76537 LIFE

76537 LIFE "APPLES TO APPLES"

My Jarrell Monthly asked all candidates the following questions to enable voters to compare their responses in an “apples-to-apples” format regarding issues and platforms. Responses were limited to 300 words total, but candidates could allocate their word count between the questions at their discretion. Answers are printed as submitted. 1. What motivated you to run for office? 2. Please describe any previous experience serving our community. 3. If elected, what are your top priorities once in office? 4. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RESPONDENTS

JARRELL MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Cozmo Lewis

1. I am running for mayor because I am invested in the future of Jarrell. In this moment, our city requires decision and action with utmost transparency, and I am confident in my ability to bring just that. To me, this upcoming election represents the direction in which we take a solid foundation through unavoidable change. Jarrell is filled with unique advantages to our neighbors, one being the opportunity to craft an identity that can withstand inevitable growth. 2. As a 6-year resident, just 10 miles from where I grew up, I’m proud to call Jarrell home. I currently serve as the city’s Chair of Planning and Zoning Committee and participate wherever possible in community events. Professionally, I lead a team of over 200 daily and bring strong negotiation experience and diverse business management experience to the table. More importantly, I value relationship building and networking people productively. Combining professional skills and a passion for people, I know I am fit for the role. 3. If elected, transparency is my greatest priority. Involvement, input, and intention come with that—both on existing topics and ones that need the attention of city officials. As mayor, I vow to:  Continuously work to improve public safety  Keep taxes as low as possible for residents  Maintain property values  Support quality economic growth  Maintain the unique quality of life that defines our community  And most importantly, stay active and open to the needs of our community. 4. I am grateful for consideration, support, and the opportunity to serve Jarrell. If you would like to get in touch, I invite you to do so through the Facebook page (Cozmo Lewis for Jarrell Mayor) or directly by email (cozmolewis@gmail.com).

Patrick Sherek

1. My family has a long history in Jarrell and I grew up here. I have seen Jarrell grow from a small town to a city in a short span of time. I have seen the successes and failures of the city and I want to help build a city one would want to raise a family in. I know if elected I can help manage growth responsibly without raising taxes on our residents. 2. I graduated from Jarrell High School in 2007 and received a degree from Texas State in Applied Mathematics. For the past eight years I have owned and managed Bill’s Corner, a convenience store in Jarrell that has been in the family since the early ‘60s. Growing up working for my dad taught me hard work, honesty, and caring for people is how you become successful. I have used these lessons throughout my life and as mayor I would use them to guide my decision making when working with city employees, the council, and residents. 3. First, I would work with the council to fix our deteriorating roads and the traffic conditions at main intersections throughout the city. I would work with TX DOT and the county to add turn lanes and even stop lights. Second, I would prioritize more businesses and projects for recreation and family to bring back a sense of unity to this community I feel has been lost. Third, I would seek to enhance police presence around the community for safety and to reduce crime. 4. The most important things in my life are my wife Danielle and son Ezekiel.

JARRELL CITY COUNCIL PLACE 2

Jason Oliver

1. I would like to see our city grow to benefit all residents of the city. 2. I am presently employed as a data analyst at Dell. I gained this position by previously being a manager at a call center, a large company and working global operations and workforce positions. This shows my ability to work with others to collaborate for a common goal and to deliver exceptional customer service. I am involved with listening to the community and actively participate in the Facilities Planning Committee for Jarrell ISD, currently the Vice President of The Homeplace of Jarrell HOA and member of the Jarrell Planning and Zoning Commission. 3. My primary focus for community success would be to concentrate on infrastructure (such as water and sewage) so the community has the capability to attract large businesses that could provide employment and additional tax revenue for the city and help alleviate the tax burden on the homeowners of the city. I would like to also work closely with the Sonterra community as they are not part of the city of Jarrell but are an integral part to the success of the city. With mutual agreements already in place along with negotiating new agreements, it would be beneficial to both communities to work together to achieve success for both communities. 4. I have lived in Jarrell for 13 years coming to understand the community needs. My wife continues to teach with Jarrell ISD for 13 years and my 2 children are attending and have always attended school here.

