Your trusted source for community news
Below are questions for the Branch Herald’s Voters Guide for the May 3 election for Farmers Branch City Council’s contested races.
1. Length of residency in the City of Farmers Branch: 17 years
2. Why do you want to be a Farmers Branch City Councilmember? As a longtime resident and longtime Farmers Branch business owner, I am deeply committed to the future of our city and well - being of our residents. Farmers Branch is a diverse, centrally located, vibrant community, and it is important to ensure that it is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Smart development, public safety, and fiscal responsibility while enhancing community engagement are of utmost importance to me. I will serve with integrity, accountability and transparency.
3. How many Farmers Branch City Council meetings have you attended or watched online in the last year? I’ve attended in person or watched online about 90% of Council meetings in the last year.
4. Outside of regularly scheduled meetings and work sessions, how many hours per month do you think a Farmers Branch Councilmember should commit to the job? An effective councilmember should commit to as many hours as it takes to do the job. As an entrepreneur and longtime business owner, I don’t measure my work in hours; my work is measured in getting the job done. There will be time needed to prepare for council meetings, research policies, council meetings, one on one meetings with the city manager, meeting with residents, meeting with business owners, attending community events, and participating in regional and state discussions that affect our city. I am committed to serving the city as a councilmember and will do all to ensure that I am effectively serving our city.
5. Have you served on any City of Farmers Branch boards or commissions? If so, which ones? I have served on the Historical Park Board of which we received the Board of the Year Award in 2023 and Chaired the Multicultural Committee which organized the first ever Gateway to the Globe. It was so successful that we are receiving an award in the Arts and Entertainment category for 2024 by the DFW Directors Association.
6. What other civic responsibilities have you undertaken?
7. How has current Farmers Branch City Council leadership influenced your decision to run for city council? The current Farmers Branch City Council leadership has played a significant role in my decision to run for office. There is an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives, strengthen community engagement and ensure all voices are heard. I am committed to transparent leadership, integrity, inclusivity, responsiveness and respect for all. There is no us and them. There is only us and this is how we have to work to ensure that we are serving everyone in our community.
8. Name one specific new project or initiative you would like to see begun during your term. What actions are needed to implement it? As a member of the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce, I am very interested in working with our chamber and local business leaders and educational institutions to create a framework for mentorship, training, work, and networking opportunities.
9. What makes you the most qualified candidate in your race – and why? I am the most qualified candidate in this race because of my deep commitment to Farmers Branch, my proven leadership experience, and my ability to bring people together to create positive change. I have been actively involved in Farmers Branch for many years and my hands on experience in our community has given me a strong understanding of the needs and concerns of our residents.
I believe in open communication and listening to our residents and will work to ensure that our city government remains accessible, transparent and focused on what matter to most in our community. I am ready to serve, listen, and lead with integrity and I ask for your support to continue making Farmers Branch a great place to live, work and raise a family.
10. What do you think about the demo/rebuild program and the city’s renaissance programs? (500 characters) The demo/rebuild and renaissance programs have revitalized Farmers Branch by modernizing homes, increasing property values, and attracting new families. However, growth must align with residents' needs and preserve affordability. These programs should be accessible to all, not just developers or affluent buyers. I support expanding affordability and partnerships like Builders of Hope to help longtime residents stay in the city they love while ensuring responsible, community-driven growth.
11. What can you, as a Council Member, do to improve the availability of affordable housing in Farmers Branch? (500 characters) As a Council Member, I will advocate for policies that promote diverse housing options while preserving affordability. I support partnerships with organizations like Builders of Hope to develop affordable homes and ensure programs like demo/rebuild are accessible to all residents. By encouraging responsible development, updating zoning policies, and leveraging grants, we can expand affordable housing while maintaining the character of our community and preventing displacement.
12. How successful are the city’s current programs to address its aging infrastructure? What would you change? Please elaborate. The city's current programs have made progress in addressing aging infrastructure, but there is room for improvement. Many streets, drainage systems, and utilities still need upgrades. I would prioritize proactive maintenance, increased funding for repairs, and long-term planning to prevent costly emergency fixes. Transparency in project timelines and ensuring equitable improvements across all neighborhoods will help make these programs more effective and beneficial for all residents.
13. What is the single biggest challenge facing our city today? One of the biggest challenges facing our city today is balancing growth while maintaining affordability and quality of life for all residents. As Farmers Branch evolves, we must ensure responsible development that does not displace longtime residents or make housing unattainable. Strengthening infrastructure, expanding affordable housing options, and fostering community engagement will be key to preserving the city’s character while embracing progress.
14. What are Farmers Branch’s most valuable amenities or benefits that you will work to maintain or expand? Farmers Branch offers incredible amenities, including beautiful parks, trails, and green spaces that enhance our quality of life. I will work to maintain and expand these, ensuring accessibility for all residents. Additionally, our city’s small- town charm, business-friendly environment, and community programs are assets I will protect. I will also advocate for expanding public safety resources, infrastructure improvements, and initiatives that support local businesses and families.
