There may not be a lot of interest in this outside of Waxhachie, but thought I’d share it for those of you in the city. These are the questions I posted to the city council candidates. It ran in Sunday’s WDL.
Candidates address the issues
By JONATHAN BLUNDELL
Daily Light staff writer
EDITOR’S NOTE: Five candidates are running for three open seats in the at-large Waxahachie City Council election set for May 13. Early voting begins Monday. The Daily Light posed 10 questions relating to their candidacy and issues facing the city. Their responses (in alphabetical order) are listed below.
Joe Gallo
1. What separates you from your opponents? The inevitable growth of Waxahachie demands that a City Council representative have strong and diverse capabilities. We have a fine city attorney, but having another legal expert and former assistant district attorney on the council gives it more strength as a watchdog of the public interests. We are faced with many issues that affect families and my wife, Lisa, and two beautiful children give me a direct motivation to spearhead programs ranging from parks to safety. So many of the issues before the City Council will demand the community unifying to make things happen. That is why my work on the board of directors or membership in the Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Historic Waxahachie and other civic organizations makes me a doer and not just a talker. My law office on Main Street was historically restored, demonstrating a sensitivity to the architectural heritage of Waxahachie; a deep regard which is manifested through my service on the city’s TIRZ Board and Zoning Board of Adjustments. I own my law practice in Waxahachie, which gives me an appreciation for the business community, the heartbeat for solid and positive growth. Therefore, what I will bring to the City Council is a variety of expertise that goes beyond just a single talent or sole agenda. And with a commitment to listen and get results, I am confident I can make a constructive difference in the quality of life for my family and fellow citizens.
2. When looking at the future of Waxahachie, what are you most excited about?
Waxahachie is not our little secret anymore. As we grow, more and more people are discovering what we already know: Waxahachie is a great place to live and a great place to visit. Events such as Bethlehem Revisited provide a perfect example of Waxahachie building a name for itself as a warm, inviting and interesting community. The positive perceptions built by people discovering our community will bring new opportunities that we must capitalize on. I look forward to working to build on tangible benefits we can gain through the positive aspects of our city.
3. What are you most concerned about?
It is no great secret that the population of Waxahachie is already growing at a rate twice that of recent decades. Our current population is more than 25,000, and our annual population growth rate has been estimated at more than 5 percent. Even if we assume no further increase in our growth rate, our population will double in just 20 years. The reality is that it is likely to double even faster than that. For example, take just two major planned developments: the Kemp tract and the Villages of Mustang Creek. These two developments alone are expected to house between 25-30,000 new residents. The city has an obligation to be prepared for the increase in demand that comes with this massive growth. The studies and plans commissioned by the city during the past year are a good start, but these plans are of no value if they are not implemented. The citizens of Waxahachie deserve and expect results, and if elected, I will work with my fellow City Council members, citizens, and city staff to ensure that we are fully prepared to meet the increased needs of a growing community.
4. What do you think is the most overlooked problem in Waxahachie?
The present state of the Waxahachie Senior Citizens Center is unacceptable. Fortunately, the Waxahachie Rotary Club has partnered with the city in planning for the construction of a new senior citizens center. This vital project is long overdue. Likewise, the lack of open park space for our children is something that must be addressed. One of the most consistent comments that I have heard while campaigning for this election, is the need for clean safe outdoor spaces for our youth to grow and play. I will not overlook the needs of our seniors and children. I will get them the results they deserve.
5. How do you feel about the current growth in Waxahachie (residential, commercial and industrial)?
Our City Council must be vigilant in anticipating the inherent challenges that lie ahead with the growth rate we are experiencing. If managed correctly, this growth could be the very best thing that has ever happened to our great city. No study or report can predict all the problems that will come with this growth. However, if elected, I will be committed to listening to the concerns of all of our citizens. I will strive to make choices that will allow us to enjoy the best aspects of increased resources, but that also preserve the distinctiveness and heritage of our community
6. What is the most important thing to consider when planning for future Ellis County facilities within Waxahachie?
As a former Ellis County assistant district attorney, and thus an employee of Ellis County, I understand first-hand the strains caused by the current lack of appropriate space and resources. Those who work for the county deserve better, and I applaud our county commissioners for being open to several options for long-term office space. These public servants did not cause the problem, they are simply trying to fix it. One proposal being considered by our county commissioners is to build all future County facilities on the Ellis County farm, which is currently located outside of the Waxahachie City limits. I am opposed to this idea for two reasons: 1) I believe there is adequate space downtown for the county to build their core facilities. 2) I believe this proposal would be detrimental to the economic well being of our downtown business district. Negotiations between the city of Waxahachie and Ellis County appear to be inevitable. If elected to the Waxahachie City Council, I will take an assertive and a pro-active approach to recruiting the county to build their core facilities downtown, where they belong.
