City of Gunter 2023 Voter Guide

City of Gunter Mayoral Candidates

Motivation:

Why do you want to serve on the city council, and what qualities would you bring to this position?

have been part of the City for the past 36 years in many positions including several terms on the City Council and 9 terms as Mayor. have a deep love for this City and want to make it a place where Citizens can live, work, and play without leaving the community. This is a lofty goal, but one believe is achievable.

I'm running for mayor because Gunter is my forever home and I truly care about how our future will look. In my short time here, have fallen in love with my community, my neighbors and the small town charm I enjoyed growing up. We, Gunter residents, all deserve a prosperous future, where families are connected and feel safe, where neighbors know and serve each with a sense of community, and where local businesses thrive as they help grow the revenue necessary to properly provide for residents, city staff and all who serve us daily. As we grow, if we are going to become a city such as that, it will be the result of residents participating in our processes and capable, dedicated leaders all coming together to make good decisions that prioritize our well-being above everything else. I am a problem solver with a strong sense of passion for we the people and a history of exceptional accomplishments. One of those accomplishments, through its process, created an amazing friendship with someone I consider like one of my daughters and my daughters feel the same way as well. As far as qualities that I would bring to the office of the mayor, will leave you with her words posted on my Facebook campaign page, "Gunter will not only have the most ethical, loyal, dedicated, trustworthy, educated and friendly Mayor, they'll also gain a friend of the People, for the People".

Strategic:

What actions should the city council take right away to ensure a thriving community in the long-term?

In preparation for impending growth the Mayor and City Council have adopted a Strategic

Plan to help guide us through the future. We have developed a City Vision, Mission, Core Values and Strategic Focus Areas.

As with any growing City, it still faces many challenges which must be addressed to meet the oncoming onslaught of development that is imminent. We must guide the private developers to build a City with quality development that all Citizens will be proud of.

Some areas that require immediate attention are street and road repairs, mowing the City property, and keeping up with the water and sewer requirements. The City has moved to a model to use contractors to complete these tasks. We will be reaching out to a street contractor for patching streets, we have hired the same company that mows the schools to mow the City property, and have sold the water and sewer to Mustang water supply. Hiring contractors gives the City flexibility to expand these services without adding staff, equipment, and debt.

Services:

What changes should be made, if any, to city services? What would it take to make these changes?

The City currently has a volunteer fire department and no ambulance service. A plan is being formulated to have the fire department start an ambulance service by the end of this year. This move will allow the fire department to hire 7 full time paramedics and will be the beginning of a full-time paid fire department.

Our fire budget increased to over $350,000 last year and the police budget increased to over $800,000. This is an increase of 136% on fire and 71% on police. We purchased new police vehicles and have moved the Police Department to a new location on SH289 for improved visibility and more room.

When our leaders are making decisions and drafting legislation on our behalf, residents should have prior access to the same information our leaders are using to do so in advance of council meetings. When budget recommendations are in process of prioritization, and final decisions are pending, residents should have a voice in those decisions as well. Representation is only representation when leaders have heard from informed residents, which demands transparency and access. Residents should not have to submit public information requests for routine public information; we need to review and correct our records retention policies and make available what should be easily accessible.

Per Government Code Sec 552.203, have requested an appointment to inspect the City of Gunter's public records, but have not received access yet. Without the information necessary to identify weaknesses, I can only answer based on my personal experience as a resident and generalities of what others have shared with me. believe can speak for most residents when I say that last summer's water issue was horrendous. Water is fundamental, and should have been planned for over a decade ago, at least. Gunter did not experience an unusual, unplanned growth that burdened the water system and while it was a perfect storm of water well failure that created a shortage, it also revealed the city's failure in previous years to adequately prepare. Mustang SUD sourcing our water may or may not have been the best decision, but we will never know because it was our only decision as a result. It is unacceptable for leaders, who are supposed to represent our interests, to put us in such a situation. I have also endured a very negative experience with our permits process, because of outsourcing and surrendering complete control to a third party. While few in customer service can outperform Angi Young, the city has no power over the process of which it forces us to participate. As a result, my property was literally held hostage by an incompetent contractor, preventing another from correcting a series of significant problems. I was eventually able to overcome the obstacles, but should not have had to study law to do so. Measures need to be put in place to ensure that approved contractors are submitting true and accurate information on permit applications and property owners should have as much, if not more, control over the process than the contractors. I'm looking forward to the implementation of recently announced emergency services that we have needed for a very long time and plan to be a useful partner in the process. plan to meet with all of our city departments to find out what they need and identify ways can help.

