TAX RELIEF FOR MCKINNEY FAMILIES
• Eliminate reckless and disproportionate spending of Tax Payers’ dollars outside our own McKinney Independent School District
• Stop exporting McKinney tax dollars and jobs to Frisco and Allen by proactively seeking business relocations and attracting the best retail, restaurant and family entertainment amenity development to our own city
• Implement a growth plan for our Hwy 5, 121, 380 and 75 corridors
• Retain our local businesses through increased city support such as additional downtown parking and tourism initiatives
• Use the combination of increased sales tax dollars and commercial property tax revenue to provide property tax relief to working families
TRANSPARENCY AT CITY HALL
• A user-friendly public communication network that encourages citizen participation in city decisions rather than just informing them after the deal is done
• Stop over-budget spending and demand fiscal responsibility by creating online access to the city’s checkbook
• Limit Closed Session Council meetings to only those pertaining to internal personnel issues or those issues that compromise our competitive edge with neighboring cities
PROTECT OUR FAMILIES
• Increase funding for Police and Fire Protection which will:
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Improve our Protection Class Rating resulting in significantly lower homeowner insurance premiums (our current rating is between 4 and 6 compared to Frisco’s perfect rating of 1
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Stop the trend of increased crime in our neighborhoods and commercial districts
Stop wasting money on ball parks and amenities at Craig Ranch and benefit areas in MISD.
We are against the 4 city arts hall.
Stop this insane busing of kids costing the school system $500k a year, I know it’s outside of city government control but you may be able to bring it to a city vote.
Let me know what you need.
Rick,
You are on target with my strong beliefs as well. With regard to Arts, I do support the Arts, but I believe we need to invest in OUR city right now. We do not need to put yet more money outside our borders that will then again, export future sales tax dollars, restaurant and retail patronage, etc. Let’s put our investment in our City!
George,
Are you a Republican or not? Your website is not clear. Also would you ever attempt to secularize Christmas with holiday activities? Laslty, what will you do to keep conservative\family values a priority in Mckinney vs becoming Dallas Urban?
George, I appreciate your commitments to improving transportation and commercial opportunities for our city, and improving our competitiveness relative to Allen and Frisco. What, if any, role do you see for the expansion of DART rail to McKinney in these initiatives? Is this a feasible and/or desireable goal for our city? Why or why not? If it is feasible, how can we make it happen?
Michael,
This is a non-partisan race and I would prefer to not cloud the issues and my campaign focus with party politics. On the issue of Christmas, no, I would not support the secularization of it. On the issue of conservative/family value, I believe the first step in preservation of such values is the ensurance that our community residents are informed and educated on those issues and agendas that are being considered that might in fact, compromise the values we agree on that are so important. It is my contention that we as a city have not been an informed public. As such, we are not able to help guide our own journey.
In theory, I absolutely support McKinney being a team player with our Collin County neighbors on the issue of light and commuter rail transportation. However, we must review a detailed cost/benefit analysis to determine whether a buy into a regional rail system would be in the best interest of the citizens of McKinney at this time. Furthermore, that information must be made available to every resident and business prior to an Issue Referendum that would allow our citizens to have a voice on the matter. With reference to funding such an endeavor, there are numerous considerations that must be discussed and economically evaluated, such as the creation of Business Improvement Districts and TIFs to name a few that may be viable financing options that would facilitate a sooner rather than later ability to bring the rail to McKinney.
Mr. Fuller,
Let me first say how excellent it is to see you engaged in a forum such as this. It is nice to have direct access to our potential leaders. Please allow me to be the second person in this forum to ask for the end to the bussing system used by the MISD. Children should attend good quality neighborhood schools, not a school on the other end of town. The McKinney public school system is one of the best in the state, but I can’t see how this practice has improved anything since its inception and it only serves to make parental involvement in their Children’s schooling less convenient. Like you, I would like to see McKinney “recapture the magic” that made it a unique and more competitive city and not just another non-descript Dallas suburb. The special interests focused around one or two developments must be re-directed in an effort to continue and improve McKinney as a whole. I look forward to seeing this forum continue to flourish as we near election day.
Scott,
thank you for the comments. I hope that this blog becomes a known forum that encourages a dialogue between all of us. We need to be able to express concerns, discover positions and clarify issues as they relate to each of us. Again, thanks for the input!
