A little over 1½ half years ago, I accepted the honor
of serving as a city council member in Place 5 for the
city of Plano. During this time, I have met a wealth
of new people and gained a wealth of information
about local government. In the last 18 months I
endured (I mean experienced) a political campaign,
Katrina, City of Plano budget work sessions, Plano
Economic Development Board meetings, tax
abatement meetings, and National League of City
meetings in Washington DC and Reno Nevada. Most
recently, I witnessed the political process in full
motion as citizens initiated a referendum for a vote
on a propose funding for a fountain at the Shops of
Legacy. I have acquired knowledge of Plano and
experiences that have deepened my commitment and
embolden my enthusiasm for public service.
The issue regarding the funding of the fountain
clearly ranks as the number one controversial item
worked on by Council during my term. I have a deep
appreciation for the forum in which the citizens were
able to express themselves via email, phone calls, in
council chambers, and ultimately in the form of a
referendum. I was disappointed, at times, on the
terms of the debate. I thoroughly enjoyed the
debate on the pros and cons of our funding, and was
less enthralled with the personal accusations levied
against the developer and the council members.
When the debate focused on the facts of the issue
at hand, I found the discourse to be engaging and
beneficial to all. I was able to understand someone's
opposition to funding the fountain, and conversely,
they could better understand my stance for the
support. Often after my conversations with citizens
and review of the facts, those opposed to the
funding either changed their minds or soften their
stance against it.
My Thoughts...
I made a promise, to myself, my family and the
citizens of Plano, that I would always vote my
conscience. That carries the responsibility of
carefully reviewing the information before me and
acting according to my best judgment. I saw this
funding as part of something larger than the
fountain. Namely, as an investment in Legacy Town
Center, our "Uptown" and the most successful
project we have in our city limits right now. Funding
for infrastructure costs is quite normal within the
scope of city business. Whether it be pipes for a
fountain, slabs of concrete for a street, or bricks for
a parking structure, I compartmentalize them the
same way. Expounding on potential economic
impacts that funding the fountain would have had to
our city is now moot. The council will have to revisit
public/private partnerships for Legacy Town Center,
downtown Plano or any other part of the city in order
for us to maintain our position in the national as well
as regional marketplace.
Going Forward...
The best result of this debate is, hopefully, the
heightened awareness of what is going on in our fair
city. We have many people and departments to be
proud of and to brag about. The City of Plano is the
ultimate quality service organization. We have over
2000 employees (and a mayor and seven council
members) willing and eager to serve you. Here are a
few fun facts:
Did you know?
The Plano Police Department helped the
city be named the 2nd safest city in the state of
Texas (population over 75,000) and the 41st safest
city in the country!
The Plano Fire Department is THE ONLY ISO
(Insurance Services Office) Class 1, fire accredited
and EMS accredited fire department in the United
States!
Over the past 10 years, The City of Plano
has given almost $3,500,000 from our city funds to
support local nonprofit organizations. Currently, we
are the only city within Collin County that practices
this generosity.
In conclusion, I ask our citizens to please keep on
watching. Pay attention to the facts, not the noise,
and provide me and my fellow council members your
feed back.
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