Wylie Today

First of all, I want to apologize. I took video of this event, but have run into technical difficulties getting the video downloaded. Old software, new computer. :/ I’m going to be away from the “machines” for the weekend, but I will get it resolved and get it uploaded for your viewing enjoyment. That is, if you are into an hour and eighteen minutes worth of talking.

As a quick recap slash opinion, here is what I liked about each candidate’s performance or values.

Rick White

City Councilman Rick White did a fantastic job communicating with the audience about his passion, drive, motivation and proven experience with success. He was cordial and concise and seemed very comfortable speaking to the group. His direct involvement with the Fire and Police Departments let me know that he is in tune with everything happening in the community.

Chris Trout

I like the fact that Chris Trout is a community friend and a dedicated parent. His daily interaction with people in the community is a great asset. From personal conversations, I believe he is quite the intelligent man.

Carter Porter

City Councilman Carter Porter also did an excellent job speaking to the group. He is available to the community whenever the need is present and has been open and honest about his first three years on City Council. He is an elected member to the NCTCOG and while I don’t know exactly how that has benefited us to this point, I’m sure it couldn’t hurt going forward.

Bennie Jones

Bennie Jones has a definite message and goal. I believe that he believes in what he is saying. He seems frank and honest , speaking from the heart about his vision. He spends time interacting with the teenagers in the City of Wylie, providing a positive adult presence.

John Mondy

Mayor Mondy has a certain swagger about him that makes me feel confident he can get anything done. While he did leave the military long ago, I’m not sure if the military ever left him. He is proud of his accomplishments and is confident in a future vision of Wylie that is larger than anyone could expect. I think he has put a lot of time and effort into city affairs over the last decade. His knowledge and experience is certainly valuable.

Eric Hogue

As I mentioned before, Eric Hogue is a natural public speaker. I believe in his ability to make and secure contacts at any level. His desire and enthusiasm to serve the community is unrivaled. His past tenure on the City Council is valuable in terms of experience and knowledge of city affairs.

Everyone did an excellent job last night and whenever you get a minute, you should let these guys know you appreciate what they are doing for us. Let them know you support them and what their families are enduring right now. Their email addresses can be found on the Wylie Today Voter Guide.

The Sage Creek HOA sponsored The Muddy Creek 5K and 1 mile fun run on April 19th. The event was sponsored by Albertsons and 24 Hour Fitness and was open to the public. The Wylie Police Department, Fire Department, National Guard and a Corvette Club were all present as well.

Doing their best baseball game vendor imitation, Mayor John Mondy and City Councilman Carter Porter were on hand providing hot dogs, chips and water for all. Also seen mingling with potential voters was City Council candidate Bennie Jones.

The HOA Social Committee led by Mandie McCurdie was responsible for organizing the event. Rob Butler (HOA President) and Tammy Onufreiczuk were the “official timers”.  This was a display of scientific timing at it’s finest. As runners crossed the line, Tammy would yell out the participant’s number. Rob then entered the number into a computer with the saved time. (As far as I’ve heard, they accepted no bribes so the results/times must be correct…)

The winners can be found @ sagecreekhoa.com

The top 3 in the 5K received a medal, a prize and a picture with Mayor Mondy.

Most importantly, the fun run benefited the North Texas Food Bank.

*John Onufreiczuk contributed greatly to this story*

The Barbara Bush Republican Women’s League hosted a “Meet the Candidate” forum on Monday night, April 14th. All City Council candidates as well as 5 of the 6 School Board Trustee candidates were in attendance. School Board Trustee Baron Cook was not present due to a scheduling conflict. Also on hand to witness the event were approximately 45 citizens and supporters.

Mrs. Ruthie Wright did a fantastic job as moderator of the event. This forum was pretty typical with what I’ve seen or been a part of in the past, except the candidates knew the questions ahead of time. Frustrating though was the fact that some of the candidates didn’t seem prepared to answer and the ones that were prepared might have been a little too prepared, continually cut off by the “TIME” girl. It’s usually difficult for candidates to get their message across under such circumstances, but I don’t believe it harmed anyone as most of the 45 people in attendance were supporters of candidates. In fact, I think I was the only one who sat in the middle.

