League of Women Voters of Plano/Collin County

www.lwvcollin.org

Voters Guide

May 10, 2008, Local Elections

Plano City Council

Early voting – April 28 through May 6

Election day – Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This Voters Guide is published by the League of Women Voters of Plano/Collin County to help citizens prepare to cast an informed vote. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that works to promote political responsibility through active, informed participation of all citizens in their government. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

All candidates for the respective offices were invited to participate. If a candidate did not respond by the deadline, “No Response Received” is printed. Responses were limited to 100 words and truncated with // after the 100^th word.

Candidates for Plano City Council, Place 1 (District 1)

Pat Miner

1. Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

I’ve been a public servant my entire adult life. I’ve traveled across the globe and experienced living and working with other cultures and their unique customs. This helps me to understand the growing diversity of our city and the needs of a diverse population. I have many years of budget and manpower experience, as well as having to work with reduced budgets and maintaining the mission at 100%. In working with many city organizations I understand the needs of our citizens, and the necessity of proper planning for our future success.

2. What are the most important transportation problems in Plano and how would you solve them?

Traffic is the most important transportation problem, and I would solve them with increased rail and bus service.

3. What are the most important environmental issues in Plano and how would you solve them?

1. Air quality – increased rail and bus service.

2. Water supply – support the NTMWD, add reservoirs, and encourage more conservation.

3. Waste – stay the course on recycling and encourage more recycling.

4. How would you balance the needs of landowners and existing businesses with the interests in new development and expanding the tax base in areas such as downtown, technology districts, vacant strip malls?

While Plano is almost built out residentially, there are opportunities for residential infill in certain locations, and we need to take a look at converting certain locations from commercial to residential. These are opportunities for additional owner occupied housing, not multi-family. There are hundreds of acres of undeveloped commercial land in Plano, so we need to be aggressive and creative in attracting high quality businesses and jobs that will be enhancements to our quality of life. It is a very competitive market out there, so we must remain focused on our economic development efforts.

5. How would you ensure an adequate water supply for the city at reasonable rates, even during droughts?

Support the NTMWD, add reservoirs, and encourage more conservation

6. What are the most important issues you think will come before the City Council in the next three years? What are your views on these issues?

Fiscal responsibility, neighborhood integrity and revitalization, maintain a strong public safety system. Working with citizen and city staff input, I would work with my council colleagues to prioritize the most important issues identified, see they are enacted upon and provided for through proper budgeting.

Justin P. Nichols

1. Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

I served on the Heritage Commission for 3 years, including 1 year as chair. I have also served as the campaign director for a congressional campaign, interned at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, serve as the president election of the Teen Court Association of Texas, and work for Collin County. I hold a BA from SMU in Political Science with emphasis in public policy. I have been exposed to all levels of government and understand the complexities of serving a city such as Plano.

2. What are the most important transportation problems in Plano and how would you solve them?

We’ve got to stay focused on maintaining roads and intersections across the entire city. In the coming years we will face budget reductions that will threaten our ability to pay for improvements and maintenance without bond money. We have to ensure that effective transportation is kept a priority over non-essential expenses to keep Plano moving without going into debt.

3. What are the most important environmental issues in Plano and how would you solve them?

Water is the number one environmental issue. We need to re-evaluate our contracts with the North Texas Municipal Water District and put a stop to the “use it or pay for it anyway” policy. There must be financial incentives for the city and its citizens to conserving water. Also, we need to encourage more use of DART and ensure that Plano riders have a spot first in our parking lots at DART stations, so that residents from other cities who don’t pay for DART don’t make it too difficult to use public transportation.

The key to striking a balance is for the city to facilitate a face to face dialog between existing stake-holders and new developers. Compromises can often be reached. If that doesn’t work, I’d make my decision based on whether or not a new project meets existing zoning requirements, in which case, I’d support the development, or, if the project requires a zoning change, whether or not proposed new zoning would negatively impact the existing neighbors, in which case, I would be inclined not to support the project.

