Three council member seats – Places 1, 3, and 5 – are up for re-election in Bartonville though Place 5 (Jim Langford) does not have a challenger.
In addition, a special election will be held to vote on a proposition for the continuation of the Bartonville Crime Control and Prevention District and the Crime Control Prevention Sales Tax for 20 years.
Early voting begins on April 27 for the May 9 municipal and school board elections across southern Denton County. The Cross Timbers Gazette asked each candidate in a contested race to answer a short questionnaire to help you make an informed decision at the polls. Here are their responses:
Bartonville Town Council – Place 1:
Jeff Traylor
Age: 49
Current Occupation: Self Employed
Education: BS Computer Information Systems
To what religious and civic organizations do you belong? Treitsch United Methodist Church
Why should you be re-elected?/What are the main challenges facing your town and how would you resolve them? I have been a resident for over 20 years, and I have been serving you on the Bartonville Town Council for almost 2 years. In that time we have accomplished many great things. Unlike the councils of the past, we communicate what is going on.
We ensure that you receive clear and on-time notifications of what is happening at Town Hall. We have added back the newsletter and instituted timely email communications that provide a greater understanding of what is happening. We have improved the Planning and Zoning request notifications by enlarging the signs and improving the posting distances. Last but not least, what I consider to be one of the most significant changes, we no longer allow people to attack other citizens during town meetings. All of this is just common sense stuff but was lacking in the past.
We have focused on our roads. Many bad spots were obvious, but in just driving around you might not notice the structure under our roads is failing. This occurs due to years of neglect. Over the past several years, little to no money was invested into our streets. It had gotten so bad that we were forced to replace an entire section of Jeter Road. This was a $200,000 repair. We are now looking at several other areas that if left unattended will result in a complete replacement. That is why we are taking action now. It’s not glamorous and it’s not cheap, but it is the only way to prevent long term failure of our roads. Commercial Development is a hot topic. Having more commercial development could raise additional sales tax. Is that worth selling out the one thing Bartonville has that everyone wants…A rural country feel??? I have said NO and will continue to say NO! Keeping our town government small will allow us to afford the road repairs we need and keep our focus on the pulse of what our town desires. To some it’s all about how much tax money can we get. Not my view. We have supported P&Z’s request to add restrictions on commercial development. I even support additional setback requirements to provide even more open space between business and residential. The council and I voted to prevent a Lantana sewer line from being extended into Bartonville. Our effort is to reduce the opportunity for commercial development. I voted against a high density home development. We are a 2 acre minimum town and we will stay that way. We have garnered agreements for additional water line improvements in Stone Crest estates; due to current line sizes fire support is not there.
I have attended every council meeting during my term. I responded to all my emails and phone calls. Just a note, I only have one number 972-824-8605. I am committed to listen to what our residents have to say. If you want, I will drop by your home, call you on the phone or send you an email. I vote on items that are in the best interest of the town. This is true even when I might not personally agree with the vote. How I feel is not the point. I represent the town not just one resident. I have been criticized for openly stating my position on things.
I am not a politician. No half-truths from me. At times we might not agree, but I will always respect you and your opinion. That is how life should be in our town. People that do not like me for my positions still get a hand shake from me. I appreciate the opportunity to have been your council member for the past term and I hope you will re-elect me on May 9th.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Place 1 Candidate Jim Foringer did not submit a questionnaire.
Bartonville Town Council – Place 3:
Name: Ron Robertson
Age: 59
Current Occupation: CEO and President of Robertson Pools, Inc.
Education: High school
Why should you be elected? I possess over 21 years of experience in municipal government and understand the operations and Texas government code, Roberts rules of orders and what the makeup and operations of town government consists of. Knowing what you can and cannot do. Appreciate and support the contribution of staff and their responsibilities. Allowing staff to conduct business as needed without micromanaging. Give them the tools and budget to function in a positive manner.
What are the main challenges facing your town and how would you resolve them?To manage the growth of the economic impact on our borders, which greatly impacts our town’s financial stability, while maintaining a rural atmosphere. Maintaining and controlling the current land use plan, which is the guideline for commercial and residential development.
Provide sewer to the existing commercial businesses and create a business association or commercial chamber of commerce, to come together for the betterment for citizens of Bartonville. Protect and covet the rural atmosphere we all enjoy.
Website/Facebook or Email:
[email protected]
Clay Sams
Age: 68
City/Town of Residence: Bartonville
Current Occupation (if retired, past occupation): Southwest Regional Operations Manager, Mohawk Industries. Retired 2005
Education: Troy High, U.S institute of Technology/Material Facilities Specialist
To what civic organizations do you belong? Attend Lamb of God Lutheran Church
Why should you be re-elected? As a 30-year resident of Bartonville, I want to continue to serve and give back a small portion of that which the community has given me and my family. As Bartonville continues to face future commercial development pressures, we need to apply an intelligent, logical and common sense-approach when addressing and managing all future development as it applies to the Master Sewer Plan. As you travel the roads of Bartonville, you should be mindful that there is no other place near here like Bartonville. It is country – and I want to keep it so for those that follow.
What are the main challenges facing your town and how would you resolve them?
One of the major challenges that continue to face our community is striving to create a sense of community among all of its citizens. The internal controversy over the past few years has been costly to our small community’s psyche and reputation. Bartonville is a unique town with enormous qualities, and we must always strive to put our pride and spirit on display for all to see.
It is a task that will require participation by the entire community, and an investment that will pay dividends forever. The challenges facing our police department will continue to be an evolving process, and must be addressed as the community grows and the Kroger Center is fully developed. No one can foresee what the future needs will be, but should be addressed on an as- needed basis. Our new police chief is in the process of interviewing candidates to fill the third position as a full time peace officer. We continue to face challenges to maintain and repair our roads. We must budget our funds wisely, and accomplish this without raising taxes. The council has a fiduciary responsibility to create and adhere to the annual budget without adding debt to the town.
Website/Facebook or Email:
[email protected]
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