: Length of residency in district:A: 18 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Local Business Owner and Developer.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: - LHS Grand Ball Booster Club President for past three years - have been involved withthe Grand Ball since it's inception 15 years ago. (Organization puts on a prom for specialneeds children at Lewisville High School); - Board of Directors Denton County ChildProtective Services; Lewisville Chamber of Commerce; - Ordained Deacon.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - Awarded (along with wife Linda) 2009 national volunteers of the year for the selfstorage industry as presented by Inside Self Storage Magazine; - Have been awarded anHonorary Life Membership by the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers; - Wife Lindawas named 2003 Vounteer of the Year for the Lewisville ISD, nominated for the Texas PTAvolunteer of the year and named Community Volunteer of the year for ARC in 2004.


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Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Lewisville ISD Board of Trustees 1998 - 2004.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I do not accept monetary donations.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: N/AQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NOQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I have spent my entire career serving children. I have been a public school teacher,coach, counselor and administrator. I have served on the LISD Board of Trustees. I havespent countless hours volunteering not only at my childrens schools (McAuliffe Elementaryand Marcus High), but at Lewisville and Flower Mound High Schools as well with their Circleof Friends Grand Balls (Proms for special needs children).Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: - Geting stake holders (students, parents, business owners and taxpayers) moreinvolved in the decision making especially as it pertains to their schools. When decisionsare made such as rezoning, major curriculum changes, hiring of the new superintendent,dividing a school such as LHS into three diffferent campuses, stake holders deserve a say.The current system of the board deciding on a plan of action, having a quick hearing on thematter and moving on regrardless of stakeholder objections is wrong. The stake holdersaffected by a decision should have a say in the direction of their childrens education; -Ensure that we do an exhaustive search for the next Superintendent of schools. With Dr.Roy retiring this year,we need to replace him with the best and brightest person we canfind to lead this district into the future. At present the board does not plan to hire a searchfirm, but instead take applications and allow Dr. Roy to screen the applications and submithis choices to the board. It is the duty of our board to take the lead in this decision ratherthan relinquishing the responsibility to one person; - In these tough economic times whenso many LISD taxpayers have suffered economic setbacks, the board needs to halt thehundreds of millions being spent on non-essential projects that could be postponed for afew years, until the economy recovers and the taxpayers are once again more able andwilling to support these projects.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: Proven commitment to our children.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes - Our board needs to be in better touch with the stake holders of the district.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a board member is to ensure that the stake holders of the district have avoice and a say in THEIR SCHOOLS.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: We have outstanding schools. Very few of our children are below grade level in readingand math. LISD has extensive programs to ensure that any child falling behind in thesearea is provided with tutoring and suppport to meet their deficiencies.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: In LISD the achievement gaps are within socio-economic groups more so than byethnicity. More resources, smaller student to teacher ratios, and more out of schoolprograms targeting these children are required to help bridge the gap and ensure theirfuture success.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: LISD has a high graduation rate. That being the case, we still have to understand thatnot all of our children will attend college and some will not finish high school. The questionthen is what are we doing to prepare these yonng people to be successful in life. Are weproviding adequate career guidance and vocaltional skill opportunities to protect andenable our non-college bound to prosper when they walk out of our schools?Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?


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A: Sense of community and pride. Good teachers. Adequate resourses. Parental andcommunity involvement. Strong extra and intra- curricular activities (Sports, fine arts,clubs and other school activities). Adminsistrative support.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Our present board is rendering itself disfunctional with infighting. They are choosing toturn their backs on some important issues and allowing some administrators to step wayout of bounds in decision making. Examples: (1)Instead of hiring a search firm to find thebest superintendent replacement - they are going to allow the current superintendent tochoose who gets to interview. (2)When the bids for the five new field houses came in ataround $295 per square foot and up to $5,000,000.00 each, an incredibly expensive price,instead of asking for an investigation or explanation of these unbelievable costs, theyapprove and move on without question. (3)When LHS needs a new head football coach,the Deputy Superintendent hires an old buddy with a mediocre football record and who isbeyond retirement age. The head football coach is normally interviewed jointly by theathletic director and head principal, with their recommedation passd on to the board.Despite outcrys from the community and booster club, the board passed on the hiringwithout question. This hire has caused the ruin of the booster club, allowed probably themost embarassing season in LHS history (2 wins - 9 losses, outscored 480 points to 174),and handed a devastating blow to Farmer Pride. (4)Now the board has decided to split LHSinto three separate campuses; Two 9th - 10th grade campuses and one 11th -12th gradecampuses. Despite long and consistent outcrys from parents, teachers and the community,the board refuses to open this decision for discussion or listen to the concerns of thecitizens. Our present board is out of touch with the community and are making decisionswithout weighing facts or doing their homework.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: LISD has a good technology department and works hard to keep the schools updated.The problem is that technology changes so fast, it would be financially impossible to stayon the cutting edge. We need both textbooks and laptops. Children have different learningstyles. Some learn better by reading from a book while others are more comfortable withtheir laptops. It is the job of the school to adapt to the different learning styles and makeall students successful.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: I would like to see all major decisions that directly affect individual schools have inputfrom stake holders prior to coming to the board. I want parental involvement. On mypreviouas stint on the board, I encouraged parental contact. The board needs to hear fromconstituents.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: No. There is no accurate way to objectively rate teachers on an annual basis by studentperformance.



Ryan Collinsworth

Biographical Info:Name: Ryan CollinsworthStreet Address: 4809 Summit CirCity/Town: Flower MoundState: TXDate of Birth: 12-14-1974Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-874-1905 X 1335Home Phone Number: 972-249-7252


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Mobile Phone Number: 972-249-7252Fax Number: 972-350-8597E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: Ryan4LISD.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: AssociatesQ: Length of residency in district:A: 35 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Real EstateQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Denton County Friends of the Family, Greater Lewisville Board of Realtors, Habitat forHumanity, Lewisville Chamber, Lewisville Leadership Program, Christian CommunityAction,Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Habitat for Humanity, National ALC, Keller Williams ALCQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: NoneQ: Who are your top three contributors?A: NoneQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NOQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: The reason why I am running is the LISD needs a new set of eyes to have a freshapproach to move the District forward. Hiring a new Superintendent we need to look insideas well as outside the district to get the best candidate that will help move the district tothe next level. The budget is another thing that needs to be looked and fixed. Fresh ideasand a new set of eyes will help bring new ideas to help get the district back on track. Ihave lived in the Lewisville area for 35 years and have grown up in the district so I have agreat understanding on where the district has been and where it needs to go.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: I do not have any actions just try and get the budget under control.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My involvement in the community in the fact that I am working in the area every day. Ibring family's to the area day in and day out. I am very much in tune with what people arelooking for from the school district and what they expect.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes and there is definite dividing line with the current board...Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: To help set Policy and hire or fire the Superintendent. Put it before the board andAdministrators.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: South Ridge, Forest Vista, Lewisville North. How well the teachers work together andhow they get the Parents involved.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: I Think one of the best ways is trying to implement a kind of a buddy system. I havedone this with lower performing groups and intermixed them with higher performinggroups and it was amazing how things turned around and how fast. I think if we bringmore people together and have them work together it would improve moral and scores atthe same time. This would also help later on in the work force and in life.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?


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A: The key is getting the parents involved and sending the message that an education isthe way to get the thing that you want. It gives kids the best opportunity to be successfulat the next level or in life in general.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Parent involvement with the teacher and students.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Taxes no one likes it but it is a necessity.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: No The classes are not geared towards making the student successful at the next level.I think laptops should be the emphasis. You have more flexibility with them and moreclasses are going online in College and a lot of the material is online. This would also helpreduce printing. Book would become cheaper and could be updated much faster rate.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Offer classes for them and educate them on the importance of having them involvedwith the student. You could also offer this as extra credit for the student.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: No

Kathy Duke

Biographical Info:Name: KATHY DUKEStreet Address: 421 MORAN DRCity/Town: HIGHLAND VILLAGEState: TXDate of Birth: 12/16/67Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-435-1154Home Phone Number: 214-435-1154Mobile Phone Number: 214-435-1154E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: I went to LISD schools K - 12th grade. I graduated from LHS in 1986. I obtained myBachelors of Social Work from University of North Texas. I am a licensed Property CasualtyInsurance AgentQ: Length of residency in district:A: I have lived in the LISD district since 1972Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Insurance Agent - Sales - Commercial / Business InsuranceQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: LISD Board Trustee Place 4- 2 terms, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower MoundBoard Member, Flower Mound Rotary Club member, PTA member at several schools,Advisory board for Communities in SchoolsQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: PREVIOUS: Lewisville Education foundation board member and liaison, Citizen of theYear Flower Mound 1999, Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the board,Flower Mound Rotary President - 2 terms, YMCA Board, PediPlace Board, Southern DentonCounty Neighbor to Neighbor past President and board member, Youth and FamilyCounseling board, Lewisville Board of adjustments member and Chair, Lewisville Chamberof Commerce Board member, President and Co-founder of Women Business Owners ofDenton County, Rotarian of the Year, Leadership Lewisville and Leadership Flower Mound.Raised funds for CCA, JDRF, DIFCURE (diabetes foundation), United Way, Mentor at variousschools, PTA boards,Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I have been on the LISD board for 2 terms


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Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: to date, less than $500Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am the most qualified candidate for Place 4. I have experience as a current boardmember. I have earned respect with the employees of LISD. My reputation shows that Iwill work, take action and listen. I am here for all the right reasons. I want what is best forALL 50,600 students. I am willing to make the tough decisions to make us a better districtand to assist all students.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Finances in our district. Making tough and smart decisions. I will continue to beproactive in the state funding and talking with our legislatures. I will continue to fight forour students education. I will assist in hiring the best Superintendent possible. I will alsocontinue to make sure we are able to educate all our students in the best way possible.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have experience. I can look at the whole picture when making a decision. I have atrack record of making things happen. I don't just sit and watch. I take action. These aredifficult times and we need seasoned experienced board members to help us guide thedistrict through the crisis. I am that person!Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: - no response -Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a School Board Trustee is to hire/fire the Superintendent, vote on policies,approve budget, oversee the general operations of the districts and handle final appeals. Itis not our job to run the day to day operations of the School District. We have greatAdministrators for that. We bring policy ideas / changes to Administration. We can haveworkshops and committee meetings to review. Then they are brought to the board forapproval or disapproval.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: ALL our schools are doing an OUTSTANDING job of having our children at their gradelevel and in most instances a higher grade level of reading and math. We have the bestteachers in the state and nation. We are always looking at curriculum that will help ourstudents achieve higher success levels and our teachers are right there learning andteaching!!Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: This is a challenge and we have great staff members working on this. We offer duallanguage programs, ESL programs and we are always looking at new ways to close thisgap. A challenge is an opportunity to achieve and shine and LISD is doing just that.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: We are working to lower dropout rate. We now have a night school program that isextremely successful. We also believe that having the kids involved in extra-curricularactivities is a key to keeping them in school. We have a very low dropout rate in ourdistrict.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Smaller class sizes, Extra-curricular activities available for all students. A major key tokeep kids interested in school is giving them activities that are fun for them. Parentinvolvement in their children is also a key to successful High School and Middle School.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: School finance is an issue that must be addressed and fixed. We cannot think it will justgo away. Taxpayers need to talk to the legislatures about this issue and about keepingtheir taxes in their school district. We also must realize that this district has over 50,000


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students. They are all different and special. We have to teach them all and it can't be doneone way. We must open our minds to try new things.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: I believe technology is being used effectively. I also believe it can always be better.Technology changes so quickly and that seems to be an issue. I like the idea of laptops forkids in the future. Many classes already have their textbooks online for home use. Wehave to move forward with technology. Our children need this and thrive on technology.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: PTA, sports, events, mentoring. Just come and see what is going on in your school.Meet your Principal. They are available to you. I want parents to know that they areneeded at the schools. Volunteer work goes a long way.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: I don't think so. I don't think that is a fair system. Teachers at every campus areworking equally as hard. Every school has different challenges.

Julie Foughty

Biographical Info:Name: Julie FoughtyStreet Address: 4621 Firestone DriveCity/Town: FriscoState: TexasDate of Birth: 2/28/1975Home Phone Number: 469-384-8344Mobile Phone Number: 214-402-8075E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: http://www.JulieForLISD.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: I hold a Masters Degree (UNT) in Library and Information Science with an emphasis inschool library media centers, and a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with anEarly Childhood Endorsement (Simpson College).Q: Length of residency in district:A: 4 years and 4 monthsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am a former kindergarten teacher and school library media specialist. For the past sixyears I have been a busy mom with three young children, while serving the communitythrough our church and in various volunteer activities.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Co-Chair, Parents Involved in Preschool(PIP) Council, Rainbow Corner Preschool;Stewardship Committee, Grace Avenue United Methodist Church; Volunteer, Prairie EstatesAssisted Living Center; Member, Hicks Elementary PTAQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: McKinney Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education Award (2000); ServiceCommittee, Grace Avenue United Methodist Church (2007-2009); Volunteer Coordinatorfor Assisted Living Center Outreach, (2007-2009); Neighborhood Watch & National NightOut Coordinator, Stonebriar Village (2007 & 2008); New Neighborhood Park StructureCommittee, Stonebriar Village (2006)Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $2,600Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Ryan Foughty (husband), Phillip & Erica Hunt, Ron & Nancy RueggeQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No


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Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Education has always been an area of interest in my life and I want to serve and helpthe school district that has and will play a major role in developing our children's future.My diverse educational experience enables me to bring a wide variety of perspectives tothe Board of Trustees as well as help broaden the geographical representation of theboard. I have a proven record of being an advocate for students and teachers and inworking with parents and community members to support successful learningenvironments.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: First and foremost, I will work to support a long-term, cost saving, budget plan thatprotects teachers and classrooms while simultaneously reducing our current budget deficitand guarding against future deficits. Second, I look forward to hiring a qualified anddynamic Superintendent. Our current Superintendent is among the highest paid in thestate. We need to hire a new leader with a proven track record of success while keeping arealistic view on what an appropriate salary and benefit package would contain. Third, Iwill strive for more open communication across the district. Community members andteachers have well-founded ideas that need to be heard and taken seriously. Improvingcommunication would not involve extra funds, but simply a change in thinking about howwe receive and process what our constituents are saying to the decision making bodies ofthe district.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: As am a former teacher I can visualize, while approving policy and utilizing tax dollars,how or if both will impact the classrooms. I understand there is no "cookie cutter" way toteach because each student has their own interests and learning styles. As an educator, Iunderstand the hard work teachers place into their lessons and classroom environmenteach day. The decisions a board member makes should first be focused on the two maincomponents in a classroom: students and teachers. I have a great deal of experience withboth.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended board meetings and have observed that there is very little boarddiscussion on most issues and that some board members state one opinion, but thendisplay an opposite vote for the official record. This leads me to wonder about the amountof background knowledge the current board members bring into their open meetings andwhere they stand on specific issues.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The board sets all policy and approves tax rate, spending, building, zoning andcurriculum for the district. The board holds the administration of the district accountable forthese factors and, in turn, the board is accountable to all citizens within the district. Policyshould be initiated, based on a need, goal or benefit to the entire district.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Our elementary schools are the best at getting every child up to grade appropriatestatus as it is naturally easier at the elementary school level. This is often the casebecause the instructional strategies common to elementary schools provide for moreindividualized instruction, hands on learning, adaptation to different learning styles andless lecture time. Elementary classrooms also naturally integrate the curriculum, tyinglanguage arts lessons into current social study topics, connecting math and science lessonswhen applicable. Block scheduling is one way secondary campuses often organize studentschedules so more time can be spent meeting the individual or small-group needs ofstudents. School districts with strong secondary campus results promote strong teachingstrategies not just at the elementary level, but K-12 and train administrators on how tosupport teachers and ensure that those strategies are being used in every classroomQ: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Closing this gap is important because the Latino population is growing at a faster ratethan any other subgroup in our country. Yet the gap between high school graduation ratesof Latino and Anglo students is alarming. District staff, from the Superintendent to theclassroom teacher, needs to get into the community and talk to the community leadersand parents and work to build their trust so partnerships can be formed. Through these


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partnerships we can learn a lot about what educational areas are valued by Latino cultureso we can maintain their interest and keep them in school. We need to think out of thebox, be open to new ideas that come from the Latino community and encourage leadersand parents to place a higher emphasis on high school graduation and post secondaryeducation, and the impact a diploma at each level can have on their future.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: LISD has a great infrastructure in place for keeping students in school and providing avariety of non-traditional learning options for students e.g. night high school and onlinecourses. There are, however, still concerns about how to reduce the number of studentsdropping out of school each year. The first step is to more closely identify dropout causesand the characteristics of those students so the district can target them upon enrollment. Ibelieve in the adoption of a “dedication plan” so if a student gets off track along the way astrategy is in place to help get them back up to speed Second, it is important to beconsistent in expectations at both school and home. For example, if a dress code is to beimplemented, begin in kindergarten, make the expectations known and then enforce therules. The same goes for attendance, tardies, grades and discipline. Then with programslike AVID and Communities in Schools, which provide supplemental support to at-riskstudents, we can offer set, multiple opportunities with clear boundaries for all students towork towards graduation. When a student drops out of school they are likely to cost thegovernment and taxpayers much more money as they continue through adulthood. Thisscenario lends itself to the importance of having preventative measure and programs inplace from early childhood through twelfth grade.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Common ingredients for successful schools include parent involvement, individualizedinstruction that adapts to different learning styles, a campus administrator with a deepunderstanding of curriculum in all areas who is also knowledgeable in not onlyadministration but in good teaching practices. Team teaching allows for curriculumintegration that makes learning more engaging and interesting while allowing students toconnect ideas and skills they are learning in one subject area to the next. For instance, ifyou are studying the American Revolution in Social Studies, that teacher would plan withthe Language Arts teacher to provide historical novels and other reading material from thesame period of history to promote more discussion on the social studies topic in literaturecircles. Encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle including staying active with physicalactivity and / or participating in structured after school groups is also important. Middleand High School students are also going through many physical and emotional changes, soa consistent environment at home and school needs to be promoted, along with teachingtime management and organizational skills to help keep them on track and managechanges that come their way.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: There is a great deal of money spent that does not impact or reach classrooms. Schooldistricts, especially during times of financial "tightness" need to analyze and prioritizeadministrative functions and weigh their value against outsourcing options that can beperformed by outside “neutral” consultants for less money.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: The effectiveness of technology use in classrooms depends directly on the individualclassroom teacher, subject area and technological resources available to the school. Gooduse of technology involves a term called "information literacy" where appropriatetechnology tools are used to gather, analyze, communicate and evaluate information for atask. The proper use of technological tools must be taught at all levels, because they havebecome so dominant in our daily life and workplace. Many experts and advocates forinstructional technology admit we are in a “national comprehension crisis" as a result ofmost people believing that finding something on the Internet is the best way to getinformation. However, using the Internet as ones only source can bring unfounded andinaccurate information to the learner. When debating if the future emphasis should be onlaptops or textbooks I will use a term from FNO’s Jamie McKenzie where he says“toolishness is foolishness” which basically means having lots of cool technology toolswithout a smart implementation plan and staff trained in effective information literacyteaching skills, is just a waste of money. A school environment that is successful inteaching information literacy skills has a certified school library media specialist andinstructional technology support staff that plan and work with teachers to embed theseskills into lessons on a regular basis. This can only happen with campus and districtadministrators who understand how important these skills are to the future of our


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communities and our world so we can make sure we get the most out of our technologydollars spent. Books are and will always have value in learning. In my opinion a paperlesssociety is a dangerous society. Schools should balance the use of textbooks, literature,authentic resources and technology tools to reach all types of student learners.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Often, families that are not involved in schools, have parents who need more resources.By obtaining grants for community education, we can open the school after hours and fundopen library nights once a week. During this time families can utilize the school libraryresources and computers to help their children with homework. Often the families that arenot involved at school are the ones who need access to these resources. Similar conceptsthat grow into successful programs lead to providing other courses such as parenteducation, English instruction and technology skills. By identifying what families need, thenopening the school to their needs one evening a week, you are getting them in the doorsand that's how parent involvement starts.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: No. There are many cases where a teacher is doing all they can to help a studentsucceed but outside circumstances impact the student's well being,attendance or emotionalstate which unfortunately can lead to low performance. The makeup of student enrollmentin a class can also vary from year to year so a teacher has no control over what priorknowledge or abilities a student comes into their classroom with. Strong teachers will doeverything they can to help each child reach their individual learning goals, but gettingthere often requires many other outside factors as well.



Patrick Michael Kelly

Biographical Info:Name: Patrick KellyStreet Address: 2511 Sir Turquin LaneCity/Town: LewisvilleState: TXDate of Birth: 9/10/1968Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 2142891564Home Phone Number: 9728992084Mobile Phone Number: 2142891564Fax Number: 9728992085E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: http://www.facebook.com/pages/VotePatrick/313121608120

Questions:Q: EducationA: Grad School:Texas A&M '93 MBA College:Texas A&M '91 Political Science, InformationSystemsQ: Length of residency in district:A: 10+ yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Chief Information Officer, Loopback CommunicationsQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Founder/Leader of The RoundTable Project, a group of residents in Castle Hills dedicatedto fair, developer independent representation.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: - no response -Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: - no response -Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I am not doing any fundraising. In my opinion there is too much money spentthroughout politics. It starts with campaigns and flows right into the office once elected. Myhope is that if elected on my meager budget of $500, we can show creative thinking andingenuity can accomplish more than mere money.Q: Who are your top three contributors?


