A New Year, a New Challenge, a New Opportunity
Where did the time go? I’ve served half of my three-year term and it seems my time on the College Station City Council has flown by. I’ve learned and experienced so much, and I hope and pray I’m changed for the better. I intend to continue loving and serving the citizens of College Station with integrity, as I set out to do when I first began this journey.
When I began my term, the public image of our community and the council was in a state of disarray. I’m extremely disappointed that many of those harsh feelings remain because one of my highest aspirations was to restore a trusting relationship with our residents. As elected representatives, we have a sworn responsibility to serve the best interests of our community and provide effective government to our citizens. We accept that some of our decisions won’t be popular, but we strive to make those decisions fairly and honestly to serve the greater good. For that reason, I remain optimistic that we can still cultivate and maintain genuine and respectful relationships.
I truly enjoy policymaking and serving our citizens, and I’m dedicated to doing my best as long as I serve in this role. We have so many difficult challenges ahead of us as a council and a city, but these obstacles provide an opportunity for strong and bold leadership to emerge. We have a responsibility to be the authentic leaders and advocates we were elected to be. This adversity is a chance for the council to reinforce that we are fully committed to serving our citizens and we will not waver.
In such difficult times, true character and heart tend to emerge, and I’m optimistic it will become clear to all that this council and its members truly care about this community and its future. Nothing can change that.
To Zone or not to Zone…
Zoning is the best friend and worst enemy of developers and neighbors, depending on the side of the fence you find yourself. Zoning is also one of the best tools for planning and developing a growing city.
In my year-and-a-half on council, I have heard the evils of zoning, as well as the praises, and have formed some strong opinions. I’m a fan of zoning when it’s used with balance and common sense. It can help protect property values and ensure appropriate development occurs in contiguous areas.
However, several pertinent questions arise: What makes the most sense? Twenty years from now, what will this do to the surrounding area? Will this complement the area? What will this do to traffic flow? And, of course, what does the Comprehensive Plan say as well as the future roadways plan? (more…)
Council Processes Can Be Confusing
I’m never surprised when people are confused by the workings of government — or when I am for that matter! With all kinds of information seemingly flying at us from so many different directions, it makes sense that there would be some confusion along the way. That’s where the great and necessary tool of clarification comes in handy.
A few weeks ago, The College Station City Council addressed the workshop item of cell phone use while driving. I received emails for and against possible measures that were considered. Some individuals were concerned that an ordinance banning texting while driving was not in the community’s best interest, while others thought the ordinance banning all cell phone use was simply wrong and illegal. (more…)
It’s Not About Winning
It’s not about winning. As someone who grew up playing competitive sports, this is a hard concept for me to grasp. I’m a naturally competitive, aggressive individual. But the reason I wanted to serve on city council — and the core of who I am — is to do what’s right. (more…)