7. How do you feel about the city’s current impact fee structure and possible future impact fees?
Waxahachie’s current impact fee structure appears to make good sense. An impact fee is a charge or assessment imposed by the city against new developments in order to generate revenue for recouping or funding the costs of capital improvements caused by the new development. Impact fees can be charged for water facilities, wastewater facilities, drainage facilities and roadway facilities. Waxahachie currently only charges impact fees for water and wastewater facilities. Our city is facing a major upgrade to both the wastewater treatment plant and the water treatment plant. Several major water lines and sewer lines have also been built or will be built in the near future. These new projects are directly related to the population explosion. If the burden of paying for capital improvements were paid only by water and sewer fees, the residents already living in Waxahachie would pay an unfair share for the capital projects brought on by new development. Water and sewer fees would have to be continually increased to pay for the improvements. Impact fees represent a more equitable way of distributing this burden. The City Council has appointed an advisory committee to oversee the Impact Fee Program. It is anticipated that this committee will be presenting a specific proposal regarding roadway impact fees. Their recommendations should be carefully considered, along with input from citizens, developers and businesses prior to making definitive decisions on any new fee structures.
8. What do you envision for the future of east and south Waxahachie? And what ideas do you have for improving growth in those area?
My platform is based on a commitment to be a city councilperson that gets results. I pledge to sidestep the rhetoric and take action no matter what part of the city someone lives. I will treat all people with the same high degree of concern, attention and respect. I have and will continue to meet with leaders and citizens from all sections of the city and my track record in the courtroom and community clearly shows I have no barriers when it comes to race, religion or social status. What do I envision for the future of east and south Waxahachie? The same as west and north Waxahachie: Positive growth. Positive relations. Positive results.
9. Should the city enforce stricter planning and zoning ordinances or allow more leniencies to promote business and development?
Last year, the city commissioned three plans to be developed: a Comprehensive (Master) Plan, a Parks Plan and a U.S. Highway 77 Corridor Plan. All should be completed this year, and will provide the framework for the city to make informed decisions on planned growth of our community. If elected to the city council, I will make sure that these reports are utilized, and not become dust-collectors high on some shelf. I will work to get positive results from the best ideas, and work with others to improve on concepts that need further effort. And once new planning and zoning ordinances are set, I will be persistent in maintaining a set of rules that promotes business and development, but only on terms that are best for the future of Waxahachie.
10. What is your opinion of civil service? Police and/or fire?
The voters of Waxahachie approved civil service status for Waxahachie police officers and fire fighters in 1989. Texas civil service laws are clear, in that they provide a very detailed structure for all personnel matters. If elected to the City Council, I will support the mandate of the voters. Unless and until the voters say otherwise, I will work to ensure that our city follows the law.
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Joe Jenkins
1. What separates you from your opponents?
There are five individuals running for three positions on the City Council. I know all of these candidates, some of them better than others. I consider all of them to be good and honorable people. However, I don’t feel qualified to compare their qualifications to my qualifications to serve on the City Council. I can, however, point out some of my qualifications. I believe my life experiences have enabled me to listen intently, ask questions, study material, consider various viewpoints and reach a decision. I have experience that I do not believe the other candidates posses by virtue of having been a member of the City Council for six years. This has enabled me to get a better understanding of the city, city government and how the council works. I have also had the opportunity to serve as a council liaison on several commissions and boards for the city. These have included the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, the Housing Authority, the Heritage Preservation Commission, the Fireman’s Retirement Board, the Civic Center and Sports Center Board and the Water Board. This has given me the opportunity of learning more in depth the workings of the city. In addition, I have had the opportunity and privilege of serving as your mayor for three years, a position that provides increased opportunities for understanding our city government and the needs of the city.
2. When looking at the future of Waxahachie, what are you most excited about?
Waxahachie is located in a favorable position for growth into a much larger city. Major factors that will bring this growth is our close proximity to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and close proximity to major transportation routes of Interstate 35, Interstate 45, U.S. Highway 287 and railroads. These factors offer the opportunity of exciting population and economic growth with the challenge of retaining the atmosphere of a friendly, family oriented historic hometown.