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A: - no response -Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: We are fortunate in that there are many qualified candidates from which to choose thisyear. I believe my experience with tight budgets and small business provides for aperspective on problem solving other candidates may lack. Further, my experience withgrass roots politics in Castle Hills adds to my experience.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: I have three stated goals and one overriding philosophy: 1. Goals a. Single memberdistricts. b. Right of self-determination. c. Separate bond issues for educational andnon-educational items. 2. Overriding Philosophy – Fiscal conservatism. Before any morefield houses, stadiums, or other non-educational use of bonds are approved, I would like tosee money used for a complete study of how to make our schools more energy efficient.This could include solar panels, zoned heating/cooling, skylights for natural light, etc. Thebenefit here is that we will see the impact of these changes immediately on the operationsbudget from the first month they are implemented. Further, the stopping of allnon-educational related building means a saving of operational costs for these plannedstructures. Again, not a permanent hold, but long enough to allow property values to startto rise again and, hopefully, negate the need for a tax hike at all. This is sure to beunpopular as new stadiums are much more fun than solar panels, but we are in difficulttimes and asking people for more money in these times is inappropriate.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: All three of the candidates running for Place 5 have a lot of similarities. From aphilosophical standpoint, however, I disagree respectfully with other candidates'endorsement of a Bible class elective recently proposed to LISD. Although presented as anelective that will concentrate on the Bible – and by extension Christianity – and its impacton American history, I fear this class can too easily be used as a vehicle to minister tostudents. Let’s forget for a moment that LISD is $18 million in deficit and even thinkingabout an elective class of any sort right now represents questionable judgment on behalf ofLISD. Religion is far too important and personal for the state to play any role whatsoever.Further, there are 180 days of school in a year. Assuming 8 hours a day, this is 1440 hoursa year in school. By compliment, that means there are 7320 hours when students are notin school. This is ample opportunity for families to mold and direct religious beliefs.Fiscally, I believe my business experience, especially small, entrepreneurial business, hasput me in the mindset of making the most with the least. With each passing day theeconomy takes more of a toll on my family, friends, and neighbors. Passing another taxincrease in these uncertain times is not prudent. As stated earlier, I’m not confidentenough creative thinking has gone into attempting to legally leverage bond dollars to offsetoperations costs. For example, while bond money cannot be used to pay for operations,building a $27 million stadium that will need operating dollars to run is not a prudentchoice.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I've attended most meetings since Oct or so of 2009. I've been playing catch-up forprior meetings using the videos provided by Steve Southwell’s blog –http://www.whosplayin.com. I’ve learned the LISD Board meetings are very, verysparsely attended. I’ve further come to the conclusion that public comments seem to havelittle effect on the process. My understanding from the ‘Candidate Orientation’ put on bythe current board for the candidates (very well done by the way), is most items havealready been discussed at length before the public meeting. As such, most minds are madeup before the public comments section even begins. Specially, I learned the recent LHSsprinkler and asbestos clean-up budget ballooned from $12 million to $20 million based onunforeseen difficulties. This is now being parlayed into a $40 million rebuild of most of LHSinto an 11/12 campus. Based on the proposed funding for the $40 million rebuild, I learnedif LISD wants to do a project badly enough, money can be found.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of school board member, at its core, is to partner with parents to ensure thestudents of the district receive the best education possible within the already reasonable


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fiscal constraints of our residents. This is to be done without regard to, among otherthings, race, religion, sex, household income, or home address. The responsibilities of theschool board member, however, are different. The top three of these are: 1) Listen to theconstituency, the teachers, the students, and the administration. 2) Ensure transparencyto all workings of the school district. 3) Solid fiscal stewardship.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: This is a great question. Unfortunately, I cannot present an informed opinion regardingthis topic at this point. Here's something you won't hear everyday from someone seekingoffice - 'I don't know'.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: This is not an answer that will be popular I’m afraid, but my candidacy is based ontransparency. Assuming equity across the schools in the district, the home, not theschool, plays the largest role in determining the success of a student. Parents areultimately responsible for reviewing their child’s homework every night, engagingeducators with their concerns, and ensuring their children are prepared for life aftergraduation. Partnering with parents in this manner is not a Latino issue. From a schoolstandpoint, LISD should embrace this philosophy and find ways to communicate theseexpectations to all parents regardless of ethnic background. Again, this is a partnershipbetween the state and the parent. Finding ways to rotate board meetings across the entire100+ square miles of LISD and publicize the events to the area would be an excellentstart. Working through the PTA with this message is another great opportunity.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Dropping out occurs for many reasons. Some are legitimate hardships – for example,the need for financial help due to the unexpected loss of a primary provider. However, aquick search of the internet turns up article after article showing most dropouts occur dueto students just checking out. Again, home life has much more of an influence on studentsthan school. Consistent and regular meetings between parents and educators demonstrateto the student the importance of education. Simple involvement by the parents in the dayto day happenings at the school in general and with the student specifically again reinforcethe importance of education. Helping parents understand how to get involved is key.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: The key to a successful student at any level is involved parents partnering withmotivated educators who have the support of the administration.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: I believe my previous answers cover this pretty well. The uncomfortable truth is we asparents, not the state, are responsible for the education of our kids. Don’t like your school?Organize and fix it. Not understanding why grades are poor? Meet with the teachers andfind out why. Reform and resolution must come from the bottom up and the inside out.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: There has been a fair amount of investment recently in technology infrastructure. Givenmy background, I have somewhat of a technology bias and, as such, am excited to seethis. However, I do not see textbooks and laptops as competing items, but rathercomplementary tools. Each one has value independently, but together they are at theirbest. I must say, however, I’m somewhat underwhelmed by the current internet sites Ihave seen my kids use as part of their school work. I find the user experience forSpellingCity and EnvisionMath less than optimal. Using them in conjunction with esemblerfor grade monitoring makes for a disjointed experience. Bringing all the tools together withthe same interface would provide for a better learning experience.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: I'm not sure I can be much more clear on this subject.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Just as pay in the private sector is linked to performance, so should teachercompensation. However, I’m not confident grades are the only, or even the best, measureof a teacher’s ability. I would prefer to see some kind of joint agreement betweeneducators, the school board, parents, students, and the administration as to how tomeasure the performance of an educator. Grades would be a part of the equation, but sowould the opinions of the students and the teachers. Creative problem solving and effortwould account for a portion. Further, linking pay to grades and only to grades can havethe unintended consequences of keeping the best teachers out of the most needed areas –both within a school and within the district.


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Brenda Latham

Biographical Info:Name: Brenda LathamStreet Address: 1553 Parkside TrlCity/Town: LewisvilleState: TXDate of Birth: 5/1/1969Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-797-2593Home Phone Number: 972-221-6019Mobile Phone Number: 214-797-2593Fax Number: 866-269-8960E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.latham4lisd.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: 1987 Graduate of Lewisville High School Over 60 hours of college credit earned fromNCTC and Northlake.Q: Length of residency in district:A: I have lived in Lewisville for over 39 years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Citibank NA, Commercial Banking-Risk, VP Campbell Grinding & Machine, Inc., VPQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Active member of Northview Baptist Church, Lewisville. Advisory Board of CASA ofDenton County.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Lewisville Football Association (LFA) - sponsor, team mom Lewisville BaseballAssociation (LBA) - board member, commissioner, sponsor, team mom Meals On WheelsVolunteerQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: As of 3/23/10 I have raised over $2,200.00.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Leon & Jean Campbell Bob & Doris Hale The #3 spot is shared with several who gavethe same amount.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: After spending over a year attending LISD board meetings and conducting research onmy own, I decided it was time to get off the sidelines and get in the game. I am a provenprofessional who will bring new energy and sound fiscal resolutions to the issues and willwork with the community and LISD Board to resolve the issues facing the district for thestudents and those who serve on the front lines.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: I believe a fresh approach is necessary to address issues the LISD Board will face in thenear future, including: A. Create transparency in the actions and decisions of the boardand administration. Utilization of existing technology would br key in this effort and costwould be minimal as it already exists. B. Put a hold on the construction of the 9/10 campuson FM3040. This whole project needs to be revisited. This would be a savings to the districtas unused bond money would not have to be repaid and expenses to operate the campuscould be avoided. C. Tear down the original section of LHS Main and rebuild it, on theexisting footprint, three stories high, to meet current needs and safety standards. The


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administration recently acknowledge realized savings of $47.7 million for such a project.This means no additional bonds would be needed.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The key differences between myself and my opponents are the following: 1. I have apassion for LISD, the students it serves and teachers it supports. 2. I am a provenprofessional with a mind for detail, fiscal responsibility and problem solving. 3. There is alot of work ahead. I am excited and up to the challenge, largely in part to the heritageprovided me through my years as a student in the LISD.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have spent over a year attending LISD Board Meetings and conducting research on myown. These are challenging times as the district faces a projected $18 million dollar deficit.I believe there are better ways to solve this issue than pushing yet another tax increase onthe tax payers. I also believe the reasons for building the campus on FM 3040 are nolonger relevant. We need to step back and reevaluate the best use of the taxpayer’smoney with the most benefit to the students. I have also observed a lack of transparencyin the district. It takes a lot of time, effort and money, to get information necessary tohave a clear understanding of how the administration and board are making decisions andthe impact those decisions will have. There are many ways the district could be moretransparent to the constituents it serves with very minimal cost, if any at all. It is what Ilearned from attending the board meetings that inspired me to run.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The formal role of the Board of Trustees is to select a Superintendent to oversee themanagement of the district. It is the Superintendent's role to run the district. For thisreason it is critical the individual chosen for this role has the ability to run the district in anefficient manner while raising the bar of accomplishment. A board member should havethe qualities to be able to work with different types of people to come to agreement onwhat is best for the whole district. A board member should initiate policy only when theyare able to make well informed decisions that are fair for the entire district. The Board ofTrustees elected in May will be responsible for selecting a new Superintendent and this isone of several reasons this election is so important.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Several schools in the district have improved their TAKs reading and math scores. Ofthese schools the majority are considered "economically dissadvantaged". What this tellsme is that all students should be afforded the opportunity to reach their full potential. LISDis one of the largest districts in Texas at a "Recognized" level. This is due to the hard workand perseverance of our students and teachers.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: I have met several teachers and principles who are successful in these environments.Each of them are using different ways of closing the gaps. We should look at thesesuccesses and determine best practices to be used throughout the district such as ratherthan isolation of any ethnic group we should saturate our students with opportunities toexpand their English skills. We should also explore outside of the LISD district and learnfrom other school's successes.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: I don't believe you will ever do away with drop outs but I do believe you can have apositive impact early on in a student's education and continue with agressive actionsthroughout their formative years. I believe the process to discourage students fromdropping out begins in elementary school and should be further enhanced through middleschool and high school. I believe every opportunity to encourage a student to reach theirfull potential should definately be explored and supported by the teachers, principals,administrators and even non educators. We can all make a difference in a child's life andambitions.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: The ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school are the samefor elementary school, as well. I believe the key ingredients are: 1. A Superintendentfocused on motivating his employees to be the best they can be, at all times. 2. Principalsand teachers willing to give 100% to better a child's education. 3. Parental envolement.Anytime a parent is involved in a child's life, the success rate is higher. 4. Communitysupport is key to keeping all of these ingredients flowing. It takes a all these components


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to successfully educate a child. If our children are successful in the education process, ourcommunity will have done their job.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Not all public schools are treated the same. This means that not all students areafforded the same opportunities. There should be no reason that students at one schoolare better prepared than students at another school. However, this is the case whenprograms are offered at only certain campuses and not all campuses. This for me is a veryuncomfortable truth that must be confronted.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technology is a part of everyday life. The students of today will realize this even morethan those students of yesterday as technology is always evolving. I think there is alwaysroom for improvement, especially with the use of technology. However, technology doesnot, nor could it replace instructors. I do think there should be more focus on educatingteachers on how to integrate technology into their lesson plans to allow for a balance oftechnology, textbooks and lectures.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: The message needs to be consistent and constant from Principals, Teachers and otherparents, of the importance parental involvement has in a child's life, especially theireducation, early on. It is easiest to get parents involved in the elementary ages. One wayto increase parental involvement is to value their involvement, suggestions/commentswhen they are engaged. If a volunteer feels they are valued, they will continue tovolunteer. I would also solicit ideas from involved parents, teachers, principles, communityleaders and even students for ideas on how to increase the number of involved parents. Iwould like to see LISD lead the way to having a very large and involved parental group.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: I think a district should have obtainable goals set for each grade level. I also think eachschool should have a more granular version of these goals for each grade level or subjectmatter taught. The more granular goals must be compiled and agreed upon by Principals,Counselors and lead or departmental Teachers. Teachers should be compensated for theirperformance.

Fred Placke

Biographical Info:Name: Fred o Placke IIIStreet Address: 2840 Woodhollow Ct.City/Town: Highland VillageState: TXDate of Birth: 6/15/1951Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972 317 9475Mobile Phone Number: 214 232 8597Fax Number: 469 635 6375E-mail Address: [email protected], [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: Received a B.S. in Education from Tarleton State University in 1974. I have a lifetimeTeaching Certificate in the State of Texas.Q: Length of residency in district:A: Moved to Flower Mound in 1979. Have lived in Highland Village since 1994.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Real Estate Agent with REMAX Cross Country in Highland Village. Have been there since1997.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Active member of the Flower Mound Rotary, member of the adult chapter of theFellowship of Christian Athletes, New Horizons Ranch for Children, LISD ChessTournament, LISD Geography Bee Moderator.


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Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce, Youth and Family Counseling, Chamber ofCommerce Citizen of the Year in 2004, REMAX Hame of Fame, Honorary Life Memeber ofthe Texas PTAQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: LISD for the past 4 electionsQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Approximately $1,400Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Steve Allen $200, Dave Nelson $100, Cecil Dalton $100.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: Arrested for failure to pay a traffic ticket long time ago that I thought had been takencare of by my attorney. Currently involved in a civil suit over a commission payment.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I was a former government teacher at Marcus HS prior to being elected to my currentposition 12 years ago. During my 12 years on the board, LISD has: 1.doubled in size25,000 to 50,000+;2. Built and opened 21 new facilities, with 7 more currently underconstruction; 3. Passed over $1.3 billion of construction bonds; 4. Become one of thelargest Recognized Districts in the State; 5. Has had its operational budget go from under$200 million to well over $400 million; 6. Seen its Business Department recieve everyaward, nationally and internationally, for its operating procedures; 7. Seen its FundBalance (savings account) go from $7 million to over $100 million!; 8. Has had the Boardof Trustees be recognized as the most Outstanding Board in the State of Texas in 2004; 9.Become the very first school district in the State of Texas to receive the Standard and Poorrating of AA+ (and only one of 3 in the nation); and 10, won State championships in Bands,drumlines, soccer, cross country, football, track, volleyball, numerous other high levelawards in UIL, academic decathalons, debate, basketball, baseball, softball, etc., etc., etc.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Continued common sense approach to school governance as I have done for the past 12years, continued support of our instructional staff as I have done for 12 years, and acontinued conservative approach to providing the best facitilies for all of our programs andinstructional areas.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I do not have a specific agenda.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Have missed two board meetings in my 12 years on the boardQ: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: A school board member has 3 specific duties: 1. Hire and continually evaluate aSuperintendent, 2. Approve a budget and set a tax rate, and 3. Set policy. Then the Boardshould get out of the way and let their employees to their job!!!!! Our job is not to micro-manage! The only way a board can effictively initiate policy is by working together (or atleast, with four votes)! The best advice for a school board is to not be on the front page ofthe newspaper.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: I can honestly state that every school in our district is working with each of theirparticular populations and making substantial progress. All you have to do is look at thescores. Look at our scores against the State and National levels in ACT Tests and SAT Tests.Look at the number of our students taking Advanced Placement Tests and those that arepassing them. We had the National Champion Geography Bee student from our district thispast year. We have 300 hundred of our students participate in our District ChessTournament. Our districy has nearly 75% of our Secondary students (High School andMiddle School) participating in some form of extra-curricular activity.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: We are closing that gap in our district. Look at our test scores!!! Dr. Roy implementedthe AIS program when he arrived here that targeted our schools with the greatestdemographic changes. Lewisville HS 9th grade campus is now an Exemplary School that is


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being fed by our schools with the largest Hispanic populations!Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Yes, we have one of the lowest dropout rates in North Texas. We have put a furtherdent in our dropout rate by implementing a very successfull Night High School thatparticularly targets those kids.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: High expectations Strong parental involvement Extracurricular activities consistantdiscipline/teacher support A well paid teaching staff that is motivated.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: I don't know if it uncomfortable or not, but of all of the tax dollars you will ever pay inyour lifetime, the most effective and best used are those you pay into your public schoolsystem. Now, I am not talking about those taxes paid in Detroit, Kanasas City, New Yorkor even in Dallas. I am talking about those paid in the Lewisville ISD. Dollas for dollar, theeducation that your children receive in LISD can be put up against any other in the nationfor its effectiveness.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Obviously, technology has changed the delivery of information. I can see a futurewithout the traditional textbook as we have known it since the little red school house.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: That has been a universal problem. We have some schools where you have too muchparental involvemnet, if there is such a thing. Then we have other where there is verylittle involvement. This is much more a societal problem. I don't have a valid solution tomake parents want to get involved with their kids. You can't legislate it...well, with thiscurrent Congress, you can never tell.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: I find it such a difficult task to determine which teacher along a childs path has beensuccessful and which ones have not. If all you have to go on is some state test to qualify,how do you determine which teacher was more instrumental to the success or failure ofany particular student? What about the parent? What about the art teacher, the dramateacher or the choir director? Do they get to compete as well? I think it is a failed idea andultimately a disservice to all of the good teachers we have in our district. We should payour teachers at the highest level and then let them teach!

McKinney ISD, Place 3Description: Note: All residents living within McKinney ISD may vote in this race.


Kathi Livezey

Biographical Info:Name: Kathi LivezeyStreet Address: 307 Westpark Dr NCity/Town: McKinneyState: TexasDate of Birth: 11/30/1956Home Phone Number: 972-542-7410E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: VoteKathi.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: BS in Elementary Education, Southern Methodist University Teaching Certificate, K-8Masters in Library and Information Science, Texas Woman's University Learning ResourcesEndorsement, K-12


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Q: Length of residency in district:A: 53 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retired in 2008 after 30 years experience in education Currently an office manager andcontract software trainerQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: First Christian Church - member of the diaconate and handbell choir McKinneyEx-Students Scholarship Committee MHS Traditions CommitteeQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: First Christian Church - board secretary and education chairman McKinney Ex-StudentsBoard member 2003-2009Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $600.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: All of the contributions have been made by individuals from McKinney ISD Place 3 inamounts from $20 - $100.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for a place on the MISD School Board because I want to use myexperience and knowledge of McKinney and public education to help make decisions thatwill benefit the community, the district, and most importantly students. During my thirtyyears of experience in public education I have been a classroom teacher, library mediaspecialist, UIL academic coach, and a member of campus and district leadership teams. Iwas involved daily with curriculum, learning resources, and instructional technology. As amember of leadership teams, I worked collaboratively to plan and implement proceduresand policies for my campus and for MISD Libraries. Working with school and communityteams, the skill to research effectively, the ability to analyze data and make logicaldecisions, knowledge of the community, and educational experience are all aspects of mypersonal and professional background that have helped prepare me to serve in this office.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. The district must continue to hire quality teachers through competitive salaries andretain them through a positive, productive work environment. Teachers need relevantprofessional development, adequate time to prepare and collaboratively plan, andrecognition for a job well done from the community and school and district leveladministrators. 2. In a growing district with new facilities added yearly, we must notforget about existing campuses. Existing campuses need to be safe and inviting withupgraded equipment, facilities, and technology. 3. I would maintain strong extra andco-curricular programs in the schools and encourage involvement by all students.Involvement promotes a sense of belonging, better school attendance, and betteracademic achievement as well as promoting teamwork and boosting confidence andself-esteem. For extra revenue, I feel that the district should continue to search and applyfor grants and promote community sponsorships and adopt a school programs. It is alsothe responsibility of the Board to ensure a responsible budget that appropriately allocatesfunds. In order to promote these actions, I would share my viewpoints with thesuperintendent and bring ideas to board retreats and workshops.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: As a McKinney native and former parent and employee of McKinney ISD, I feel that Ihave a unique perspective and range of knowledge that make me an excellent choice forthis position. I have classroom experience at both the elementary and secondary level,knowledge of the everyday operation of a school, hands-on experience with instructionaltechnology, and an understanding of curriculum and learning resources. As a parent andemployee I have experienced the challenges and changes that are inherent in a growingdistrict. And as a McKinney native I know and respect the community.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended several school board meetings both as a concerned parent and as aninterested employee. At these meetings I have witnessed debates over controversial


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issues, the honoring of faculty and students, and district presentations of new technologiesand programs. My observations on the nights when serious concerns were expressed wereof board members who listened to and respected all opinions and then were required tomake decisions that were not always popular but best for the district.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: School board members are liaisons between the community and the school districtpromoting cooperative relationships and open communication. Trustees are responsible forchoosing a superintendent that will guide district personnel to follow the district vision in aneffective efficient way. It is the duty of a trustee to study the issues, listen to opposingviewpoints, consider the ramifications of the issue, and work with the other boardmembers to make policies and set standards that will benefit the district as a whole. Toinitiate a policy, I would share my viewpoints with the superintendent and bring ideas toboard retreats and workshops.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Three middle schools in the district raised their status from Academically Acceptable in2008 to Recognized in 2009; representative of these is Scott Johnson Middle School.Remediation and extra help is given through regular tutoring hours, pull-out programs,and after school camps. A mentoring program called Tiger Pals matches faculty memberswith students. Notes, needed supplies, and small surprises are used to boost student'sconfidence and to give extra encouragement. A student's Tiger Pal is also a consistentfamiliar face to offer them support and guidance when needed. Every math and scienceclassroom has Smartboards, and interactive response pads are used for immediatefeedback on practice tests. Professional development for staff centered on differentiatinginstruction, developing engaging lessons, and providing positive reinforcement. SJMS isalso piloting an eight period day that allows teachers a conference period and a teamplanning period. The incorporation of technology, focused staff development plan,remediation and mentoring programs, and classroom differentiation provide a model anycampus could follow.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Research shows that the most important factor in whether a student succeeds or fails ishis or her own motivation and desire to learn. Encouragement and support can and shouldcome from faculty, peers, family, and community. Schools must improve relationshipswith Latino students, their parents, and the Latino community. Families need guidance increating an environment that supports learning and achievement at home. Regularmeetings between school and the community need to be held in a community center orother meeting place convenient for Latino parents and students. More Spanish versions ofdocuments and policies should be added on district and appropriate campus websites witha Spanish option on the homepage. PTA/PTO participation among Latino parents andcommunity should be a school and community goal. Students need to be involved in extraand co-curricular activities; Latino student role models should be spotlighted and serve aspeer mentors and tutors. Latino and any other students who are not succeeding needindividual counseling and guidance to emphasize why an education is important and that ahigh school diploma is a must whether going to college or to work after graduation.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: MISD has several programs set up to help struggling students at the secondary level.The Response Intervention Program is a team of teachers, counselors, and administratorswho meet with general education students to work out an individual plan for that studentto help in problem areas. Online credit recovery software is available for students who arebehind in credits needed for graduation. Campus science and math specialists work withteachers to provide differentiated curriculum, and double-blocked math lab classes areassigned to 9th graders who had math difficulties in middle school. Special programs areavailable for pregnant students, homebound students, and teenage moms. Serenity Highoffers a rare opportunity for students who have had difficulty with drugs and alcohol toreturn from rehab to complete their education in a safe, sober environment. You can neverdo too much to prevent the dropout rate. I feel MISD should continue working withcommunity agencies and programs to help students stay in school. MISD should supportparent learning opportunities in the form of workshops or individual counseling to reiteratethe value of education and completing high school. Home visits not only by a district truantofficer but also by school staff members would show parents and students how concernedthe school is about them. The district should continue to offer and expand career andtechnology programs that meet the needs of students and businesses in the community.


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Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Many factors are involved in a successful secondary school. The first part that must bein place is a collaborative relationship among faculty, parents, and community working forcommon goals and a shared vision. The school environment must be safe, clean, andinviting where high achievement is expected. The percentage of co and extra-curricularinvolvement should be high with student recognition of good performance and behaviorcommon place. Parent involvement in school activities and communication between schooland home should be a high priority. Teachers must be dedicated to delivering appropriatelychallenging and relevant learning opportunities for every student that incorporates activelearning, digital resources, and real world applications. Remediation and tutoring shouldbe available weekly. Teacher as well as student attendance should be high. Studentsshould have mentors that are consistent and readily available to them to provide help andencouragement.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: A current concern facing the district is how to stabilize enrollment at McKinney BoydHigh School and boost enrollment at McKinney North High School. While Boyd is currentlyclose to capacity North is approximately 1000 students short of capacity. In order toprovide relief for Boyd and to improve effective use of secondary facilities, the MISD Boardhas approved a two-fold plan. One is to concentrate several Career Tech programs atNorth next year and the second is to offer open enrollment to any student who would liketo transfer from McKinney Boyd or McKinney High School to McKinney North. Futureredistricting must address this issue.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: All elementary classrooms in MISD have Smartboards, data projectors, and documentcameras putting video, audio, and online resources at their fingertips. FLIP cameras anddigital still and video cameras are available for student and teacher production projects. Atthe secondary level, the majority of classrooms have ceiling mounted data projectors, andSmartboards are being added to math and science classrooms. Flip camcorders, digitalvideo and still cameras, interactive response pads, wireless slates, and document camerasare available through the library media center. Effective use depends on continued trainingto teachers on the use of the equipment and the resources available, and the timely repairor replacement of broken equipment. I see a combination of print and digital forms oftextbooks continuing through the next several years. Classroom sets of the print formwould be available to students during the day, and digital forms through the internet ordownloaded to personal electronic devices for use at home. Laptops and/or netbookswould need to be available to students without any internet access at home.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Communication, resources and trainings, activities and programs are all key to keepingparents involved in their children’s schools. School and teacher websites, emails, andnewsletters are important to keep parents informed of the curriculum being studied,volunteer opportunities, and activities and programs happening at the school. Parentsmust feel welcome and comfortable. Schools should have training programs forprospective volunteers at that campus where questions and expectations are addressed.Coffee and donuts in the morning or brown-bag lunches could provide a casual atmospherefor parents and community members to keep informed about school news. Schools shouldpromote a resource center at the school where parents can come to find print and mediaresources to help with the various issues of concern to parents.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: I am not in favor of linking student performance with teacher pay. Success is difficult todefine and measure. Designing a merit pay system with standards that are fair for allteachers is close to impossible. How would you measure success in ESL, PE, and SPEDclassrooms? How do you explain to professional educators, who tutor and mentor studentsbut are not in classrooms where the subject is state tested, that they are not eligible foradditional compensation? Merit pay does not foster an atmosphere of cooperation andteamwork, and too much time is spent in monitoring the program.