Mayor John Mondy had the right idea though after being cut off during one of his answers as he told the audience, “You can read these answers on Wylie Today”. Bravo, John, bravo.

City Council candidates went first and the questions were very basic. The questions were:

1. What makes you an ideal candidate?
2. What is your vision of Wylie in 3 years?
3. How do you propose to accomplish this vision?

Questions 2 and 3 are pretty difficult to answer because as Mr. Mondy stated, “the major planning for the next 5 years for Wylie has been completed, but there is always opportunity for refining”. So basically, all the candidates told the audience about the road construction and building construction and the bond packages. They stated what is already known by a lot of people and didn’t really delve into their unique “vision”, except for Place 6 candidate Bennie Jones.

Mr. Jones stated that his vision is to see a safer city for our youth and to be a regional leader providing “clean air, clean water, parks in all the communities, children receiving quality education without disruption from gangs and making sure everyone is taken care of.” He wants to implement progress reports for the citizens to view and to make sure they “always know what we’re working on.”

Mr. Jones continually stated that he is “approachable”, a “voice for the teenagers” and a “voice for the community”.

His opponent, incumbent Carter Porter, stated that he is past the learning curve that requires 1 or 2 years of being on City Council to understand. Mr. Porter focused on his ability to be available to the city whenever needed due to his flexible work schedule. He also discussed his election to the Executive Board of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). NCTCOG brings an intergovernmental relationship with the leaders of the region’s 16 counties representing over 230 member governments and is represented by 13 locally elected officials.

City Council Place 5 candidate Chris Trout identified himself as a husband, a father, a local business owner and a friend to everyone who supports many organizations with his time and money. He stated that on his previous tenure on City Council, he always did what was best for the city.

City Council Place 5 incumbent Rick White mentioned his technical, detail-oriented nature as a strong asset when working on and learning about city issues. He says he is “always seeking information from people and sources” to make the best decisions possible. He stated that he always shoots from the hip and will get you answers to your questions.

Easily the best performance of the night was delivered by Mayoral candidate Eric Hogue. Mr. Hogue is just made to be a public speaker. He exudes confidence, gestures in a friendly manner, speaks clearly and shows no hesitation through any of his speaking opportunities.

Mr. Hogue said, “A lot of things have to happen to make sure we stay on path” in reference to completing the 2005 Bond packages and road construction. He mentioned his numerous contacts with county, state and federal officials as a key asset to making sure no stray trails develop. He is for a more open and pro-active government when working with the citizens.

Mr. Hogue wants to move to bring in another big box retail store and professional business corridors that could bring in higher numbers for lunch traffic. This in turn would make Wylie more attractive towards sit-down restaurants like Chili’s. Mr. Hogue also wants to change the image of Wylie. He calls Wylie “the forgotten city of Collin County” and thinks Wylie should start acting like a city of 40,000 people.

Mr. Hogue believes the WEDC and the city staff has done a great job and they will need to continue to do so to fulfill the future of Wylie. In closing, Mr. Hogue mentioned that he realizes not everyone agrees with him on all the issues, but they support him because they believe he is the right man for the job.

City of Wylie Mayor John Mondy could have gone on talking about city issues all night if he was able. That “TIME” girl does show up quicker than one would think. Despite not being able to finish any questions, Mayor Mondy still made his points very effectively.

“Wylie is the 8th fastest growing city and I’m the Mayor of that city. I have been for 10 years. We created this vision and we delivered.” He stated that our Fire ISO top Rating, our low crime rate and our superior water system didn’t happen by themselves. “The people wanted this and they demand a high level of service. We’ve delivered.”

Mayor Mondy also said the key to success has been in hiring the right staff to get the job done. He hopes to provide better communication between the city and officials, though he does feel they have been pro-active in the past few years. He also stated they were re-engineering their already useful and valuable city website.

In closing, Mr. Mondy said “We have to work together to accomplish our goals because at the end of the day, we all go home here. We all live in this city. Sometimes we agree to disagree, but we still have to work together.”

In the next installment, I will recap the School Board Trustee candidates.

For the previous installment, click here.

As of April 15th, two more candidates have  turned in their “30 Days Before Election Day Campaign Finance Report”. City Council Place 6 candidate Bennie Jones and City of Wylie Mayor John Mondy both turned in a report early this week.