3. What are you most concerned about?
It appears that the growth of Waxahachie is inevitable. In looking to this rapidly increasing growth in our future, my greatest concern is how we guide, direct, handle, control and accommodate our lives to this powerful force of change resulting from increased population.
4. What do you think is the most overlooked problem in Waxahachie?
Although the future of transportation in proximity to Waxahachie is not really being overlooked or ignored, it is an important area that is probably not getting a lot of public attention. This is such an important priority in our future that we must continue to keep involved and continue to be a part of the plans that are being made in all the aspects of transportation. We are strategically located in a favorable geographic position as a regional distribution center. This distribution can be both through trucking and through aviation through Midway Airport. The growth of the aviation industry in Waxahachie can be a real economic boost. We are also in need of commuter rail to serve between Waxahachie and the Metroplex. This would provide welcomed convenience for many commuters and help ease the traffic congestion on our highways. We are also strategically located in the state and nation for long distance transportation of goods through highways and railroads. We are in a primary position for the Trans-Texas Corridor to come through the heart of Ellis County and close to Waxahachie. This transportation corridor as currently being planned will be gigantic and will have provisions for automobiles, trucks and trains all on separate roads. The plans as they are discussed are mind boggling and seem almost too grandiose to ever become a reality. Although the end result may be different from present tentative plans and although becoming a reality will be well in the future there will likely be some huge multi-purpose transportation route that will become a reality through the heart of Texas. This will provide for increasing national and international goods being shipped through Texas between Mexico and Canada. This route will likely come close to Waxahachie and can have a huge economic effect for our city. To help ensure it does come close to Waxahachie it is vital that we continue to be a player in the planning.
5. How do you feel about the current growth in Waxahachie (Residential, Commercial and Industrial)?
I think we are making good progress in planning for the current and future growth in Waxahachie. We are involved in developing a revision of the Comprehensive Plan for Waxahachie. This will be completed in July or August 2006. This plan is being developed through an outside professional planner with the involvement of city staff, city commissions and also through input from the public at large. Along with this Comprehensive Plan we also have a Comprehensive Park Study and also a study is in progress on the traffic on U.S. Highway 77. All of these studies will give us guidance in a wide variety of areas for future planning of residential, commercial and industrial development. I believe we are seeing good progress in all these areas. We certainly see our residential development continuing to grow through many new developments, two of which are on the horizon and are very, very large. They will include residential areas, commercial areas, amenity areas, trails and parks. We have also seen good growth in commercial development and seem to be becoming an increasing retail center for much of Ellis County. We are also showing good promise in the industrial area and although we hated to loose Tyler, we see prospects for the future.
6. What is the most important thing to consider when planning for future Ellis County facilities within Waxahachie?
The City Council has passed a resolution that says, in effect, that we want to see county government remain in downtown Waxahachie. The courthouse and county government have been in downtown Waxahachie since the establishment of Ellis County. This is Waxahachie. This is an important ingredient in molding our historic heritage. We need a vital, vibrant downtown area and county government is a part of this picture. Even though we see a growing county population and a need for more office space, it is apparent that there is room for growth in downtown Waxahachie. In planning for county government to remain downtown, I think it is vital for careful planning between the county and the city to see how we can work together and explore how we can be helpful to each other in our common needs.
7. How do you feel about the city’s current impact fee structure and possible future impact fees?
I believe the current impact fee structure on infrastructure of water and sewer is working well. When we first installed impact fees we charged on 15 percent of the cost. Later that was raised to 25 percent of cost. The great thing about impact fees is that the cost is shared with new residents paying part of the cost and it does not have to be paid for entirely by current residents. As far as I have observed, these impact fees have been accepted by developers without complaint. We are currently looking at having impact fees charged on roads. I believe this can be helpful, just as the current impact fees on infrastructure, and will let new residents share in the cost of these roads and current residents will not have to pay the full cost.
8. What do you envision for the future of east and south Waxahachie? And what ideas do you have for improving growth in that area?