5. How would you ensure an adequate water supply for the city at reasonable rates, even during droughts?

The city’s contract with the North Texas Municipal Water District is ineffective and useless when it comes to keeping water rates low and encouraging conservation. We pay for a set amount of water, whether we use it or not, and pay increases of over $2 million a year regardless of the market. I propose renegotiating our contract or seeking other providers who can meet our needs on a cost effective and usage basis.

6. What are the most important issues you think will come before the City Council in the next three years? What are your views on these issues?

First, safeguarding home values. I proposed aggressive but friendly education and enforcement campaigns of code violations to encourage residents to keep Plano beautiful.

Second, we’ll face lower sales and property tax revenue. I propose reviewing our budget and ensuring that each program is worth its while, and staying focused on core services and infrastructure.

Third, we will face tough decisions regarding our budget and long range plan for our city. It’s crucial to involve as many citizens as possible in making these decisions, and I will work to seek a diversity of perspectives and opinions.

Candidates for Plano City Council, Place 3 (District 3)

Loretta L. Ellerbe

1. Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

I have been President for 3 years of my Homeowners Association, President of the Plano Homeowners Council. I served on 10 city boards including 2 years as Chair of Planning & Zoning, member 6 years, Chair, County Plan Board, Transition & Revitalization Committee, Tree Preservation Ordinance Committee, Eastside Village Taskforce, Keep Plano Beautiful Board, City House Advisory Board etc. These leadership positions have given me a broad range of knowledge about city issues and has given me the experience needed to address city problems. As a councilmember, I represent the City on national, state, regional and county committees.

2. What are the most important transportation problems in Plano and how would you solve them?

The most serious problem is a lack of regional rail. I am Plano’s representative to the Regional Transportation Council and serve on their Transit sub-committee. We will have recommendations to send to the 2009 Legislature to develop and fund a seamless rail system. Funding is the biggest problem and we get little if any help from the state and federal government. In 2030 over 1.5 million people will live in the county and without regional rail it will be absolute gridlock. I will continue to work with this committee to seek solutions to this problem.

3. What are the most important environmental issues in Plano and how would you solve them?

Air quality in the whole area is our biggest pollution problem and one solution is to get more cars off the road and that is why having a rail system is so important. We are also affected by pollutants from cement and coal plants that blow here from the south. I supported our membership with other cities to fight new coal plants. That will have to continue. As a city, we have an outstanding hazardous material program that will address any toxic spills.

We spend as much effort keeping our existing businesses healthy and in Plano as we do seeking new businesses. We are limited by law in what we can do about private property. We can force landowners to keep their empty property mowed and in safe condition, but that is all. Most of the recent development in downtown Plano has been on land the city owns. This gives us control of the type of development we want. I will not support any taking of land by eminent domain for economic development.

5. How would you ensure an adequate water supply for the city at reasonable rates, even during droughts?

We are locked into a water contract that penalizes conservation because we pay for our quota whether we use it or not. All 13 cities must agree to changes in the contract and most will not agree because their water costs are cheaper the more they use. I will continue to try to find a solution to this antiquated contract. The water district has informed us that costs will go up next year to cover the costs of newly acquired water supplies. Cheaper water is probably not possible in this region given the limited supply and growing demand.

6. What are the most important issues you think will come before the City Council in the next three years? What are your views on these issues?

Economic Development, Budget and Rail Transit. Businesses pay half of our property taxes we need to continue to bring more businesses to Plano otherwise we would be unable to provide services at the lowest tax rate in the area. If the economy continues its current trend, we will face difficult budget decisions in the next few years. Cities cannot operate on a deficit so if our revenue drops we have to find the least painful things to cut. Regional rail will improve traffic and pollution and is a must with the prospect of 1.5 million people by 2030.

Mabrie Jackson

1. Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

The most pressing issue we have today and tomorrow in Plano is money. We cannot continue to grow and improve Plano without revenue generation and cost control. I am currently responsible, along with my colleagues, for generating almost $400 million in revenue for my company, more than the entire budget of Collin County, and almost the budget of Plano. My twenty-two years of business experience, and having lived in Plano since 1970, makes me uniquely qualified for this office, particularly in light of our critical needs.

