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Runoff candidates take questions at tea party forum
By Conner Hammett, chammett@acnpapers.com
Public transportation, federal and state funding and the city council's role in governance were among the topics discussed by the two city council Place 6 runoff candidates at the Jan. 5 Allen Area Patriots meeting.
Baine Brooks, owner of the Two Rows restaurant near U.S. 75 and Bethany, and Luke Hollingsworth, former public art committee member and current Boon Elementary PTA environmental chair, were each asked same four questions, posed by a moderator and given to both candidates ahead of time, for the tea party group's city council candidate forum.
The candidates were first asked to share what they believe to be the council's role in government as well as what their responsibilities as council members would be if they were elected.
Brooks went on to drive home his team-building experience in managing 44 employees at his restaurant, working as a board member for the North Texas Food Bank, serving as president of the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association and working with Mayor Steve Terrell to draft a bill that was submitted to the Texas Legislature relating to alcohol laws.
Hollingsworth said the council should be the voice of all residents -- whether they've lived in the city for two months or 20 years -- and should spend tax dollars in a transparent and responsible way. He also said the council has a responsibility to maintain an appropriate level of services that reflects residents' expectations.
"We always need to make sure that we are being held accountable, that we have checks and balances, that not just one person or one group is making all the decisions," he said. "We are a public servant. I want to make sure that I will do everything in my power to make my city better, to make Allen a better city both now and for the future."
The candidates were then asked if they support or oppose bringing Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) services into Allen and how they would implement their positions if elected to office.
Hollingsworth said he opposed bringing DART into Allen, citing both the cost to the city and the 1-percent portion of the city's tax rate that would have to be dedicated to funding it.
"At the price of around $30 million a mile for just a commuter rail, or $70 million per mile for a light rail, the cost is far too great," Hollingsworth said. "Yes, there are people who will use it. Yes, it will be effective. But for the amount of money that would be used for the amount of people who would use it, it's just not cost-effective. It's not a good use of our tax dollars."
Brooks said while he opposes putting buses on the city's streets, he is for the rail as long as Allen taxpayers don't have to pay for it -- a position he later clarified as not being a serious proposal but reflective of the importance of the city's tax revenue being spent on economic development.
"Before I implement my opinion and my position on this issue, I would go to the voters, go to the citizens and see what they want," he said. "Let them vote and then help govern and do the job I'm supposed to do."
The subject of county, state and federal funding and grants was up next, with both candidates being asked for their opinions on the city's use of such funding and what they believe the impact on residents to be.
Brooks said the positive impact of infrastructure grants -- federal funding used to pave roads and build city facilities and parks -- can be seen just by looking at the city's high level of parks amenities, many of which were partially funded by the federal government.
"A lot of these programs are governed by the city, so keep in mind that the monies that are used for these programs are actually tax dollars that are coming out of our pocket and going to the government, so that money has to be used," he said. "I'm all for going back and getting as much of my money from the government to fund and beautify the things where I'm living."
Hollingsworth said he is in favor of grants and outside funding, so long as the money stays in the community and is used for beneficial projects such as parks, roads and law enforcement. He pointed out that some revenue from red light camera tickets goes to the state for use in other areas.
"I think there's a good balance of using grants, and there's a bad way of using grants," Hollingsworth said. "I think sometimes cities and local governments use grants to fund things that they might [not be able to] finance themselves."
The forum ended with final words from each candidate and a handshake between the two men.
"I have a serious investment in this city, not only from a personal standpoint of view, but from a business standpoint of view," Brooks said. "I've had the opportunity to get to know some really nice people throughout this process. If elected, I'm going to get in and do the right thing."
"I want to be the voice of Allen residents," Hollingsworth said. "I want to listen to residents. I love Allen. I live here in Allen. My family's here in Allen. My only agenda is to serve the residents of Allen and to make the city of Allen the best it can be," he said.
Both candidates also appeared at the Rotary Club of Allen candidate forum on Jan. 4, where they recapped their respective qualifications and positions on city issues such as water conservation and development. A video of the forum can be viewed by visiting www.cityofallen.org and accessing the Allen City TV On Demand feature.
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