Both are rather cut and dry, but it definitely pays to have been in office for the past 10 years. Mr. Mondy reported campaign contributions of $3,570, all individual donations under $50 each. Expenses thus far total $1,673, primarily for political signs and supplies.

Bennie Jones reported total contributions of $620 and expenditures of $1089. I hate to see these guys go out of pocket for an opportunity to serve the citizens. If you like Bennie Jones and have supported his message so far, drop him a small donation, would ya? Every little bit helps. He has donation information on his website.

1) How long have you lived in Wylie?
We have lived in Wylie going on five years.

2) What is your vision of Wylie in 5 years?
My vision for Wylie is simple….a safer - city one that is a regional leader in the Metroplex. I see Wylie as a better city for seniors, children and working families.  I envision Wylie with clean air and clean water, parks and a vibrant arts community, where people care about their neighbors, where we have adequate housing, where children are assured a quality education and they do not have to fear gangs, where economic development is indiscriminant, where religious leaders teach us how to live amicably with respect for all ethnic groups, races and cultures.

3) What is your vision of the Wells Property in 10 years?
My vision of the Wells Property in the next 10 years is that it will be developed into a sustainable magnet for the city that will provide jobs, recreation and performing arts for our citizens.

4) What are you most proud of during your city government tenure?
While I will be a new member of the council, one of my proudest moments as a park board member, putting additional basketball courts in our parks, along with a skate park and council supporting it. I am excited about being apart of the founders park and new recreation center design.

5) How can our tax rate, one of the highest in Collin County, see a decrease over the next 5 years?
I realize that our tax rate is one of the highest in Collin County, but the way that we can see a decrease over the next 5 years is to ensure that we cultivate commercial development so that the burden proportionately shifts from the backs of home owners.

6) What experience do you have that qualifies you to lead the direction of a rapidly growing city with a population approaching 40,000?
Well, I have the least amount experience at City Hall compared to that of my counterpart; however, I have always been a leader in the various roles that I have held in my life.  I will bring a fresh perspective on how we can ensure that Wylie continues to grow in a manner that is conducive with our city’s infrastructure and help to identify solutions to ensure that the city’s services and amenities are well positioned to support and sustain our rapidly growing community.

7) Wylie is one of the safest cities in which to live. Our crime rate is low and has decreased 10% over the past 10 years. Wylie has an ISO 1 rating and working towards a National Rating for the Fire Department. What steps were taken to accomplish this during a time of rapid population expansion? What efforts need to be taken to ensure we continue to live in one of the safest cities around?
I know our police department is doing a wonderful job.
My concern is the growing problem with our young people.
The press release that you may be referring too, said crime is down in Wylie. Well that is the way the report is calculated.  According to the chart from the police department’s website. Crime in every area in part one has increased do to growth except a few. I don’t see a decrease unless you base it on the FBI way of reporting.   I feel after talking to the chief about the chart, we need to support programs that cater to our youth before we see a spike in this report that would be a challenge to control. My biggest concern on the chart is Burglary, Simple Assault, Vandalism and All other offenses. These are the usual juvenile offenses that are not on the report.

While the city’s overall crime rate has been down over the past 10 years according to the FBI way of reporting, it is important to note that we still have a long way to go – DUI’s, burglaries, forgery and drug offenses were up.  So we must continue to work diligently to ensure that we see a decrease in crime in all areas.  Although we can never predict when and where a crime will happen, we can proactively put measures in place to send a message to criminals that they are not welcome in Wylie and if they commit a crime, the city will use all necessary resources to prosecute them to the fullest.

8 ) The streets and infrastructure in some parts of town are severely lacking for the traffic that passes through them daily. What has been done that might not be currently visible to the citizens to address this need? How can the roads not earmarked with funds for repair or new construction realize some improvement in the near future?
Streets and infrastructures are and will be an ongoing opportunity for any growing city. It is important that we listen to our citizens so that we can adequately address their concerns.  Every constituent deserves to operate their vehicles on streets that are safe and drivable, and we must give our citizens a progress report, so they will know that the bond they vote on, in 2005 is hard at work.