Geo
George,
Let me be the third to say that school busing is a real waste of our school tax dollars. It also contributes to traffic congestion and the pollution as a result of that congestion. The question of DART rail is interesting…I didn’t think we could get it unless the city of Allen approved it as well since the line runs through there.
Improved fire protection and more random police patrols in our neighborhoods would be a welcome improvement. I live a neighborhood close to Boyd High School and would like to see some of the folks that use our neighborhood as a shortcut to SLOW down.
Rail is available, it is the expense and where the money would come from to pay for it that is the tough question. Cost for rail is between 30 and 70 million dollars per mile, depending on what capacity rail we look at. Maintenance costs are between 9.2 and 15 million dollars per mile per year, again, depending on wether it is commuter rail or lite rail. 70% of our Collin County neighbors have been paying into Dart for twenty years, 800 million dollars has been paid in by Plano, for example. We need to closely examine the cost/benefit of rail and the funding options available. I believe we have not exhausted State and Federal funds that might be available that would make this endeavor possible, and this is where are first efforts should be.
Dear Mr. Fuller,
Since you don’t want to cloud the race with party politics. How would you describe yourself. Conservative? Progressive? Liberal? What role should government play in the day to day lives of people and business. What is your stand on eminent domain? Should the Government have the right to seize property and under what circumstance would that be OK.
Thanks for running for mayor. I have a few questions below.
Good luck!
Kev
How do you perfer to lead via referendum or from your core beliefs?
What do you think about raising the time that alcohol can be served?
Would you consider eliminating the smoking ban?
What do you think of having a McKinney bus system that brings people to the dart rail station in Plano?
Would you support a vote on liquor being sold in McKinney?
What is your opinion of the Arts Hall of Collin County, for or against, and why.
Is it true you have never voted? Why
Mike,
I am a coservative and as such, prefer less government controlling our lives. With regard to eminent domain, although there are times when it is neccessary, many times the power is abused. Our city is in the middle of dismal and very costly litigation surrounding what I believe was a completely improper Condemnation/eminent domain lawsuit where the property owner fought back.
Thanks Mike
Kevin,
I believe there is a proper use of both governing philosophies, but neither should be stand alone. However, on referendum, we must first adequately educate the public on ALL aspects of the issue, cost/benefit analysis, etc. prior to a vote. On alcohol, I would need to see and understand the supporting issues for the time constraint. Is there a strong correlation between the absence of a time constraint and alcahol related accidents, etc.that support this law. On smoking, there might be some consideration for establishment owners to elect their policy on an individual basis, that way the public can decide to support or not support the decision by attendance or resistance to that establishment. On the bus to Plano Dart, I would need more information to formulate an educated opinion. What is the cost, etc.
Thanks,
Geo
I am opposed to illegal immigration. I think the day labor center in McKinney was a mistake and only encourages the undocumented to be here. What would you think about shutting it down and using the space for another purpose? What is your opinion?
I have a problem with illegal immigrants receiving work and jobs at the expense of those in our community that have gone through the neccessary and arduous process of residing here legally. I beleive the intent of the labor center was to help our legal residents create a labor pool location that would facilitate work for the needy and convenience for the hiring. Before I would shut it down or repurpose it, I would implement procedures and constraints that protected our legal residents.
How about answering my question. Have you ever voted? According the the information I have, you have not? Why? Why should we vote for you if you have not found it necessary to vote. I am new in McKinney and do not know you or your opponent.
Lynn,
I appologize for missing this question earlier. On voting, I absolutely have voted and the claims that state otherwise are categorically incorrect. I have missed one Presidential election due to illness and have voted in more than half of the city elections. On the Arts, I would not like to see 19.2 million dollars be spent outside our borders. McKinney is on it’s way to becoming a city larger than Frisco, Allen and Plano combined. I believe we should look at a similiar facility in our community that then supports existing and further restaurant, hotel and retail development. Again, sorry for the delay on answering your questions.
George
I appreciate your service to our city by running for office. It’s easier to get in than it is to things done. My family has lived in McKinney since 1976 and witnessed the boom firsthand. Quality of Life services are very important to us. McKinney has been left in the dust by not only our neighbors but also other cities in the Metro-plex. There’s been much going on about not increasing taxes to support these measures. What are your proposed alternatives other than private business?
