I am for conservative budgeting process. The City of Hurst budget continues to reflect the City Council’s conservative fiscal policy direction. This process has allowed our city to survive the economic upheaval of 2020. The major objectives of the budget process are to identify cost saving measures and to provide funding to implement the City Council’s strategic plans. The city utilizes a budget approach in which all budget requests are tied to city strategies and programs and must be justified every year. The resulting outcome of this process is the implementation of a very conservative budget.
In my time on council, we have worked with city staff to make decisions for the city that maintain the balance between quality services and our budget. Staff and council worked quickly during the shut down in early 2020 to prepare for the challenges ahead.
Our emergency personnel deserve quality equipment that allows them to work efficiently and make it home safe at the end of shift. City staff also works hard to find regional, state, and federal funds to help offset the costs of trails, roads, beautification projects (like the Highway 10 median green spaces), and other projects (like the improvement to the basketball court at Vivagene Copeland Park.)
I support local businesses. Hurst is frequently cited as one of the best cities in which to open a business and we have a city staff that is recognized by businesses and commercial entities for their open door policy. Hurst is a city that is open for business!
I wish that every citizen could see the economic development team in action! In 2020 they have been working harder than every to support businesses both large and small. Council works regularly with staff to discuss ideas, concerns, and interests about current and new businesses in Hurst. As a council member I work actively with the rest of the council and the city staff to strengthen existing business relationships in the city (Northeast Mall, large shopping centers, small business) while personally visiting new businesses to hear feedback and offer ideas on getting connected with customers and support organizations in the community.
Council and staff are also actively looking to the future. Through strategic planning and new partnerships we are developing ideas and a vision for the future of Hurst. In 2020 we worked with development partners to break ground on new senior housing that will be safe and affordable. The Gala at Central Park project on Pipeline near the Recreation Center will be a welcome addition in Hurst.
I am for quality services in Hurst. I refuse to skimp on public safety. The largest portion of the budget is spent on public safety (fire, EMS and police). This is a must have service and it must be the best we can provide. Community services (library, parks, recreation center, aquatic pools, etc.) is second largest and while it may not be as important as public safety, it provides Hurst residents a high quality-of-life. Public works (roads, water and sewer) is next on the budget. Roads need to be safe and water and sewer must always work. We enjoy some of the best services in the region and I will continue to invest in them.
Many of our community services were interrupted or closed completely due to COVID-19. We have re-opened these facilities as health officials allow and I have been so impressed by city staff who constantly find creative ways to safely provide services to the citizens. I look forward to the time when all services can be safely reopened.
In my short time on the council I have gained an even deeper appreciation for the men and women who work with the City of Hurst to provide quality services at every level. From fleet maintenance to the aquatics center, it is clear that every team is focused on quality service, fiscal prudence, and job satisfaction. In the City of Hurst it is not uncommon to find an employee who has worked their way up through the ranks over a 20 or 30+ year career. As a council member, I will continue to invest wisely in our city employees, facilities, and services that are a big part of the reason why Hurst is a great place to live and raise a family.
Where else can you get 24/7 police, fire, medical – public library – recreation facilities – and so many other great services for less than $2.50 a day?
Strategic Priorities
As a member of the Hurst City Council I have the following strategic priorities:
- Public Safety
- Redevelopment
- Innovation
- Leadership
- Economic Vitality
- Infrastructure
These strategic priorities were developed through focus groups, strategy sessions, and the annual citizen survey. These are the strategic priorities that came from the citizens of Hurst and they are the priorities I used in making decisions that benefit all citizens in our great city.
Events I have participated in:
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- 100% attendance at City Council meetings and work sessions
- Completed the 12-week Citizen Prosecutor Academy hosted by the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney
- Participation in annual Texas Municipal League conference to gain more knowledge of municipal operations
- Participation in National League of Cities Conference to learn about opportunities for community development, solutions for housing, and opportunities for economic growth.
- Attended community engagement events (pre-COVID) hosted by 6 Stones, United Way, HEB Chamber of Commerce, Mayors Council of Tarrant County, YMCA, HEB ISD, Mid-Cities Care Corp, Boy Scouts, Mission Central, Growing Place Community Garden, Hurst Amateur Radio Club…and I stomped some grapes with my wife at the GrapeFest Mayoral GrapeStomp!
- Some of the city events I attended (pre-COVID) – Business Appreciation Dinner, Hurst Fire Banquet, Hurst Police Banquet, Stars and Stripes, John Butler Senior Banquet, Firefighters Association Steak Dinner, Fire Truck Push-in, Dogtoberfest, Fall Festival, Belaire Pop-Up Events, Fire Department Open House, Employee Conference (2 days), and many more.
There is a lot more to being on the City Council than showing up to the two council meetings a month. All of these events have allowed me the opportunity to build relationships in our city and community while gaining greater perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.
Favorite Memories
Someone asked, what has been my favorite part of being on the Hurst City Council. It was a great question and really caused me to stop and think.
I have truly enjoyed developing a great working relationship with my fellow council members. It has been stated publicly in many settings that this council with 4 new members and a new Mayor has quickly come together as a great team. Trust, communication, and teamwork are important to the work we are doing for the City of Hurst and the citizens. I truly value my place in this great team.
I have also enjoyed getting to know so many of the city staff, volunteers, and citizens. It is amazing that a city of 39,000 people can feel like a small town when I run into familiar faces almost everywhere I go. There are a lot of people working hard to keep Hurst a great place to live and raise a family.
Believe it or not, I have also enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the complexities of municipal budgeting and governance. I have told many people that my first year on council was like “drinking from a firehose” but my thirst for knowledge, learning, and growth has not been quenched yet and I have continued learning more especially as we face challenging times.
Want to learn more?
I try my best to answer every question from a voter who calls, emails, or texts. In addition I try to complete every candidate questionnaire that is sent my way. This year I completed the following questionnaires:
Vote411.org from the League of Women Voters
I archived my long-form answers to the 2019 candidate questionnaire from 411.org. You can read my responses HERE.