Issues

Neighborhoods

I am committed to championing the essence of our community—the Richardson neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are the heartbeat of our city, attracting residents with their unique charm and fostering a sense of belonging. I believe that investing in our neighborhoods is an investment in the very fabric of Richardson’s identity.

To ensure the prosperity of our community, my focus is on tailoring initiatives to meet the specific needs of each neighborhood.

Safety is paramount, and I am dedicated to enhancing security measures to provide peace of mind for all residents. Upgrading infrastructure is a fundamental step toward creating resilient, well-connected neighborhoods that stand the test of time. Moreover, I am passionate about enhancing the aesthetic appeal of every neighborhood, transforming them into vibrant and welcoming spaces. A beautiful environment not only uplifts the spirit of the community but also increases property values, benefitting every resident.

Together, let’s prioritize and invest in our neighborhoods, ensuring that Richardson remains a sought-after city, celebrated for its vibrant, safe, and aesthetically pleasing communities.

Economic Development

In confronting the unprecedented challenges to our city’s economic foundation, it’s imperative that we address the imminent threat to our commercial tax base. For decades, Richardson has prided itself on a robust 60/40 split in commercial versus residential tax contributions. Today, however, that equilibrium is in severe jeopardy, demanding urgent and proactive measures.

To safeguard our financial stability over the next 20 to 30 years, we should recognize the evolving market conditions impacting commercial property occupancy. Current vacancies in flex office spaces and even Class A buildings—including significant businesses like State Farm and Blue Cross—underscore the urgency of the problem. The latest news concerning the CityLine development experiencing a staggering $100M reduction in value due to vacancies should be all the warning we need.

To mitigate the inevitable valuation adjustments, we must make informed land-use decisions and explore innovative uses for existing office spaces. Historically, commercial taxes have contributed 60% of our total revenue, making it imperative that we prevent prolonged vacancies. As large leases approach expiration, and we anticipate reductions in required space, the pressure intensifies. A comprehensive strategy is vital to navigating these challenges, ensuring a resilient and thriving economic future for Richardson.

Schools

Recognizing the pivotal role schools play in defining our community, I am dedicated to fortifying Richardson’s reputation as a hub for quality education. Schools stand as the bedrock of our neighborhoods and a prime motivator for residents choosing Richardson. We enjoy positive relationships with Richardson Independent School District (RISD), Plano Independent School District (PISD), Dallas College – Richland, and UT Dallas, but there’s room to elevate these partnerships to a more collaborative and proactive level.

In the face of potential financial shortfalls, instead of pitting the community against educational institutions, I propose a cooperative strategy. By working closely with our schools, we can identify innovative solutions to maximize the impact of taxpayer funds, ensuring that every dollar contributes to a top-notch educational experience that is a credit to our neighborhoods and city.

Together, we can transform Richardson into an even more appealing place to live, attracting families with the promise of exceptional education. Let’s foster a collaborative spirit that not only safeguards our schools but also positions Richardson as a model for the synergistic relationship between local government and educational institutions.

First Responders

The importance of our first responders to the safety and well-being of our community is immeasurable. Day in and day out, these brave individuals put their lives on the line to protect and serve the residents of our city. They are the backbone of our emergency response system, providing critical assistance during times of crisis, whether it’s a medical emergency, fire, natural disaster, or criminal incident.

Our police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are dedicated professionals who exemplify courage, compassion, and resilience. They undergo rigorous training to handle a wide range of emergencies and are always ready to respond swiftly and effectively, often under challenging circumstances.

Furthermore, our first responders play a crucial role in fostering a sense of security and trust within our community. Their presence ensures that residents feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods, knowing that help is always just a phone call away. Their tireless efforts contribute to the overall quality of life in Richardson, making it a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.

As Mayor, I am committed to supporting our first responders by providing them with the resources, training, and recognition they deserve. They are the unsung heroes of our city, and it is essential that we honor their sacrifices and dedication to keeping Richardson safe.

Arts & Culture

As Mayor, one of my goals is to elevate Richardson’s commitment to cultural arts to new heights, building upon our legacy of regional leadership in the visual and performance arts. Two decades ago, our city demonstrated foresight by establishing a dedicated center for the arts, marking a significant investment in cultural enrichment. Now, it’s time to usher in a new era.

Richardson is already renowned for hosting exceptional festivals, and my vision is to leverage these strengths, creating a seamless integration of cultural arts into the fabric of our decision-making processes. Collaborating more closely with UT Dallas, we can tap into the wealth of creative and artistic resources, fostering innovative partnerships that benefit both the city and the University community.

Empowering our boards and commissions is another crucial step. By encouraging these groups to contribute their unique ideas and perspectives, we enrich the cultural landscape of Richardson. I believe that every decision, from urban planning to community development, should incorporate a cultural arts perspective. This holistic approach ensures that our city not only preserves its artistic identity but thrives as a vibrant cultural hub. Together, we can weave the tapestry of Richardson’s future, where the cultural arts flourish in every aspect of civic life.

Transparency

As an incoming Councilman in 2009, I spearheaded a transformative era of transparency within our city, championing initiatives that moved us toward a more open government. I successfully advocated for live-cast and recorded council meetings, initiated an open checkbook system, and online, public access to meeting notes in advance. As Mayor, I envision propelling our city to regional leadership in transparency.

Our residents can count on my having an unwavering commitment to live-casting and archived recordings of all public meetings convened by the city. Live-streaming meetings will give residents access to all discussions while providing them with an understanding of how and why goals are set. These efforts will foster civic engagement. This not only aligns with my commitment to open governance but will also position our city as the leader in regional transparency standards.

This approach will reinforce our dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that all community members, regardless of physical presence, can actively participate in the democratic process. Through this commitment, I aim to not just meet transparency objectives and expectations, but to surpass them, setting a gold standard for municipal openness in our region.