McKinney always relied on the County facilities to be the focal point for downtown. Now that they are gone and McKinney has never truly had a recognizable City Hall, what is your perspective on the redevelopment of the downtown area and the impact this will have on the Hwy 5 corridor plans?
I have not yet made my choice, but forums like this would be greatly appreciated by citizens to have access to the Mayor and Council.
Keri,
there are a few ways to increase general fund budget revenues, the biggest contributors to this fund are property taxes and sales taxes. Presently, we as residents, shoulder approximately 75% of the property tax revenue burden. If we increase our business, restaurant and retail base, we increase both sales tax revenue and relieve some of the homeowner property tax burden by picking it up from the new businesses. Increased airport business property also dramatically affects our tax revenue. These increases alleviate resident tax increases and actually reduce them while still increasing monies for Quality of Life ammenities.
Hwy 5 is in need of attention. I beleive Business Improvement District financing is a viable funding vehicle for improvement of this corridor that we as a city need to investigate. Buildings just off Hwy 5 like the old Mill building are fantastic candidates for redevelopment as well.
What is your position on MPAC? How do you feel about it, and its future?
We spent approximately 10 million dollars on the renovation of MPAC, I believe this was 3 times too much. As a result of this over spending among other current promotion issues, we are losing more than half a million dollars a year. I would like to see a new approach on the booking, promotion and management on the facility that might offer a better chance of success.
V.
I for one do not understand the amount of money we spent on the MPAC renovation…almost 10 million dollars! All that said, we have made the investment and we need to make it work. First, I beleive we need to move management of this facility to the private sector where there is expertise in managing such venues. Presently, we manage it from our City offices, and as a result, we mitigate more than a half of a million dollar loss each year. We need professional help in this endeavor if we are to have a chance at solvency there.
George – this blog is such a wonderful commnication tool. While I can see your point in keeping McK funds on McK projects, I do believe our City is being short-sighted in not supporting the Arts Facility. Otherwise, I think your answers to key issues are right on. Thank you. Linda
Linda,
thanks for the comments. On the Arts facility, we need more information on future costs, subsidation, etc. for us to make an educated decision on the facility. I firmly believe that this information component is often missing within our city.
Thanks,
George
George,
This blog is an excellent tool. Nice idea! One reason I truly love McKinney is that we still have a “small-community” atmosphere! **sidenote–>(Hi Linda! Hope Jenna & Erin are doing well. : )
As a former teacher here at MISD with children currently enrolled in MISD, I have witnessed significant growth over the last 10 years.
In reading the comments above it is clear to still see an apparent divide concerning many community issues. I have had an opportunity to personally meet your opponent at a Craig Ranch luncheon and would like to ask you for your clear analysis/opinion of the busing taking place within our district. It is my understanding this is an initiative already set for quite some years ahead and therefore will be very difficult to navigate.
I have heard Brian’s thoughts and would appreciate yours as well.
Lastly, by any chance will you be in attendance at the MISD Board ‘roll-out’ meeting at MHSN cafeteria(5-6pm)this Monday-4/27 as they begin educating the public concerning the issue? I look forward to personally meeting you as well.
Best regards,
Mr. Ward II
Mr. Ward,
I am sorry I was not able to attend the MISD meeting, we had a candidate forum that conflicted with the event. On the issue of cross bussing, I am not a fan of this initiative. I beleive there are other ways to achieve a balance within the school system the this rarely implemented initiative. Thank you so much for your comments and I would like the opportunity to speak with you more in depth on this issue. Please call my office so that we may speak!
Geo
The City of McKinney has partnered or supported many good projects at Craig ranch. We who live on the Northwest side of McKinney would love to see McKinney working with Stonebridge, Adriatica or other developments in this sector for development of recreational or city services. Are you in favor of that? What projects can you support for around here?
My second concern is that time timing of our lights from West McKinney to 75 is inconsistent. There have been days when we have stopped at every one which is inefficient, takes time, wastes gas and puts more carbon in the air. How could we check our lights on our main thoroughfares to see that going the speed limit, there will allow you to go on through. I know we have electronic set ups and it seems they are not used much.
Thanks, so much.
Barbara,
I believe we have had a disproportionate amount of spending of our tax dollars in Craig Ranch, more specifically, a spending of dollars from the wrong origin. There is a huge ad valorem tax to be realized from Craig Ranch, Adriatica and other areas, so, we need to look at appropriate funding vehicles that incentivize and allow us to partner to some extent with the developers to develop those areas. In the past, we have given “grants” and other funds outside business and economic development initiatives.