2. What are the most important transportation problems in Plano and how would you solve them?

Transportation solutions must address deteriorating roads, traffic delays and energy conservation. The real question is: How do we accomplish this? The answer is: with new revenue sources and what we as a city can buy with that revenue. Utilizing best business practices, we must spend your money and my money wisely to: maintain roads with the best materials and best return on investment, decrease traffic by evaluating alternative forms of transportation in conjunction with energy conservation, and provide a growth plan that draws its strength from Plano’s greatest assets.

3. What are the most important environmental issues in Plano and how would you solve them?

Current and future environmental issues involve conservation and resource regeneration. We must look at ways to reduce fuel consumption but still grow our town. Homes must be built to new energy efficient standards. Water conservation programs should be in place permanently in a prioritized manner. Recycling waste must be continued and improved upon. Older structures in our city need to be renewed and existing structures need to be revitalized in a manner such that new business and new people will come to Plano and produce new and increasing revenue.

To grow and prosper, we balance the needs of these stakeholders by finding common ground built around a plan that continually benefits all and generates revenue. Being a growth and development incubator will bring new business and new dollars and will maintain those businesses here in Plano as they grow. We must revitalize and redevelop what we have to meet the needs of those businesses. We must maintain and improve existing neighborhoods with those dollars that also drive innovative growth and development.

5. How would you ensure an adequate water supply for the city at reasonable rates, even during droughts?

As I said, conservation is critical. Such conservation also must include prudent growth that permits minimum and efficient resource utilization. We shouldn’t have water contracts that do not include incentives for conservation.

6. What are the most important issues you think will come before the City Council in the next three years? What are your views on these issues?

Increasing revenue sources so the highest quality of life and continuous community improvement are achieved. Best business practices, return on our investments, proactive action and creative thinking regarding our future development must be built into a plan to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for all community stakeholders. The aging of our infrastructure, the aging properties that sit atop the infrastructure and the needs of an aging population are priority issues that need solutions. We must continue to be a magnate community to which our children wish to return.

Candidates for Plano City Council, Place 5

Russel Head

1. Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

I bring a solid business background to the position having managed multi million dollar budgets and hundreds of staff members. In addition I have served on several community, private, and business board of directors. I haven’t had the political background, nor am I tied to certain special interest groups, so I will be able to participate in most votes and discussions that come before the City Council. Understanding the private sector, I am able to have a broad based knowledge of company’s needs both financial as well as how to market the benefits of working in Plano, effectively to them

2. What are the most important transportation problems in Plano and how would you solve them?

We need to look at extending DART further to the north, as well as using rail lines for East/West transportation issues. The only way to accomplish this however is to work closely with other cities, and the regional transportation district in order to move the project forward. Local intersections need to be widened to handle the additional traffic flow, with alternative routes. With toll roads bordering Plano on two sides, it will be important to keep business traffic flowing into the City.

3. What are the most important environmental issues in Plano and how would you solve them?

Because I serve on the Dallas Sustainable Skylines Initiative, I am keenly aware of the air quality issues that North Texas is facing. If the area does not meet its goals set by the EPA by 2010, North Texas will lose its Federal funds for transportation. We need to work with all of the surrounding cities on a plan for transportation, renewable energy alternatives, and carbon offsets.

I believe that we should focus the economic development funds in Central and East Plano. In addition, potentially use part of the fund to accelerate the completion of pending projects where it makes sense. We need to steer new opportunities in the City to existing buildings, rather than constructing new, and incenting them appropriately, therefore decreasing the amount of existing commercial property sitting empty. We need to reexamine the benefit of having manufacturing facilities potentially in the technology corridor, and our dock door restrictions.

5. How would you ensure an adequate water supply for the city at reasonable rates, even during droughts?

Since this issue involves many cities, we need to commission a multi city task force to examine opportunities to improve and renegotiate current agreements in place with the water district. In addition, we need to actively promote conservation at all levels, from residential to commercial usage. As part of the multi city task force, partner cities need to agree on when water restrictions need to be put in place, and all agree that each city would adhere to the same restriction level, at the same times.

6. What are the most important issues you think will come before the City Council in the next three years? What are your views on these issues?

