Southern Denton County residents will head to the polls starting this month to decide a plethora of municipal and school board contests.
The Cross Timbers Gazette asked each candidate in a contested race to answer a brief questionnaire to help voters make an informed decision at the polls this May.
In Copper Canyon, there are contested races for the mayor’s seat and Places 2 and 4 on Town Council. In Place 2, Theodore Stranczek is challenging incumbent Jeff Mangum.
Election Day is Saturday, May 4, with early voting April 22-27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 29-30 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The candidates for Copper Canyon Place 2 are listed in alphabetic order under each individual contested race.
Place 2 (2-year-term)
Jeff Mangum, 58
What is the main issue facing your community and how would you address it: I believe that the biggest issue that affects our Town is the financial stability. Two of our largest financial expenses are infrastructure and public safety.
• Use responsible fiscal planning to ensure proper road maintenance and replacement.
• Provide law enforcement to maintain safe roads and residents’ safety
• Maintain a balanced budget and build our road and public safety accounts
• Use long term financial planning; looking at current income and expenses as well as projecting future income and expenses.
Responsible fiscal planning ensures we anticipate and be prepared to meet our future Town expenses; while identifying and projecting income sources to minimize the financial impact on the Town and maintain a low tax rate.
Why are you the best candidate for this position: I have had the privilege of serving on Town Council since 1997.
• I have been elected Mayor Pro-Tem since 2008.
• I use my background as an engineer and project management to address any issue or problem; using my analytical skills to identify key points, thoroughly research and then problem solve. I work well in a team environment and take the lead when needed. I take steps to ensure and keep the focus on the overall objective.
• I have a proven track record of being honest, reliable and well prepared; of planning and anticipating the future needs of the Town, so we are making sound and proactive decisions rather than simply being reactive. I am dedicated to protecting the best interests of all the residents of the Town of Copper.
Facebook page: None listed
Website: None listed
Email: [email protected]
Theodore Stranczek, 78
What is the main issue facing your community and how would you address it: Lack of Transparency in City Government. At the present time, citizen comments during City Council meetings are restricted to 3 minutes with little or no response from city officials. Citizens often receive only 72 hour notice of items to be voted on at these meeting. There is little or no opportunity for dialogue between residents and city officials on these issues before votes are taken. I will sponsor Quarterly Meetings with residents with the City Council and Administration with open dialogue focusing on issues of community concern.
Why are you the best candidate for this position: To use my extensive domestic and international managerial, marketing, acquisition and business development experience for the betterment of Copper Canyon. I am retired and have a sincere desire to serve the residents of Copper Canyon, and to promote greater community involvement and transparency in the governance of our Town. I have a personal commitment to promote greater fiscal responsibility. I believe it’s important to streamline existing Town codes and ordinances to facilitate controlled development and growth essential to maintaining the rural lifestyle of our community.
Facebook page: None listed
Website: None listed
Email: [email protected]