9) From what sources do you gather information before making a decision or vote?
In the leadership roles that I have held, I have found that when making a decision it most effective when I have heard both sides of the argument while reminding myself of the primary objective, that I am a voice for our community.

10) How long have you been on your current career path?
I have been on my career path for 18 years starting out as a tech rebuilding Cedar Hill and all of Dallas fiber and cable feed for new technology and now working for the city of Dallas communication department.

11) What can be / has been done to achieve the most “bang for the buck” in regards to the new City Hall, Recreation Center and Library, considering the fluctuations in building materials since the bond was passed?
The fluctuations in building materials that have occurred since the bond was passed are costs of doing business.  It is important that we are building environmentally safe and friendly buildings that will be sustainable for future use.

12) What are the biggest issues facing the city in the next 1 to 5 years? What plans or ideas do you have to solve these issues?
It is hard to say what the biggest issues facing the city in the next 1 to 5 years.  I am an optimist, so what I can tell you when elected I will work to ensure that Wylie is a safer - city one that is a regional leader in the Metroplex.  One where seniors, children and working families can call home…an environmentally sustainable city with clean air and clean water, parks and a vibrant arts community, where people care about their neighbors, where we have adequate housing, where children are assured a quality education and they do not have to fear gangs, where economic development is indiscriminant, where religious leaders teach us how to live amicably with respect for all ethnic groups, races and cultures.

13) What’s your view on DART?
On average 70% of the pollution in the Metroplex comes from the operation of motor vehicles.
DART is not only an opportunity to connect Wylie with the rest of the region; but can be used as a tool to help us to be a cleaner, more environmentally sustainable city, with less pollution.  If we are a polluted city, companies will not want to relocate or do business in Wylie, companies will leave, then jobs and ultimately, people leave.

14) We have seen positive growth in retail and industry business lately, but why can’t Wylie attract more sit down style restaurants like Chili’s?
Quality of life is important.  So we must continue to attract development that touches the lives of our citizens – whether it is a grocery store, Barnes and Nobles, major retail store or a sit down restaurant.

15) The previous two City Managers were released from duty with a large severance and no explanation to the citizens. Do you think the people of Wylie have a right to know what causes dismissals of such a high profile city employee? What reasons might prohibit the explanation from being released?
Our citizens must always see and feel that the government officials and those chosen to lead the city operate in a transparent and ethical state at all times.  If the actions were not transparent to the citizens and there were some questions of ethics, then we should listen to the requests of our citizens….after all we are here to serve them.

16) Certain events over the past few years caused the proposal of a Code of Ethics. After several reviews of drafts, nothing was done one way or the other. Do you believe that a Code of Ethics is necessary? Why or why not?
Ethics are important.  If our citizens do not perceive that the government is operating in a transparent and ethical manner, why should they trust us to lead and to represent them?

17) What steps have we taken to attract job producing business to Wylie? What additional steps can be taken to bring more revenue and job producing businesses to Wylie?
Managing our growth a little bit better would attract more retail. 1378 and brown street along with parker is a nightmare. I understand there are some road blocks with Tex Dot. This is why I say it is important that we give our community a progress report, so that they know we are working hard to complete the project, they voted on. We can always do a better job of ensuring that corporations know that Wylie is a centrally located city with a skilled labor force ready to work.

18) In what ways have you made yourself a part of the community?
My wife and I have worked hard to integrate ourselves in all parts of the community.  We enjoy participating and supporting our local school activities, jogging and playing basketball in our parks. I support our local events such as our parades and summer concerts, by getting the word out to local churches.

19) How do you feel about Wylie’s recreation programs for kids? What about the adults? If you feel it’s needed, how can this area see improvement over the next few years?
I put up for discussion, putting more basketball goals in our parks, and support the skate park with the board. I have seen a 50% increase at friendship park due to the basketball goals. And for founders I think its main use will be for the leagues not the community. There is not enough passive activities install at the park for pass time fun only for what I call organized sports. The recreation center is more then 2 year down the road, we need to use what ever resources right now, to deal with our young people pass time now and in the summer. We have over 10,000 kids that will be looking for something to do in our city. We should ask our surrounding neighbors for support along with our school district. I think we should create more park programs, such as movie in the park or volley ball and softball programs to bring out the entire family not just our kids.