Victor Manuel


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Biographical Info:Name: Victor ManuelStreet Address: 2812 Mesa ValleyCity/Town: McKinneyState: TexasDate of Birth: October 1, 1969Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 469.733.3677Home Phone Number: 469.733.3677Mobile Phone Number: 469.733.3677Fax Number: 972.569.9851E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.VicManuel.comYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/v/ZCjJ0Lx_ufM&hl=en

Questions:Q: EducationA: I have an AAB in International Business and several certifications in the IT field. I amalso a graduate of Citizenship McKinney and the McKinney CAN, two excellent civic coursesthat increase awareness and opportunity in the community and our schools. I highlyrecommend you to look at taking a Citizenship class with your local Chamber OfCommerce. You're guaranteed to receive far more than you could imagine!Q: Length of residency in district:A: I grew up in the North Texas area, and have lived in McKinney for over eight years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: IT Manager for Hotels.Com and Expedia.Com at the Global Network Operations Center.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I am on the Board Of Directors for several Arts foundations, such as the Heritage Schoolof Dance and JEM Arts Company. I’m the Ombudsman for my Home-Owners Board and Ihost the McKinney Poetry Slam, a spoken-word poetry competition. My work with theschools continues as I am active in the Vega Elementary PTO, Vega Dads, and Tiger Dadsat Scott Johnson Middle School. I am a 5 Gallon donor for Carter Blood Care, and anAssistant Scouter in the BSA Troop 2150.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: During my years of service in the United States Marine Corps, I engaged in severalcommunity drives for Toys for Tots and Senior Citizen Outreach. My recent work hasconcentrated on the community, our children, and the arts. To that end, I've been thePresident of the Gifted and Talented Parent's group for McKinney ISD. As VP for the MNHSBand Boosters, I led the first joint fund raiser for all three McKinney High School Bands. Ihave served on the MISD committees to create a comprehensive Strategic Plan for thedistrict; search for a new Superintendent to replace Mr. Crowe, and the 2010 Bond ElectionCommittee.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I ran for this office previously in 2007 and Commissioner in 2008.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: We have raised over $2,150 at this time.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Richard Manuel and Joel Gray.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: Yes, they mistakenly had me in violation for insurance once. It was their mistake, and itwas quickly cleared up, but I got a personal look at how inefficiently county governmentcan work. Many residents can't afford to be so inconvenienced. Plus, we as citizens haveto pay for all of the extra hours worked and other fees associated with errors like this.With all the issues facing the police, we as administrators need to make the situationbetter.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?


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A: My dedication to our children and our community, my experience with our school boardand its many committees, all enable me to be an effective member of the school boardfrom Day One. I am the candidate who has been there when the hard questions wereasked, and I understand the depth of the problems McKinney faces as we prepare for thefinance and technology issues of tomorrow. Not only do I have sizeable experience in thefield as a former adjunct professor, I have three siblings and a mother who currently teachelementary, middle, and high school in the Dallas area. This gives me an updated personalinput from teachers in the know, who can give me unfiltered insight into the issues of theday.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Tackle the upcoming budget, set out plans for our future, and get parents involved inzoning. Our biggest single priority is the financial shortfall facing us in the 2010-11 schoolyear, due to lower home prices and the recession. The district has already trimmed thebudget over $900,000 for 2009-10, and we don’t have anything left to cut. We need to lookat methods of delaying non-vital school purchases and buildings, and seriously examinethe possibility of a bond election this November. Without making these bold moves, theadded students next year will be left in temporary housing, and schools will have toband-aid their departments to survive. Next is a completion of the Strategic Plan forgedover a six-month process gave us five major strategic goals and over eighty-five ActionPlan items to complete. With this roadmap, we need to continue engaging the communityand build successful programs that will help all children in our district excel. Last is thealways vital issue of zoning. We need to actively engage parents and educators in thezoning process, and enable children in established neighborhoods to have a solidunderstanding of their educational path. It is great to have a strong socio-economicbalance in McKinney, but we need to temper that with an eye towards setting a solidscholastic future for children and parents wherever we can.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have a child in every level of education here in McKinney, from Vega Elementary toCollin College. I’ve been in your shoes, and I’m able to lend an ear to YOUR situation.When you have a problem and no one’s listening, I’ll be there for YOU, and help you findout what the best solution is for you, your children, and our schools. My experience withtechnology and with the MISD School Board is more up to date, and enables me to ask thehard questions and be on top of the issues in a proactive manner. My experience in theMarines and my understanding of the business world will help the school board as we lookto the city to become an equal partner in engaging industry and other businesses to locatehere in McKinney without sacrificing the tax revenue needed to help our schools.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I’ve attended numerous board meetings often, as a parent, a committee member, andas a concerned citizen of the district. I know how the Board works and what toughdecisions are needed to help the district move forward. We need to have greatercommunication of the Board’s actions when it comes to the issues that effect you and meon a daily basis.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role is simple – to create the best environment possible for raising children whilebeing good stewards of your tax dollar. Board members should examine not only theneeds of the district as a business entity, but also have an ear towards the taxpayer, theparents, and the children when creating policies. We should always be ready to berespectful of taxpayer dollars, ease the burden on all parents, and provide as muchsupport as we can for our children.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Studies have shown that getting kids to read early is the best way to prepare them forthe long haul. In that regard, Eddins, Valley Creek, and Wolford Elementary have achieveda 100% and 99% in TAKS Reading and Math, respectively. Yet these stellar gains are notreflected at our middle and high schools. We do not have a single high school that hasachieved Exemplary ratings this year. This means we are leaving the gains made by ouryoung children on the table as they head into higher learning. These schools have astronger Parent-Teacher bond and better mentoring programs than their peers, along withschool principals who have achieved stellar gains in their staff and in their student-teacherrelations. I would favor a strong Sister School program that binds low-performing schoolswith their higher-performing neighbors, and allows programs within these schools to grow


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from each other.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: We continue to have a stark difference between the achievement of Latino and Anglostudents in McKinney. At McKinney Boyd High School, Anglo students received a 92%success rate in math TAKS, while Latino students had 69%. This gap is repeated across allof our schools, and we have to close it in order to create successful adults for the nextgeneration. We can succeed in minimizing the achievement gap by engaging culturallydiverse students in middle and high school to give them a strong reason to stay focused.Also, we need to expand the current mentoring programs to include more minorities sothat these students can see successful adults of their background who have an interest intheir education.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: According to Kepler Reports, children who drop out of school are more likely to beunemployed, in prison, and receive government aid. Their main reasons for dropping arepoor preparation for high school and lack of motivation. We have to get under the skin oftoday’s students and recognize what motivates them to succeed not only in school, but inLife itself. By enabling kids to care about school and be prepared for success, we will besaving their lives and your tax dollars.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Successful schools take preparation and planning, diverse students, patientadministration, parent involvement, prevention, and strong extra-curricular activities.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: That by failing our minority students we are failing the entire district. There is a goodreason we have one high school with an Unacceptable TEA rating, one barely treadingwater with Acceptable, and one squeaking by with Recognized. We are not engaging theHispanic and African-American student congregations, and in doing so we are losing notonly a chance to prove the quality of MISD education, we are also failing the workforce ofthe future.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technological innovations such as SmartBoards allow teachers to have a digitallyconnected classroom that students can interact with easily. Effective email communicationbetween teachers and parents allows adults with too little time on their hands to knowwhat’s going on in the classroom. And good quality computer education inside theclassroom is helping children get ready for a high-tech future. We need to continue tostrike a balance between laptops and textbooks in order to allow children to learn in themanner that works best for them. Not everyone is able to read easily from a computerscreen and comprehend complex information. And yet we also have to recognize thatlaptop instruction cuts the overall cost of education in half because we do not have to buynew textbooks every year.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Today’s parent has an enormous amount of responsibilities, and is in constantcommunication with friends, relatives, and co-workers. I have four children, one in eachlevel of education, and I receive emails from elementary, middle, and high schoolprincipals and teachers on a daily basis. One thing that does need to be improved is theweb presence for our schools. When you are faced with a question about an activity goingon the next day and it’s 10:00 pm at night, you don’t have time to get an email off to theprincipal or your child’s teacher. We need better tools on the school web sites that willallow parents to see what’s going on at their children’s school and respond accordingly. Wealso need to set standards across the board for parent involvement, so that parents whointeract with an elementary school can more easily transition to working with theirchildren’s middle and high schools.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: We are in a quandary about accepting the Texas Senate’s merit-based pay plan forteachers. It requires that school districts match the state’s support of pay increases if theyaccept the plan, yet does not allow districts much leeway when addressing how we willfund that extra pay internally. This is a difficult decision because the State has chippedaway at funding for school districts over the last twenty years, forcing local taxpayers tosupport more and more of school district budgets. In 1996, the average Texan paid 63% ofour school’s budget. In 2000, the State increased that to 73%. Today it is over 82% andsure to rise. That’s one fact the Texas Lottery Commission is hoping you won’t bring upnext time you’re in Austin. All this means that the state has more sway when they dole


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out financial support for schools, because every dollar they give has more of an effect. Therequirement is not an effective use of our already limited budget; however we haveprecious few choices available to retain quality employees.

McKinney ISD, Place 7Description: Note: All residents living within McKinney ISD may vote in this race.


Bobby Amick

Biographical Info:Name: Bobby D. AmickStreet Address: 3405 Cedar Bluff DriveCity/Town: McKinneyState: TexasDate of Birth: March 20, 1969Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972.562.3183Home Phone Number: 972.547.1191E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: I was raised in a working class family, where before my formal education began, I wastaught important lessons in character, hard work and scholarship. I attended a large publichigh school in southern Arkansas, where I was blessed to have teachers who werepassionate about their life-calling to educate. I finished high school as the class salutatorianin a graduating class of more than 400 students and was fortunate to receive a four-yearfull scholarship to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. After graduation fromNorthwestern with a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering, I accepted acommission in the U.S. Navy and entered flight school in Pensacola, Florida where I beganmy training to become a P-3 Orion Naval Flight Officer. I served two tours in the Navy,before leaving military life to pursue an interest in finance that I had developed as anundergrad while attending business classes at Northwestern (Kellogg Graduate School ofManagement). Through opportunities afforded by this interest, I was licensed as a generalsecurities representative (Series 7 & 63) and gained some understanding of the challengesassociated with operating a business. After a number of years in the finance industry, Idecided to act on my desire to continue my education. The early lessons of hard work,scholarship and character came to bear once again as I entered the ultra-competitiveacademic curriculum of law school. Adherence to these lifelong principals was rewardedwhen Baylor University Law School conferred upon me a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude.Q: Length of residency in district:A: My family and I have lived in McKinney since August of 1999.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am an attorney in the McKinney office of Francis, Orr and Totusek, LLP.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Currently, I am a REACH mentor at a Title 1 school in the district and a member of theCollin County Bar Association. In addition, I am a Bible fellowship teacher in the StudentMinistry department at Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Through my work atCrosspoint, I have been privileged to become involved in the lives of dozens of studentswho attend middle or high school in McKinney ISD. Through this involvement, I have beenable to participate in local ministry projects such as the McKinney Community Food Pantry.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I am a former member of the leadership team at Crosspoint Church as well as a formermember of Crosspoint’s Board of Trustees. In addition, last Spring I served as a substituteteacher in several of McKinney’s middle and high schools.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: None.


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Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Funding and campaign contributions will be disclosed and made available through theCandidate Campaign Finance Report on or before April 8, 2010.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Funding and campaign contributions will be disclosed and made available through theCandidate Campaign Finance Report on or before April 8, 2010.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: There are a number of reasons why I am running for a position on the McKinney ISDBoard of Trustees. First, I am running because I care for the students in our district, and Iwant them to have an education that is second to none, thus preparing them to achievewhatever it is that they wish for their own future. My rich experiences as a REACH mentorand my work as a Youth Sunday School teacher have given me a unique understanding ofsome of the particular needs of our students. In addition, my own education has providedme with perspective as to the doors that are opened for students who possess a first-classeducation. Second, I am running because of my genuine appreciation and affection for theteachers, administrators and staff who work tirelessly to make this district so impressive.Many of these gifted professionals have shared valuable insight into the challenges theyface as they educate students from the ultra-gifted to the classic under-achiever. Finally, Iam running out of a sense of gratitude to those who have served before me. I am proud tosay that my wife works in the district and my three children attend an elementary, middleand high school in the district. Indeed, my life is extremely blessed because of people likeJudy Poe and Lewis Isaacks who have given selflessly of their time and energies to ensurethat my children are receiving one of the best educations available.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Over the past year, the entire school district through each of its campuses has begunformulating action plans in support of the district’s five-year strategic goals. Such plans arecritical to the long term success of the district, and represent literally thousands of hours ofeffort from teachers, administrators, students, staff and even members of our community.Voters should understand that I do not intend to subvert these plans with my own agenda.Instead, I intend to direct my efforts at supporting the district’s strategic plan and eachcampus’ action plan. Some items, I believe, deserve particular focus, among other things:(1) the use and expansion of advanced placement, dual credit, and InternationalBaccalaureate programs for the many gifted students within the district; (2) improvementin recruitment, retention and continuing education initiatives for our teachers and staff;and (3) employment of community partnerships and further development of a vibrantmentorship program to address the achievement gap in our schools and the needs ofat-risk students. If elected, I will champion these and other strategic plans of the district ina fiscally responsible manner.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: Although the candidates may differ as to the best approach for improving the district,McKinney voters are fortunate to have three individuals who care deeply about the futureof the district. Any of the candidates will serve the district proudly.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have been able to attend some of the school board meetings, and am not surprised tofind that every member of the board is committed to improving the district. IndeedMcKinney ISD is fortunate to have such individuals who selflessly give of their time andenergy to study the issues facing the district and come together in a cooperative spirit tomake the decisions for the best interest of students, teachers, administrators and staff. Inaddition, the meetings have been a great opportunity to see the passion McKinney parentshave about their district, as evidenced by the number of parents who attend andparticipate.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: I see the primary role of the school board is to maintain the vision for what the schooldistrict needs to be. In many ways, the role of a school board member is analogous to therole of a corporate board of directors as such role would relate to a corporate entity; i.e.,responsiveness and accountability for the performance of the entity to shareholders.


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Accordingly, from a policy perspective, the board probably does its most important workby communicating the community’s goals and policies to a prospective superintendentduring the hiring process. After the hiring process, the board must ensure that thesuperintendent has adequate resources and the latitude to operate in order to accomplishthese goals. In addition, the board must remain accessible to both the students andparents on one hand, and the teachers and staff on the other, in order to test the results ofits policies and to ensure that the vision is not derogated by the process.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: All of our schools are working very hard at getting every child up to grade level inreading and math. Although our elementary schools have achieved greater success, ourmiddle and high schools are making important strides and show consistent signs ofimprovement. I would attribute the success of our elementary schools to the concentratedefforts of gifted teachers, dedicated administrators, involved parents, supportive staffs andhard-working students who have committed themselves to continuous improvement. Suchwill be a formula for success at all levels. To support our common goal, the district shouldcontinue to support mentorship, tutoring, and technology initiatives aimed at reachingevery child.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: I believe that the achievement gap can be closed if every person in the district takesownership in solving the problem. The problem will not be solved if it is relegated as someother parents’ problem--the vitality of our district depends upon the success of everystudent. However, the district cannot afford to sacrifice the great gains it has made inreaching gifted students in order to reach those who underachieve. Indeed, the latter mustbe addressed but not at the expense of the former. The first step is to identify thechallenge. Children who have socio-economic disadvantages are particularly at risk forunder-achieving. I believe that the most effective way to correct such a gap is (1) byaddressing language differences in a positive way, and (2) by promoting a vibrantmentoring program. Regarding the language issue, the district is already moving forwardwith a pilot dual language program at Caldwell Elementary, which I support whole-heartedly. If the academic studies done in this area are predictive, the result of thisprogram will be greater achievement by traditional Spanish speaking students, but alsogreater achievement by traditional English speaking students. By the fifth grade, CaldwellElementary students will not only be at or above grade level academically, but they willalso be bilingual. I further believe that a vibrant mentoring program beginning at theelementary school level is critical to bridging the achievement gap. Studies show thatmentoring is one of the most effective means to reach children who have no vision for theirown success. I and other members of our community have participated in mentoringthrough the district’s partnership in schools program. Through an increasing awareness ofthis program and through strategic partnerships with facilitative mentoring organizations,the gap may be closed.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Our district has an impressive record of keeping students in school. Indeed, AcademicExcellence Indicator System indicates that our dropout rate is approximately 1.3%, whichis less than half the dropout rate of the state as a whole. Obviously, the district aspires to a100% graduation rate, and any dropping out represents an incredible waste. I believe thatthe dropout rate is closely related to the issue involving the achievement gap describedabove, and will be positively influenced by the measures taken above.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: The ingredients for a successful middle and high school are: engaged parents, giftedteachers, committed administrators, hard-working staffs, challenging and relevantcurricula, fully functional and accessible facilities, involved communities, and students whotake ownership in their own education.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: It is perhaps uncomfortable to know that McKinney is not growing at the rate it did 2-3years ago. Moreover, the combined effects of the economic downturn have negativelyimpacted the district’s ability to construct new facilities and expand programs. As such,taxpayers may be asked to deal with occasional inconveniences until such time as the city'sgrowth resumes.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: I am proud of the way our district employs technology to teach students and to


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communicate with parents. Computers, smart board technology and other audio-visualeducational technologies are present in practically every classroom in McKinney. Even so, Iwould like to see the use of technology expanded to include an ability to offer onlineclasses. As is the case in almost every district, an expansive curriculum can be limitedbecause of the costs involved in hiring full-time teachers for a particular course thatsometimes only 5-10 students would enroll. I would explore the use of online classes as anappropriate solution to such problem, so long as the quality of instruction is notmeaningfully degraded. As to the use of laptops in classrooms, I understand that laptopeducational tools have made significant strides in recent years. Our college-bound studentswill likely attend universities with sophisticated wireless networks at their disposal. Ibelieve that such systems would be a great asset to McKinney ISD if it could be doneaffordably. I would encourage a pilot program to test the effectiveness of transitioningfrom traditional paper books to laptop texts.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Obviously, parental involvement in McKinney ISD is one of the reasons our district is asstrong as it is. Parents and other adults, who care enough to be involved in the lives ofdistrict students, catalyze success on a number of levels. I believe school communicationefforts and options to "plug in" are important ways to get more parents involved. Inachieving the current level of success the district has done a great job at driving thecommunication effort so that parents remain in the loop. Additionally, there are manyopportunities to be active in the schools such as parent-teacher organizations, boosterclubs and civic organizations that partner with our schools.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: I do not favor linking teacher pay to student performance. Instead, I favor linkingteacher pay to teacher performance.

Cindy Evans

Biographical Info:Name: Cindy EvansStreet Address: 8517 Beech LaneCity/Town: McKinneyState: TexasDate of Birth: May 8, 1962Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-529-5343Home Phone Number: 972-529-5343Fax Number: noneE-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.CindyEvans.org

Questions:Q: EducationA: Bachelor’s in Journalism, Texas Tech University, 1984 J.J. Pearce High School,Richardson, 1980Q: Length of residency in district:A: Native Texan., Born and raised in Richardson., Moved to McKinney in 2001.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Until March 1, I was Communications Manager for McKinney Education Foundation,where I publicized the Foundation’s efforts to provide scholarships for MISD graduates andgrants to MISD teachers. I resigned when I filed for School Board and have returned to myprevious career as a Public Relations consultant. I work part-time; therefore I will ampletime to devote to the Board. My husband, Tom Evans, owns and operates Pegasus Pools, aswimming pool service company in this area.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Leadership McKinney, class of 2009-2010 MISD Bond Committee (2010) City ofMcKinney Bond Committee (2010) Dowell Middle School Band Parent Organization BoardMember Dowell Middle School PTO, member Confirmation Class parent leader, StonebridgeUnited Methodist Church Alpha Parent Support Group (ALPS) member Women’s Alliance ofMcKinney, member McKinney Chamber of Commerce, memberQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:


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A: Co-Chair, City of McKinney Bond Committee (2006) MISD Long-Range PlanningCommittee (2005) MISD High School Rezoning Committee (2005-2006) MISD BondCommittee (2005) MISD McKinneyCAN (Community Action Network) (2006) MISDElementary Rezoning Committee (2005) City of McKinney Library Task Force (2006) City ofMcKinney Comprehensive Plan Committee Eddins Elementary School, active volunteerMcKinney Education Foundation, Scholarship Committee volunteer Stonebridge UnitedMethodist Church: various activities including Finance Committee, CommunicationsCommittee, Mission volunteer, Vacation Bible School teacher, etc.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: noneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $765Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: My parents, former Mayor and Mrs. Bill and JoAnn Whitfield, Mr. and Mrs. Jim andNancy AdamsQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for the School Board to serve the community by helping to advance thequality of public education in McKinney. We are so blessed to live in a country where"regular" people like me have the opportunity to participate in our own governance. Peopleare called to serve in many ways, and this is where I feel I can make a difference -- forour kids and the community that has given so much to my family. The key differencebetween me and my fellow candidates is the difference in the level of previous communityservice. The MISD is a complex organization that is part of a wider community, and thebetter understanding a School Board member has about how those parts fit together, themore effective he or she will be. For example, the recent issue of opening McClureElementary prior to Ridge Road being completed to 380, which involved both the MISD andthe City. I will also bring my experience working for McKinney Education Foundationwhere I visited most of the schools in the District and learned a great deal from teachers,administrators and people in the community who also feel strongly about publiceducation. I have been an active volunteer in the classroom and have gotten to know thepublic school system from my own involvement as room mom, after-school campcoordinator, Sky Ranch chaperone, field trips, etc. I have learned a great deal attendingprincipal’s coffees and PTA/PTO meetings – especially from other involved parents. One ofmy greatest honors was being named Volunteer of the Month twice while my son was atC.T. Eddins. This school district would not be what it is without the incredible contributionsof our parent organizations, and I will look for new ways to honor their efforts. I amcomfortable with the financial aspects of the District, having run a small business since1993 and served on four bond committees and a Long-Range Facilities PlanningCommittee. I was honored to be appointed co-chair of the City of McKinney’s $92 millionbond election in 2006. I understand not just the numbers in the MISD budget, but whatimpact each of those budget items can have on student learning.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Improve communication between the Board and the public. I am a Public RelationsConsultant with 26 years in communications. I want to use that experience to connect theBoard with the people and businesses it represents. I will meet regularly with parents,business leaders, and community leaders to discuss current issues and seek input aboutwhat they want from their school system. Retain and recruit outstanding teachers.Learning occurs in the classroom, and we must continue to support and recruit top-notchteachers. Strengthen both college-readiness and career education. Today’s students willbring about extraordinary advances in science, technology, medicine and engineeringthroughout their careers. They will need higher levels of education to compete in anincreasingly technology driven, global economy. We need comprehensive career trainingfor students who don’t plan to go to college to give them a sustainable career. We alsoneed college-readiness instruction, including AVID, to increase the number of students whochoose college and to give them the tools to be successful.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have been more active in the community, and with each activity I have learned moreabout the MISD and the role it plays in the broader McKinney community. I am fortunate


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to work part-time and have ample time to devote to MISD.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended School Board meetings and work sessions at various times over thepast eight years. I have gained a more in-depth knowledge of the District and the need tobalance the tax burden on homeowners and businesses with the needs of students andteachers.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of the School Board is twofold: to represent the people who live, work andraise their families in MISD, and, second, to be a Trustee of the educational needs of everystudent in the district. The Board should set and oversee a responsible budget, set policiesand hire exceptional educators. Board members who want to initiate a new policy shouldbegin by discussing it in depth with the Superintendent and doing their homework tobecome knowledgeable on the issue. They should then propose it to the Board andcommunity to seek additional input. At that point, the idea should either be pursuedthrough a vote of the Board or abandoned if it is not viable.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: MISD awarded Gold Star Awards to campuses where at least one grade level had 100%of students who were 100% successful on all academic measures, including the TAKS. Theywere presented this year to eight elementary schools, three middle schools and MNHS. Inaddition, McKinney ISD was recently honored by the National Center for EducationalAchievement (NCEA) with 13 schools named 2009 Just for the Kids Higher PerformingSchools in Texas. This award is based on test results from a three-year period during whichschools improved their students’ academic performance to a greater degree than thestudents from schools with similar demographics. The District has a comprehensiveprogram of working to duplicate is successes through data-driven tools such as frequentevaluations of how the students are performing in certain areas. This allows teachers toknow which students need re-teaching in specific areas and helps prevent gaps in astudent’s learning in those areas. Successful programs or methods can then be duplicatedthroughout a campus or the District.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: The MISD has 22.5 percent Hispanic students, and a large number of these are LimitedEnglish Proficiency. The District must continue its efforts to recruit and retain bilingual staff,and look for new ways to increase Hispanic parent involvement in the schools. Thementoring program through Partners in Education and the AVID program can also helpsupport these students.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Drop-out prevention is important, not only to our students, but to the community as awhole. A high school drop-out earns 40 percent less and has one-third higherunemployment rate than a high school graduate. A college graduate earns twice as muchand has one-third the unemployment rate of a high school graduate. A quality education isthe solution to so many of our society’s issues. I support the MISD’s efforts to keep everystudent enrolled in high school, starting with the District’s decision to hire a drop-outspecialist to oversee its efforts. Drop-out prevention starts with an active program to trackattendance and identify at-risk students. The District can then intervene with the parentsand students including anything from simply getting the parents more involved to fines orteen court. Some judges are now making a GED a requirement of release for those whoare in juvenile detention, improving those students' wage-earning potential and thechances they may enroll in higher education upon their release. McKinney ISD also hastwo incredible programs to help students with unique challenges: the LINC Center, whichprovides a personalized education to students who aren’t succeeding in the traditionalclassroom, and Serenity High, America’s only public high school for students returningfrom drug and alcohol rehab programs. I support both of these programs. A strongextracurricular program is also vital to keeping students connected to their school. Manystudents are motivated to stay in school for an athletic, fine arts or other program whomight otherwise drop out.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: A strong staff with good leadership. Parental involvement. Extracurricular offerings tokeep students connected to the school, such as band, athletics, choir, cheerleading, etc.Studies show that students stay in school and perform better if they are involved in aprogram that makes them feel connected.