The growth in Waxahachie has been predominant on the north side. I think that is to be expected with its closer access to Dallas and this is just the direction the city has been moving for several years. We will continue to see growth on the north side. We are, however, seeing development on the east side and the south side and the west side, which I believe will continue. There is a 1,900-acre development on the east side on the U.S. Highway 287 Bypass. The Cliff Estates has also been a very successful development on the East side and this development is continuing to grow. I understand there are other plans under consideration on the east side. On the south side there are high hopes that a senior housing development on U.S. Highway 77 will become a reality in the near future. As this occurs it could well lead to other developments. Some areas on the south side offer problems in getting sewer because of the lay of the land. One answer to this will be residential development on larger lots that will permit the use of septic systems. We may also see the development of municipal utility districts in these areas.
9. Should the city enforce stricter planning and zoning ordinances or allow more leniencies to promote business and development?
All city ordinances should be for the general welfare of the city and its residents. What is good for the general welfare of the city and its residents, I believe, will be helpful in promoting business and development. I believe when considering an ordinance one should consider what is best for the city as a whole, including what is best for business and development.
10. What is your opinion of civil service? Police and/or fire?
In my opinion we have an excellent city staff. Some are under civil service and some are not. The police department and fire department are under civil service and the rest of the city is not. The police department and fire department are the only employees that can be under civil service in Waxahachie and they are under that category as a result of a vote of the citizens several years ago. Both systems seem to be working well for the city. Each probably have some good points and some bad points but the reality is that it will not be changed and perhaps cannot be changed but I see no need for change if it were possible.
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Mark Loisel
1. What separates you from your opponents?
I am a proven leader and have the ability to gather all of the relevant information and make decisions for the betterment of the whole city. We don’t need leaders who are only looking for someone to tell them what they should do. I bring a business approach to decision making. As a council member you must seek out and consider all the available data and then make the best decision for Waxahachie as a whole. The key is not having all the answers, but to have the correct questions.
2. When looking at the future of Waxahachie, what are you most excited about?
I am most excited about the growth we are experiencing in all areas in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Our citizens can find a place to live, work and shop all in the same community, and we are drawing real interest from the Metroplex and surrounding areas from our tourism.
3. What are you most concerned about?
With all of these blessings does come a potential curse as well. It is vital for the city to stay focused on their priorities and not try to be everything for everybody. The sad reality is the City Council usually only hears from a small minority of our residents on issues. It is vital to get a broader perspective to ensure we are making decisions for the whole of Waxahachie.
4. What do you think is the most overlooked problem in Waxahachie?
There is an average of two accidents per day in the U.S. Highway 77/Ferris Avenue corridor. I know the problem has been identified but we need to expedite the solution to expand or reroute traffic to protect our citizens. Public safety should be our No. 1 goal.
5. How do you feel about the current growth in Waxahachie (residential, commercial and industrial)?
Excited about the growth, but concerned about unbridled growth.
6. What is the most important thing to consider when planning for future Ellis County facilities within Waxahachie?
We must understand that Waxahachie is the county seat and will continue to be. The county facilities provide a draw to the downtown area for residents and numerous other business related activities that ensure a vital downtown business district. It is important to remember this as we plan facilities. From a city perspective the county should be considered just like a large industry that is considering moving into or out of the city. Our economic development team, as well as the full city staff and chamber, should be working every angle to help ensure the decision to stay in downtown Waxahachie. The city must take a leadership role in the planning decisions being considered to help continue congruity between the county’s vision and that of the city. The city leaders can be extremely helpful in the culmination of this plan due to an extensive knowledge of development in all of the areas the county is considering.
7. How do you feel about the city’s current impact fee structure and possible future impact fees?
We need to make sure these fees are consistent with other cities our size and will allow us to be competitive to attract industries to our community. These funds need to be used for the addition and continued improvement of our infrastructure to support the growth today and tomorrow.
8. What do you envision for the future of east and south Waxahachie? And what ideas do you have for improving growth in those areas?
I think continued historical preservation and park planning will grow tourism and family activities will improve growth in these areas.
9. Should the city enforce stricter planning and zoning ordinances or allow more leniencies to promote business and development?
As leaders, the City Council must define where we want to grow and by how much and do this by changing and enforcing zoning ordinances. Controlled growth will increase our tax base, which will support our civil service, police and fire departments. It takes time to increase staffing and build facilities to support our community. We should be smarter about our planning and zoning ordinances and be consistent on our enforcement.
