Jim Wilson's Priorities
Communication
- Promote greater engagement between the City and our Customer - The Citizens of Benbrook. I intend to continue my effort to meet more of our residents and encourage greater engagement. Government cannot be 'of the people' if we do not seek out and encourage greater involvement of the people. I believe this is one of my responsibilities as your City Council member.
- Benbrook is fortunate to have an active Chamber of Commerce, professional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), energetic Public Library Board of Trustees, outstanding City Staff, and in my opinion dedicated public servants serving on your City Council. There is an important working relationship between each of these organizations which helps our city continue to move forward. Unfortunately, this relationship and synergy does not exist between these organizations and your elected representatives on the Benbrook Water Authority (BWA)- this is unfortunate.
- Those currently seeking re-election to the BWA, and the two candidates seeking election from the BWA to your City Council voted 2 years ago to move their public meetings to 2:30 pm on Tuesdays- transparency and public involvement should never be hampered or diminished. I urge your consideration of these actions as you place your votes.
Taxes
- Ensure that every dollar, regardless of its source, is recognized as belonging to our citizens.
- Continue the fiscal conservative policies that have resulted in steady and lower property tax rates throughout good and difficult economic times.
- City budgets must focus on citizen Safety, Quality of Life and Recreational Opportunities for all Benbrook citizens.
New and Existing Businesses
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I remain focused on moving our city forward while carefully ensuring what makes Benbrook our hometown remains fully intact. We cannot forget what makes our community special, nor can we stand still and stagnate. The completion of the Hwy 377 road project, while difficult during construction, provides a tremendous opportunity for new- and re-development. Benbrookâs portion of the funding for this project like so many others was funded with cash, ensuring no unnecessary debt upon our citizens.
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My earliest efforts on City Council were directed to maximizing the potential of our Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to ensure we did all we could to assist current and potential new businesses while not risking taxpayer dollars. I am proud to say we have an outstanding EDC board of citizen volunteers served by a professional staff. This professional team is responsible for our new sitdown steak house, the return of Braums, expanded business in our light industrial park, and the enhancement of our retail corridor (EDC funded removal of the wooden poles and above ground electrical lines along Hwy 377). Many more exciting projects are underway.
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My opponent this upcoming election was the Chair of the EDC 10 years ago. The EDC of that time pushed back against citizen requests to video record and make available for review the EDC's public meetings- transparency and public involvement should never be argued against. Additionally, the EDC during my opponent's leadership allowed staff to hire family members for city-funded projects- directly against city charter and certainly unethical. I am pleased to have led the effort to reinvent the EDC beyond those failings and aid in the creation of the professional organization we can all be proud of today.
Parks and Recreation
- Our city is recognized as a recreationally friendly community. Our parks and amenities provide an ever-increasing level of quality of life for our residents. Substantial upgrades to our neighborhood and larger parks have occurred in recent years, these include new equipment and greater access as well as the opening of a new neighborhood park. We must continue to seek opportunities to further increase our city's recreational opportunities and venues.
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I welcome the opportunity to hear from others in Benbrook.
