Campaign Platform
Lower Property Taxes
Balance in a community requires that the tax burden be adequately distributed between residents,
and commerce. An ideal tax distribution has about a 25% business base, and a 75% residential
base. In Sachse, the maximum we can hope for at build out is 16% commercial, and 84%
residential, based on the total land available, and what remains to be developed. Therefore, we
must make every effort to bring quality businesses to our undeveloped areas to shoulder a portion
of the tax base. This is the primary method to lower the taxes on residential property. My work
with the Chamber of Commerce combined with my personal business background will enable me
to be a solid resource on the council to bring about quality commercial investment in our city.
Improve Traffic and Streets
As I visit with my neighbors and friends, the one thing I hear more often than any other is that
traffic congestion is horrible, and that their streets are not maintained properly.
First the traffic issue. I drive Highway 78 every morning and evening in rush hour, so I
understand the frustration. As a council member, I will keep pressure on the State and County
officials to make sure that the widening of Highway 78 remains a high priority. I worked directly
with the County, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments as a part of my previous
business. Transportation was my field, and I bring that experience with me to serve you as
Councilman.
Street repair remains a hot topic in many neighborhoods. Some of the needed repairs are minor, and some are major, but if it is your street, and you drive over pot holes, or standing water every day, it is a major issue in your life. As your representative, I will work to escalate the repairs of our streets by clearly defining a set of priorities, updating those priorities regularly, and setting up accountability procedures for reporting the accomplishment of work to the Council. This is an area where citizen input is essential. You can help me by reporting your street issues not only to the city Public Works Department, but to me as well. I welcome your calls and e-mails to keep my list up to date. We can and should have good streets!
Streamline City Services
While our city staff is very professional, I still hear people that I talk to complain about
difficulties dealing with the bureaucracy of the city. This is not an issue that is confined to
residents. Businesses that operate here, as well as those wishing to locate here get caught up in a
labyrinth of applications and reporting. Individuals with problems as minor as a burned out
street light, or as major as back yard flooding call the city expecting answers or solutions, and
instead find themselves wondering which extension they should dial to get the help they need. I
have personally found the city departments to be helpful once you get to the right one, but I have
been working with cities for many years. To a first time homeowner the complexity of city
services is overwhelming. As your voice, I will work to get a focal point at the city where
questions are answered.
City Services in general, is a category that I believe encompasses many other issues as well. Those issues range from Park Programs to the Parks themselves, and from The Library to the Senior Center. It includes Police and Fire protection and everything in between. Common sense says that as a governing body, the City Council must set priorities for the delivery of services that are responsive to the needs of the citizens. The City Council also must set policy for the implementation of those priorities. The City Council must then let the city staff do their jobs without the threat of micro-management by the Council.
Boards and Commissions
The City Council appoints concerned citizens to make recommendations to the Council in
various areas of governing. Those Boards and Commissions must be trusted to do their jobs and
respected for the positions that they take as citizens who like you and me want only the best for
the future of Sachse. I would encourage you to apply to the city for the board or commission that
interests you the most. The success of our City depends on the educated involvement of its
citizens.