1. The City spent $1,400,000 in street repairs last year which was more than we spent in the last 10 years. We have earmarked in the budget $550,000 per year until 2025 for street repairs.

2. The Bridges needs a new waste water treatment plant. The design work is almost completed by Mustang and I anticipate construction to begin this summer.

Infrastructure:

What are the most urgent infrastructure projects in the city, and how would you work with the City to get them done?

3. The extension of FM121 from Block Road to SH289 will be a priority in the near future. This is a joint project with the City and Texas Department of Transportation. anticipate a 2025 start.

4. Flooding in The Woods has been a major concern. The City Engineer is working on plans to help alleviate this problem

5. The City bought 2 new scoreboards for the ball fields at the park and a new back stop for smaller kids.

6. The parks need to be expanded and improved. The City hired Adam Adams as the Director of Parks and Public Services. He is currently working with the park board to develop a comprehensive plan for the parks..

Finance:

What would you like to change, if anything, about the city budget and taxation?

The City hired Lorie Lankford as the Director of Finance. She retired from Round Rock which completed 23 years in government accounting experience. Lorie completely revamped the City budget to make it easy to read (see the City web page). Last years budget resulted in a 21% decrease in the tax rate. The City has purchased clearGOV budgeting system which will make budgeting easier and more transparent.

The city has spent thousands and thousands of dollars on consultants for projects, such as the downtown master plan, simultaneously telling residents we lack funds for necessary and fundamental issues. Once am granted access to inspect records and learn more, will be able to speak to more issues, but I would like to see an updated capital improvement plan and review how we are using impact fees, if we are collecting them at all (and we should be). The development contractors that come into and through our city, damaging our roads and using our services, should be helping to pay for it just like we do. The developers who are excavating neighborhoods outside of our control that impact what is within our control should be forced to correct those damages. Residents should not have to wait months or years for the city to respond with a plan to address a flooding issue.

I'm very much looking forward to working on our budget. I rallied the residents of my last community to join me in claiming ownership and taking control of our own MUD (municipal utility district) so that we could control our taxes. For two years prior to being elected as Board of Director, worked hard, looking for ways to reduce our spending and better utilize our funds. I was told by every director, attorney and financial advisor in our district that it would take years before we would be able to reduce our tax rate, even a penny or two, because our community was only a few years old, and not even half constructed. was also discouraged from running for a seat because they said I was inexperienced and I could better serve the district as an advisor between the board and residents. Translation = you are dangerous with a vote. For the sake of keeping this shorter, when we bought our home, contracting into the district, our tax rate was 1.39 per $100 assessed valuation. (That rate, combined with the other 9 tax jurisdictions rendered a total property tax rate of 3.96%! Can you imagine?) It was then reduced to $1.31 after was elected, and today it is certified at $1.18 and every director is an elected resident of the district. Currently the district has better, more consistent services and the home sold has appreciated 21%. When budgets make sense and funds are properly used, our equity is protected even when our tax rates are lower. hope to work with the city manager to help do the same for Gunter.

Emergency Preparedness: What, if anything, should the city do to better prepare for emergencies, natural disasters, like tornadoes, fires, and freezing?

Other issues:

What other important issues are facing the city council, and how would you address them?

Biographical Information and Contacts: (brief intro about you, your education, experience, community service as well as your campaign contact email/phone/website and/or Facebook page link)

Under the City's emergency management plan, the City is linked to the County's emergency management system. One phone call to the County EOC will triger help from the County and our Surrounding Cities. The City has purchased two tornado warning sirens, one of which will be placed in the Bridges. These will be installed this summer.