Jeff Seidel

1. I’m asking kindly for your vote to remain on City Council, serving the residents of our community and ensuring your voice is represented. 2. Over 30 years experience in upper-level management for Fortune 500 Companies and also in Government, working for the State of Texas Comptroller’s Office managing Computer Systems/Data Communications. Owner of Americo Computing, which services computer systems, web hosting, and networking in the greater Austin Area. Founder and Pastor of One Accord Ministries, a community outreach: teaching, training, and public speaking. 3. First Term: Created a planning and zoning Committee to aid in transparency, allowing for more resident oversight and input.  Hired seven police officers under the direction of Chief

Kevin Denny.  Extended city boundaries north, south, east, west adding water lines and infrastructure to service business/retail growth as well as Housing.  Approved plans for Dairy Queen, The Granary, Wendy’s with Starbucks and Foodies coming soon.  Lowered speed limit on city owned section of 487 to 45mph.  Working on 487 school zone signage at the high School.  Approved School Resource Officers at the high school and middle school.  Placed 4-way stop sign at Western Sky/Magan Lane intersection.  Added cross traffic signage at Home Place intersection increasing safety.  Initiated a study on roads to reconstruct in Old Town especially 5th Street.  Re-instituted the invocation at city council meetings.  Working to create a ministerial alliance to serve Jarrell.  Participated in the creation and approval of the 2022 and the 2023 city budgets.  Working on city staffing to better serve growth. 4. Major projects include: new water/wastewater facilities, Stonebridge, Calumet, Rancho Del Cielo developments and much more. Vote Jeff Seidel as we continue to shape our future together. “Thanks again, Jarrell—where all the men are good looking, the women are strong, and the kids are above average!” JeffSeidelCityCouncil.weebly.com • Facebook.com/Hueareheres

JARRELL CITY COUNCIL PLACE 5

Daniel Islas

1. To make a positive impact on my community. 2. Previous Experience:  15-year Jarrell resident  6-year local small business owner; Cougar Tae Kwon Do  Sonterra MUD Board member  Corporate world experience in Semiconductor Manufacturing

3. Top Priorities: • Property taxes • Amenities • Traffic control

4. If you have questions or concerns, I can be reached at my place of business, before/after class, or by phone.

Thomas Hertel

Thomas Hertel did not respond.

JARRELL ISD SCHOOL BOARD PLACE 5

Humberto Carbajal

1. I chose to run for school board because I see a clear need for a change in our schools. Public education is a great passion of mine and I know I can provide fresh and informed decisions to help our kids succeed. My desire is to have the best school environment for not only my children, but all those in the community. 2. For the last ten years I have seen the ins and outs of the Jarrell school district. Throughout this time, I have gained a strong understanding of what can make a district effective in teaching our kids. As I worked in the schools, I saw the best and worst of education and I plan to use that to help make the right decisions for our community. I live here and my two elementary age children go to school here. I truly believe that better schools can create a better community and know that’s what we deserve. 3. If elected, I would love to address our school ratings head on. Re-evaluating the resources our teachers and students have to make the best of the time in our schools should be a top priority. Just as important, I believe it’s in our best interest to see how to best protect our schools. Finally, everything comes down to accountability. Everyone has a job to do. How we decide to hold our students, teachers, and administrators accountable to some concrete standards needs to be discussed. 4. In all, I’m excited for the opportunity and hope to be a part of a team that can make a real difference. 1. To advocate for students, parents and staff and make a difference to benefit them. Choosing to run for re-election; there are over 3,000 reasons that helped me make that decision.

2. Having four kids graduate from JISD and being in the district about 20 years I have seen changes, having good and bad experiences. Being a mom and volunteering through the years I have gained much experience. Being a board member for the last three years, I have had much training and gained knowledge. With close to 500 hours of board meetings and 100+ training hours that are required, I have learned much about what the school board does and what we can do to improve the district. Being a board member requires much dedication and I am dedicated to the Jarrell ISD Family. 3. My goal is children, parents, and staff will always be heard and appreciated and know their best interest at heart. There are so many things that are important, and I work to make sure we accomplish things that are positive for the JISD Family. 4. I am grateful for the opportunities I've had these last 3 years. The many hours of board meetings and continuing education opened my eyes to endless possibilities kids can have to better their school years. My heart is that every child understands they are loved, and I want them set up for success when they graduate and move to the next phase in their lives. That the staff know I support them and appreciate their long hours. Most importantly, that parents know I am dedicated to every child. It takes hard work to grow in a positive direction and that's what makes this experience so rewarding. I appreciate your support on November 8th.