On the traffic lights, I need to plead ignorance on that issue, but I will investigate it!
Thanks,
Geo
I am following your platform and these exchanges with the public, Mr. Fuller. As I drove past your sign along the side of the road earlier this week, I knew at once I wanted to learn more about you.
My family has lived in McKinney for over twenty years, having lived on the east border on Bridgefarmer Road, then in Prosper for a few years, and now back in the heart of the historic district. I have worked as a teacher and librarian in McKinney’s private and public schools. This city is a very special place. As I watched it grow from a simple farm community to the large capacity city it is now, I have been saddened to see how the city planners of the past have allowed McKinney to merge into the same as every other growing city in the country. We used to proudly state that McKinney was not a suburb of Dallas, but that is no longer true. The restaurants are the same as any other city’s, the style of construction of our new homes. Growth is inevitable, of course, but we could have done certain things to keep McKinney distinctive. Why is making money always the priority issue, rather than serving the residents and the quality of life here?
Being involved with the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association, I learned two years ago that Erwin Park had been slated for an unfortunate overdevelopment, in my opinion. I am most pleased that the city council decided not to move forward with their plans to affect Erwin into an overly paved and built up nature attraction for the time being. Erwin could use a bit of attention, but it is so lovely just as it is, and our DORBA volunteers are dedicated to keep it environmentally pristine and beautiful. We already have a fantastic nature preserve and museum with the Heard Museum. I am also a strong supporter of the Heard. Why replace a wonderful institution that the McKinney area already has? It has been hard to watch new courthouses erected every ten years and to see unnecessary expenditure of tax money on buildings that are useless by the next decade. With more foresight and careful consideration, we can do better. And if we can’t afford it, then we can’t afford it. There’s nothing wrong with not spending money if it’s for the right reasons.
I enjoy living in McKinney. The beauty of old McKinney and Erwin Park keeps me planted here. But my property taxes are twice as much as my parents’ in Irving or any of my suburb friends. This doesn’t seem right at all. I still work in our schools and see where some of our tax dollars go. Much of it is well spent! But there is so much that is ill spent. I see such a waste of computer technology in our schools…computer programs that read the kids’ history texts to them? Oh my goodness. I almost cried when I saw that. Not a surprise, there was absolutely no engagement of student or computer. What kind of learning is going on when a child is not intellectually stimulated? And, how much did that particular piece of technology cost us?
If we as citizens are to be paying for the misspending and poor judgement for erecting facilities in our city and resources for schools that serve no valid purpose, which we may not even want and cannot afford, is our only choice to leave McKinney? I don’t want that to be my only choice. I want to stay, but I also want my taxes to be reasonable and affordable.
Collin County has a reputation of being the most expensive county in North Texas, i.e., we want to wear very big britches. Your platform gives me hope that we would have something to really be proud of, should you be elected as mayor.
Linda,
I agree with EVERY thing you have stated. I want McKinney to be a model city that every other city wants to emulate. A city that exemplifies an equal and healthy balance between housing, retail, business, parks, green spaces, the arts and family amenities. A city that is not only unique by nature, but friendly by choice. McKinney needs to be an example of green initiatives and sustainability.
A city that in 10 years, is a better living environment for our children than it is for ourselves today. I want our city to be recognizable as a special and safe place. No matter from which direction and or which corridor you enter it, when you’re here you know it and you feel it. My vision for McKinney is a downtown, vibrant with a bubbling energy that is part of a renovated and redeveloped highway 5. Our first major corridor, Hwy 5, must once again become an area of thriving commerce and community life. Our increased renovation of downtown will be stronger, partnering profitable retail and restaurants along with newly created lofts and residences. I believe it is family life and living that is the heartbeat and makes a downtown breathe.
In 10 years mass transit and DART will hopefully be here, but not with the primary function of exporting our residents to other cities for jobs, but rather for bringing the masses from Dallas, Richardson and Plano up to McKinney to shop, eat and YES even work. McKinney in 10 years can be a destination City. A city that offers a world class TPC golf course, full service hotels, amazing shopping, a true historic downtown, flourishing business corridors, hike and bike trails that unite all of McKinney, north, south, east and west. We MUST live up to our slogan “Unique by Nature”!!!
George Fuller