The City has purchased a standby generator to run the fire department and City hall. It is in and we are scheduling installation.

Great cities are intentional, they create a plan and execute it. Improvements need to be made in the Thoroughfare Master Plan, Enhance Landscape requirements, finish the Parks Master Plan, and the Downtown Master Plan.

moved to Gunter in 1966 as a Freshman in high school. graduated in 1970, married Beverly in 1974, graduated University of North Texas in 1977 with a Bachelors in Business Administration with a degree in accounting and economics. I have two wonderful grown children and 4 grand children. teach Sunday school at the First Baptist Church in Gunter where I have been a member since 1967. have been financial manager for several private companies in my career and am still working, not because have to but because I am enjoying working every day. can be reached by phone or text (903) 328-7501 and email mmillar@cebridge.net. I do not have a face book page or a website.

Once I am granted access to inspect records, will be able to identify areas where we need training and available resources. Texas law states that the mayor holds the office of emergency management for the city and that a plan should exist. haven't seen a plan, but am looking forward to viewing and/or creating one. We should also have NIMS implementation (National Incident Management System), otherwise we are missing out on access to federal grants and increasing our residents' risk in a more generalized emergency.

I want to remind residents that in 2017, a special election was held, and the voters agreed to change our city structure from a mayor-council to a council-manager form of government. The Mayor's role includes facilitating communication, advocating policy, proposing and prioritizing programs and projects etc but it no longer has the power it did before. It will be even more important to elect strong council members who will prioritize residents' needs and choose what's best for Gunter, as opposed to what's best for developers, big business and individual connections. Integrity is everything; the ordinances our leaders legislate should apply to them as they do for us. Additionally, we should each have the same access to information and resources as they have for themselves.

I am easy to find on Facebook and my introduction with this information is public. My campaign page is Karen Souther for Gunter Mayor 2023 and can be found at this link https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089533400847. am an open book, you are welcome to ask more questions there and I can't wait to meet more of you. have enjoyed my time with so many of you and it has only confirmed to me that Gunter is an amazing place.

City of Gunter City Council Place 2 Candidates

Motivation:

Why do you want to serve on the city council, and what qualities would you bring to this position?

I feel like there is a lack of representation for a large majority of the Gunter community, specifically those with young families like myself. We have been Gunter residents for 8 years and my 11 year old daughter, Olivia is in the 5th grade. I would like to offer a fresh and youthful voice for the community of families whom have chosen Gunter as the place their grow and thrive.

I would be honored to serve on the Gunter City Council! I have so enjoyed the past three and half years of living here. The atmosphere of our small town is refreshing and inviting. With the projected growth expected, I would like to fulfil a leadership role in supporting necessary changes with goals for maintaining Gunter's charming, hometown feel.

I am retired after working 42 years at Amarillo College beginning as adjunct faculty, advancing through the ranks to become a full Professor, and finalizing my career as a Vice President for Employee and Organizational Development. The knowledge and experiences gained throughout my professional tenure have provided me with (1) strengths for change and project management, (2) strategies for encouraging and influencing critical thinking, (3) techniques for motivating others and conducting effective communications, (4) skills for creating financial partnerships and fundraising opportunities, and (5) beliefs and strategies exemplifying practices of Servant Leadership.

I am a lifelong learner and lifelong leader. I am eager, experienced, motivated and driven! I am looking forward to assuming an active role in the future growth of Gunter.

(1) Right away, for realizing greater community unity, involvement, and understanding: The City Council needs to address citizens' concerns about the "Lack of Communication, Information, Input, Transparency." (Investigate, respond, and offer solutions and/or assistance, as needed.)

Strategic:

What actions should the city council take right away to ensure a thriving community in the long-term?

Listen to the people. That hasn't been a priority in a very long time. Council has been comprised of too many aliances that feel jeopardize true representation.