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Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: An uncomfortable truth is that MISD has rising enrollment and a stagnant tax base,which could affect its ability to fund new facilities and technology improvements. McKinneyhas a lower taxable property value per student than Frisco and Plano. Taxable PropertyValue Per Student is $374,000 in McKinney, $360,921 in Allen, $507,707 in Frisco and$601,529 in Plano. The MISD must continue to support the City of McKinney on economicdevelopment to bring in more quality commercial development to reduce the tax burdenon homeowners and businesses.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Today’s kindergartener will be in the workplace until 2070. They are the generation nowbeing called “digital natives” meaning they are growing up with the technology mygeneration had to learn. This generation will bring about extraordinary advances inscience, technology, medicine and engineering throughout their careers. They will needhigher levels of education to compete in an increasingly technology driven, globaleconomy. Technology is being planned for and utilized well in MISD. I have seen creativeuses of Smart boards. Elementary schools have computer labs where they are learningearly keyboarding, as well as an early introduction to computer design and presentations.Middle and high schools are teaching students more advanced computers skills. Theteacher websites are an excellent tool to allow students and parents access to homeworkand notes from the teachers outside of school hours. Teachers are encouraged and taughthow to integrate technology into their lesson plans, for example using IPods to helpreinforce reading skills. Regarding laptops vs. textbooks: There are advantages to both.Many students would prefer having the data electronically, but we need to continue toprovide textbooks for those students without access to a laptop at home.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: This is one area where the School Board can take the lead. I like Supt. Kennedy’sproposal to start focus groups, where a small group of parents would meet in a home withan administrator and School Board member. What a wonderful one-on-one dialogue in acomfortable environment. These types of programs, along with the parent organizations,principal coffees and student recognition events held both during the day and at night arejust a few of the ways we can bring more parents into the process.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: I don’t believe it is practical to pay teachers based on the performance of their studentsfor many reasons. Children come to a school with a wide range of abilities and challenges.An administrator needs to place students with the teacher that is best for that student, nottry to “equalize” the classes so that each class achieves evenly. One teacher may excel atteaching gifted students, one may excel with dyslexic students and another may have aknack with ADHD students. The best teachers may fit best with the lowest-performingstudents. How would you test this performance? I don’t believe paying teachers based onstudent performance is in the best interest of the students or the teachers.

Curtis R. Rippee

Biographical Info:Name: Curtis RippeeStreet Address: 2012 Chessington LaneCity/Town: McKinneyState: TXDate of Birth: 12/11/66Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-544-9451Home Phone Number: 214-544-0117Mobile Phone Number: 214-293-3414Fax Number: 214-544-9460E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.curtisrippee.net


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Questions:Q: EducationA: Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from University of Missouri 1989 Licensed asCertified Public Accountant in TexasQ: Length of residency in district:A: 8 YearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am the Founder and Principal of StratiFi Partners a CFO Services firm. StratiFi Partnersprovides outsourced and fractional CFO and Controller services to small and mid-sizedbusinesses in Texas. Our firm assists companies in achieving Business Success ThroughFinancial Intelligence.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: McKinney Education Foundation Board of Directors, Dallas Roundtable Board ofDirectors and Treasurer, McKinney Community Action Network, First Baptist Church ofMcKinney Deacon, First Baptist Church Finance Committee Member, First Baptist ChurchBible Fellowship Group Teacher, Junior Achievement Volunteer, Youth Basketball and SoccerCoachQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Avenues Counseling Board of Directors and TreasurerQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: None.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Information will be compiled and provided as a part of our April 8th finance report.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Information will be compiled and provided as a part of our April 8th finance report.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: McKinney ISD is well known for its excellence and innovation. My family came toMcKinney specifically because of its heritage and reputation as a community and itsoutstanding school system. Our desire was to live, work, and attend school and church inthe same community. McKinney has been everything we could have hoped for and more.First, I believe my background and experience as a financial professional and businessowner, as well as my perspective as a parent of elementary and soon to be middle schoolchildren, provides me with the strong foundation needed to represent the citizens ofMcKinney on the MISD Board of Trustees. Second, my father was a teacher for 30 years,and I know first-hand the influence he had on the lives of his students. I understand theimpact of our teachers on the success of students and the district as a whole. Thatunderstanding and perspective will assist me in supporting the administration in its effortsto attract and retain the highest quality teachers and give them the best environment toexcel. Third, I believe my experience working with a wide variety of businesses andcommunity organizations regarding the stewardship of their resources and improving theirfinancial results will benefit the district well in these difficult financial times.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: As a school board member, you are one of seven members so the ability to take actionis clearly within the context of the board as a whole. The role of the board of trustees is toempower the school administration and leadership to do what is in the best interest of ourstudents and then ensure they are succeeding in that effort. The board must evaluateevery decision and the establishment of each policy by asking the following questions:Does it promote academic excellence? Does it build consensus between the district, cityand its citizens? Is is financial responsible? If the decision as a board promotes academicexcellence, builds community consensus, and is financial responsible, I will support it.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have a unique skill-set as a financial professional. I work with businesses every day toensure they are making the most out of their financial resources. These are difficultfinancial times and the district has been entrusted with the financial resources of the taxpayers to provide the best education possible for its students. The board needs individualswho understand those challenges and can bring insight to the process.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned from


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them?A: I have attended several of the formal board meetings as well as work study sessions. Ihave gained valuable insight into the process and the perspectives of the current boardmembers. I understand that there is often great complexity to the issues and that boardmembers must be willing to listen to the constituents and also must make principleddecisions based on what one believes is in the best interest of the entire district, itsstudents, parents, and community.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The primary role is to hire the right superintendent, support the administration in itsefforts to create a quality learning and work environment, hold the administrationaccountable for its efforts and successes, approve the district budget, and to seek theperspectives and views of the constituents and parents they represent.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: The district has over 20 schools that achieved a rating of Recognized or Exemplary sothere are many examples from which to choose. These schools have great leadership andtend to have high levels of parent and community involvement. The district is makingefforts to replicate that involvement across all of its schools.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: McKinney ISD has established mentoring and volunteer programs with individuals andgroups from the community and are working with schools that have a high concentration oflower socio-economic student population and/or Latino student population. Theseprograms are very important and have shown to have a positive impact on the studentsacademic performance as well as the mentors and volunteers. Community outreach andcollaboration with local organizations and businesses plays a critical role in closing theachievement gap.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: It is really the role of the administration to focus on lowering the dropout rate.However, it is the board's responsibility to support the administration's efforts. The districtneeds to do everything it can to provide a quality learning environment for all students butalso maintain a focus on the needs of the individual student. Further, the continuedimplementation of a mentoring program at the secondary schools should be a core part ofthe solution. The success of these programs are undeniable and to the extent we cancontinue to promote such programs to the community to get increase participation ofindividuals and groups, I am convinced we can lower dropout rates.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Outstanding teachers who love kids. Strong core curriculum content. Broad andextensive Advanced Placement Program. Best in class Career and Technical EducationPrograms. Excellent Fine Arts Programs. Quality Sports Programs.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: While districts are still labeled "Independent School Districts" the reality is that many ofthe decisions around education and funding are now controlled at the federal and statelevels. The ability to increase funding or change the way students are being educated isreally limited. Thus, our administration has to work within the confines of the federal andstate mandates and regulations. The voice of the citizens has to be heard beyond the locallevel to have real change occur.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: The use of SmartBoard technology in our classrooms is a great example of howtechnology is being used to further learning. The only thing slowing the further use oftechnology is additional funding. The teachers' ability to access the curriculum and analyzedata online through the use of SchoolNet is increasing consistency across the district andhelping the teachers and administration target specific areas of need. There should be ajoint emphasis on textbooks and laptops. The emphasis on one to the detriment of theother is not preferable because our post education world still has significant elements ofeach.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Give parents opportunities and purpose. Highly organized efforts which have a positiveimpact on the parents as well as the students are preferable. It cannot be just for thebenefit of the students. It must be equally impactful to the parents.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?


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A: This is not a simple yes or no question and really depends on the situation. We needbalanced performance measures. We do need to correlating student performance and therewards for the teacher. However it must be balanced and and very specific to theprogram and student not just create a "teach to the test" environment. I am in favor ofrewarding based on the progress of the individual students and not just whether or notthey are able to understand a specified set of concepts or facts. We need to reward ourteachers for preparing and educating students for the real world and not just testingprotocols.

Plano ISD, Place 1Description: Note: All residents living in Plano ISD may vote in this race.


Robert Canright

Biographical Info:Name: Robert CanrightCity/Town: PlanoState: TexasE-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: http://www.RobertCanright.comYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/v/yes&hl=en

Questions:Q: EducationA: M.S. Electrical Engineering, University of Central Florida B.S. Mechanical Engineering,University of New Orleans B.S. Mathematics, University of New Orleans The DallasMorning News web tool refuses to list my YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/rcanrightQ: Length of residency in district:A: 17 years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: WriterQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: To help help our children have a brighter future and to provide a high level goal foreducation I have started the Texas Ascendant Campaign. America needs better leadershipand it is up to Texas to provide it. Here are two links to this campaign:http://www.timelesswayfoundation.org/Texas_Ascendant.html andhttp://texasascendant.blogspot.com/2009/03/texas-ascendant-campaign-overview.htmlOur children face a very challenging future. We need a plan, a strategy, to help ourchildren survive and prosper in the coming decades, and the Texas Ascendant Campaign ismy suggestion on what we can do towards this end.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I founded the Timeless Way Foundation, which appears to be the only education thinktank in Texas. The website is: http://www.timelesswayfoundation.org Parents will finduseful links on the "Links" page of this website. With these links parents can investigateTAKS scores, school spending, the TEKS (pronounced teeks, Texas Essential Knowledge andSkills), and the Texas Education Code. There is also a "Tips for Parents" page.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: I have previously run as an independent for the Plano ISD Board of Trustees.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I do not accept campaign contributions. America will not have competent governmentuntil elections can be won with small budgets. We must find ways to win elections withsmall budgets. Otherwise politicians will represent the best interests of the majorcampaign contributors instead of representing the best interests of their community.Q: Who are your top three contributors?


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A: I do not accept campaign contributions.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: These are 3 good questions. I will address them separately. (1) I am running for thePlano Board of Trustees for 2 reasons: (a) my children and yours have not been getting thequality of education that our children need, and (b) our children will face a very difficult,complex future and we need to adjust their education to help them prosper in difficulttimes. Perhaps they can be the leaders our country can call upon in a time of future crisis.(2) Voters can consider me the best qualified candidate because I am the only candidatewho has (a) taught in Texas classrooms, (b) taught in university classrooms, (3) and doneresearch and development at high tech firms. I have worked with scientists and engineersfrom across America and the globe. I understand what our children will need to succeed.And I can critique the curriculum. If a board trustee says he or she is not an educator andcannot exercise reasonable judgment upon a curriculum, that board member is notqualified to to be a trustee. (3) You asked, "What in your personal or professionalbackground most prepares you to serve in this office?" This is similar to your secondquestion, but there is a nuanced difference and here it is: Because I have spent decadessolving world-class technical problems, I have developed the ability spot key elements ofvery difficult problems and I can work to solve problems that can take many years tosolve. Preparing our children for a difficult future falls into this class of problems. It isbecause I have spent many years in corporate research and development that I knowAmerica has a far greater need for good leadership in business and government than it hasneed of more scientists and engineers. The middle-class economy is contracting becausethere are not enough new businesses being established and grown into world-classcompanies. I believe the children of Plano are capable of great achievements and we canadjust their education to help them reach the greatest heights.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1.) Improve elementary school mathematics education 2.) Improve elementary schoolELAR education. (ELAR = English, Language Arts, and Reading) 3.) Eliminate ConnectedMath from the middle-schools. We do not need to buy new programs. We need a changein educational philosophy. We would save money by not buying Connected Math material.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The Board makes excuses for the short comings in the Administration. Because I am notconnected with the establishment that runs the Board, I will work to make changes insteadof making excuses.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes, and I've learned that they are well staged.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: Later I'll quote the written duties of the Board of Trustees. I believe the Trustees shouldprovide a reality check for the Superintendent, but the Plano Board of Trustees fails to dothis. The board members make excuses for the district's problems. Board members shouldunderstand what is happening in the schools and make sure problems are not ignored.Board members should be aware that home buyers are looking at TAKS test results andbuying homes elsewhere. Board members should know that too many frustrated parentsare pulling their children from Plano schools and sending them to private schools orhome-schooling them. It's nice that the Board members are such enthusiastic boosters ofour school system, but they are failing the district by not fulfilling their oversight duties.Here are some of the legal duties of the board members: Section 11.051 of the TexasEducation Code says: The board of trustees (1) oversees the management of the district;and (2) ensures that the superintendent implements and monitors plans, procedures,programs, and systems to achieve appropriate, clearly defined, and desired results in themajor areas of district operations.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: I believe it is the parents rather than the curriculum that drives the success of the PlanoISD. Parents need to be aware of that. If a school has disproportionate number ofunengaged parents, then that school's TAKS scores suffer. Parents can go to the Links page


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of The Timeless Way Foundation website and find links they can use to study TAKS results.Your question refers to "your community." If we view our community as the Quad Cites --Allen, Frisco, Plano, and Richardson -- then I will point out that 100% of the schools inAllen and Richardson are rated Recognized or Exemplary. Richardson has somechallenging Title 1 schools. As I show on my website, the Plano ISD has a largerpercentage of struggling schools than our neighbors. The Plano ISD is in a state of denial.Educators in Plano disparage Richardson's success, saying, "they just teach to the test." Yet100% of Richardson's schools are Recognized or Exemplary, including their Title 1 schools.Plano has one campus rated Unacceptable. It is pretty easy to conclude Richardson is doingsomething right and Plano is doing something wrong. The PISD Administration isdisconnected from reality, and it stays that way because the Board of Trustees makesexcuses for the Administration. The Plano ISD cannot learn from other districts until itrealizes it has problems and decides to face those problems instead of denying thoseproblems exist. I love Plano and I am very concerned that our problems will get worse ifwe do not face them.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Improving the curriculum to ensure students learn skills will help all students, includingLatinos. An improved curriculum will reduce or eliminate the need for parents to tutor theirchildren. There is a tutoring gap between families that can provide tutoring and familiesthat cannot provide tutoring. Improving the curriculum can eliminate the need for out-of-school tutoring. I have charts on my website, http://www.RobertCanright.com, showingthat Richardson, Allen, and Frisco are more successful in educating the average student.Richardson has Title 1 schools, yet all their schools are Recognized or Exemplary.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Improving the curriculum can improve the dropout rate. Kids fall behind in their skills inelementary school, fall further behind in middle-school, get discouraged, and quit.Connected Math has got to be discouraging students and contributing to the dropout rate.Pushing Algebra down into middle school has to discourage kids who are already behind intheir math skills. We need to improve the mathematics and English/Language Arts/Reading(ELAR) curriculum. Certainly there are other things to do to reduce the dropout rate, butcorrecting curriculum flaws is a crucial part of the solution.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: A sound elementary school education lays the foundation for a successful middle-school.A sound middle-school education lays the foundation for a successful high school. Decadesof innovations from the colleges of education have diminished the performance ofAmerican schools and students. When a professional educator tells you he has an excitingand innovative program for your child, you need to react as though you've come face toface with a robber in the street: grab your wallet and run the other way. Our childrenneed a sound education, which means there are some skills they must master. Societieshave known for thousands of years how to impart necessary skills when educatingchildren. 27 years ago the "Nation at Risk" report was released. 27 years and billions ofdollars later and the nation's schools are still having problems, yet parents successfullyhome-school children so they are college ready and even winning full academicscholarships. Schools succeed when parents are involved and when schools are managedwith sound judgment.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: One uncomfortable truth is that the Plano ISD has some of the same problems thatschool districts across America have been unable to solve after decades of trying. One bigproblem is that PISD is saddled with an entrenched bureaucracy that is protected by apolitical system designed to thwart the voting public. The at-large system allows aconcentration of voters in one part of town to dominate all elections. Not permitting arun-off election allows the establishment to run two candidates against an independentcandidate, siphoning off anti-establishment voters who are unaware of the tactic. All acrossAmerica, and in Plano as well, schools cannot improve because entrenched politicalinterests block meaningful change. See my YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/rcanrightQ: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technology is not a substitute for a good curriculum. If we have budget problems, thenplanning to buy laptops for the students is an expense PISD cannot afford.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Parental involvement is crucial for a child's success, but this involvement can take many


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forms. It is important for a parent to monitor the child's progress, checking homework andtests, and tutoring the child where necessary. The school district does provide means forthe parents to monitor their child's progress, so perhaps a periodic email reminder on howto check homework assignments or test scores could help parents get more involved in away that would help their child succeed in school. There is no silver bullet for this problem.It has to be an ongoing effort.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: We should link the pay and employment of the Superintendent and his deputies to thedistrict performance on TAKS tests and to drop out rates. The Board of Trustees shouldpledge to improve TAKS results and dropout rates, promising to resign their positions if thedistrict fails to meet its goals. The performance problems in the Plano ISD are largely fromcurriculum flaws, which are management failures. The danger in linking teacher pay tostudent performance is that this program usually includes a plan to fire teachers who donot meet performance goals. This is unfair when management is not held accountable forits failures.

Tammy Richards

Biographical Info:Name: Tammy RichardsStreet Address: 5209 Corinthian Bay DriveCity/Town: PlanoState: TexasDate of Birth: June 24, 1960Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972/375-2613E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.TammyRichards.org

Questions:Q: EducationA: Texas A&M University, BS Industrial Engineering Harvard University, MBAQ: Length of residency in district:A: I have lived in the Plano ISD for 22 years, and I have had children in the district for 11years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I am Associate Dean of the Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University.I am the chief operating officer of the school. Prior to this position, I held executivepositions at Texas Instruments, including Vice President of Marketing and CustomerService for TI’s Educational Technology business, a $500 million division.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I am President of the Board of Head Start of Greater Dallas, a $40 million non-profitagency that serves 4,259 low-socio-economic preschool children. I serve on the board ofthe Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, which provides youth programs toprevent substance abuse, including the Red Ribbon Drug-free schools program. I am amember of the Plano ISD Graduation Plan Advisory Committee. I am a member of theRenner Middle School and Shepton High School PTAs. I am a member of the Greater DallasChamber Executive Women’s Roundtable. My family attends First Baptist Church of Plano.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I served on the Plano ISD Huffman Elementary School-Based Improvement Committeefor three years and was head of the ad hoc math curriculum committee. I was a memberof the Early Childhood School Committee at First Baptist Church of Plano. I assisted withthe Plano American Association of University Women Christmas Tour ScholarshipFundraiser in 2008, helping provide college scholarships to deserving young women inCollin County. I am past co-chair and past steering team member of the Greater DallasChamber Women's Business Conference, a volunteer-run conference for 2,000 women. Iserved on the Advisory Board of the Women’s Issues Council for the Greater DallasChamber, and I have completed Leadership Texas and Leadership Dallas.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:


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A: I have never held or sought public office prior to this election for Plano ISD schoolboard.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have raised $550 for my campaign. My campaign is a grassroots effort supported bynumerous friends in the community.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Wendy Lopez, the Kin family, and the Mansour family.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I have never been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: As a long-time resident of Plano with two children in Plano schools, I have anunderstanding of how great our city’s schools are and a vision of how we can continue tomake our school system a model for other cities in Texas and across the nation.Throughout my 28 year business career, I have worked in support of education. I would behonored to use the unique combination of my business experience, from my career atTexas Instruments, and my education knowledge, from my work at Southern MethodistUniversity, to serve as an advocate for the children and parents of Plano. I have workedwith a number of local, state, and national educational organizations, including the TexasEducation Agency, the Texas State Board of Education, the Texas Higher EducationCoordinating Board, the Texas Business Education Coalition, the Texas High School Project,the Texas Workforce Commission, the National Council Teachers of Mathematics, and theNational Science Teachers Association.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: First, I will work with parents and administrators to provide an exemplary educationand an exemplary experience for all Plano ISD students. We will strive for all Plano ISDschools to be equally great and to be acknowledged as such by our community. Second, Iwill invest in our teachers and school-level administrators with cutting-edge professionaldevelopment. Educational research from organizations like the Gates and Dell Foundationsindicates that a well-supported teacher in the classroom is the best investment we canmake in our children’s education. Third, I will support an environment with transparent andmutually respectful communication with parents, administrators, and the community.Plano ISD’s budget for maintenance and operation, which covers the cost of instruction andstaff support, is determined, in great part, by the funding formula defined by the TexasLegislature. Total available funding is determined by the weighted average dailyattendance times a per student cost. Within this budget, Plano ISD budgets a greateramount for instruction than similar school districts and is extremely efficient with itsnon-instructional costs. The initiatives that I outline build on this strategy of prioritizingstudents and teachers. Additionally, government and foundation grants are available,including grants from the National Science Foundation, to invest in improved instructionalstrategies and teacher professional development.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have a unique combination of business experience and education knowledge. I haveestablished and managed budgets for a $500 million division of Texas Instruments, whichis slightly larger than the Plano ISD budget. I have worked with school systems acrossthe nation and the world. I have an understanding of what our students must do to becompetitive, both as they graduate from Plano schools and apply to colleges and as theyenter the global workforce and compete with students from other countries. I have workedwith educational organizations such as the Texas Education Agency and the Texas StateBoard of Education. Finally, I have had children in Plano schools for 11 years. I haveexperienced elementary, middle, and high schools in the Plano system and understand theopportunities and challenges that our community faces.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended a variety of school board meetings, school-based improvementcommittee meetings, and school informational meetings. There are numerous laws andregulations that govern how public edcuation meetings must be held. Unfortunately, attimes, this lends a formality that may dampen discussion. Through my work with the TexasState Board of Education and Head Start of Greater Dallas, I have experience inconducting and participating in meetings where strict rules of order must be followed. Inspite of these rules, we must encourage open communication. I am very committed to an