JARRELL ISD SCHOOL BOARD PLACE 7

Sherry Roark

1. As a parent of a JISD student, I feel the communication between parents and our school system is lacking. Staff retention is causing difficulties for our teachers and our transportation department. I will visit our schools to talk with staff, find out their concerns, and help create solutions. It is

time for a change, which means getting new voices on our board. As a community, we need to hear ourselves being represented which is what I want to do. I want Jarrell to be the place everyone calls home and is proud their child goes to school here. 2. As a parent who has always been involved with my children’s school success and has a child attending JISD, I feel like I can bring the knowledge from prior school districts we have attended. My background is in child development where I have worked with schools, worked as a parent/child advocate, with CASA, and currently work for the Early Childhood Intervention Program. 3. If elected, what thing/s will you prioritize? (Platform, big issues, solutions offered) Campus safety Bullying Retention, pay, time management, classroom expenses, transportation Transparency between our community, teachers, schools, and the JISD School Board Advocate for our parents, children, teachers, and faculty 4. If you know me, you know I am never one to sugarcoat anything and I never do a job halfway. My plan is to visit the schools, listen to concerns and get solutions to build the best school district we can be. I’m not running for the school board with the goal of achieving a political agenda. My goal is to listen, research, and use my experience as a leader, a community member, and a parent to govern in a way that will unite and support students, faculty, and the residents of Jarrell. My focus will be on decisions that have a positive impact on students, staff, and facilities while representing the community.

Ginger Martinez

1. I am running for school board to be an integral part of the decision-making process, and make positive changes for our district. I want to see Jarrell ISD make growth and positive gains toward being the best district in the area, as well as be a recognized voice for our staff and students who are normally not heard. 2. I feel I am a well-qualified candidate for the school board position due to having seen the effect of school board and administration decisions first-hand, not only on school staff members and gen. ed. students, but also on the special population groups of students. Having been involved on many boards for the youth leagues and a school bus driver for seven years, I have expert relationship development skills. 3. I hope to bring a fresh and diverse perspective to the issues that our district currently faces. The safety of our students and staff is always a top priority. For example: transportation, school resource officers, staff training, and better student-teacher ratios. The inclusion of our special population students must be more consistent throughout the district, and more inclusive of our general education students. I have witnessed the impact of the relationships between these students when they are given opportunities to interact with each other on a regular basis. It is phenomenal! Staff retention is an issue within our district that needs to be addressed as well. We need to listen to our district’s staff to see what their needs are, and get those needs met. We have some amazing staff members who give their all to the district, who often feel their struggles are ignored or downplayed. We need to strive to support our staff so they can continue to serve our students.

Rebecca Kirby

1. Three years I ago, I ran for the school board due to the passion I have for quality education. When we moved our family to Jarrell over 15 years ago, we watched the community deal with complex challenges that had arisen because of the rapid growth. Knowing that change can be hard on everyone involved, I wanted to be able to help make the growth and changes, be a positive experience for everyone. I never wanted anyone to feel unwelcome in the community. I wanted to help facilitate the growth, while keeping those small-town values and traditions we had grown to love. 2. I have always been involved with the community by serving as a member of the PTO and being a classroom mother when presented with the opportunity. I also contributed through Girl Scouts and the local sports teams but felt like I could contribute more at a higher level. I realized that me being a parent with a sincere dedication to the community made me qualified. Now I have had three years of serving the community as well as having two kids graduate with two still in school. I have received 120 hours training along with being nominated by the board to be involved in legislative procedures. 3. My priority has been making Jarrell home. That means I want our kids to love growing up here! I want our teachers and staff to be proud of our district! I want us to provide the most equitable opportunities to those in our district young and old. 4. I’d encourage the community to get to know the members of the board. We are all very transparent about our level of commitment to the community. We are parents that also have kids in the schools that we care about.