(2)For future strategic planning: Review, assessment and update of the 2005-2025 City of Gunter Community Development Plan. (This comprehensive plan includes projections and insights related to Gunter's population, housing, land use, parks, thoroughfares, streets, drainage, wastewater, water, economic development and capital improvements. Financed through provisions of a Texas Community Development Program Grant, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Conducted by Southwest Consultants, Richardson, TX and Maurice Schwanke & Company, Arlington, TX.)

(2) Annual strategic planning for future growth with strategies for achieving goals with dedicated timelines.

(3)Discussion and goals for promoting inclusiveness, communications and interactions with Gunter Citizens and Stakeholders.

(4)Continuous planning for community-wide sharing, reviews, updates, goals achieved.

(1) Communication is KEY for building effective partnerships between the City of Gunter and its Citizens. Gunter Citizens should not have to become a part of Facebook to be informed and knowledgeable. Resources and resolutions should be addressed immediately!

Services:

What changes should be made, if any, to city services? What would it take to make these changes?

The leaders we choose today are in a position to direct the inevitable growth that is coming. First, we need to realize this is a marathon not a sprint. Making rash decisions quickly without community involvement or proper planning can be more harmful in the long run. In my service as President of the Gunter Parks & Recreation Board, have met with the new Public Works Director, Adam Adams, and feel he brings addevalue to our community and will help us prepare for the future growth. Projects such as streets, current park, future parks and public safely are some of my top priorities.

(2) Creation, development, implementation, and formal Introduction of information platforms for sharing and communicating with Citizens of Gunter (assisted as needed; workshops, tutorials, web information, etc.).

(3) Identification of appropriate venues allowing information accessibility for all Gunter Citizens (including those WITHOUT Facebook accounts).

(4) Services for Downtown are desperately needed. Housing, streets, buildings, street signage, clean-up is critical. Some areas are safety hazards. As I made campaigning visits, many residents expressed concerns. We need solutions. Community groups could help move this forward.

(5) Emergency medical, ambulance and fire services need to become a standard budget item for the City of Gunter with management and accountability directed by city officials.

(6) With recent events reported about a city employee and the School Board assessment reviews/meeting, it is becoming increasing apparent that Gunter Citizens need timely reports from informed representatives to curtail the spread of undocumented accountings, assessments and conclusions. We need appropriate tools and resources with secure, accessible locations. Communications from official, selected representatives should be timely and proactive.

(1) Currently, projects are being implemented, including road construction updates, as well as the city announcement of the individual/company contracted, Chief Danny Kistner, (ret.), DTK Consulting, LLC, to research and to develop Gunter's Ambulance & Emergency Medical Service Strategic Plan

(2) The city is working diligently to improve existing roads throughout the community; however, there are still tremendous needs in the Downtown area and in the Woods. These areas need to be identified as priorities as soon as possible when funding is available. Potholes are to be repaired by an entity contracted, as needed, until reconstruction of many roadways can be supported. It is projected that the city will allocate approximately $1.5 Millon for funding road repairs by the end of calendar year.

Infrastructure:

What are the most urgent infrastructure projects in the city, and how would you work with the City to get them done?

Streets and Parks. Families with younger children deserve safe streets and neighborhoods, as well as access to outdoor play areas where they can be adventurous. I envision Gunter evenings with live music and family-friendly activities like cook-offs, scavenger hunts and movies in the park.

(3) Traffic-flow studies are already approved for the increased housing development and new elementary school in The Bridges. Citizens are particularly concerned about students being dropped off in multiple locations to avoid traffic. These concerns should be addressed in planning discussions and strictly enforced as determined.

(4) In preparation for anticipated housing and business growth, waste management issues are being addressed through Gunter's partnership with Mustang, proactively.

(5) Additional traffic-flow studies and planning related road revision and construction will be necessary for those residents/neighborhoods affected by the construction of the new high school.

(6)In the coming years, as traffic increases due to the growth within and around the City of Gunter, it will be essential for the City Council to work with the County for essential road and travel modifications/enhancements needed.

(7) Increased personnel, resources, and funding will be vital for Gunter's Fire Department and Police Department as the Gunter population and housing increases to maintain safety and security of our community.