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environment with transparent and mutually respectful communication with parents and thecommunity. I feel that we must give parents every opportunity to be heard and to be anactive force in the education of their children. Through this honest discussion we willdevelop the very best solutions for our kids.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The document “Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas” developed by thePublic Education Visioning Institute stated the role of a school board very well: Schoolboard members “…are focused on ensuring that the system is responsive to student, staff,and community needs and that the common good of all students prevails.” This is asignificant and serious responsibility where all decisions must be made in the best interestsof the students to ensure that our children have the education they need to pursuesuccessful, rewarding, and fulfilling futures. Specifically, Plano ISD school board membersare tasked with governing and overseeing the management of the district’s schools,monitoring progress towards the district’s comprehensive goals, establishing academic andperformance goals, adopting a tax rate, establishing a budget, and managing andevaluating the district’s superintendent. Policy should be developed in collaboration withthe members of the school board, with input and guidance from the district’sadministrative team and the community.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: For this question, I must brag on my children’s former elementary, HuffmanElementary. Huffman is on the west side of Plano, and 35% of the students areeconomically disadvantaged. In addition, there is high student mobility and a great deal ofmultifamily housing in the Huffman attendance zone. But Huffman is an Exemplary school,thanks to its kids, its families, its great teachers, and its great school leadership. In 2003,the Huffman neighborhood began to change, much like many sections of Plano are doingtoday. The school slipped in its ranking and families were leaving the school. A group ofcommitted parents decided that we were going to work to make Huffman great again.During that time, I was a member of the Huffman School-Based Initiative Committee.With the help of the SBIC and the PTA, Huffman became one of three Plano ISD KeyInitiative Schools. With the help of the district, we lowered student/teacher ratios in thekindergarten through second grade, we brought in additional reading, math, and sciencecurriculum experts, and we welcomed new school leadership. I still remember going tothe fall SBIC meeting when our regained Exemplary status was announced. My youngesthad graduated from Huffman the spring before, but I went just to hear those importantwords. Even Len Stevens, our great principal asked “why are you here?” And I told him Ijust wanted to celebrate with the team. It is my commitment that all the schools of Planoand all our kids will have reason to celebrate as we continue to keep a maturing Plano ISDstrong.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Closing the achievement gap between Latino students and Anglo students will requireda multi-faceted approach. Family income, versus ethnicity, is a key determinant in thesuccess of students. Children at Risk, a Houston non-profit that rates schools across Texason a variety of factors such as graduation rates and the percentage of students scoring atcommended levels on the TAKS assessment, recently reported that low-income studentsdid better in smaller, specialized schools where the students felt connected to theirteachers and administrators. Research by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supportsthat contention. Students thrive in small learning communities where their individual needsand learning styles may be accommodated. Small learning communities, lower student-teacher ratios, well-supported and well-trained teachers, empowered school-leveladministrators, and engaged parents will allow districts to close the achievement gap.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Plano ISD has a very low dropout rate. Out of a district of 55,000 students, 60 studentsdropped out last year. Plano ISD begins its dropout prevention in the elementary grades.Teachers, counselors, and principals monitor the students and their progress to ensure thatstudents are helped before their struggles become overwhelming. Early intervention is keyto ensure that students continue to make adequate academic progress. Additionally, in2005, Plano ISD opened the Larry Guinn Special Programs Center to offer programs forat-risk students. The Guinn Center offers accelerated programs for seniors and dropoutrecovery programs, as well as providing GED services. I would continue to support earlyintervention programs and the Guinn Center to continue Plano ISD’s high graduation rate.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?


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A: The ingredients for a successful high school and a successful middle school are many ofthe same factors. Students must feel that their teachers and administrators know themand that those very important adults are in their corner. Students must know that theirindividual talents and strengths are valued and that they will be held to high standards sothat they will test and stretch themselves. As the parent of a middle school student and ahigh school student, I live these challenges every day. Middle school is a critical transitionperiod; teachers expect more self-discipline and organization from the students. With highschool, the academic and intellectual challenges increase tremendously. But the commonthread at both levels, is the committed, caring teacher as guide and friend.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Two uncomfortable truths about public schools that voters and taxpayers must confrontare that a quality education is not free and that the students streaming into our schooldistricts have increasingly challenging needs. Twenty-five percent of the new studentsenrolling last year in Plano ISD were socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Typically,these students will require additional support to achieve their educational goals. Long termTexas will recover its investment in public education through a well-educated workforcethat will bring economic development to our state, but the upfront cost must be met.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technology is being used very effectively in Plano ISD classrooms. In elementaryclassrooms, ELMO projectors are used so that the students can watch as the teacher solvesproblems. In middle school classrooms, computers and digital projectors are used forteacher lectures and student presentations. In high school, technology-enabled learninglabs are used to teach foreign language. Plano ISD teachers and students are veryproficient with instructional technology, and students will be well-prepared for college andthe workforce. At this time, providing laptops for all Plano ISD students would be adaunting task. Currently, desktop computers are available in school, and computers areavailable for students’ home through Plano ISD’s Computers@Home program. A transitionto a greater use of on-line services is inevitable with today’s students, and more and moreof their instructional material will be electronic.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Parents must feel welcome in their children’s school. PTA meetings, parent/teacherconferences, and school performances should be scheduled when working parents canattend. Educators should remember that their profession has a specialized language thatparents might not understand and that parents might be reluctant to ask for help. Parentsmust also understand the needs of the schools and teachers. With budget reductions,parents should know the areas where volunteer help or financial support would be mostuseful.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Linking teacher pay to student performance is a challenging task. Unlike business,where one can control the raw material coming into a process, teachers must embrace allstudents, with their varying backgrounds, skills, and interests. Linking a portion of teacherpay to student improvement would be a more realistic measure of success.

Bart Ridley

Biographical Info:Name: Bart RidleyStreet Address: 1212 Gardengrove Ct.City/Town: PlanoState: TexasDate of Birth: November 8, 1968Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-672-8288Home Phone Number: 972-423-8564Mobile Phone Number: 214-707-0097Fax Number: 214-259-8788E-mail Address: [email protected]


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Campaign Web Site Address: www.bartridley.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Plano Senior High School, 1987; B.B.A., University of Texas at Austin, 1991; J.D., BaylorUniversity School of Law, 1994Q: Length of residency in district:A: 1979-1987 and 1999-presentQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Attorney, Partner with Touchstone Bernays law firmQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Plano ISD Education Foundation, Board Member 2003-present, Current Chair of AnnualFund Campaign, Previous Chair of Board Governance Committee, Previous Chair ofPrograms Committee, Supported Grants for Educators Program in various capacities;Member, Shepard Elementary PTA; Plano ISD Alumni Association; Pitman Creek EstatesHomeowners' Association; Member, Plano Chamber of CommerceQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Leadership Plano, Class 18; Plano ISD Educator Internship Program, 2001; PlanoInternational Preschool Board Member, 2001-2009, Chair of Board during tenure; Memberof 2008 Plano ISD Technology and Facilities Bond Task ForceQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: As of April 5, 2010, my campaign has been primarily financed by my personalcontributions and expenditures, which currently total approximately $5061.00. As of April5, 2010, I have also received campaign contributions totaling $120.00.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Bart Ridley, $5061.00; Roy Ridley (father), $100; Amber Ostrander (high schoolclassmate), $20Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I have never been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings. As an attorney, Iwas named as a Defendant in a civil lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the NorthernDistrict of Texas, cause No. 3:00-cv-01409, styled Harris v. Ashby, et al. The defendantsincluded a State District Judge, the Dallas County Sheriff, and numerous local defenseattorneys. The lawsuit was filed by a former opponent that was held in contempt by aState District Court Judge for the unauthorized practice of law, and ordered to confinementin the Dallas County Jail because of repeated violations of the State Court's orders. Theclaims against me were ultimately dismissed by the Federal Court.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for this position because I believe in public education. I believe in Planoschools. I believe that education is the great equalizer, and that education providesunlimited opportunity to those who pursue it. To that end, I have been called into publicservice because I want to try and make a positive difference in the lives of the children andfamilies within our district. I am the most qualified candidate for Place 1 of the Board ofTrustees because I have focused my volunteer community efforts on issues that benefitstudents and educators within the Plano ISD. Since moving back to Plano in 1999, I havespent my time learning about the community as a whole and working with organizationsthat support public education in the Plano ISD. I am a graduate of Leadership Plano, Class18. In 2001, I participated in the Plano ISD Educator Internship program which allowed meto meet with and mirror a district administrator for a couple of days to better understandthe inner workings of the school district's operations. From 2001 to 2009, I served as aBoard Member of the Plano International Preschool, a small, non-profit preschool whosemission was to teach English language skills to children from various backgrounds thatwere not proficient in English so that they could make an easier transition into the publicschool system. Since 2003, I have served as a Board Member of the Plano ISD EducationFoundation whose mission is to raise funds to support the students and educators of thedistrict with an emphasis on supporting programs designed to close the achievement gap. Ialso recently served on the 2008 Plano ISD Technology and Facilities Bond Task Forcewhich worked with the district administration to develop recommendations for Boardconsideration regarding the proper amount and use of bond monies to maintain andexpand the technology and infrastructure needs of the district. I participated in each ofthese volunteer activities solely to advance the interests of Plano ISD students, parents


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and teachers. From a professional standpoint, I am have been practicing law for 15years. I am a Partner of the Touchstone Bernays law firm specializing in civil litigation. Iappear in court on a regular basis, and my practice consists of defending individuals andcompanies that have been sued in courts throughout the State of Texas. I am also acertified Mediator. My legal training, and my experience in the courtroom and in disputeresolution provide me with the skills necessary to make a critical analysis of issues, asktough questions, take a stand when necessary for an unpopular position, and ultimatelywork to resolve thorny problems for the benefit of all involved. I also understand the legalramifications of certain decisions, and devote much of my time to advising clients on waysto identify and manage risk. As a Board Trustee, my guiding principle would be to makedecisions based on the will of my constituents, and what is best for all children of thedistrict. On a personal level, I am the first person in my family to graduate from college. Iunderstand the opportunity of education. From my history as a product of the Planoschools, and as a parent of young children that are just beginning their journey through thePlano schools, I understand many of the issues facing our students and parents. As thespouse of a former teacher, I understand many of the challenges facing our dedicatededucators who try to make a difference in the lives of each and every student. As ataxpayer, I understand the concerns of those who must pay for our educational system,and what we expect as a return on our investment. Each of these perspectives provide mewith a wealth of understanding as to the issues that are most important to the students,parents, educators and taxpayers of our district, and these are the reasons I am the mostqualified candidate for this position.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: Three of the most important tenets of my campaign platform are 1) Continued Efforts toClose the Achievement Gap, 2) Improved Board Communication and Transparency, and 3)Promotion of the Health and Safety of our Children and Educators. With regard to closingthe achievement gap, I would work with educators, administrators, and interestedcommunity members to continue to identify and develop programs aimed at benefitingthose students that are not exhibiting academic progress as quickly as other students. Isupport an Education First Philosophy, meaning that as parents and educators, we must setthe expectation that our students will be prepared for the rigors of college or advancedcareer training. The district program AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination),which in a few short years, has increased opportunities for students in the academic middleto develop opportunities for higher education that might not otherwise exist is a primeexample of the types of programs I would ask educators and administrators to support anddevelop. To pay for these types of programs, I would encourage and assist districtadministrators and educators in applying for all available grants and requesting the supportof interested local businesses. By way of example, local corporations such as TexasInstruments, Hewlett Packard (EDS) and Capital One have historically made financialcommitments to support innovative programs designed to close the achievement gap. Iwill also use the concept of "living within our means" as a guiding principle by askingadministrators to use and/or redirect existing resources for the maintenance anddevelopment of programs designed to improve student achievement for all levels oflearners. With regard to improved Board communication and transparency, I will work tocreate programs to better educate parents as to the current information platforms alreadyavailable to stay informed about district operations, such as PISD.edu, myPISD.net,eNews, Facebook, Twitter, and televised Board meetings. I would also advocate thedevelopment of additional methods of Board communication as technology evolves such asstreaming web video, podcasts and YouTube. I would also advocate the idea that regularschool board meetings should be conducted from time to time in various locationsthroughout the district for the convenience of constituents in a district that encompassesapproximately 100 square miles. It is my belief that many of these alternative methods ofcommunication which will promote Board transparency can be developed with little or noadditional cost to the district, and as various communication platforms advance throughtechnology, the district may end up saving money that is currently expended on currentmethods of communication. With regard to the health and safety of our students andeducators, I will insist that as a district we continue to be vigilant in our efforts to preparefor and guard against current and future threats to our children and educators, includingbut not limited to, maintenance of middle school and high school police liaisons, diseaseprevention programs, more thorough background check methods and procedures for allpersons working with students, programs designed to educate students of the dangers oftechnology usage, and development of programs and procedures with the goal ofpreventing serious or life threatening sports related injuries. This is an area where as aTrustee and a parent, I believe the costs associated with these measures are simply the


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costs of doing business and therefore, I will advocate the expenditure of necessary funds tosupport these programs without compromise. This is probably the only area in which Iwould consider reduction of expenditures on classroom instruction to finance measuresdesigned to protect the health and safety of our students and educators.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The key differences between me and my opponents that make me the best choice forPlace 1 of the Plano ISD Board of Trustees are as follows: First, I have a proven record ofinvolvement in organizations whose sole purpose is to benefit the students and educatorsof Plano ISD. My community activities and involvement have been focused on putting thechildren, parents and educators of the Plano ISD first. Second, I am not a single issuecandidate nor do I hold myself out as an expert in education. I am not running because Ibelieve there are serious deficiencies in the district curriculum, or because I want toimmediately revisit the recently decided attendance boundary issues. Third, I did not waituntil shortly before the candidate filing deadline to size up the field. I spent a great deal oftime thoroughly considering the demands of running for election, and serving as a BoardTrustee recognizing that as a volunteer position, it will take time away from my career andmore importantly, my wife and young children. However, after receiving the support of myfamily and friends, I decided the future of our community was too important for me to notanswer the call of increased public service. Fourth, I am an independent voice thatoperates with the guiding principle of doing what is best for all students of the Plano ISD. Iam not beholden to particular persons or groups that seek to gain power over districtcurriculum, operations and policies. Finally, I recognize and applaud the many positiveattributes of our district instead of only focusing on the challenges facing our district. TheDallas Morning News' recent article about the ranking of schools, both in the Dallas-FortWorth area and around the State of Texas, confirms that many Plano schools, includingeach of the three Senior High Schools, are performing exceedingly well and meeting theexpectations of our community.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: During my tenure as a Board member of the Plano ISD Education Foundation, I havehad occasion to attend board meetings usually when certain students or educators wererecognized for achievement in programs supported by the Foundation. Since I decided tobecome a candidate last Fall, I have attended many monthly Board meetings and Boardwork sessions, and have also attended many of the special meetings to address theattendance boundary issues. I learned during these meetings that there are many morepositives about the Plano school district than there are negatives. My attendance at thesemeetings confirmed my belief that our constituents expect and are entitled to improvedcommunication from the Board. I also learned that as parents, we must do a better job oflistening as many important decisions are made by the Board of Trustees with little fanfareor interest from parents. My attendance at these meetings also confirmed my belief thatBoard members, as a guiding principle, must set aside their personal interests and do whatis best for all students of the district. While I believe the current Board members apply thisprinciple, I also believe that better efforts by Trustees at communication will foster abetter understanding of the reasons behind certain decisions.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: Our community has always put an emphasis on education. That is why my familymoved here in 1979 when I was a child. That is why my wife and I returned here in 1999so that she could take a teaching position at Daffron Elementary, and we could one dayraise our children here. As a Board Trustee, I must represent and balance the interests ofstudents, parents, care givers, educators, taxpayers and interested community members.As an elected official, I must listen to my constituents and work with administrators andeducators to develop policies and programs that reflect the expectations of our communityas a whole, and which are in the best interest of all children of the district.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: My neighborhood elementary school, Shepard Elementary, is a good example of thestudent progress being made in the subjects of reading and math. It is my understandingthat in 2002, Shepard received a TEA school rating of "Acceptable". Since that time, withthe guidance of Principal Mary Spickler and the dedication of all teachers, studentachievement has improved to where the school received a TEA school rating of"Exemplary" in 2009. In 2008, Shepard was also bestowed the honor of being a NationalBlue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. This recognition is reserved forschools that exhibit dramatic growth in student achievement. In speaking with the Principal


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and various staff members at Shepard, credit for the improvement is based on betterteacher focus on student progress, and improved teacher collaboration regarding individualstudent needs both horizontally at a particular grade level, and vertically between differentgrade levels. Obviously, this model is working for students at Shepard Elementary, and Ibelieve the lessons learned from this campus and its teachers can be applied to improvestudent progress throughout the district.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Based upon my experiences in serving on the Board of Plano International Preschool,and being exposed to the programs offered by Plano ISD's Student and Family ServicesDepartment, I believe that one of the keys to closing the achievement gap between thesegroups of students is language skills. Many Latino students in our district come fromhouseholds where English is not the primary spoken language, and the parents of thesestudents may have limited education and proficiency in their native language. ImprovingEnglish language skills of Latino parents and students will almost certainly help to close theachievement gap because one cannot be expected to achieve in our system unless theypossess the necessary skills to understand what is being asked of them.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: It is my understanding from district officials, that Plano ISD's dropout rate is very low.Nevertheless, without continuing efforts to make school interesting and beneficial tostudents at risk, we can anticipate that the dropout rate may increase. Programs such asAVID enlighten students in the academic middle that opportunity exists for all that pursueit. I would advocate developing programs designed to make attending school more viablefor at risk students. Partnering with local businesses to develop programs which allowstudents to earn income while staying in school would help prevent certain students fromdropping out due to financial need. Another way to reduce dropouts would be to partnerwith institutions such as Collin College and UTD to develop programs aimed at keeping atrisk students in school by offering advanced career training that actually interests themand allows them to increase their income earning potential following graduation, and alongthe way, may enlighten them that finishing high school is the first step toward unlimitedopportunities afforded by education.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Great Teachers. Interested students (Did I mention Great Teachers?). Supportiveparents (Did I mention Great Teachers?).Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: Unfortunately, I believe that various perceptions and realities have developed aboutcertain schools within our district. During the attendance boundary meetings, I heard anumber of speakers imply that they did not want their child going to "That" school. Ibelieve these types of comments about schools that are facing real challenges weregrounded in both perception and reality. The reality being that there are schools within thedistrict that are not performing up to the expectations of our community. The perceptionbeing that there is nothing the district can do to correct the situation. As a Trustee, I wouldwork to return the district to an environment where it does not matter which school yourchild attends, only that he or she attends a Plano ISD school. Such a goal likely meansexpending additional dollars on schools that require additional attention and support at theexpense of schools that do not face similar challenges. The district has developed acomprehensive plan to revitalize its facilities as they age. I believe that the district'ssuccess is intertwined with the success of our community as a whole. As a Trustee and ataxpayer, I will work to forge relationships with neighborhoods, businesses and city leadersto collaborate on certain community revitalization efforts for the mutual benefit of thestudents of the district and the community as a whole. As a community we must recognizethat one of our best investments is our investment in our schools.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: From my personal observations, I believe that technology is being used effectively inthe classroom. My First Grader uses the classroom computers each school day. She thencomes home and shows me how to use our home computer. I continue to be impressedwith the work of Associate Superintendent for Academic and Technology Services, JimHirsch, and his staff for their efforts to keep Plano ISD on the forefront of innovation in theclassroom. I anticipate that the pilot program at Robinson Middle School wherein eachstudent of a certain grade level is assigned a netbook will be someday be expanded districtwide. I also believe that future technological advances will dictate that our students areequipped with laptops or some other form of mobile media to facilitate learning. However,


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I also believe that it is incumbent upon our district to also teach our students thefundamental skills of how to gather information and resolve problems without the use oftechnology. Just because most people now use a calculator to quickly answer equationsdoes not mean that we no longer have to teach our students how to answer these sameequations without the benefit of an electronic device. Accordingly, I believe that textbooksprovide a necessary alternative platform to impart essential skills by requiring our learnersto gain information from the page rather than from a computer screen. Even with theadvent of wireless reading devices such as Kindle, a well rounded student should beexposed to the pleasure of reading a paper copy of a novel, and understand that whiletechnology may sometimes provide the most efficient way to gain information, it is not theonly way.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: This is one of the most challenging issues facing our district. Certain schools haveessentially unlimited support from parents through active PTAs and parents that arethemselves high achievers. On the other hand, there are several district schools that havelittle or no PTA membership, and parents that are either not willing or not able to becomeinvolved in school functions. For these schools, I subscribe to the following belief. Makeschool interesting for students, and parents will follow with their support. All parents wanta better life or more opportunity for their children then they had for themselves. Throughexpansion of programs currently offered by the district's Student and Family ServicesDepartment, the district is promoting a better understanding by parents and students thatour schools provide the opportunity of education and a better life for our children. I believethat parents are more likely to become involved in schools where their children lookforward to going each day, and which they believe will offer their children the opportunityfor a better life.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: While I like the idea of rewarding teachers for student performance, I believe that anybonus compensation for teachers should be based actual student progress as opposed tostudent mastery of a standardized test. Increased compensation will motivate someteachers, but the best teachers are those that truly love their job. As such, I wouldadvocate the creation of a system that rewards teachers for excellence in studentacademic progress and also rewards those teachers that help shape a well rounded studentin areas such as Fine Arts and Public Service. The district currently uses the Measures ofAcademic Progress (MAP) testing program to measure individual student achievementgrowth. I would be willing to consider a teacher bonus program that is based on this typeof data and reward our teachers for a job well done. I would also encourage ouradministrators to create a system that rewards teachers for student growth in areas noteasily measured by testing data.



Paul P. Kaminsky

Biographical Info:Name: Paul P. KaminskyStreet Address: 1413 Harrington DriveCity/Town: PlanoState: TexasDate of Birth: January 8, 1956Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-424-7875Home Phone Number: 972-424-7875E-mail Address: [email protected]

Questions:Q: EducationA: MBA BS - Law Enforcement Administration AAS - Criminal JusticeQ: Length of residency in district:A: Three years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Retired US ArmyQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Taxpayer


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Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: TaxpayerQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: All funds come from my own pocket.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: No Contributors. I do not wish to owe anyone.Q: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Over 10 years educational experience including time as a military instructor. I havealways lived within my means and believe elected represenatives serve the people notspecial interest or themselves.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1) Establish a public forum during board meetings. 2) Establish a technical trainingfacility for students not college bound. I am not sure how to pay for such a facilityhowever, federal funds maybe available. 3) Use referendum for any tax increase.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My teaching background and serving my country as a soldier for over 20 years.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Not in person. I have learned decisions are not well explained and it seems taxpayerinput is minimal.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The number one role is the efficient and responsible use of tax dollars. Policies must bebased on a compelling need, common sense, and input from the PTA.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: I have not read any data on which school has done the best. The schools that are doingthe best probably have very good teachers, manageable class sizes, and strong PTAs. Asuccessful student begins at home.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Our schools must become institutions of learning not race. Once a standard is set for acourse, those not meeting the standard should be indentified and determine as to why theindividual did not meet the standard. Once the reason is indentified, a corrective action canbe applied.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: No. The dropout problem should be addressed by creating a technical school. The moreoptions for our students, the better their chances of staying in school and becomingresponsible citizens.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: 1) Good Parents 2) Good Teachers/Counselers 3) Safe FacilitiesQ: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: The cost of education is rising and tax revenues are failing.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Yes, I have seen some great tools in action. For example; teachers can readily useonline videos for augmenting their instruction. I believe the future emphasis should be onlaptops because textbooks are limited in so many ways. My concern is with the price andstudent damage/loss, however we can find good PTA solutions to these problems.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: I would like to see more community type events at schools. The idea being to create anenvironment where parents,students, and teachers want to come and participate. Theseevents could build larger and stronger PTAs making our schools places of pride.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?


