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Duncanville candidates speak
Today Staff
Duncanville City Council Chambers was a packed house April 23 for the Candidates Forum hosted by the Duncanville Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. Residents had the opportunity to meet with candidates vying for seats on the Duncanville School Board and the Duncanville City Council.
Moderated by Dr. Jim Tilger, each candidate was given three minutes to provide an opening statement, one minute to address each question and one and a half minutes for a closing statement. Unopposed candidates, Councilman Ken Weaver of District 1 and Place 7 boardmember Dr. Deborah Harris, were given the opportunity to provide statements, but declined to address the public.
Timothy Miles, candidate for Duncanville School Board Place 6, announced his concern for the district's long-term debt. He said his 15 years experience as a restaurant manager has prepared him for leadership, where as a boardmember he will serve as the “eyes and ears” of the taxpayers and his “watchful eyes” will assist in solving the population growth dilemma.
Miles stated that not only will he be a great leader he will serve as a “fiscal watchdog.”
“We are heading in very historic times,” he said regarding the district's debt, adding that he has been “thinking outside the box.” He mentioned that win or lose, he plans to discuss with Superintendent Alfred Ray his ideas about how the energy plan and stimulus bill will produce solar wind power. He added the time has come for a “reexamination of the school tax exemptions afforded the church.”
Incumbent Dorothy Wolverton said her experience serving as boardmember along with community involvement makes her a qualified candidate for Place 6 and believes she has a “feel for what the community wants.”
Wolverton, who served the last three years as board president, said there are concerns the district should be focused on including the continuous changing of technology, effective use of taxpayers' dollars, improvements in better education and other goals all “require teamwork.”
“We have that team in place along with Superintendent Alfred Ray,” she said adding the current board has been successful because not only do they work well together, but they care about keeping children first.
Wolverton mentioned concerns about the district's dropout rate and her anxiety for school funding saying the district receives less money than Coppell ISD, whose district is the same size as Duncanville, Cedar Hill and DeSoto ISDs.
Vying for the District 3 seat are Paul Ford and Anthony Skinner, both who have prior experience serving on the city council.
In his opening statement, Skinner, who served on the council from 2005-07 and a Duncanville resident for more than 30 years, said while serving on the council, he was able to build a “workable and powerful relationship” between councilmembers, city staff and the citizens of District 3.
He commented on his achievements saying not only did he help build a major hotel and expand the community theater, he also brought tax revenue to the city, assist in cutting property taxes all of which relieved tax burdens of citizens.
Ford, a Duncanville resident for more than 15 years, mentioned during his statement that he has been “dedicated to the people” by his votes against wasteful spending and in banning red light cameras. He said his work to create an “openness and transparency” in the city government is something he has promised and delivered to the citizens of Duncanville.
Ford said that if re-elected, he would push for Duncanville to be a low crime, low tax, effectively run suburban city, returning it to the “basic principles of city government.”
“Those principles are city governments that live within its means,” he said. “Efficient city services to live in and a city leadership dedicated to doing what's best for the people it's selected to serve.”
Both expressed agreement regarding the expansion of local businesses to increase the city's economic growth, with Skinner stating the city must “aggressively pursue” businesses to fill the empty spaces, something he pushed for during his term. Ford retorted saying local businesses are the “core and backbone” of the community.
Ford also mentioned his concern that too much time and taxpayer money has been spent on “pie in the sky” ventures such as the retail spaces and condominiums.
Johnette Jameson, who is being challenged by Gerald Hill for the District 5 seat, mentioned her achievements as councilmember, working to remove graffiti and her successful negotiation of the I-20 service roads.
“I've continued to increase my knowledge and improve my understanding to better serve my community,” she said, and said she has been able to do her accomplishments by keeping an open dialogue. “I support economic development in Duncanville along with the requirements of an acceptable return on your tax dollars.”
Years working for AT&T have prepared her for the role of directing large groups of people, Jameson said. She said she has developed relations with state representatives, senators and councilmembers of other cities, creating open lines of communication.
Hill said he understands the concerns of District 5 residents and will fight for their voice to be heard. His background of leadership in running a small business qualifies him to be councilmember. He said the city must use the assets it has successfully and not spend what it doesn't have and also find ways to entice new residents into Duncanville.
He said he has walked the neighborhoods of District 5 and talked with people who are afraid of losing their “motive life in a unique area.”
Both candidates believed cooperation between the other Best Southwest cities is successful and the relationship can always be strengthened. Jameson mentioned the Logistics Hub that could bring in 60,000 jobs to the area. Hill added the Tri-City Animal Shelter along with local police and fire departments is proof of the unity between the BSW, saying “sharing is the only way.”
While Buck Werner was unable to attend the forum to protest his qualifications as Councilmember At-Large, his presence was made with representative from his campaign present, issuing out flyers and pamphlets.
Dorothy Burton said the election race is about the citizens and the future of the city. She asked audience members to look around the room and see the face of someone who might be affected by job loss or an economic crisis, saying “daunting days are ahead” as we are faced with “unforeseen challenges in our lifetime.”
She said that while serving as councilmember at-large for the last six years she has put “people above politics,” adding a leader is someone who has been tested and comes out tried and true.
Burton stated that regardless of the economic issues, “a house divided cannot stand,” adding the city must work closely “hand in hand.”
She closed her statement saying throughout her campaigning process, she has “focused on the positive.”
“We may be a little bruised,” she said, “but one thing we know about champions is that we know how to get back up again.”
The forum concluded with Tilger thanking each candidate for participating and a reminder that early voting runs through May 5. Election Day takes place May 9.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Duncanville Candidate Forum Coverage in Today Newspapers
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