With a projected budget shortfall this year of $17 million, and a three year projection of over $100 million, a careful examination of the City’s expenses, and projected revenues needs to take place sooner than later. Capital projects potentially need to be postponed, and any potential non essential expenses removed from the budget. In addition, a new five year plan needs to put in place with current projections, and a new long range comprehensive plan for development enacted.

Harry LaRosiliere

1. Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

Over the past 14 years that I have been a Plano resident, I prepared myself to be a city council member. Council is the highest level of community service. I have given myself to the community. My past civic involvement include being Council liaison to Arts of Collin County Board of Directors, Community Relations Commission, Plano Economic Development Board, Senior Citizens Advisory Board, Technology Commission , Planning and Zoning Member, Community Relations Commission. I served as Chair, Leadership Plano, Chair, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Collin County, member of the Plano Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee.

2. What are the most important transportation problems in Plano and how would you solve them?

The most important transportation issue in Plano is the lack of a seamless regional rail system. I absolutely favor a seamless regional rail system. Plano has shown a commitment to the rail system. I would work to reach this goal through a collaborative manner by encouraging our neighbors to consider the benefits of their city and the region if the participate. I favor allowing the citizens the right to vote on a local sales tax election. Through this process, the citizens can gain a heightened awareness of the issues and the possible outcomes based on their vote

3. What are the most important environmental issues in Plano and how would you solve them?

The most important environmental issue in Plano is conservation of water. This issue is far too complicated for any individual city to address. These issues include water resources and the take or pay water contract that encourages consumption versus conservation. I will continue to work with North Texas Municipal Water District and our State legislators to find an equitable solution.

I would balance the needs of landowners and existing businesses with interest in new development by looking at every situation on a case-by-case basis. I fully understand the business tax base pays for the quality of life for our citizens, but it should not be at the expense of the landowner’s needs and concerns.

5. How would you ensure an adequate water supply for the city at reasonable rates, even during droughts?

We must continue to secure new water sources. We have recently doubled our water supply and we advocate water conservation and I will continue to advocate for education on conservancy,

6. What are the most important issues you think will come before the City Council in the next three years? What are your views on these issues?

The most important issue facing Plano over the next three years is the uncomfortable truth that we have extreme competition from our neighboring cities. I see this uncomfortable truth as a positive. I believe, competition either destroys you or makes you stronger. Over the past three years, I have work with the City Council and the City Manger to make help Plano stronger. The Economic Development fund, focus on public safety and neighborhood revitalization have been the cornerstones of those efforts. My vision is to see Plano remain "The Premier city to Live Work and Play in Collin County."

Candidates for Plano City Council, Place 7

Jean Callison

1. Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

Elected 2003; Re-elected 2005; National League of Cities Finance, Administration, and Inter-Governmental Relations Vice Chair; Plano resident 30 Years; PISD all 12 grades; BBA and MBA Baylor University; Parkway Hills Baptist Church Trustees Vice Chair; 8 years in Budgeting and Finance with EDS; Past President Junior League of Plano; Past President Huffman PTA; PISD SBIC and Key Communicator; Leadership Plano Class XVI; Plano Youth Leadership Treasurer; Young Men’s Service League President 08-09; National Charity League; Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center 2008 Mentor Award; Collin College Foundation 2003 Community Appreciation Scholarship Honoree – Community Member; PTA Life Member

2. What are the most important transportation problems in Plano and how would you solve them?

Plano and our region need east/west commuter rail service. Also, northern tier cities should join DART so the line can be extended. As Collin County continues to grow, more Plano residents will be looking for ways to travel north in much the same way they are traveling south now. Maintaining and improving our aging infrastructure continues to be a priority as citizens’ travel around Plano in an effort to live and work.

3. What are the most important environmental issues in Plano and how would you solve them?

Plano proudly introduced the Sustainability and Environmental Services department in 2005. This initiative educates citizens and business on “living green” everyday. Conserving water is critical as the population in our region continues to increase dramatically. We must also continue to search for ways to improve the air quality in Plano by partnering with our northern neighboring cities in an effort to improve transportation through mass transit and road planning.

