Flower Mound hosts county mayor’s luncheon

Mayors from several Denton County communities recently attended a luncheon in Flower Mound to reconnect, share ideas, and discuss common issues.

The luncheon, held at Bridlewood Country Club, also featured guest speaker Tom Diggs, Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 Associate Director of Air Programs.

Flower Mound Mayor Melissa Northern opened the luncheon with a welcome to the dignitaries in attendance including Copper Canyon Mayor Sue Tejml, Carrollton Mayor Ron Branson, Denton Mayor Mark Borroughs, and Denton County Commissioners Bobbie Mitchell and Andy Eads. Diggs addressed the crowd with a presentation on the EPA’s mission and an update on the agency’s efforts to address air quality issues in North Texas.

In discussing regional efforts, Diggs noted work by several local boards and commissions who are working in tandem to address numerous environmental issues. He also discussed an increase in regional attention dedicated to gas well drilling and it’s potential impact on the environment. Diggs assured the elected officials in attendance that the EPA’s role is to enforce the environmental laws as dictated by congress and do so in a manner that can withstand public scrutiny.

“We must faithfully carry out the law and operate with unparalleled transparency,” said Diggs.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session that addressed attainment issues, gas well-related concerns, and regional testing.

Mayor Northern closed out the luncheon with a gesture of gratitude to all of the elected officials in attendance and a pledge to ensure the Mayors continue to meet on a regular basis. Future luncheons are tentatively scheduled to be hosted in Copper Canyon and Carrollton.