(1) The City of Gunter recently decreased the tax base for residents. This is good news with our current economy, rising costs of living, inflation and elevated property values. Thank you!

Finance:

What would you like to change, if anything, about the city budget and taxation?

Gunter is in a challenging time financially right now. We have experienced tremendous residential growth in the past several years. This brings many challenges to a small city. Most of the new residents come from larger cities with more city services and general conveniences. Such as grocery stores, more restaurants, competing gas stations and other services. The City gets it money form property tax and sales tax. Until more of these stores come to produce sales tax it will be hard for the city to improve on our parks system, the roads, Fire/EMS and to even add more police officers.

(2) As the City of Gunter grows, naturally, annual tax revenue will be increased; however, needs will also increase, so essential planning must be projected, realized and implemented, accordingly.

(3) As one who has actively witnessed the advantages realized by securing external grant project funding (previous author and project manager for multiple grants), planning should be conducted to identify strategies for initiating and incorporating necessary components to support such opportunities, as feasible, for Gunter growth and development.

(4) By attending EDC and City Council meetings, I have learned that Gunter is currently offering some funding to new and existing businesses through the Property Enhancement Policy and the USDA Grant Programs. Good Job!

City of Gunter City Council Place 2 Candidates

Emergency Preparedness:

What, if anything, should the city do to better prepare for emergencies, natural disasters, like tornadoes, fires, and freezing?

I feel we are moderately prepared for all hazards that may face Gunter. recently learned that we are part of Grayson County’s overall emergency management plan. We have a section dedicated to Gunter within that plan that covers some of the hazards unique to our area. The Fire Chief recently worked with Mustang SUD and together they have ordered 3 new outdoor warning sirens. With these new sirens, most of the city will be within range of the sirens. Of course, everyone needs to remember that they are only meant to be heard outside and not inside a residence or business. Until we have our own EMS and a paid fire department, it will be hard to improve on what we have for responding to those emergencies.

Other issues:

What other important issues are facing the city council, and how would you address them?

I feel that I have covered my priorities in the above questions. Once elected, and I am able to get to work, I am sure that I will find out other needs that we do not even know our community has. I welcome any ideas that you may have for our great community!

(1) The City Council recently granted support for the development of Gunter's first EMS Strategic Plan! Chief Danny Kistner, (ret.) of DTK Consulting, LLC, who is a nationally recognized authority for Municipal EMS and Fire Services with over 40 years of experience in Fire, EMS Leadership and Paramedic practices, has been contracted. Thank you, City of Gunter, for being proactive and moving forward! (Gunter City Council Greenlights Development of EMS Strategic Plan, March 30, 2023, guntertx.gov, HomeNews Flash)

(2) Strategic planning is Instrumental for anticipated needs in all areas impacted by our increasing population (Who to Contact? Where to Go? Shelter Locations if Necessary? How to Secure Immediate Assistance? Procedures for Sheltering in Place?).

(3) Public, standardized emergency procedures and Implementation for all areas listed above with inclusion of community educational resources and network of individuals to contact to support those in need must be supported.

(4) Long-range strategic planning for transportation needs to be created in response to upgrades identified through analysis of traffic-flow studies conducted.

As an Individual who Believes in Collaboration and Practices Promoting Community Input....

(1) Current and potential Gunter Stakeholders, Businesses, Citizens need greater knowledge and information identifying guidelines for securing external funding resources available through grantfunded submissions. (With limited resources and personnel, how do we identify opportunities, share, and support those interested in applying?)

(2)Volunteerism in our small town is Vital! As a result, Accountability is Essential to the community growth and welfare. (How do we achieve Community Goals, proactively, and with greater input and community commitment?)

(3)Through the personal contacts made as a candidate for the election, the "Lack of Communication, Information, Input, Transparency" have been mentioned by Gunter Citizens. (How do we address this through venues, Other Than Facebook, for community routine announcements, facts, vital information, etc.?)

In all the above...., strategic planning, community input/communication, and evaluation are essential for ongoing success!