20) You have a weekend all to yourself. No family, business, volunteer or charity events require your attention. What do you do?
It has been a long time since I have had a weekend to myself. And after the election, I am looking forward to spending my weekends with my family and going out in the community.

Last week, I sent 20 questions to each of the 6 candidates for the May 10th election. The following is the schedule in which each candidate’s answers will be released on Wylie Today. Be sure to check in each day to read each candidate’s thoughts on issues like DART, economic development, road construction, ethics, the Wells property and much more.

City Council Place 5
4/8 - Rick White
4/9 - Chris Trout

City Council Place 6
4/10 - Ben Jones
4/11 - Carter Porter

City of Wylie Mayor
4/14 - Eric Hogue
4/15 - John Mondy

City Councilman Carter Porter launched his campaign website recently. The site address is http://www.carterforwylie.com. He tells a bit about himself and lists experience with City Council and Planning & Zoning as primary reasons to give him your vote. Mr. Porter is running against Bennie Jones in the May election.

Mr. Porter states that he is the first representative of Wylie to be on the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The NCTCOG is a group of 13 elected officials and is a policy-making body for activities like regional planning issues, environmental planning, transportation issues, governmental communications and homeland security issues.

Visit his website and use the contact information on the site to discuss any questions, issues or concerns with him.

Bennie Jones is a 2008 candidate for Wylie City Council, Place 6. The incumbent for Place 6 is Carter Porter, who is completing his first term as a Councilmember. Mr. Jones has lived in Wylie for more than four years and was appointed to the Parks and Recreation board three years ago. Mr. Jones was kind enough to answer a few introductory questions. There will be more to follow as the election season continues.

What is your profession?

I am a Master Technician, Broadcast Engineer for the City of Dallas Television Station. I support all video, audio meetings and presentations for the Dallas City Hall.

What motivated you to run for City Council?

Growing up in the southern part of Dallas I feel I can help the city combat growing gang problems.  I feel we are losing touch with our community and our young people. I want to support a plan to keep Wylie safe and vibrant with a small town feel. I love my family, my job and living in Wylie.

What skills and expertise qualify you to be a leader in Wylie? 

I am a concerned citizen that became a Park and Recreation Commissioner for 3 years.  I have been involved with many of the youth in Wylie; sponsoring Hoop It Up, gathering young men to attend the Wylie parks for a game of basketball with myself and my sons or attend the movies on the weekends, also working  for the City of Dallas and attending meetings daily has made me become an expert with the challenges of the big city with room to grow.

A Message From Bennie Jones

Preventing Youth Violence
As a resident of Wylie, our population has increased to over 10,000 students in our community and school system. The question remains; How are our youths spending their time once they have arrived home from school? We as a community need to create programs and activities for our youth to decrease the targets of Gang membership; myspace predators or just plain boredom. We need to create more programs that would cater to young people to keep them busy. I understand that as a working parent myself, that it’s nice to know that if I’m there for the safety of my children while working, I know my community will be.

Recreation

As a member of the Parks and Recreations Board of Wylie, the committee has discussed the need for a recreation center for our youths as well as adults. Recreation is important not only to our youth but adults too. Because of our lack of recreational space in Wylie residents are currently commuting to Plano, Allen or MC Kinney for family recreation. My goal as a Council Member would be to ask the surrounding areas for support until our center is complete.

I’m excited about the opportunity to be a voice for our community.

You can read more about Bennie Jones on his website, http://www.vote4benniejones.com.

This has been the week to declare candidacy, it seems. Let’s take a look at the players so far in the City of Wylie May elections.

Bennie Jones filed this morning as a City Council Place 6 candidate. Incumbent Carter Porter filed for his re-election bid to Place 6 yesterday.

Incumbent Rick White has filed for City Council Place 5.

There will be a Mayoral race this year as former Councilman Eric Hogue has filed to run against Mayor John Mondy.

Barbara Goss has filed as a candidate for WISD Trustee Place 1. Incumbent Ronnie Fetzer has stated her intentions for re-election.

Incumbent Ralph James has filed for re-election.

Lance Goff has filed as a candidate in the WISD Trustee Special Election against appointed incumbent and former Trustee Baron Cook.

That’s all I have right now. I’ll pass on more information as it comes.