Approximately 60 people attended the Grapevine City Council candidate forum on the stormy night of April 23, according to organizers with the Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake Democrats.
This was the second year the CGS Democrats hosted the forum. Last year about 130 people attended the forum.
Jerry Lee Phillips, Democratic candidate for Tarrant County Commissioner, Precinct 3, served as moderator.
Kathleen Thompson, CGS Democrats president, said the forum was nonpartisan, and allowed the candidates to present their positions on various issues.
"We believe an informed electorate is a better electorate," she said.
The four candidates vying for Place 5, the only contested City Council race are Phil Lang, 42; Becky St. John, 38; Traci Wilkinson, 42; and Chris Coy, 41.
Lang did not attend the candidate forum.
The others, listed below in ballot order, all spoke.
St. John
St. John served five years on the Grapevine Planning and Zoning Commission, and before moving to Grapevine in 2001, was elected to two terms on the Roanoke City Council.
She has worked as a Park Ranger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and is now a stay-at-home mom. She serves on the GCISD Excellence Committee.
Grapevine has done a good job with historical preservation, St. John said, and the city is seen as the standard for that.
"I want Grapevine to become the standard for smart, appropriate green initiatives," she said.
St. John said she would be willing to grant business incentives, such as tax abatements, but only if there is a great return for the city.
A city must allow drilling for mineral rights, St. John said, but the city must balance those rights with safety for residents and business owners. She said the city’s 1,000-foot setback for drill sites provides that safety.
St. John said there should have been more communication between residents and Gaylord so that everyone could be better informed.
Wilkinson
Wilkinson is an attorney who owns the Wilkinson Law Group in Grapevine.
She has run for Grapevine City Council the past two years. Two years ago she ran in the election against William D. Tate.
"As we all know, the third time is a charm," she said with a smile.
Wilkinson, who has lived in Grapevine 16 years, is an active supporter of many community organizations, and this year she served as the Grapevine Rotary Club Special Olympics Committee chairwoman.
Wilkinson said maintaining and improving the quality of life in Grapevine is a high priority.
Wilkinson said natural gas companies will drill well away from homes, so there is little danger. "We have to look into it and protect interested parties," she said.
Wilkinson said development on land around Grapevine Lake should be allowed in some places.
"I’d have to look at it on a case-by-case basis," she said. "I don’t want to see all the Corps [of Engineers] land developed."
Wilkinson said she wants to see Grapevine continue to pursue initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Coy
Coy, who is district sales manager for American Airlines, has served for 12 years on the Grapevine Planning and Zoning Commission. He served five years on the Grapevine Board of Zoning Adjustment from 1991 to 1996.
Coy, a 19-year resident, said the DFW Connector project that will widen major local highways will be significant, and city officials must maintain close communications with the Texas Department of Transportation to minimize the impact on Grapevine businesses and residents.
Coy, said Grapevine has done well at attracting hotels and retail tax revenues to relieve the burden on homeowners.
"What we are getting is more services, but other people are paying for it," he said.
As a P&Z commissioner, Coy voted to recommend the 1,000-foot setback for natural gas drilling, which he said provides both adequate protection and access to every part of the city. Coy said that he wants to see the city’s hike-and-bike trails expanded, because it allows more transportation options and keeps bicycles separate from dangerous roadways. He said the next best option is wide sidewalks next to roadways.
For more information on the candidates and issues.