We MUST ALIGN with YOU, GUNTER CITIZENS, to MOVE FORWARD for the FUTURE!

Patsy Whitaker 2101 Fox Bend Trace Gunter, TX 75058

Phone (806) 584-8321 Email pclemaster@yahoo.com

I have happily called Gunter, Texas my home for three and a half years. My husband, Lloyd Whitaker, and I finally found our forever home in The Bridges at Preston Crossings. We love living here!

Biographical Information and Contacts: (brief intro about you, your education, experience, community service as well as your campaign contact email/phone/website and/or Facebook page link)

I have been a proud Gunter resident for 8 years. I have been on the Parks and Recreation Board for many years and have served as the President for the last two years. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at 903-818-5532.

I have been actively involved in serving the community as identified below: 2021-2022 Charter Member of the Gunter Ladies for Tomorrow (GLFT); 2022-2024 President-elect; Current member of the Gunter Planning and Zoning Committee; Attendance at City Council, Economic Development, and Planning & Zoning meetings

Other Gunter volunteer roles include: Assistance with landscaping in Gunter City Park and at the Police Station, Distribution of literature, contact residents of The Bridges to secure signatures for petition to maintain current lot-size restrictions, Creation of distribution list among residents to host neighborhood gatherings.

My educational background, degrees, and graduate hours include: Associate's in Science, Amarillo College; Bachelor of Business Administration, West Texas A&M University; Master of Business Education, West Texas A&M University; 63 hours beyond MBE, Texas Tech University, Southern Illinois University, West Texas A&M University

I am retired after working 42 years at Amarillo College beginning as adjunct faculty, advancing through the ranks to become a full Professor, and finalizing my career as the VP for Employee and Organizational Development.

City of Gunter City Council Place 4 Candidates

This is my hometown of 44 years. The impending growth of our city is especially important to me and my fellow residents. I understand the importance of laying a foundation that will enhance our small community environment in a much larger environment. Qualities that I bring to this position:

Motivation:

Why do you want to serve on the city council, and what qualities would you bring to this position?

1. Experience serving in a leader capacity at church, school district, community organizations, and the city.

2.Committed- I have served 32 years as Gunter Elementary Principal, 40 years at church, 6 years on the Economic Development Corporation, 4 years on city council, and 40 years in various community organizations. continue to serve in all capacities with the exception of a Gunter ISD employee.

3.Team Collaboration- worked together with students, parents. educators and fellow administrators to build a school system that achieved exemplary ratings since the inception of the state program till retired.

The definition of a thriving community is different for everyone. I don't believe anyone can ENSURE a thriving community for everyone.

Diversity exists throughout the US. People move to regional areas and cities that best meet their needs.

Strategic:

What actions should the city council take right away to ensure a thriving community in the long-term?

We definitely need to do our best to provide our diverse population with what they need. We should listen to our resident's input. The needs and desires differ from one neighborhood to the next. freely give out my email and phone number to all Gunter residents so I am readily available to them.

Communication is key. We need to pursue different avenues for people to gather information and give their input. We have updated our website to be more user friendly, and increased news releases to the website and facebook. However, not everyone utilizes facebook and they feel disconnected. I totally agree we need different avenues for communication. work hard daily to serve our growing community so that we can thrive (succeed) now and in the future.

Services: What changes should be made, if any, to city services? What would it take to make these changes?

The City currently has a volunteer fire department and no ambulance service. A plan is being formulated to have the fire department start an ambulance service by the end of this year. This move will allow the fire department to hire 7 full time paramedics and will be the beginning of a full-time paid fire department.

Our fire budget increased to over $350,000 last year and the police budget increased to over $800,000. This is an increase of 136% on fire and 71% on police. We purchased new police vehicles and have moved the Police Department to a new location on SH289 for improved visibility and more room.

1. The City spent $1,400,000 in street repairs last year which was more than we spent in the last 10 years. We have earmarked in the budget $550,000 per year until 2025 for street repairs.

2. The Bridges needs a new waste water treatment plant. The design work is almost completed by Mustang and I anticipate construction to begin this summer.