Plano must focus on maximizing the tax base as we reach build out. Having almost reached residential build out, new projects are infill. Assessing how new development compliments existing homeowners and businesses must be a main concern. We must continue strengthening our neighborhoods and strip centers through strict code enforcement and revitalization. Through City efforts around Dart Rail, in Haggard Park, Courtyard/Cox restoration and infrastructure improvements, along with private enterprise, downtown Plano is experiencing an exciting rebirth in residential, restaurants and retail. Also, the RT District has grown 1.5 M sq. ft. in occupied space over the last decade.

5. How would you ensure an adequate water supply for the city at reasonable rates, even during droughts?

Plano is a member of the North Texas Municipal Water District. We must work to find alternatives to the “Take of Pay” contract while educating citizens and business on conservation strategies so Plano does not exceed the current established peak. Landscaping with drought tolerant plants and grass is just one of the ways to help. The NTMWD is introducing new water sources in 2008. We must work with elected officials in Austin to ensure adequate water sources for our region’s growing population.

6. What are the most important issues you think will come before the City Council in the next three years? What are your views on these issues?

While the recent forecast of a budget shortfall presents a difficult scenario with stale sales tax and property tax revenue, along with rising fuel costs and aging infrastructure, we must remain diligent while budgeting. I will use my education and professional experience to work with Council and staff to create a plan to provide our citizens with quality services while maintaining our low tax rate and protecting our AAA Bond rating. Always, we must support public safety. We must attract and retain businesses by leveraging the Economic Development Fund with our All American City amenities to expand the tax base.

Danny Morris

1. Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

I have served on the Plano Building Standards Committee, Collin County Joint Committee on Electronic Voting, Collin County Transportation Bond Subcommittee, Alumni of Plano Citizens Academy and Plano Citizens Police Academy, serve on Executive Committee for Texas A&M Association of Former Students and Executive Committee of Collin County Republican Party. I currently do volunteer work with our Police Department as a member of Citizens Assisting Plano Police performing crime prevention patrols – a role I will continue even as a council member.

2. What are the most important transportation problems in Plano and how would you solve them?

One is extending DART: Expanding to the north and getting the Cotton Belt Line going, giving East-West mobility from Plano to UTD, on to the airport and downtown Ft. Worth. To accomplish this we need to work with our neighboring cities and DART to restructure their tax structures to make the system fair to everyone.

Another is maintaining our Plano streets, removing bottlenecks in higher traffic areas, and better synchronization of traffic signals. There is currently land set aside for overpasses on the major roadways. The current design is creating more traffic issues since the overpasses have not been added.

3. What are the most important environmental issues in Plano and how would you solve them?

I believe that Plano has done an excellent job to date in making recycling easy for the average citizen and with communicating “Green Living” ideas. However, we could do more with encouraging and facilitating businesses in recycling. We could expand to recycling more than just #1 and #2 plastics. While not officially banning plastic shopping bags that litter the streets and creek beds, we could push campaigns to use other products. We could also encourage use of wind-powered generators on the roofs of the taller buildings to offset energy usage and encourage reduced water usage as during the drought.

Being in the technology business, I know the tech bubble has burst. We can not keep land tied up and property owners limited in their development possibilities to a pipe dream that will never come true. It’s time to re-evaluate the use of the tech district and/or aggressively pursue tenants. As for vacant shopping centers, we need to encourage redevelopment of the neighborhoods around them, thus enticing supporting business to come into safer, more vibrant areas.

5. How would you ensure an adequate water supply for the city at reasonable rates, even during droughts?

The new wetland cells down around Crandall are a brilliant idea if done properly to capture the water used in this area, naturally filter it, and send it back to our lakes rather than letting it flow out to sea. This, along with encouraging reduced water usage on a daily basis, should help us keep supplies high and prices low. I like backing smart, responsible actions that we can all chip in and do without being forced to drastically alter lifestyles.

6. What are the most important issues you think will come before the City Council in the next three years? What are your views on these issues?

By far the biggest issue right now is the projected budget shortfall. We need to tighten our belts, cutting waste and non-core government functions before hitting our vital city services such as police, fire and street maintenance.

Second most important is controlling wasteful spending no matter what economic conditions are. I believe we have become involved in more areas that a city government should, competing with the private sector, trying to drive them out of business rather than leveraging them. Take our latest fully-loaded fitness center built with tax money as the prime example.