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A: Yes, however teachers must not be afraid to fail students who do not meet thestandards. Good teachers do fail students. In fact, teachers/schools who pass alongproblems do everyone a great disservice. Linking performance to pay is not easy. This taskshould be given to the department heads in the individual school. The department headsshould carefully monitor classes, teachers, and a sampling of students for determiningoverall student performance. In fact, this may be an effective way for rewarding goodteachers who do make that extra effort.

Raj Menon

Biographical Info:Name: Dr. Raj MenonStreet Address: 4645 Glenrose WayCity/Town: PlanoState: TXDate of Birth: 02/09/1966Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-523-6881Mobile Phone Number: 972-523-6881E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.RajMenonForPlanoISD.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: I attended high school in Mumbai, India. Subsequently, I attended the Indian Instituteof Technology (IIT) and received a degree in Chemical Engineering. I continued graduatestudies in Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, and received Masters andDoctoral degrees there. Several years later, I returned to the University of Texas to enrollin the Executive MBA program. • Master of Technology - Chemical Engineering, IndianInstitute of Technology • Master of Science - Chemical Engineering, The University ofTexas at Austin • Master of Business Administration, The University of Texas at Austin •Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Texas at AustinQ: Length of residency in district:A: We have lived in the Dallas area since 1993 and in the City of Plano since 1997.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Currently, I work as a marketing consultant /owner of Flat World Design - apromotional products marketing company. I started my career in engineering consultingand worked in regulatory compliance in the environmental field. Later, I moved on tomanagement strategy consulting and worked in a technology startup. I also serve as apart-time faculty member at The University of Phoenix - both in the online as well ason-ground programs.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: • PISD - Diversity Advisory Committee member - Third year of a 3-year term • PISD -Daffron Elementary Site Based Improvement Committee • Daffron Elementary PTAYearbook Chair • Daffron Elementary PTA Website/Technology Chair • DaffronElementary STOP Program Sponsor • Co-founder, past president and board member - IITAlumni Association of North TexasQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: • Daffron Elementary PTA Directory Chair • Daffron Elementary Dad’s Club member •Daffron Elementary Spirit Wear Chair • Daffron classroom volunteer and field-tripchaperone • Cub Scouts Pack 211 - Webelos Den Leader • Participant in the PovertySimulation Program organized by Region 10 and co-sponsored by the Plano Council of PTAsand the Diversity Advisory Committee • Board Member, IIT Bombay Heritage Fund •Executive Committee Member, IIT Alumni Association, USA • Board Member, Dallas TexasExes • Community Council Member, India Association of North Texas • Volunteer Teacher,Junior Achievement of Dallas • Student Tutor, National Service Scheme, IndiaQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: None.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?


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A: I have raised a little over $500 from friends and supporters to date. I expect to raiseseveral thousand dollars more in the coming weeks. In the interim, campaign expensesare being covered through personal funds that I have loaned to the campaign.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: • Mr. Charles Ho • Mr. Srinivas Bette • Mr. Stephen MacnollQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am passionate and dedicated to the mission of providing an EXCELLENT education forALL children. I am running for School Board because I have a son in the school district andI am very committed to making sure that PISD is an EXCELLENT school district. I came toTexas 22 years ago for education, and education has opened doors for me and allowed meto be successful - and I want to make sure that all our kids have the same opportunity thatwas available to me. I have been preparing for this job for a very long time. I havevolunteered and been very involved at the school on the PTA board at Daffron Elementaryfor five years. I have served on PISD's Diversity Advisory Committee for three years. Myinternational background, education, technology proficiency, leadership traits, andprofessional and volunteer work experience allows me to bring a unique perspective to theboard. All this has prepared me to make a positive difference in Plano ISD that will help itbecome the most Excellent school system in the world.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: In my opinion, a trustee's job is to set the vision for the district and my vision for PlanoISD is: • To prepare students to be globally competitive through 21st century learning andtechnology • To address the growing diversity of needs in the student population throughdifferentiated instruction • To advocate fiscal responsibility to maximize studentachievement for every dollar spent. The board of trustees is required to act collectively, asa body corporate, rather than in an individual capacity. Therefore, these are philosophicalideas which drive my vision, and my efforts to build consensus and rapport with the entireboard, rather than specific actions.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The candidates for each of the three seats on the PISD Board of Trustees appear to befine individuals with a willingness to serve. I believe my educational qualifications,leadership skills, diverse experience and international background speak for themselves. Ihave a very good understanding of what it takes to be successful in the role of a trusteeand I have prepared well for it.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes, I have attended several board meetings in person, and have watched recordedsessions of several more. I know that serving on the board takes a lot of preparation andhard work. It is also evident that a lot of homework is expected of the members inadvance of the actual meetings. I think team-work, consensus building, and open andeffective communication are keys to making progress and getting the job done.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a school board (and its members) is one of governance and to oversee themanagement of the school district. School board members are expected to set the vision,establish performance goals, monitor progress, adopt tax rates and budgets, monitordistrict finances, set policy and ensure that the Superintendent implements and monitorsthe high-level goals set for the school district. Board members should initiate policiesbased on the aspirations and values of the community. This process should take intoaccount an understanding of the unique nature of our community as well as global, nationaland regional best practices.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: One of the most successful and positive district-wide initiatives in Plano ISD has beenthe Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing. The Measures of Academic Progress areelectronically administered and scored achievement tests designed to measure growth instudent learning for individual students, classrooms, schools, and districts. These tests areallowing teachers to pay attention to kids on an individual basis, and differentiate theirinstruction in precisely the areas where a child needs attention. MAP computerized


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adaptive assessments are among the essential tools that give educators the detailedinformation they need to build curriculum and meet their students’ needs, one child at atime.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Having served on PISD's diversity committee for three years, and having heardpresentations from administrators and educators about this, I am aware that this is anissue that has been recognized and is being tackled on many levels. One of the ways webegin to tackle this issue is by looking not just at the student but rather the wholeeco-system surrounding that student. For example, the work done by PISD departmentslike Student and Family Services is very critical towards closing these gaps. Having aphilosophy of data-driven decision making is very important. We can look at severalvariables and see trends and draw conclusions. But we also have to be careful to makesure that we are not missing any information just because it is difficult to measure. One ofthe findings when you look at "achievement gap" is that it is often influenced by socio-economic realities as well. The bottom line is that when there is diversity, one size doesnot fit all. That's where tools like MAP assessments and approaches with differentiatedindividualized instruction can be very effective.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: First of all, I am passionate about the mission to provide an excellent education for ALLchildren. In that sense, having any dropouts in the system would be tragic. Dropouts canoccur when a student or a family has lost hope that the education system will work forthem. We must be clear that we are all on the same page when we refer to the "dropoutproblem." I understand the district has several successful programs that address at-riskstudents and I have personally heard success stories from some of these students. Wemust keep doing what works, keep learning from what we are doing right as well as stopdoing those things that don't work. Ultimately, in order to be fiscally conservative, wemust ensure that every dollar that we spend is spent wisely - and to increase studentachievement. If we don't do that, we are taking away precious resources which could havebeen used more effectively elsewhere.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Teaching middle and high school students during their formative years can be quitechallenging while they undergo several changes in the academic, social, physical andemotional aspects of their development. The importance of the school faculty and staffcannot be emphasized enough during a period when personality traits are being learnedand strengthened. For a middle or high school to be successful, several pieces need tocome together on the school end. First, a strong curriculum which supports the students’intellectual development and interpersonal growth is essential. Next, teacher and staffdevelopment needs to be supported by strong mentoring. Special programs focused onindividual learning needs are an integral part of a successful middle school. Disciplinepolicies need to be well thought out to ensure that the schools provide utmost safety forstudents. Another key ingredient is the availability of an after school program. Efforts toinvolve parents and the community will provide rich rewards in terms of student learningoutcomes. No middle or high school is complete without advisers and counselors.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: One uncomfortable truth that voters and taxpayers must confront is that Plano is anaging community and the diversity of needs in the student community is only increasing.Indeed, at one level, life is a lot easier when every one and everything is similar. However,when we have to address a diversity of needs, one size does not fit all - and that is moredifficult (and expensive) to deal with. The comforting fact, however, should be thatdiversity can also be a source of great strength for us as a community and even as anation, and when we work through this, we will all emerge the stronger for it.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: This is not an easy question to answer. And in fact, this is not a question simply about"technology" as in computers, wi-fi, cell phones and the internet. Rather it is really aquestion about 21st century learning. It is clear that classrooms across America in the 21stcentury are looking remarkably similar to 18th century classrooms. However, thegeneration of kids in these classrooms are very different than ever before. Their teacherswere mostly educated in the pre-internet era, prior to the convergence of enhanced digitalmedia, telecommunications, and ever-faster and cheaper computing speed. But our kids inPlano today are growing up in a global village, and will likely enter the workforce inindustries, companies and professions that don't even exist today. And they will compete


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with kids not just from Allen and Frisco, and Richardson, but rather with kids from India,and China. So while we are making every effort to carefully study how technology can beused effectively, I think we have not even scratched the surface of possibilities.Tomorrow's "Flat Stanley" will travel electronically from an iPhone in Plano to one inShanghai and back via Belgium. We'd better be ready!Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: This is an interesting question. More important than getting parents involved in schoolsis the question of getting parents involved in student learning and student achievement. Itis one of the realities of 21st century learning that only a small percentage of a child's"total learning" actually takes place in the school environment. A larger portion occursoutside the confines of the traditional school - at home, in the community, and on theinternet. At the same time, study after study has shown that children do best in anenvironment where parental involvement runs high. With increased parental involvement,children have higher grades, are better socially adapted and, in general, motivated tomeet goals. Parents (and today even grandparents) can and should be educated andencouraged to become more involved in their child’s education in several ways – throughmore open communication, working in partnership with teachers in the education process;by participating in parent education programs, volunteering time for school programs and,above all, by providing a home environment that supports the learning process. In realityhowever, the shifting demographics and economic realities are such that special efforts willbe necessary to address specific language, cultural, and economic needs of specific groupswithin the community. Very simply stated, parental involvement cannot be increasedwithout educating parents and grandparents, and without making it convenient for theparents to participate in the process.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Teachers are the backbone of our education system and we should continue to invest intheir development and reward their performance. It is a well known fact in the corporateworld that a pay for performance model results generally results in a win-win situation.However, in the field of education, the performance-pay relationship is highly nuanced.While, for obvious reasons, student testing and evaluation of test scores is important,linking teacher pay to performance, based on how performance is defined, could lead to anover-reliance on test scores, shifting the emphasis even more in favor of testing ratherthan learning. Students have very unique styles and rates of learning, all of which arevirtually impossible to capture in the metrics identified to study performance. PISD hassome good examples of pay-for-performance working well - especially when teacherswere involved throughout the process.

Carrolyn Moebius

Biographical Info:Name: Carrolyn J. MoebiusStreet Address: 1412 Parkview LaneCity/Town: MurphyState: TexasDate of Birth: February 27, 1963Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-333-9432Home Phone Number: 972-509-5903Mobile Phone Number: 972-333-9432E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.carrolynmoebius.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: Trinity University - Bachelor of Arts in Music University of St. Thomas - AccountingHoursQ: Length of residency in district:A: 10 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:


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A: My husband and I own a small animal hospital. I am responsible for the payroll,accounts payable, and other financial reports. I maintain the computer network. I help setgoals for the hospital and develop business and customer service protocols.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I currently serve as PTA Treasurer for Martha Hunt Elementary PTA and as a member ofMurphy Middle School SBIC (School Based Improvement Committee). SBIC groups includebusiness community representatives, teachers, parents, and other community members.The group analyzes student test data and develops goals for improving studentachievement. I recently joined a dynamic group called “Eastside Cares”. This group of PTAmembers and volunteers is reaching out to Forman, Memorial, Barron, Mendenhall, andMeadows Elementary schools to help provide critical resources not otherwise availablethrough conventional means. I serve with my husband on the Garland SymphonyOrchestra Board, and we are members of Chamber of Commerce for the cities of Murphyand Sachse.Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I have been a PTA member for 9 years, including two years as Treasurer and two yearsas President at Hunt Elementary. I was a member of the Hunt Elementary SBIC for twoconsecutive years and the Murphy Middle School SBIC , where I am currently serving athird term. I served on the Plano PTA Council Legislative Committee which focused on childadvocacy issues and the TEA proposed 4X4 high school degree requirements. I washonored with the PTA life membership award in the Spring of 2009. Recently I activelyparticipated in the PISD realignment meeting, expressing my concerns regarding balancedenrollment, facility functional capacity and the resulting effect on courses offered at thehigh schools. I also communicated key information on the “uniform grade scale” proposedby TEA to my Hunt Parents as well as others. At Christ United Methodist Church, myhusband and I taught Sunday School for Elementary aged children for 5 years.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: None.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $400.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Ted & Pat Darby; Kevin & Michelle Brown; Eric & Karin BarnaQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: No.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: PISD has started its transition from a rapidly growing school district to a more matureand diverse one. As such, it will be faced with new challenges that require new vision,diverse perspective, and new leadership. As an active PTA and SBIC member from theEast Cluster, I believe I am well prepared for these challenges. I am fully committed tomaking a great school district even better. Three new Trustees will be elected to theschool board. The learning curve will be steep, and time will be of the essence. The newTrustees must complement the current board members by learning from their experiencesand quickly taking on tasks that are already in progress. My prior experience as anauditor of Texas school districts will allow me to have an immediate impact in the area ofschool finance. My PTA leadership experience as well as SBIC participation has equippedme with in depth knowledge regarding the curriculum in Elementary and Middle school andto work effectively with the others. My experience and connections I have in PISD and thePTA will help ensure a smooth transition. If elected, I will strive to be a strong advocatefor the families of PISD. I will work to improve the transparency of the board’s processesand decisions and to strengthen the communications between the board and the parents. Iam a unique candidate for Place 2 in that, for the coming year, I will have a child at eacheducation level - Elementary, Middle and High School. This, I believe, will provide avaluable perspective for the board. My passion for child advocacy issues and my broadexperience shows that I will be a strong representative for the PISD family.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: The three most important actions I would take would be improve communication, beinvolved in actively researching the needs of an academy, and to reduce the achievementgap. I would like to improve the information sharing between the board and parents. Themore parental involvement at the school as well as expressing concerns and ideas areimportant in making a school district strong. I would propose using surveys on topics thatarise relating to a major change in curriculum or policies such as the desire of PISD


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regarding the academy. I would want to communicate projects and goals that PISD andthe Board are working towards in making our public education in Texas one of the best inthe nation. PISD has an excellent website that it continues to improve, and email hasbeen a mainstream communication method for quite some time. Recently, technologiessuch as facebook and twitter are being utilized to further improve two-waycommunication. Video technologies are also being employed to communicate key topics inmore detail and to record and archive our board meetings. To improve communicationwith the parents, I would recommend that the Board choose a topic once a month such as“TAKS verses MAP testing”. Using one or more social media channels, we could explain howPISD and other school districts are encouraging the state legislature to incorporate testingthat measures the student’s ability several times during the school year to truly receive acorrect picture of the student’s growth and learning, instead of the TAKS test given on oneday. Did you know that PISD and 34 other Texas school districts are working on a newvision for public education in Texas? This vision stresses that the “main architects” of publiceducation should be the superintendents, principals, teachers, parents and school boardmembers, and not the present system of politicians, business leaders, and their policyadvisors. As a Trustee, I would encourage this transition away from politics and workclosely to strengthen ties with the Texas SBOE. Plano ISD is setting up an AcademyVisioning Committee, which will research and study the concept of an academy school forPlano ISD. Here, the Board is showing its desire to be even more open and candid byseeking input from many different district stakeholders as it ventures into this new area ofimproved education. I would encourage this Committee to solicit responses from the PISDstakeholders to include - whether or not there is interest in an academy; what coursesshould be offered (STEM or Trade/Tech school or both); and the best location for theacademy? I would ask that the committee to recap their findings as well as the surveyssubmitted from PISD families. PISD offers many programs to reduce the achievementgap between minorities and white students. As a Trustee, I would ask for PISD volunteersand community businesses to serve as mentors for these students. For the individualsclassified as economically disadvantaged, I would encourage groups such as Eastside Caresto ask the administration specifically what needs these children have and what be done tohelp these children succeed in school. Schools are already identifying the students thatneed help academically. These students are identified during MAP testing. Closing theachievement gap is a combination of several factors –student learning, teachers’availability for tutoring, parental involvement, bilingual support staff, and activecommunity participation. More parental involvement, especially with the rapidly growingand diverse communities we have, must be fostered and cultivated. These 3 action stepsinvolve parents, volunteers from the community including businesses, as well as Plano ISDPTAs. Minimal dollar costs would be involved. What is required is time and commitment toour students in PISD.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: All of the candidates have unique experiences to offer PISD families. I have a strongbackground in PTA leadership and volunteering positions, including serving the Plano ISDPTA council’s legislative committee. Before starting the family business, I had years ofexperience in auditing school districts, cities, and financial institutions. Next year I willhave a child at each education level – Elementary, Middle School, and High School. Thiswill provide exposure to many aspects of the PISD curriculum that would beneficial ifelected Trustee. I am appreciative that I have the auditing experience and involvement inthe PTA and SBIC. This will allow me to understand the topics and concerns discussedduring the meetings. I have built a strong network of parents and educators through myPTA leadership roles. I will effectively use this network to obtain critical information andimprove communication between the parents and the board, if elected.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I attended two school board meetings, one at Sockwell Center and one at BowmanMiddle school, regarding the academy school and realignment proposals. I have utilizedthe PISD website which posts the agendas as well as videos from the meetings. Being ableto view the meetings at home is a wonderful tool for parents. I’ve learned that serving asTrustee is a rewarding and at times difficult task. There are times when hard decisionshave to be made regarding what is best for PISD students. Some decisions will never have90% support from the PISD community; a lofty and appraisable PISD goal. The timesparents have had an issue with a proposed course set by PISD and the board, frustrationregarding follow up communication has occurred. I know the complaint I’ve heard themost is “why did the school board reach that decision? “ Educating parents regarding theBoard’s decisions would be a positive outreach to the community.


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Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: A school board member‘s role is to plan, make policy, communicate and evaluate theSuperintendent’s role of leading, implementing, and managing. A board member should bean advocate for the whole PISD family as well as an advocate for public education. Thefocus of a board member should be the best interests of the students. To initiate policyrequires any two Board members’ request to place an item on a future regularly scheduledBoard agenda. This request may be addressed at a Board meeting or in writing. TheSuperintendent and Board President will determine placement on a future agenda andwhich meeting the requested item will be addressed.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Our schools use tutoring before and after school. The additional time in instruction hashelped the children excel and reach grade level reading and math or beyond. At timestutoring may be required only for one specific area in math such as spatial relations. Thestudent may require only a short time of additional instruction to reach the goal of success.The district implements these procedures across the district. Word walls are used in allclasses. By exposing the students to key words every day, their understanding of the wordgrows and its use in the student’s speech. Free reading time also helps in developing thestudent’s vocabulary and love of reading. MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) testingthroughout the year also helps the teachers identify areas that an individual student mayneed additional help. MAP tests adapt the questions given the student based on answersgiven. As long as the student answers the questions correctly, the test will increase indifficulty. During school hours, students may break into small groups based upon theirneeds. Plano ISD schools have many successful programs that help strengthen thestudents’ reading comprehension as well as math abilities.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Closing the achievement gap is combination of several factors –Student learning,teachers’ availability to tutor, parental involvement, bilingual support staff, and activecommunity participation. I would encourage the Plano PTAs, and community businesses tocontinue to reach out to the schools with Bilingual/ESL programs, to determine what maybe needed to help these students grow even more into their education role, and toencourage the students’ families to become more involved. Timely feedback regarding themonitoring of how successful the programs are in reducing the achievement gap will be thebest tool in determining if a different path should be adopted by the Multilingualdepartment. PISD has wonderful programs already in existence in closing theachievement gap. There is the Plano ISD Bilingual/ESL program which uses the nativelanguage as the foundation for teaching, while building English proficiency. TheBilingual/ESL program aims to enhance the student’s self esteem and promote a positiveschool climate. There are additional tutoring opportunities as well as outreach with thestudents’ families. The teachers actively promote parental involvement as a critical part ofthe student’s education. PISD offers ESL classes for parents, and offers family serviceprograms. At this point the focus is encouraging the Latino PISD families to come to theschools and become familiar with the educational process. Parental involvement increasesthe chance of students graduating.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: The best measure to use when discussing dropout rates is PISD’s completion rate. Thecompletion rate is a longitudinal measure of the percentage of students who graduate in 4years or continue in High School for a fifth year. The latest official data for this measure isbased on the graduating class of 2007, which was 97.4% for all students. According toPISD, AVID which targets students who historically have been underrepresented groups incollege or are first in the family to go to college, had 2007completion rates as follows:African American-93.1%, Hispanic – 88.9%, White – 97.2%, Economically Disadvantaged –85.2%. The following are the 2007 completion rates for area school districts obtained fromthe Texas Education Agency: Plano 97.4%; Allen 97.7%; Richardson 93.4%; Frisco 96.3%;Highland Park 99.6%. PISD offers numerous opportunities and support for students whoare at risk. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a great program thatserves students in the “middle”, is designed to prepare students for success in college andto provide support and skill development in areas specifically aligned with success inrigorous courses. The program also strives to promote students to become educated andresponsible participants and leaders in a democratic society. 50% of Plano ISD’s AVIDstudents are economically disadvantaged. PISD should continue to reach out to thesestudents, in particular, who represent the fastest growing segment of the student


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population. Another course specifically designed to reduce dropouts, is Plano ISD’s eSchoolprogram for high school students. eSchool allows a student to take courses that fit theirtime schedule better than a regular school day. Since its inception in 2001, over 17,000students have enrolled to take high school courses online. Students enrolled in eSchoolhave achieved an overall passing rate of 98 percent. Grants are another method to reducethe dropout rate of at-risk children. Teachers seek these grants for programs theypersonally design to help their students. One grant was awarded to an Armstrong Middleschool teacher for combining learning with something the kids like to do – increase spellingskills while jumping rope. At Barron Elementary, a grant was awarded to a team ofteachers so they could improve Pre-K programs for students with special needs, studentswho are at risk due to low-income status, students with English as their second languageand students who are within their developmentally appropriate levels to experience“language and a literacy rich curriculum”. A teacher at Hendrick Middle School used a grantto implement a program to provide individualized assistance throughout the school year tostudents based on academic need. Every Saturday morning teachers and National HonorSociety students from Clark High School assist students with assignments. Throughobjective-driven activities the students are able to fill in the "gaps" and become moresuccessful both in the classroom and on standardized tests. Through the years, PISDteachers have received many grants that support the Plano ISD’s goal of 100% graduationrate for students who start 9th grade. Intervention and support for at risk children startsearly in PISD. PISD is doing an excellent job in identifying students early that may needencouragement to complete school. Also, there are many indicators reviewed during theyear to identify additional students that may require outreach. As a Trustee, I would askfor PISD volunteers and community businesses to serve as mentors for these at riskstudents. With the commitment of time by volunteers, we promote their self worth. Weallow the students to experience different viewpoints to life and to see what all is availableafter graduating. I believe mentoring would help support the students’ drive to completehigh school; be it that they enter the job market or move on to college. I would alsoensure the families are well aware of Plano groups who serve as a proactive approach todrop out prevention such as The Plano KEYSS (Keeping Education your Stepping Stone).Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Accomplishment comes from people working together to provide a strong curriculumand a variety of extracurricular activities. Everyone, the teachers, counselors, students,the administration and parents have a role in creating success in the school environment.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: There is an overemphasis on test scores for all public schools. Part of the emphasis ontesting resulted from the No Child Left Behind initiative. Mandating 100% of studentsreaching proficiency in reading and math by 2014 was recognized as utopian. Because thelaw demanded progress only in reading and math, those two subjects have been stressedin school. Penalties for the school districts are associated with the students’ scores as wellas the improvement index. And now, it will be hard to predict what the current nationaladministration’s aim for reforming public education will be. When the government involvesitself with educational issues, one can see the intention of the legislature does notnecessarily result in what was sought.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: Technology is definitely a successful tool in PISD classrooms. The Fast Math softwareprogram enforces math basics. The children use the computers to research resources forprojects. MAP testing, use of Microsoft word and power point are utilized almost every day.When the students take their MAP test, they are using the computer to record theiranswers. At my children’s elementary school, some students created a claymation video inart class! The FUTURE emphasis should be laptops instead of textbooks. This would allowadditions or corrections to the curriculum to be made in a timely manner verses errors intextbooks that must be supplemented with corrected handouts. Technology plays such anintegral part of our daily lives. We should take advantage of what technology offers todayand in the future to improve the PISD students’ education.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: I would reach out by emailing, and using facebook to educate the PISD parentsthroughout the year regarding a variety of group, including but not limited to, that offeropportunities for parental involvement. I’d encourage the parents to join their school’sPTA, Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students), and volunteer time in the front office orlibrary. I would ask the PTA presidents if there was anything they thought the Board coulddo to encourage parents to volunteer. Parents are a critical ingredient to making a schoola great school!


