Now that I am retired, I am able to dedicate myself fully to the responsibilities of being mayor. This will allow me to respond to rapid speed of growth.
There is a need for improved communication, trust, and planning in City governance. My record as City Councilman demonstrates these are of the utmost importance to me and my experience will enable me to move Farmersville forward with integrity and accountability in City leadership.
I have 20 years of “Boots on the Ground” experience gained on Farmersville City Council, economic development board formation, zoning commissions and other non-profit organizations.
With my 45 years of experience in the financial sector, and exposure to the practices of numerous cities in north Texas.
This is an important question since the mayor is, naturally, seen as the leader of the town and, in my opinion, should have experience in many facets of local government prior to taking office. Throughout my public and vocational career, collaborative leadership has been the central focus of my participation in order to achieve trust, transparency and long-term results. For this reason I have stepped into leadership positions thoughtfully and in partnership with others on numerous occasions:
Involved in the founding of Farmersville Economic Development Board 4a and Community Development Board 4b
Co-Chairman of Home Rule Charter Commission
Co-Founder of Farmersville Education Foundation 501(c)3 non profit for high school scholarships
Past president of Farmersville Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce director
Assisted in formation of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 12 years ago for economic development, roads and infrastructure improvements
Continuing service for 10+years as member of Collin College Foundation Board, raising scholarship funds
Past member of Farmersville Centennial Committee, assisting with renovations to library, senior citizens center and civic center
Farmersville Planning and Zoning Commission, serving two terms
I also take the “listen first approach” to better understand the people I work with and the task before me. I pride myself on gathering facts and hearing multiple sides before making decisions
End uneven enforcement of ordinances and codes for businesses and individuals.
Prioritize 5-year Capital Plan and plan for needed infrastructure to support growth (e.g., electrical substation east of the City, sewer infrastructure).
Put public safety first by prioritizing a solution for space for the Police Department and up-to-date equipment for the Fire Department vs. the building of a new municipal center.
Hold public hearings on major issues to avoid issues such as Chapparal Trail ETJ and Towne Center without input from all City Council members or public hearings.
Discuss reducing the size of present Tax Increment Financing Zone to free up revenue for road improvements outside of this limited area and have developers pay their fair share of road and infrastructure improvements when bringing in new development.
Closely monitor City contracts to stop significant cost over-runs and code violations of its own codes and ordinances.
Increase the tax base with quality residential housing, including duplexes, garden and town homes and additional business development to balance the City’s tax base
Bring new businesses in to business parks and assist with expansion of present businesses to return jobs locally, focusing on higher paying industries such as skilled manufacturing and intellectual endeavors.
Support fire and police departments during anticipated period of growth, presently seen in increased response times and distances to Lakehaven on south Highway 78 and increased traffic on Highways 380 and 78 .
Maintain zoning plan/standards by enforcing and strengthening ordinances and making the Building and Property Standards Board a functioning body.
Recognize the ethnic diversity of Farmersville by recruiting new members to the various city boards.
Improve and systematically replace roads, inside and outside the TIRZ area.
The lack of a 5 year Capital Plan is a problem. For this reason I asked for a 5 Year Capital Plan my final year on City Council as one has never been submitted despite being required by the city charter passed May 7, 2022. The Farmersville city charter, section 7.11 states: “The City Manager shall submit a 5 year capital program as an attachment to the annual budget.”
In my plan, I would include:
Road repairs - priority, costs update and best way to pay for it
Personnel, space and equipment needs for Police and Fire Department - costs, priorities and timing
Electrical plant substation - estimated costs, service capacity and how to pay for it
Outlays for Equipment Replacement in Public Works and Lakehaven sewer plant/pipeline - updated costs and timing
Estimate of 5 year Revenues and Expenditures
Development planning - building projects
As of April 11, 2024 (almost 2 full years since the charter was passed), the current mayor announces his 5 Year Capital Plan as “coming soon” in response to this item being part of my campaign platform. This is another example of the city moving from one controversy/crisis to the next due to lack of planning. Since announcing my run for Mayor, I have been proactive in raising issues and, time after time, we have seen reactionary leadership on display:
Lack of a required Capital Plan for 2 years and then announced when I raised it as part of my platform, despite myself and others asking about it long before.
Lack of disclosure on fiber optic contract until it was highlighted in one of my previous posts. Just recently more information been shared with the public, but only through the lens of the benefits it will provide; not mentioning potential concerns/challenges and how the city will address them.
Lack of updates on delays/cost overruns for city projects until I raised it as a primary reason I am running and citizens started to ask more questions. Now projects are being advertised as “nearing completion” or coming in as “under budget”.
Lack of attention to streets outside of TIRZ until myself and others posted about it being an area of focus in addition to the recent TIRZ street project. An asphalt demonstration for a quick fix to those streets is suddenly set up with no report since as to how it went.
I addressed these issues repeatedly. I consistently addressed the communication concern through reminders at Council meetings that projects on City Manager’s agenda report were not being addressed in a timely manner. Despite this, the pattern has continued which is one reason I'm compelled to run for mayor.
My comments are on record regarding:
Cost over-runs and equipment down time (i.e.- Trickling arm on pump at our original sewer plant, ADA compliance mis-steps)
Disapproval of CARES Act government grant spending for fiber-optic using outdated technology
The City Manager’s propensity to request cost over-run funds related to City projects from other City Boards without adequate documentation or verification of legitimacy.