The answers for the candidates have not been modified in anyway. We have also randomized the order that the answers are listed in for each question.
I like the Cory Wride Memorial Park (CWMP) but it’s no secret that I haven’t been happy with the process. We have existing regional parks that are less than half completed (and near existing residential developments), and I would have liked those to be finished prior to constructing a new one. One of the reasons CWMP is being completed now is because we have cash on hand from the utility sale and can do it without bonding. Now that’s great, but we still have other regional parks that need to be finished, and if we’re spending most of our cash on a new one those still won’t be completed for some time. I am not opposed to CWMP, but I would rather have finished existing projects before beginning a new one. One of the other arguments is economic development. Recreation for employees is one thing that many companies look for, and CWMP will help fulfill that need; however, completing our other regional parks could meet this need as well.Melissa Clark – City Council Candidate
In the beginning, I struggled with the cost and lack of proximity of the Cory Wride park, but in talking with the Mayor and other city staff, I have started to see some of the benefits of building that park where it is, such as more amenities, and the space for more parking, and most importantly that we will not have to have a costly bond to fund this initial phase of the park. Many residents have the additional concern of the other regional parks “not being finished”, and as a council member, I will work to make sure that the larger regional parks will also remain attractive by continuing the standard of maintenance and looking to make improvements as funding becomes available.Matt Visser – City Council Candidate
Cory Wride park is coming. No that’s wrong, it’s here. My questions are, why now? Why so much money on one park? Why aren’t we making all the parks in the city amazing? Can we afford the maintenance? Why are we using 2 different names for one park on the budget? Why are we using all the funding for multiple parks, on one park that has millions of dollars in funds? I have many more concerns, and questions. Here’s my idea. Finish phase 1a. Spread the money across multiple parks in our city. I’m not against building CW park. I’m saying, slow down. Let’s finish the parks we’ve started. Let’s spread the money that we received when we sold the utilities across all the parks, the parks we all use. Let’s make all of them places we want to go. Let’s not make a huge investment in the middle of a new community that’s using that park to line their pockets with money, while we cover the costs. Let’s build the park. Let’s build all the parks, but let’s not start another project that won’t be finished, for years, if not decades.Jan Preece – City Council Candidate
Cory Wride Park (previously known as Middle Park) is not just a recent addition to the city’s park plans, the concept of this park has been around since the City first began. It is not new, what is new is that we have now started moving forward on some of the amenities. Cory Wride Park is a larger regional park. It is going to take a lot of money to complete. While I am in favor of pressing forward diligently with this project, I also feel that we need to do so in a wise and thoughtful manner.Donna Burnham – City Council Candidate
I love the plans for Cory Wride Memorial Park, and I am happy that we were able to dedicate a portion of the utility sale proceeds to this park. One detail that I would like to see in the park, that has yet to be clearly stated in the plans, is an all abilities area that is fenced in to help parents with children who are runners but still allow visibility into the area from outside.Jared Gray – City Council Candidate
I’m going to keep this short. Proper rolls of government. Government in my mind is to protect the people first, and provide clean and safe utilities. (Sewer, water, and waste disposal) Beyond that, we need to be careful. Parks are important, and it’s ok to do things for the people to provide certain amenities, but we must be cautious, and have a sustainable budget in mind, before we get outside the “proper rolls of government.” Having said that, Cory Wride park has already been approved and started, so my goal would be to make sure it’s built within a budget as we could afford it. Bit by bit until it’s deemed sufficient.Drew Curley – City Council Candidate
Despite being Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, I am actually against Cory Wride Memorial Park in its current plan. I think it is fiscally irresponsible for us to be diverting so much funding to a “destination park” when we have so many other parks that have been left unfinished by developers, and other existing city needs. I believe that the return on investment that has been projected (in terms of tourism, growth, business, etc.) has been overestimated. I believe that certain amenities like the baseball diamonds should have been built by private organizations who lease the land from the city.Debbie Hooge – Full Time Mayor Candidate
Any park is good news for the City. Although, living in The Ranches, I would have liked to see some of the money spent a little closer to home. Since I created Nolen Park as the mayor back in the late 90’s, there hasn’t been another major park built in The Ranches or on the north end of the City. I would like to see that change. It is nice to have a big regional park. But, honestly, I worry about the location. Access is limited, and many in the city do not live close enough to convieniently use it.
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.