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Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: The difficulty with determining teacher pay ultimately lies with how we would measureachievement. Do you use the results of the TAKS test? Are semester exams a bettermeasure? Would a combination of these be appropriate? And what would you use forKindergarten through 2nd grade? Surely that would be different from measuring at thehigh school level. If a standard instrument of measurement could be consistently appliedthen I would be supportive of linking teacher’s pay with student performance, but this hashistorically had limited success. It would be nice to consider awarding those teachers whospend extra time to help a student succeed or that take additional professionaldevelopment courses. This criteria might be more significant, although very subjective inits evaluation.



Bret Cullers

Biographical Info:Name: Bret CullersStreet Address: 1917 Carmel DriveCity/Town: PlanoState: TXDate of Birth: August 22, 1958Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-881-0240Home Phone Number: 972-424-4648Mobile Phone Number: 214-662-3524E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.bretcullers.com

Questions:Q: EducationA: BBA from Abilene Christian University, 1981.Q: Length of residency in district:A: 18+ years.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Business and technology consultant for IBM Global Services.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: PISD School Based Improvement Committee (SBIC) PISD Educational Foundationsupporter PISD Ski Plano Fundraiser Committee PISD Planoettes Booster club committeechair PISD PTA member 12 years TAKS Snacks - support for Title 1 schools Living forZachary volunteer ChristianWorks Board MemberQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: PISD Teacher of the Year supporter YoungLife Plano inaugural Board Member TexasSpecial Olympics, Area 10 Development Board Member Bible Study Fellowship groupleader Upward Basketball coach Letters from Dad group leader Life Member MetrocrestChamber of Commerce Metrocrest Exchange Club founding memberQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: noneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $3,050Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Karen Fogelman, Cullen Cullers, Mike ShearerQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: I have never been arrested. In 2002, I was involved in a civil suit related to an auto


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accident that occurred in an alley. This suit has been resolved.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: Through my involvement with our three kids (currently in middle school, high schooland senior high), and two years participation in the School Based Improvement Committee(SBIC), I have had a positive impact on our children’s education and the campuses where Ihave participated. I also have the necessary financial, business background andcommunication skills to address the complex issues facing the district, learned fromlistening and working with globally diverse project teams to solve public and private sectorneeds.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Balance school needs across the district - Through my involvement with TAKS Snacksat Title 1 schools, I’m aware of the need for additional support for the students andteachers, especially mentoring. I would approach the Plano Education Foundation inaddressing those needs financially, and work with every corporation, civic group, and PTAavailable to address the mentoring need. 2. Improve and increase communicationeffectiveness - by leveraging existing technology, I would explore creative options tointeract and involve parents. The district’s existing technology and campuses would beutilized, with no need for increased funding. 3. Find creative funding solutions to District’sfinancial constraints - this might include exploring new partnerships with local businesses,and work with our state legislators toward additional modifications to the state’s ‘RobinHood’ financing program.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: The depth of my business experience includes: 1) listening objectively to understand thetrue issues and needs, 2) developing creative solutions to problems in different industries,for-profit and non-profit, 3) involvement in technology solutions, including classroom,online and self-paced training, and 4) working on a board of directors and with seniorexecutives successfully Extensive PISD involvement, which includes working with four ofthe Title 1 schools last year on the east side to help meet needs of the students. There wasan immediate need which we filled, and we’re now working with a new group calledEastside PTAs Care to develop a longer term solution to fill that need. First handknowledge of special programs offered by PISD, like the 501 program for students withlearning deficiencies. Involvement with all grade levels in the district as we have kids inthree different schools – middle school, high school and senior high school.Q: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes, I have attended all of the meetings this year. Every meeting has information aboutthe district, its accomplishments and the excellent work occurring by the teachers andstudents in PISD. Listening to parents and other attendees at these meetings helpsexplain why communication is an issue that we need to address. Whether it’s the lack ofboard discussion, unanimous votes or lack of a public question and answer session, themeetings do not always adequately answer questions parents and taxpayers have.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The Board is responsible for setting long term goals and policies for the district,establishing and maintaining the basic organizational structure for the district, establishingsystems and processes to insure accountability, establishing a budget and tax rate and toact as a advocate for the children at all levels. The Board should interact with itsstakeholders – the parents and the administration - to understand current needs of eachgroup, and develop the appropriate actions to address those needs through policies.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: I am most familiar with the work occurring at Wilson Middle School and how theteachers there have been using innovative techniques to identify each student’s level ofunderstanding. Based on the information gathered, they work with each studentindividually. This has enabled each student in the class to improve throughout the year andclosed the gap between failure and achievement. The district should expand the use ofthese tools to a broader selection of schools and eventually across the entire district.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: 1. Research what other Texas and neighboring state school districts are doing toaddress this issue, and then augment existing PISD practices to close the gap. 2.


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Encourage retired professionals to volunteer a few hours each week to mentor studentslacking in achievement. The largest growing group in PISD is the economicallydisadvantaged, and coordinating efforts and resources toward this segment would respondto the requests by principals and staff at Title 1 schools.Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: The district has worked to reduce the dropout rate and the results are evident. Just thisweek it was mentioned that the dropout rate in PISD is less than one-half of 1%. While thegoal is for every student to graduate, some issues impact the lives of students, and theirfocus shifts away from education. Every year an effort should be made to reduce thedropout rate through existing programs and new pilot programs.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: First, the elementary schools and the preparation that occurs for the transition to thedifferences at secondary schools. Next, the same ingredients that make any schoolsuccessful - good teachers and staff; parental involvement; safe, clean, functioningfacilities; good learning environment which includes current technology and goodcurriculum; wide range of extracurricular activities for student involvement; and PTAs tocoordinate involvement and relationships with volunteers and mentors.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: While I would not characterize it as ‘uncomfortable’, we have to remember this is publiceducation – where the district accepts all students, regardless of any criteria, and works togive them the knowledge and skills to succeed in life. Some kids begin their education hereand have twelve years in the district; others transfer in at some point along the way,possibly the last year or two of senior high school. That fact is typically excluded fromdiscussions about a district’s ratings.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: The utilization of technology in classrooms is very effective, from using computers andprojectors to display lessons, introducing simple interactive tools at the elementary level,to the use of audio testing in foreign language classes which tests a student’s pronunciationand punctuation. This gives the teacher the ability to individually assist each student duringtesting. The BCIS and Photoshop courses at the senior high level provide real-lifeinstructions the students can use in the marketplace today. The district is piloting additionaluse of technology, like wi-fi connectivity at three campuses this spring. The emphasis forthe future is not an ‘either/or’ question of laptops versus textbooks, but one that continuesto evolve. Yes, technology will continue to play a greater role in education every year, butthat may take the role of several types of devices - laptops, netbooks, smartphones or anybrowser enabled device.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Creativity. What works for one PTA may or may not work for another. A back to schoolice cream event might get a larger turnout, but then how do you transition that toinvolvement throughout the year? Sigler parents have expressed how they have increasedparental involvement. That success should be shared with all other PTAs and ideasexchanged regularly. How can we include parents of college students, or empty-nesterswhose kids have graduated – and yet still care about the schools where their kidsattended? The district’s new mobile computing lab might introduce computing skills toparents, and involve them in classroom projects as a part of their child’s learning. I wouldencourage quarterly brainstorming sessions, and reviews of successes in otherdistricts/states for a possible pilot program in PISD.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Currently, no. We should continue to reward those teachers that perform well to thegreatest extent possible. Through my involvement with the annual Teacher of the Yearprogram, PISD does recognize and reward excellence, which is comprised of severalfactors, not solely student performance.

Nancy Humphrey


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Biographical Info:Name: Nancy HumphreyStreet Address: 3009 Cotters CircleCity/Town: RichardsonState: TexasDate of Birth: 12/19/60Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (972) 644-6241Home Phone Number: (972) 644-6241Mobile Phone Number: (214) 529-5524E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.nancyhumphrey.org

Questions:Q: EducationA: BS and MS in Accounting, University of North Texas, 1988Q: Length of residency in district:A: 17 yearsQ: Occupation/main source of income:A: Trained and worked as an accountant; currently focus full time as parent andcommunity volunteerQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Murphy Middle School PTA, President; Murphy Middle School PTA, Teacher GrantCommittee; Murphy Middle School SBIC (School-Based Improvement Committee)member; Attend Plano Council of PTAs President’s Roundtable; Troop Committee, BoyScouts of America Troop 1776; Docent at Heritage Farmstead Museum; HeritageFarmstead Museum Education Committee; Austin St. Centre Volunteer;Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Received Texas PTA Honorary Life Membership, 2006; Murphy Middle School PTA,Treasurer; Murphy Middle School PTA, Teacher Grant Committee; Murphy Middle SchoolPTA Back to School Schedule Pick-Up; Murphy Middle School PTA Socials; DestinationImagination Team Coach; Attended State PTA Leadership/Officer Training in Austin (3years) Stinson Elementary PTA, Treasurer; Stinson Elementary PTA, VP Membership;Stinson Elementary PTA, VP Ways and Means; Stinson Elementary PTA, Audit Committee;Stinson Elementary PTA, Auction Committee; Stinson Elementary PTA, HospitalityCommittee; Stinson Elementary PTA Multicultural Night Presenter; Stinson Elementary PTACookbook Coordinator; Stinson Elementary PTA Art Teacher Volunteer assistant; StinsonElementary PTA Class Room Parent volunteer; Stinson Elementary PTA /Murphy Middle PTABack-to-School Teacher Breakfasts Volunteer; Stinson Elementary PTA Parent Chaperone –Collin County Adventure 5th grade Camp; Stinson Elementary PTA Parent Chaperone –class and choir field trips; Stinson Elementary PTA Book Fair volunteer; Stinson ElementaryPTA Plant Sale volunteer; Stinson Elementary PTA Open House Family Dinner volunteer;Stinson Elementary Volunteer Costume Coordinator for two plays; Bentwood TrailPresbyterian Church, Treasurer, 7 years; Bentwood Trail Presbyterian Church,Admin/Finace Commission, 11 years; Bentwood Trail Presbyterian Church, VBS Volunteer;Bentwood Trail Presbyterian Church, LOGOS Training and Dinner Dean; Canyon CreekPresbyterian Church, VBS Volunteer and Youth Chaperone; Operation Kindness Auction;SPCA Fundraising Gala, charter member of Steering Committee;Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: $3,813Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Humphrey, Mr. and Mrs. J.E.Boog-Scott, and Mr. and Mrs. Jeff RyanQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceedings or civil suits?Please explain:A: NoQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: My attention for most of the last 14 years has been as a parent involved in multiplecommunity, church, and school activities. Most recently, I have been President of theMurphy Middle School PTA and have a significant record of other leadership roles with thePTA at both Murphy Middle and Stinson Elementary. Doing so, I have met withadministrative officials within the district to gather information and express viewpointsregarding a variety of issues. I also have been a frequent volunteer with a variety of


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school events, projects, teachers, and training. My familiarity with school-based issuesand activities prompted many people in the community to think of me in connection withthe Board election. They asked me to run, citing my fresh outlook towards solutions,ability to listen to different viewpoints, practical in-school experiences withparents/students/teachers/administrators, and the time commitment I am able to give tothe effort. They knew that my involvement comes from a deep passion for the success ofour students, teachers and schools. They wanted to see these traits further expanded onthe Board of Trustees. I do too, which is why I agreed to run. Previously, I worked forpublic accounting firms conducting audits of companies in the industries of banking, realestate, and manufacturing. I have also worked as an accounting manager for publicly-traded real estate ventures. My work experience in public and private accounting has givenme an ability to interpret how an entity can function best, both financially andoperationally. My knowledge of business and ability to interpret financial statements andbudgets will give me insight into understanding the business of a school district.Combined, my business/accounting experience and extensive practical PTA leadership andschool-based experiences make me the most qualified candidate for this position.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: An individual board member does not act alone, but as an active member of a team.However, areas that I believe should be considered as a priority are: Monthly public inputsessions whereby the Board receives communication from parents and the community.Currently, Board work sessions may solicit public input; however, it is not done on aregular basis. The communication process needs to be broadened. Consistent dialoguebetween parents and administration will increase understanding of issues, transparency ofthe Board process, and trust between the parties. Emphasizing the need to serve theever-increasing diverse population of families in Plano ISD. It is paramount to increase theengagement of parents in their children’s education in order to ensure the highest possiblestudent achievement. We should investigate successful programs in other districts andincrease dialogues with Plano ISD constituent cities to help find solutions, without‘re-creating the wheel’. We should reach out to community sponsors to help fund ESOLclasses, parenting seminars, and life skills training for parents. Administrative barriers thatcurrently limit corporate partnership need to be reduced. Safety and security of allstudents. Recent budget constraints have eliminated the school liaison officers at themiddle schools. The positive relationships built at this critical age are important as studentsmature into young adults. Plano ISD should bring this program back to the middle schoolcampuses, and can fund it by looking for community partners who would help defray thecost district-wide. Additionally, a standardized method of reporting campus incidents shouldbe implemented. It should include clear definitions of the types of incidents and when it isrequired to report such. Parents want a zero tolerance of incidents. Striving toward thisgoal will help to provide an equal educational environment in every classroom. The coststo implement these actions would be negligible, if the district utilizes existing workforce,such as the current administrative staff to provide research and the PISD Family Educationand Guidance Services. Partnering with PISD constituent cities and reaching out tocommunity sponsors may provide additional sources of funding.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: •I have extensive leadership experience in PTA and practical hands-on school-basedactivities. •I communicate regularly with teachers and administrators and haveestablished relationships with them. •I have lived on both sides of the district; 9 years onthe west side and 8 on the east and have a broad-based perspective. •I am able tocommit my full-time attention to this positionQ: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes. In addition to attending board meetings, I have also familiarized myself withprevious board agendas and watched video streams of past meetings. Attending themeetings, I observed general meeting protocol and understand how the board receivesinput from various individuals and factions with regard to school district business. I havelearned what kinds of topics are discussed by the board, such as general business,presentations by students, awards presentations, curriculum considerations, and boundarydiscussions. I have learned how the board communicates with the citizens of the district. Iunderstand the level of commitment and passion for student success which a boardmember must possess in order to serve the district.Q: What is the role of a school board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: A board member’s role is to be an active member of the group that plans, sets policies


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and communicates on behalf of the district. A large focus is being an advocate for the bestinterest of all students and families of our district with the objective to provide the bestquality public education possible. A board member is expected to attend all boardfunctions, including regular meetings, work sessions, closed meetings, special andemergency meetings, public forums and retreats. An engaged board member should comeprepared to each meeting, having read the agenda and related materials, and as best aspossible, notify staff members of questions and specific information needed prior tomeetings. All actions of a board member should respect the civil and human rights of theschool community. A sensitive board member should listen objectively, make decisionsbased on the best interests of students, and be open to new concepts. All work should bedone cooperatively with fellow board members, the superintendent, and staff, who should,together, strive for a spirit of teamwork.Q: What schools in your community have done the best in getting every child up to gradelevel in reading and math? What can the district learn from them?A: Vines HS, Shepton HS, Armstrong MS, Frankford MS, Shepard ES, and Beverly ES areschools that have had significant growth, as measured by the Texas Growth Index, inreading TAKS scores from 2008 to 2009. As far as growth in math, measured by the sameindex, schools which have had significant growth are Armstrong MS, Hedgcoxe ES, andBarksdale ES. Some of the strategies that are employed to improve reading skills includediagnostic assignment of students to PAR (Plano Accelerated Reading), which targetsstudents to develop reading skills, vocabulary, and improve fluency. Another strategy isutilizing higher level questioning strategies, implementing the Blooms taxonomies whichclassify learning objectives from basic knowledge, development, application, analysis, andsynthesis. The teacher models the various levels of questions so that ultimately, thestudent is able to independently ask questions about the literature. Some teachers havestudents read non-fiction to increase the level of reading and stretch their thinking. Someteachers are using a program called “Empowering Writers” to take notice of author’sworks, increase inference abilities and higher level learning. Strategies used to attaingrade level performance in math include utilizing various levels of the district’s curriculum,diagnostic assignment of students to AIM (Accelerated Instruction in Math), where studentsreceive individualized instruction, and use of online curriculum that improve cognition andprovide individualized instruction. Some teachers use “Fast Math,” which is usually done ashomework to improve math skills so that problem solving can be the focus in theclassroom. From talking to various teachers in the district, the common theme to thestrategy of bringing the students up to grade level is to assess each student’s ability andthen provide instruction in the most individualized way possible. The MAP test (Measures ofAcademic Process) is administered early in the school year as a diagnostic tool for teachersto identify student needs. It is re-administered later in the school year to measure thegrowth in student knowledge. This is essential diagnostic information which permitsteachers to design instruction programs for their students with varying levels of ability.What other schools in the district can learn from these schools which are successful ingetting students on grade level. These are some of the strategies that other schools in thedistrict can learn from these schools which are successful in getting students on gradelevel. The district should ensure that all schools are following these successful methods inthe classroom.Q: Many Texas districts are confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gapbetween Latino students and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: First, set a goal to measure the progress of this initiative to reduce the achievementgap by “x” points over the next 3 years, being aware that the gap isn’t “closed” bylowering scores of students already scoring proficient or advanced. Targeting the recipientsof a focused effort is key. I think the district does a good job at assessing students’ yearlyprogress through the MAP testing. Identify early in the school year the students who needintervention and then get them placed in programs which accelerate learning (such as PAR)and have the students meet with specialists, such as literacy specialists. Additional tutoringbefore and after school for these students will help in math. Continue monitoring progressof these students and applying the focused learning strategies. Mentoring programscomprised of area volunteers from PTA, faith-based groups, and companies in thecommunity are successful in providing the support these students need, with an emphasison life skills, character development and attachment to school. The investment in timefrom mentoring adults helps build confidence and set examples for these students. Parentinvolvement is an important key to students’ success. Studies show that the more parentsparticipate in schooling at every level (participating in fundraisers, volunteering, attendingschool events, home teaching), the better for student achievement. When parents areengaged in their child’s education, the children are motivated to achieve. You can see myresponse to the second-to-last question about how to get parents involved.


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Q: Is the district doing enough to lower the number of dropouts? What would you do toaddress the dropout problem?A: Plano ISD does not have a significant dropout rate. According to the TEA, thelongitudinal dropout rate for the class of 2008 was at 1.7%, and the longitudinal graduationrate was 91.5%. I would encourage the district to continue its program for reducingdropouts. However, if the trend of dropouts increases, the district may find it is related tothe state mandated 4 x 4 graduation requirements. The district should continue to workwith the state legislature to modify the current 4x4 plan, which does not providealternative courses for students who don’t plan a career in math or science. There need tobe courses for students who may go to college for a fine arts degree, or for those whodon’t plan to go to college. Our society needs the musicians, the artists, the plumbers, thesoftware developers, and forcing a 4x4 plan will not help them achieve their goals. Butsince the legislature wheels turn slowly, we need to work closely to provide the schooladministrators with the support they need. This might come in the form of fosteringcollaborations among community partners to serve as mentors for those “at risk” students.Consider local businesses, other local governments or law enforcement agencies, nonprofitorganizations, and faith-based organizations to deliver proven, research-based dropoutintervention services.Q: What are the ingredients that make for a successful high school and middle school?A: Plano ISD already knows that quality teachers who care are one of the main ingredientsfor success. From my time volunteering at the schools I’ve had the honor of meetinghundreds of wonderful staff members. I’ve attended the Teacher of the Year banquets andam always impressed by the nominees’ level of commitment to the students. We canreinforce their success by finding ways to provide those teachers the training they want tokeep at the cutting edge of their field, especially in our quickly changing technologicalsociety today. Technology is an integral part of the education process and the vision offuture learning depends on it. I’ve looked at the report of the Texas Association of SchoolAdministrators and the Visioning Institute Executive Summary. This report, put togetherover two years with input from 35 Texas superintendents, including PISD’s Dr. Otto, showshow the public educational system must be transformed to reach students in the digitalage. The report outlines how our middle schools and high schools need to look closely athow students learn today to continue to be successful. Another critical ingredient is parentinvolvement. I’ve seen it time and again as a PTA president and involved parent and it’sbeen confirmed by scientific studies that the kids who have the most success are the oneswhose parents are involved with the school and who reinforce what teachers are trying todo to shape responsible adults. We need to keep looking at ways to involve parents toensure the success of students in our middle and high schools. School spirit and studentengagement are also important ingredients. When a campus has a strong school culture, itbrings pride overall and lifts the self-esteem of those included as a part of that campus. Ibelieve school spirit is comprised of the efforts of athletics, fine arts as well as recognitionfor academic achievement.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about local public schools that voters and taxpayersmust confront?A: PISD is perceived as a wealthy, suburban district. Upon closer examination, you’ll findthere is a significant percentage of economically disadvantaged students, or about 23%.This number is on the rise, as exacerbated by current economic conditions. Relatedly, thevalue of homes is not increasing, so the tax base which supports the funding of the districtis shrinking, causing an increased demand for static or decreased resources. As thiseconomic formula plays out, the impact on the district is that there will be moreeconomically disadvantaged students. There are increased challenges associated with theeducational needs of these students.Q: Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should thefuture emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: PISD has always provided state-of-the art equipment to students/teachers/staff and hasbeen on the leading edge of implementing techonology with education. The district has aTechnology Steering Committee which developed its most recent 2007-2010 TechnologyPlan, which is substantially completed. Last year, the district installed a wireless networkat all campuses. A pilot program is in place at Robinson Middle School where 350 studentshave the use of assigned netbooks to gain insight into how to make the best use of thenetwork, to learn from students and teachers how the netbooks can help improve learning,and to provide insight to the wireless educational environment that will become a part ofstudent’s daily lives at college and beyond. The district employs distance learning labs todeliver instruction from one classroom to other classrooms across the district. It has a goalof implementing a virtual high school and continued course development. The districtemploys web-based communications between teachers and parents, providing grade


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assessments as well as on-line classroom course materials. The district is participating inthe Public Education Visioning Institute, which is comprised of 35 public schoolsuperintendents to create a vision for public education in Texas. They are setting thestandards of embracing technology within the educational environment for the studentswho comprise the first digital generation. As we look to the future, I believe it should notbe an either/or consideration. There should be a dialogue about how a combination of twoinformation sources – computers and textbooks – can together surpass the value of eitherwhen both are used in appropriate ways. Cost considerations and obsolescence should beincluded in the evaluation.Q: How would you get more parents involved in schools?A: Extensive research shows that students whose parents are involved in their schoolshave higher grades and standardized test scores, improved behavior at home and school,and better social skills and adaptation to school. I am a huge advocate for involvingparents! I would promote the use of the PISD Family Education and Guidance Services toprovide a series of parent education programs. We could consider grouping several schoolsat a single campus for a program. These can be scheduled in multiple languages. The PTAis always a great resource for getting parents into the schools. They provide endlessopportunities to volunteer, both during school hours and after school hours. The PISD has avery dedicated Council of PTAs that are very active in the schools that can reach outspecifically to more parents. Our campuses should develop mentoring programs (orre-invigorate current programs) where parent volunteers assist in schools that needassistance. That mentoring program will develop relationships and provide a connection tothe parents who might otherwise not be involved. There should be greater involvement ofbusinesses in the community to participate in programs within the schools and considerunderwriting the costs. Simple things such as contests for classes that have the mostparent attendance at Open House can be implemented. Offering a meal to those whoattend a parent education program or Open House may be an incentive. Teachers can sendinvitations to parents to attend student conferences. Surveys designed for parents willincrease feedback and invite participation. Providing a mechanism to listen will helpengage parents.Q: Should teacher pay and student performance be linked? If so, how?A: Teachers receive merit increases for consistent overall performance. Evaluations couldbe based partially on agreed-upon student outcome measures and partially on peerfeedback and traditional methods. Some states offer funding for incentives for salaryincreases based upon increased student outcome measures. Linking compensation tostudent performance rewards and encourages teachers who are successful. I wouldconsider stipends for teachers in high burnout situations and in areas with a significantpopulation of economically disadvantaged students, as there are additional challengesassociated with this type of instruction.