Infrastructure:

What are the most urgent infrastructure projects in the city, and how would you work with the City to get them done?

3. The extension of FM121 from Block Road to SH289 will be a priority in the near future. This is a joint project with the City and Texas Department of Transportation. I anticipate a 2025 start.

4. Flooding in The Woods has been a major concern. The City Engineer is working on plans to help alleviate this problem

5. The City bought 2 new scoreboards for the ball fields at the park and a new back stop for smaller kids.

6. The parks need to be expanded and improved. The City hired Adam Adams as the Director of Parks and Public Services. He is currently working with the park board to develop a comprehensive plan for the parks.

Finance:

What would you like to change, if anything, about the city budget and taxation?

Emergency Preparedness:

What, if anything, should the city do to better prepare for emergencies, natural disasters, like tornadoes, fires, and freezing?

Other issues:

What other important issues are facing the city council, and how would you address them?

The City hired Lorie Lankford as the Director of Finance. She retired from Round Rock which completed 23 years in government accounting experience. Lorie completely revamped the City budget to make it easy to read (see the City web page). Last years budget resulted in a 21% decrease in the tax rate. The City has purchased clearGOV budgeting system which will make budgeting easier and more transparent.

1. We are in the process of purchasing two outdoor sirens to be installed within the city.

2. We contracted the retired fire chief from McKinney to help develop EMS and ambulance service plans for our city.

3. We have an Emergency Management System that includes county and state resources during times of emergency. Recently, the state and county officials helped our police department with a very volatile, dangerous situation involving the same group from Austin that resulted in extreme violence.

1. EMS/Ambulance Service- Discussed above

2. Communication/Marketing Director- More revenue

3. Internet Service- Discussed above

4. Growth Management- Council hired a planning director. This is an ongoing, daily endeavor.

As a longtime Gunter resident and active member of the community, have witnessed Gunter’s changing environment over the last several years. love Gunter’s legacy, people and spirit of community. I’m committed to keeping our town’s charm as the population and the business opportunities grow. It is projected that Gunter will grow more in the next five years than it has in its previous 122 years of history. Change is coming. Knowledgeable growth management is key to Gunter positively moving forward in our current environment.

Biographical Information and Contacts:

(brief intro about you, your education, experience, community service as well as your campaign contact email/phone/website and/or Facebook page link)

serve my community on: City Council, Economic Development Corporation, Bridges’ HOA board as resident representative, Gunter Business Networking, Meals on Wheels, Leadership Team

First Baptist Church, Gunter Ladies for Tomorrow

hold a BS degree in Marketing, BA degree in Elementary Education, Master’s degree in Educational Administration and certification of Educational Diagnostician from North Texas University.

am retired after serving 32 years as Gunter Elementary’s principal. I reside in Gunter with my husband Rick, daughter Jill Latimer, and my grandchildren- Kyle, Finlee and Landry. My email is cohaganc@gmail.com. My phone is 903-821-2620 I have no website or facebook election page.

chose to run for city council because I have wanted to live in this city for decades, and after finally moving here and seeing the potential growth coming to the city, I wanted to be able to contribute my voice to help direct that growth into something profitable for current residents, but also maintain the small town feel that we all love and that future residents seek out. As a real estate agent, I feel like have a unique perspective to contribute. I can provide input on expansion that would be beneficial to the town and utilize my relationships with home builders to bring quality new home developments into the community, but also help us do these things in a way that doesn’t spoil the small town feel that we’ve preserved so well up to this point.

I think at this moment the best thing that the city council can do to ensure a long term thriving community is listen to the input of the current residents of the city. A lot of us have ideas of how we’d like to see the city develop into a city that provides us with the amenities that we need without turning this city into another Frisco. While know we can’t implement every idea we are presented with, listing to our current residents and what they’d like to see here would go a long way to becoming the best city we can be for those who currently call Gunter home.

think one of the greatest things we can change about city services would be better maintenance to roadways. A lot of the roads that aren’t the 2 main roads in the city could use some help. Being a small town, doing a major overhaul of the roadways might not be practical, but I feel staying on top of the health of our infrastructure and proactively maintaining issues we see with that could go a long way.