10. What is your opinion of civil service? Police and/or fire?
We need to continue to support our services because our continued growth will strain these services. These areas are the first to feel the growth of our community as subdivisions are built and the number of citizens being served grows. The correct staffing becomes the next question … what should it be based on the next five, 10 and 20 years. I would support a strategic plan that includes future needs for police and fire departments.
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Dean Settlemyer
1. What separates you from your opponents?
There are several important components that separate me from my opponents. First and foremost is that I am the only candidate running that has been a lifelong resident of Waxahachie. I attended school ISD. After graduation, I attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University and received a bachelor’s of science degree. I have seen and been a part of city growth for more than 40 years. I have worked for the city of Waxahachie as a police officer since 1987. I understand firsthand how our city government functions which will benefit me as a council member. I currently own and operate two businesses located in Waxahachie. I have an acute awareness of how a business operates and functions within the city of Waxahachie. I will be a voice and advocate for other business owners in Waxahachie.
2. When looking at the future of Waxahachie, what are you most excited about?
As an owner of two businesses, I am most excited about the growth of Waxahachie. While my fondest memories of Waxahachie dates back to when Ferris Avenue was only two lanes, I understand that due to our proximity to the DFW area, Waxahachie will almost certainly experience tremendous growth over the next several years.
3. What are you most concerned about?
I am concerned about our seniors and the lack of a suitable building. Many of our senior citizens have worked their entire life for this city. I think we owe it to them to provide them a center that the city as a whole will be proud to showcase. Our senior citizens center should be something that other cities envy, like our civic center. My parents and my wife’s parents are both senior citizens, so I have a vested interest in getting our city to construct and open up a new senior center as soon as possible.
4. What do you think is the most overlooked problem in Waxahachie?
We have overlooked the railroad-crossing problem for too long. Even though we are just now actively looking for solutions to the problem, I have heard about this issue for many years. I will make sure that this issue continues getting the attention it deserves and hopefully get it resolved as soon as possible.
5. How do you feel about the current growth in Waxahachie (residential, commercial and industrial)?
Even though we are seeing exponential residential growth, commercial and industrial businesses seem to be growing at a pace that supports our new residents. As we continue to see new subdivisions spring up, commercial and industrial businesses will be attracted to our city. With good management, we should be able to grow all these areas at a pace that supports and complements each other. We will (and do) need to hire more police and fire personnel to support the growing number of residents and buildings.
6. What is the most important thing to consider when planning for future Ellis County facilities within Waxahachie?
With Ellis County coming in as one of the top 100 fastest growing counties, the city needs to assist the county wherever and whenever possible. Many of the growth issues that the city faces will be the same for the county. We need to share experiences with each other and stand ready to support the county as they start trying to manage their facilities and growth needs.
7. How do you feel about the city’s current impact fee structure and possible future impact fees?
The city managers seem to have a good system in place for impact structures and fees. If a change to the structure or fees is needed, the council will consider those changes and act accordingly based on in-depth research of the city manager and staff.
8. What do you envision for the future of east and south Waxahachie? And what ideas do you have for improving growth in those area?
The city needs to encourage more businesses to locate in the east and south of Waxahachie. The north side of Waxahachie is getting very congested and cramped. As mega-subdivisions spring up east and south of Waxahachie, those residents will support businesses closer to them. Waxahachie will be large enough to support larger stores and restaurants.
9. Should the city enforce stricter planning and zoning ordinances or allow more leniencies to promote business and development?
The city of Waxahachie is a very attractive city to live in and do business in. The city has an excellent planning and zoning board along with effective ordinances that promote healthy growth in both the private and business sector. I do not see any immediate need to alter our current polices.
10. What is your opinion of civil service? Police and/or fire?
Civil service provides extra protection for our police and fire personnel. This protection is often needed and utilized not only on the behalf of the employee, but also on the city’s behalf. I support civil service because more times than not, it provides a positive and needed protection for our police and fire personnel.
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Ron Wilkinson
1. What separates you from your opponents?
Experience. I have been a practicing attorney for 40 years. I was an Air Force JAG for four years, serving as prosecutor, defense attorney and military judge. The remaining 36 years have been in private practice with business responsibility of meeting payrolls and managing two firms as managing partner. Because of this professional and business experience and having served on both private boards and community service boards, I feel that I bring knowledge and experience that is essential in discussing issues brought to the council.