Dallas County CCD, Dist. 4Description: Note: Only Dallas County residents living in District 4 may vote in this race.Click here to find your district.


Kevin Felder

Biographical Info:Name: Kevin FelderStreet Address: 8404 Capriola LaneCity/Town: Dallas


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State: TexasDate of Birth: 2/21/59Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-559-6999E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: felderfortrustee.com

Questions:Q: Length of residency in district:A: 15 yearsQ: Where did (or do) your children attend school?A: - no response -Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Real Estate BrokerQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Election Judge, Volunteer, Red Cross, Deputy Voter Registrar, Vickery Meadows TIFBoard, Volunteer, Big Bothers and Big Sisters, Volunteer, Heart of a Warrior Foundation,Chair, African American Museum's Annual RodeoQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Chair, Micro Loan program, Member, SBA 504 Loan Program, Chair, DISD SchoolNaming Committee District 9, Member, Southern Dallas Development Corporation, VicePresident, Progressive Voters League - A New Era, Legislative liaison for NationalAssociation of Realtors; Founder / President Hillview Terrace Homeowners Association;Volunteer, Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina evacuationQ: Education:A: A.S. Real Estate, Richland College; B.S. University of Texas at Dallas; Masters DegreeCandidate, Texas A & M Commerce; CRP, Certified Relocation Professional; ABR,Accredited Buyer representative.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Dallas City Council, 1999, 2005, 2007Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: Currently still fundraising.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Dr. Naifeh, Dr. Syed, Dr. AbdulQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceeding or civil suits?Please explain:A: No, I have not. I have been involved in civil suits. I have been involved in variousdisputes over the last several years over mainly business matters that have led to smallclaims civil litigation.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for this office because there needs to be a change on this board. Very littleinformation is disemminated to the public regarding policies and issues regarding thedistrict. I want to improve communication and transparency at the board level.I wantstudents' concerns and issues to be the primary focus of this board, as it should be. Iattended and graduated from Richland College, taught courses as an adjunct instructor,chaired an advisory board for real estate curriculum for about 10 years. Being a graduateof one of the community colleges, teaching in the community college system and chairingan advisory board on curriculum has prepared me well to serve as a trustee for DCCCD.Additionally, serving on a TIF board and being a small business owner has also preparedme to serve in this office.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: 1. Identify waste and eliminate it 2. Review all policies and procedures to assess theireffectiveness. 3. Improve technology. Eliminating waste and improving efficiency can payfor these initiatives.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: Again, because I graduated from one of the DCCCD colleges, taught in DCCCD andchaired a curriculum advisory board makes me the best choice. Also, serving on theVickery Meadows TIF Board has helped to prepare me as well.Q: Have you attended any DCCCD board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: Yes, I have attended DCCCD board meetings. I learned that there is very little inputfrom the community on decisions that this board makes.


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Q: What is the role of a DCCCD board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The DCCCD board member is there to set the tax rate, approve the annual operatingbudget, set policies and procedures for the colleges to follow, approve tuition rates,approve raises and select the Chancellor. Board members should initiate proposed policieswith their constituents and students first. After receiving that input the board membershould try to get the item on the agenda for a vote.Q: Texas is confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gap between Latinostudents and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: The gap must be attacked at the elementary, middle and high school levels. However,the community colleges can play a role by reviewing textbooks in the primary andsecondary public schools, reviewing curriculum and serving on advisory boards to givepublic school administrators advice on preparing Latino students for community collegelevel work. Seeking input from the latino community and ensuring there is a strong, visibleand viable bilingual presence in the curriculum will have a positive impact on closing theachievement gap between latino and anglo students.Q: Is technology being used effectively on DCCCD campuses? Give us examples. Also,should the future emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: In some instances technology is being used effectively. For example, at the newcampuses at Eastfield College there are wi-fi hotspots throughout the building. However,that is not the case on all the campuses. All campuses should be wi-fi ready. Futureemphasis should be on laptops. Textbooks prices have skyrocketed and are not the tool ofchoice of the technically savvy student of today. Therefore, DCCCD must respond in kindand give the students what they want.Q: Community colleges are increasingly a stepping-stone to four-year universities. How doyou think DCCD can work with four-year colleges to create an easy transition between thetwo?A: DCCCD and four year colleges need to communicate more on courses and expectationsso that students are not surprised when they try to transfer courses. They should serve oncurriculm advisory boards of each others schools.Q: DCCCD receives declining funds from state general revenue and local property taxes.Plus, the state has proposed 5 pct cuts in its share of funding. Where do you make up themoney – do you raise tuition? Raise property tax rates? Seek other sources of funding, andif so, what? Or make further cuts, and if so, which programs and departments?A: Again, before considering raising taxes or tuition I would review the budget for wasteand inefficiency. If vehicles are traditionally replaced every 4 years, I would considerextending that to 5 years as a cost savings measure. I would look for major corporationsthe would be willing to underwrite certain costs. I would be very creative in finding ways toclose that funding gap before considering any increases in taxes or tuition.Q: How would you rate the balance of full time faculty vs. adjuncts in DCCCD? Does thedistrict need more full time faculty and fewer adjuncts? If so, how do you pay for it?A: There are quite a few adjuncts on staff, but that holds down costs. However, DCCCDneeds to put adjunct instructors on a path to becoming fulltime faculty over a 5 yearperiod. I would pay for it by retiring older faculty members and other cost cuttingmeasures. DCCCD does need more fulltime faculty.Q: Most DCCCD entering freshmen require developmental education. How good a job isDCCCD doing in that area, and what changes or improvements would you make?A: DCCCD is inheriting this problem from the feeder school districts. However, MesquiteISD is doing a very good job in course offerings and preparing the students for collegecoursework. I would suggest that DCCCD and the feeder ISD schools research where mostof these students are coming from and put a plan in place in the students freshman year toprepare them for DCCCD.Q: Rate the performance of Chancellor Wright Lassiter Jr.A: I would rate Dr. Wright Lassiter Jr. as very effective. I would give him and A.Q: Community colleges educate everyone from high school students taking dualenrollment classes to workers training for new jobs. Does DCCCD serve all groups equallywell? What changes or new programs would you suggest?A: No, DCCCD must do a better job retraining workers that have been downsized. Morecourses in emerging industries such as green technology, nanotechnology and wind turbinetechnology must be offered and capitalized upon.Also, more GED and ESL courses need tobe offered as well.Classes should be offered in churches and community centers.Q: How well do you think the current board members get along? What dynamic would youbring?A: I think they get along fairly well. However, I would bring more questions about budgetline items, more review of operating expenses and new ideas on cost cutting and waste


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elimination.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about public education that voters and taxpayers mustconfront?A: The uncomfortable truth about public education is that students are not the central focusanymore. I pledge to the voters and taxpayers to eliminate waste and cut costs and keepthe focus on students education.

Bill Metzger

Biographical Info:Name: Bill MetzgerStreet Address: 414 RancheroCity/Town: SunnyvaleState: TexasDate of Birth: September 2, 1970Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-285-6543Home Phone Number: 214-293-0018Mobile Phone Number: 214-293-0018Fax Number: 972-285-6619E-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: www.billmetzger.com

Questions:Q: Length of residency in district:A: I have lived in the district for over 25 years.Q: Where did (or do) your children attend school?A: My son attends Sunnyvale Elementary.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: I currently serve as President of Metzger Awards and CEO of TrophyToday.com. Bothbusinesses are located in Mesquite.Q: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: I believe that every Texan has a responsibility to make our communities stronger, so Ihave a long history of community service that includes: • Chairman of the Mesquite CreditUnion and currently in my fifth term as Chairman • Member of Knights of Columbus Council13158 • Member of the Sons of American Legion #504 • Member of the Greater DallasHispanic Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Advisory Council • Member of the HispanicForum of Mesquite • Serve on the Stone Canyon HOA Board • Member of several localRepublican political clubsQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: I have given countless hours volunteering in Dallas County as: • Registered soccercoach • Upward basketball coach • Committee Member for Llaves del Exito • Volunteer forthe Dallas ISD Principal For A Day program • Served as an officer in the Knights ofColumbus Council #13158 • Appointed in 2007 by the Dallas ISD School Board to serve atwo year appointment with Dallas ISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa's CommunityAdvisory Committee • Underwriter of the Mesquite Education Association Cowboys andKids 5K RunQ: Education:A: Graduated from North Mesquite High School in 1989, graduated from the University ofDallas in 1993 with a BA degree in Economics, and completed an MBA at Texas A&MUniversity-Commerce in 2007.Q: Previous public offices sought/held:A: Sought election to the Dallas County School Board in 2003.Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: approximately 5000.00Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: Bill Metzger, Sr. Martha Sanchez Metzger small contributionsQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceeding or civil suits?Please explain:


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A: noQ: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: My family has a legacy of community involvement, so it is only natural for me tobecome very involved in my community and in education. I have learned that a qualityeducation is the key to success. The Dallas County Community College District offers anopportunity for an affordable quality education. I have learned through my communityinvolvement that it is important that we keep the high standard of excellence as well askeeping it affordable. Having worked with hundreds of young men and women in thevarious sports I have been involved with, I know that affordability is a key to their abilityto attend college. Because the DCCCD Trustees oversee the district’s annual budget, mysuccessful business background and the knowledge gained as Chairman of the $40 milliondollar Mesquite Credit Union has given me the experience to help guide DCCCD throughthese tough economic times. But most importantly, I see this as an opportunity to furthergive back to the community.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: • Economic development is a key to the growth of Dallas County. DCCCD can work withexisting businesses to help them expand and with new businesses to re-locate to DallasCounty. I would use the resulting expansion of the property tax and business personalproperty tax rolls to set up a revolving fund to perpetuate economic development. • A keyto economic development is the ability for businesses to have a highly skilled,well-educated workforce. DCCCD needs to emphasize workforce training focused onmeeting the needs of current and future businesses and industries in Dallas County. Iwould partner with local businesses to help fund the training of their employees and seekstate and federal workforce funds to cover the training of future employees. • According tothe U.S. Department of Labor, only 1/3 of all jobs require a 4-year degree. DCCCD needsto be the primary source of the education, skill development, and training of the other2/3’s. Within the past few years, a number of proprietary schools have opened in DallasCounty because DCCCD has not been meeting industries’ or students’ needs. These privateprograms are many times more expensive than DCCCD, which leaves many of theirstudents with very large debts to repay. I would work with industry so they could provideco-op and/or apprenticeship opportunities for students to help with their finances andenhance their learning experiences while attending DCCCD.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: I have a long history of community service. I have demonstrated my commitment toour community with thousands of volunteer hours. As a result, I have become well knownto business, school, and city leaders throughout East Dallas, Mesquite, Sunnyvale, BalchSprings, and Seagoville which will allow me to be an effective community liaison for thedistrict. I have the business experience and the time to fulfill the DCCCD Trusteecommitments.Q: Have you attended any DCCCD board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: I have attended many DCCCD board meetings. I have been able to meet many of thepresidents and vice presidents who are making decisions that effect our communitycolleges. The importance of the Boards decisions are very apparent.Q: What is the role of a DCCCD board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: A DCCCD board member helps define the vision of the district, serves as a liaisonbetween the district and the community, approves the annual budget, and helps set districtpolicies. I believe that new board policies should be guided by input from the community,students, faculty, administrators, and local business as well as State and Federal laws.Q: Texas is confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gap between Latinostudents and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: My Latino heritage and my involvement in the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce, community groups, public schools, and personal experiences have providedme with insight to this problem. Getting job skills which can lead to a better job helps buildpersonal pride and a sense of accomplishment. Too often educational programs arebackwards. Students are initially required to take many academic classes before they getto the ones focusing on their career goals. Struggling students do better when they aremotivated by classes in their area of interest. They will read more, do more math, andstudy harder when they can easily see the relevance of the material to their futurecareers. These courses can better prepare the students to take the academic classes later


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if they choose to. Everyone benefits from an education that they know will improve theirlives. So a targeted relevant program with realistic, appropriate goals can be the basis forfurther advancements in employment, education, and family life.Q: Is technology being used effectively on DCCCD campuses? Give us examples. Also,should the future emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: DCCCD is the largest post-secondary institution in Texas. It also has the lowest cost forstudents. I believe the use of technology has helped the district to be so efficient whileremaining effective. Laptops, kindles, and PDAs such as palmtop computers and smartphones have forever changed the campus learning environment. Textbooks for somecourses will remain for some time, but eventually high tech electronics will replace themtoo.Q: Community colleges are increasingly a stepping-stone to four-year universities. How doyou think DCCD can work with four-year colleges to create an easy transition between thetwo?A: The Coordinating Board for Higher Education and the Governor’s office have had somediscussions regarding easing the process of transferring from a two-year to a 4-yearinstitution. The resistance for some 4-year institutions to accepting “Junior” college creditshas been a problem for years. In reality most of the students attending a CommunityCollege are being taught by experienced professors while many at a 4-year institution onlysee graduate assistants for the first two years of their studies. So the Community Collegestudent is probably receiving better more effective instruction. It may take some action bythe legislature to fully implement a seamless transition in all areas.Q: DCCCD receives declining funds from state general revenue and local property taxes.Plus, the state has proposed 5 pct cuts in its share of funding. Where do you make up themoney – do you raise tuition? Raise property tax rates? Seek other sources of funding, andif so, what? Or make further cuts, and if so, which programs and departments?A: I’m aware of the hard times facing the district; we all are experiencing the same effectsfrom this down economy. For me to say I would raise fees or taxes or cut programswithout the benefit of having seen the proposed budget would be premature at this time. Ifeel I need to keep all my options open for now.Q: How would you rate the balance of full time faculty vs. adjuncts in DCCCD? Does thedistrict need more full time faculty and fewer adjuncts? If so, how do you pay for it?A: I understand that the DCCCD’s accrediting agency, Southern Association of Colleges hasguidelines for full and adjunct faculty ratios. I know that at least one campus has struggledin recent years with maintaining an acceptable SAC accreditation. I’m not sure if theirproblems are related to that ratio, but by the time I’m sworn in to office I will have acomplete understanding of their problems. One of my questions would be what the ratio ofinstructional staff (professors full and part-time) to administrators is, and has that ratiochanged over the years.Q: Most DCCCD entering freshmen require developmental education. How good a job isDCCCD doing in that area, and what changes or improvements would you make?A: This is an area that I have a lot of questions and not much real information. Many of theDCCCD students drop out, so one of the things I would like to know is how does thecurrent dropout rate among students forced to take developmental studies compare to theflunk out rate from the years before developmental studies were mandated. Are weimproving the quality of students or simply driving many away? Because of the largenumber of entering students that are told to take developmental classes, has this becomea “cash cow” for some of the campuses? I have heard that for some colleges thesestudents generate lots of contact hours and state reimbursement funds. Another questionI have is why some campuses operate developmental studies through their continuingeducation divisions which seem to be more flexible than those campuses that operate theirprograms though academic divisions.Q: Rate the performance of Chancellor Wright Lassiter Jr.A: I have met Dr. Lassiter many times and from those meetings and from comments fromothers I think he is doing an outstanding job.Q: Community colleges educate everyone from high school students taking dualenrollment classes to workers training for new jobs. Does DCCCD serve all groups equallywell? What changes or new programs would you suggest?A: One area of education not addressed in this question is the many Continuing Educationclasses offered. Historically these courses have been taught by anyone who has theexperience or skills needed and any student who wants to take a course could. However, Ihave heard that some want to require that continuing education instructors meet the samequalifications as an academic professor. My concern is that we will become more exclusiveand less inclusive.Q: How well do you think the current board members get along? What dynamic would you


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bring?A: It has improved in the past few years. It now has a more corporate approach to issuesand less of an emotional reaction. Being more professional in their approach with a 447million dollar budget is critical. I understand that next year’s budget will have a slightincrease.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about public education that voters and taxpayers mustconfront?A: A very small number of professors, administrators and support staff are not doing anacceptable job, and because of many factors are difficult to impossible to remove. Also,system bureaucracy has resulted in very long lead times to set up new programs andcourse offerings. With the rapidly changing business climate, DCCCD needs to be moreresponsive and quicker to meet student, community, and industry needs.

Tyrell White

Biographical Info:Name: Tyrell L. WhiteStreet Address: 7151 GastonCity/Town: Dallas, TexasState: TexasDate of Birth: Augest 06, 1985Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-896-3570Home Phone Number: 972-896-3570Mobile Phone Number: 972-896-3570Fax Number: noneE-mail Address: [email protected] Web Site Address: Visit the Following Links they provide more infomation onmy service to DCCCD..... http://www.dcccd.edu/Current+Students/Courses+and+Programs/Programs/Teach/EduPerson/students/TWhite.htmhttp://www.dcccd.edu/images/fdn/newsevents/sp09/FoundNewsSp09.pdfhttp://www.dcccd.edu/images/fdn/risingstar/RisingStarReport2009-2010.pdf

Questions:Q: Length of residency in district:A: I have lived in the Lakewood/Deep Ellum area for three and half years.Q: Where did (or do) your children attend school?A: I attend Texas Women's University. I am perusing a Ph.D. in Special Education.Q: Occupation/main source of income:A: Special Education Teacher, Dallas Independent School DistrictQ: Current civic involvement/highlights:A: Board of Young Advocates, Children's Defense Fund, Washington, D.C. Parent TeacherAssociation (PTA) Texas Early Childhood Collation National Council for Exceptional ChildrenVolunteer, Dallas County Community College DistrictQ: Previous civic involvement/accomplishments:A: Past Participant, Young Advocate Leadership Trainer, Children's Defense Fund PastRecipient, Rising Star Scholarship, (Dallas County Community College District) PastRecipient, Continue the Dream Scholarship (Dallas County Community College DistrictQ: Education:A: El Centro College C/O 2006 Associates of Arts, Urban Education University of NorthTexas C/0 2007 Bachelor of Arts Texas Christen University C/0 2009 Master of EducationTexas Women's University, PhD Special Education In ProgressQ: Previous public offices sought/held:A: NoneQ: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?A: I have not rasied any funds. I don't plan on doing so.Q: Who are your top three contributors?A: NoneQ: Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal proceeding or civil suits?


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Please explain:A: No, not in my adult life.Q: Why are you running for this office, and why should voters consider you the mostqualified candidate? What in your personal or professional background most prepares youto serve in this office?A: I am running for office out of the desire to serve. Where much is given, much isexpected. DCCCD has given me future. The college gave me my start after high schoolwith Rising Start Scholarship. To this day, my relationship with DCCCD still continues grow.Most recently, I was the keynote speaker at the DCCCD Foundation annual board meeting.I am teacher and believe in the power of an education and the unique opportunity DCCCDoffers students who would not otherwise thrive in higher education.Q: What are the three most important actions you would take if elected? How would youpush for them and pay for them?A: One, require work with area high schools to increase dull credit enrollment. Two, surveythe current DCCCD students. Use the data as a guide to improve instruction and providethe support needed for students to stay in school Three, examine the factors thatcontribute to students dropping out of college. Use the data to improve completion rates.As a far as pay, I was ask for donations.Q: What are the key differences between you and your opponent(s) that make you thebest choice?A: My desire to serve would make me the best choice. My desire to become a trusteesteams from a love for the DCCCD and what a difference the organization made in my life.Q: Have you attended any DCCCD board meetings? If so, what have you learned fromthem?A: The meetings are mostly about the budget/Q: What is the role of a DCCCD board member? How should a board member initiatepolicies?A: The role of a DCCCD board member is to represent the district. The trustee shouldformulate policy based on the needs expressed by the residents of his or her district.Q: Texas is confronted with the challenge of closing an achievement gap between Latinostudents and Anglo students. What ideas do you have for closing this gap?A: Invest in children early. The longer the state waits to address the needs of its residents,the wider the achievement gap becomes. Either spend money now on educationalresources , or on prison cells later. This is true of any group. White, Black, Hispanic orotherwise.Q: Is technology being used effectively on DCCCD campuses? Give us examples. Also,should the future emphasis be on laptops or textbooks?A: As a former student, I believe students have access to plenty of technology. The futureemphasis should be on laptops and e-books. E-books tend to be cheaper for the studentand easier to update.Q: Community colleges are increasingly a stepping-stone to four-year universities. How doyou think DCCD can work with four-year colleges to create an easy transition between thetwo?A: Speaking as a person who transferred to a four year college, I think DCCCD is doing anoutstanding job. I was provided with a transfer scholarship to the UNT Dallas campus andevery one of my classes transferred without any issues.Q: DCCCD receives declining funds from state general revenue and local property taxes.Plus, the state has proposed 5 pct cuts in its share of funding. Where do you make up themoney – do you raise tuition? Raise property tax rates? Seek other sources of funding, andif so, what? Or make further cuts, and if so, which programs and departments?A: Seek other sources of income and raise tuition. Even in times of economic distress,many people are still willing to give. Also, because DCCCD's tuition is already very low,rising the tuition a couple of dollars would provide the District with the funds to operate theschool and educate the students.Q: How would you rate the balance of full time faculty vs. adjuncts in DCCCD? Does thedistrict need more full time faculty and fewer adjuncts? If so, how do you pay for it?A: As "professor in training", I am all for full-time faculty members, but during times suchas these, adjunct faculty members fill in the gap were funding issues prevent the hiring ofadditional faculty. As the fiscal climate of the state improves I would hire additional fulltime faculty.Q: Most DCCCD entering freshmen require developmental education. How good a job isDCCCD doing in that area, and what changes or improvements would you make?A: Honestly, I took a developmental class in Math when I attended El Centro College. Ibelieve the DCCCD is doing an outstanding job. The class severed as a refresher courseand made my journey in college much easier. The Dallas County Community College


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District "fills in the gap" between high school and university life. DCCCD meets the needsof a very diverse group of students and I proud be an former student and graduate of ElCentro College.Q: Rate the performance of Chancellor Wright Lassiter Jr.A: Dr. Wright was the president of El Centro College when I attended the school. I applaudhis leadership and have no reservations regarding his ability to lead DCCCD. His isanaccomplished, capable higher education leader.Q: Community colleges educate everyone from high school students taking dualenrollment classes to workers training for new jobs. Does DCCCD serve all groups equallywell? What changes or new programs would you suggest?A: Anyone affiliated with DCCCD knows the organization strives to serve all groupsequally. This what I felt when I attend El Centro College.Q: How well do you think the current board members get along? What dynamic would youbring?A: I have not heard of any issues among the board members. In fact, many of them haveserved on the board for many years. It tells me the current board members have genuineconcern for the welfare of the Dallas County Community College District.Q: What is an uncomfortable truth about public education that voters and taxpayers mustconfront?A: Start early with education. The more educated a person is the less likely he or sheseeks out public assistance.


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