I’d have to say further developing the sewer and water infrastructure through the city is the most urgent infrastructure need that we have. Rather than dig our heels in and resist the growth that is coming to our city, it’s important to have utilities in place that developers for quality home builders look for. Doing so will ensure that home builders who look to develop here will be those that build homes that meet the standard that any one of us would look for if it were our own home.

Like any of us, I’d love to see my property taxes lower. However, running the city and providing a quality education to our students does come at a cost. While there aren’t any immediate changes have in mind for our budget, I will work hard to make sure that our educators, first responders, and teachers are cared for, our city can provide public facilities we’d all be happy to use, and at the same time minimize the cost to our residents to make these things happen.

In our city feel like one of the best things we can do is install more and/or louder tornado sirens. While no emergency is more detrimental than another, in my time living here have felt all other emergencies have heard of or encountered myself have been handled relatively well. We have had multiple storms with significant tornado threats since I’ve lived here and have not been able to hear our sirens once. Since this is a threat we face with some frequency, we could make our city a much safer place to make something like this more prominent here.

One of the biggest items I feel like our city council will face over the next 5 years is managing the growth of the city without compromising the small town feel we all know and love. I’m running because feel like I can provide a very beneficial new voice on city council to handle this new frontier in a way that takes into account the benefits our current residents can realize, while also helping to keep the city from feeling like a congested city in which finding a parking spot at the grocery store becomes a difficult and frustrating task.

Bio: Born and raised in Frisco, saw it grow from a warm small town into the large city it is today. I sought out Gunter because I wanted to live in a town with the small town feel fell in love with years ago. acquired a BBA in Finance from Oklahoma Baptist University where I played baseball as a relief pitcher. After graduating worked as an intern in the high school student ministry at Prestonwood Baptist Church where met my wife Lauren. We have been married going on 6 years and since day one we made it a goal to move to Gunter. Almost 2 years ago we accomplished that goal. After Prestonwood I spent 5 years working in various roles at GuideStone Financial Resources. am now a real estate agent specializing in working with buyers in Collin and Grayson counties.

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091743216084&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Joint Election {Elecci6n Conjunta)

Grayson County, Texas (Condado de Grayson, Texas) May 6, 2023 (6 de mayo de 2023)

Official Ballot (Bo/eta Oficial)

INSTRUCTION NOTE:

Vote for the candidate(s) I statement of your choice in each race by darkening in the oval (e) provided to the left of the candidate(s) I statement.

(NOTA DE INSTRUCCl6N:

Vote por el candidato(s) I declaraci6n de su preferencia en cada carrera llenando completamente el espacio ova/ado ( e) a la izquierda def candidato(s) I declaraci6n )

City of Gunter General Election

(Elecci6n General Ciudad de Gunter)

Mayor (Alcalde)

Vote for None or One

(Vote por Ninguno o Uno)

• ., o Mark Millar

• •2

o Karen Souther

Councilmember • Place 2 (Miembro def Consejo - Lugar 2)

Vote for None or One

(Vote por Ninguno o Uno)

• •1 o Holly Moore

o Patsy Whitaker

Councllmember- • Place 4

(Miembro def Conse10 - Lugar 4)

Vote for None or One

(Vote por Ninguno o Uno)

o Cheyrl Cohagan

o Jacob Buffington

Gunter Independent School District School Board Trustee Election

{Elecci6n Sindico general de la junta escolar def Distrito Escolar lndependiente de Gunter)

School Board Trustee At-Large

(Sindico general de la junta escolar En Grande) Three Year Term (Termino de Tres Anos)

Vote for None, One, Two-or Three (Vote para ningun (0) o uno (1) o dos (2) o tres (3))

o Gary ' Doc' Harris

o JimScano

o Jason Padgett

John Jonas

Martha Paben

Jerry C Harris, Jr

o Deirdre Diamond

o Natalie Barnard

o Krista Race