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Running for mayor
By Emily Hill, ehill@starlocalnews.com
Three candidates are running for mayor of the Town of Little Elm. The mayoral position is "At Large," which means the candidates may reside in any area of Little Elm and shall be elected by the qualified voters of the entire town.
The General Election Day is May 12. Visit www.littleelm.org for information on voting locations.
Platt
"I have been able to accomplish all of my goals for my first term," Platt said. "We need leaders that stick to their words, and I am that leader for the citizens of Little Elm.
If reelected this year, his plan of action is to keep the "momentum" going for Little Elm.
"In my first three years, we have been able to make great strides to bring in the needed commercial development to ease the tax burden for the citizens of Little Elm," Platt said.
Platt said he pushed hard to ensure Little Elm residents would not see tax increases for the town's operations, which he says has been successful for 2011 and 2012. However, Platt warns that the greatest problem facing the town is keeping the tax rate the same for operations.
"With all of the new streets, public safety needs, recreational and senior centers coming online, we need to be more aggressive than ever with our budget to make sure we maintain and have the ability to add more over the years," Platt said.
He is confident that as long as the town keeps a "progressive and conservative team" in office, the goal of keeping the tax rate the same is easily attainable.
For more information, visit www.charlesplattformayor.com.
Hillock
David Hillock is hoping to join the Little Elm Town Council again. Since moving to the town 10 years ago, he has been active within Little Elm by serving on the Planning Commission, the Economic Development Corporation and two terms on the Town Council.
"Throughout the years, I have committed myself to serving our community because I intend to make it my home for life," Hillock said. "I feel and abiding sense of obligation to future generations to build a community my children and their children will be proud to call home."
In Hillock's opinion, the biggest problem facing the town is the focus on the development of major intersections while forgetting about other areas in the community. He explained that Little Elm is unique because of its "beautiful, natural landscapes and its vast shoreline." Hillock believes these areas represent an opportunity to improve the quality of life to residents.
"By conscientiously developing these resources, we will draw residents from neighboring communities and in turn, sharply increase the customer base for local merchants, reducing the burden of taxation currently shouldered by our residents," Hillock said.
Hillock said experience, active involvement in the community and understanding the way local government works will aid him as mayor. Because of his past experience serving on council and other boards, he will not require on-the-job training if elected.
"I know our town's history and have a good feel for the direction we should be heading, but also know when to stop talking and start listening," Hillock said. "We need a mayor who will hear the demands of our residents and work tirelessly to exceed those expectations.
For more information, visit www.davidhillock.com.
Gowling
John Gowling is running for mayor because he would like to continue his past tradition of serving the public. Previously, he has served in the United States Marine Corps and as a police officer, which exposed him to people from all social and economic levels. His career in law enforcement also allowed him to interact with elected and appointed positions in local government.
"I am confident that I have the right mix of experience and abilities that would enable me to be a constructive influence in the future growth and development of our city," Gowling said.
He said he has been approached by a large number of residents encouraging him to run for mayor.
"I am deeply appreciative of their support, and I have assured them that if I am elected, I will diligently expand all of my energies in holding this honored office with dignity, professionalism, transparency and equal treatment of all citizens," Gowling said.
Gowling believes the largest problem facing Little Elm is ensuring that properly managing the future growth and development of the town while maintaining the quality of life is not negatively impacted.
"We must be vigilant in seeking economic development opportunities that are viable and consistent with the future planning of our city," Gowling said. "Successful development serves to lighten the ad-valorem tax load on our citizens, while at the same time providing additional job creation."
Gowling said he believes that the town should operate in a transparent manner, keeping the residents fully informed on issues.
"I am keenly interested in our community, and I would like to be an integral part of ensuring that our city continues to be a top-quality organization that functions in a professional, ethical and highly efficient manner," Gowling said.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
Brian Ray wrote on Apr 20, 2012 1:38 PM:
" No mention of the Town Center. I heard Mayor Platt killed it, but I can't say for sure. "
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