2. When looking at the future of Waxahachie, what are you most excited about?
A vibrant central core for Waxahachie and planned development for new communities, which protects our tax base. I also envision development which complements the basic historical components that are uniquely part of Waxahachie. I support historic preservation but I also believe that historic properties are to be used and I strongly support adaptive reuse. Quality of life is the element of Waxahachie living that separates us form other communities in the North Texas area and is the component which will make our future bright.
3. What are you most concerned about?
My greatest concern is maintenance of the tax base. Future development should not only provide new construction but should also afford the best opportunity for appreciation of value of these new projects. Planned developments afford the greatest opportunity for appreciation value and thus protects our tax base. It also gives us the opportunity as a city to provide necessary services which citizens expect in the future.
4. What do you think is the most overlooked problem in Waxahachie?
The most overlooked problem is the lack of infrastructure in both east and south Waxahachie, which makes new development difficult and at times impossible. There are areas in every section of the city that still experience rising water. There are areas where the services are inadequate and sewage backs up into homes when the weather is severe. I am pleased that during the last two years the problems have been aggressively addressed. The city has embarked on an upgrading of the water delivery and fire protection. Much, however, remains to be done particularly in east Waxahachie and Bullard Heights. Both areas have suffered from poor zoning priorities, which I am pleased to say have recently ceased. Progress has been made but much is to be done. Neighborhoods should be maintained as neighborhoods. Business should likewise be protected from residential encroachments.
5. How do you feel about the current growth in Waxahachie (residential, commercial and industrial)?
Growth in all areas (residential, commercial and industrial) is inevitable. The issue is to adapt and plan for it. A new master plan is being prepared. It is essential that when completed and adopted the city enforce and follow the plan. These studies and plans are expensive and if approved, should be followed unless there is substantial and relevant requirement to deviate from it.
6. What is the most important thing to consider when planning for future Ellis County facilities within Waxahachie?
It is essential for the best interest of Waxahachie that county government remain downtown. A vibrant central business district is essential for the future development of not only Waxhachie but also Ellis County. The vitality of any downtown is fragile and our central business district is at a turning point. Many businesses are struggling and to remove a key component is not in our best interest. The city by a unanimous vote of the council has pledged to work with the county to resolve issues and keep the county downtown. I have led these efforts and will continue in my efforts. I firmly believe that particular attention should be paid to technology upgrades which should reduce the need for future storage and additional office space. Millions of dollars have been spent for restoring the courthouse and it has now been placed back in service. Millions have been spent on the county jail and millions more will be required to expand it. The best solution is to work together and not walk away from a multi-million dollar investment.
7. How do you feel about the city’s current impact fee structure and possible future impact fees?
The existing property owners of Waxahachie have paid in full for our current facilities such as streets, water and sewage treatment. Developers should be required to pay reasonable and fair amount for the impact their new developments will have on our streets and infrastructure. I stress, however, that these fees should be fair and in proportion to the resulting impact on our facilities. The current fees appear to be inline with other cities in our area. With the anticipated growth of our city, failure to collect these fees would impact our future ability to maintain our streets, water system and treatment system.
8. What do you envision for the future of east and south Waxahachie? And what ideas do you have for improving growth in that area?
There will be little development in these areas of Waxahachie until the current improvements in the water delivery system are completed and plans finalized to upgrade the sewer system. Fire fighting capabilities are hampered by undersized water lines. Some areas presently lack sufficiently large water lines to service the fire hydrants. The city is addressing these problems since my election but progress must continue.
9. Should the city enforce stricter planning and zoning ordinances or allow more leniencies to promote business and development?
There is a faulty assumption in the question namely that “leniency†promotes business development. Enforcing zoning requirements is good for business. We recently had a situation where a residential developer wanted to construct more than 700 residences on property zoned commercial, immediately next to some of the most established businesses in our city. The city had determined that the highest and best use for this property was commercial. I further argued that it was very unfair to these existing businesses to impose residences in this area when the business owners had very properly relied on our zoning ordinances in locating their business. Hopefully we will prevail in maintaining this area commercial. Predictable, clear and proper zoning plans are good for business and provide protection to both the business person and the home owner.
10. What is your opinion of civil service?
Police and/or fire? In 1989, the voters of Waxahachie approved civil service. The law provides for civil service for uniformed officers and firefighters. The police chief and fire chief are not covered by the system. It has generally worked well for the city. It establishes standards for initial applicants and protects employees from arbitrary decisions. The system is not perfect but it seems to work reasonably well. The main point, however, is that voters approved it and I, therefore, support it.
