From Dallas Morning News, April 27, 2007
Editorial: We Recommend
By DMN Suburban Editorial Board
The three-person race for Place 4 on the Frisco City Council comes down to two candidates who have given solid service to city government and community causes.
Our recommendation goes to Planning and Zoning commissioner Chris Moss, on the basis of his clearer expression of priorities and his broader apprenticeship in city matters. Accountant David Prince is a creditable candidate, as well, but doesn't bring as firm an agenda to the campaign.
Mr. Moss, 36, an eight-year resident of the city, has been on the Planning and Zoning Commission since 2005. He has also served on advisory panels in the areas of building, planning, parks planning and city sign ordinances. He has been active in two homeowners associations and is a member of the Frisco Heritage Association and Association for the Arts.
Mr. Moss' priorities center on keeping up with growth by aggressively improving roadways and finding backup water resources. He pledges to press for better city representation on the Regional Transportation Council and to press the state to make headway on vital road projects, specifically FM423, Eldorado Parkway, Main Street and Preston Road north of Main.
The city's demand for water can be tempered through public education, innovative landscaping and working with developers and commercial users, he says. Mr. Moss also says it's unwise to assume the North Texas Municipal Water District will be able to meet future needs; rather, the city should actively explore options to use if a crisis occurs down the road.
Mr. Moss, a risk-management consultant, also says the city might be able to save money by eliminating some consultants and bringing the expertise on staff.
Mr. Moss takes a broad view of city government's role and the possibilities in partnering with other entities, such as private business, the school district, county government and Arts of Collin County.
Mr. Prince, 57, also an eight-year resident of Frisco, served on a city bond advisory committee in 2005. He has been treasurer for the Frisco Family Services board for five years and of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce for three years. Mr. Prince is now the chamber's chair-elect.
Mr. Prince pledges to use his 30-plus years of accounting experience to help the city keep a close eye on spending and tax rates. A central theme of his candidacy is limited government and focus on those things that "citizens are unable to provide for themselves."
The third candidate in the race is three-year Frisco resident David Preston, 60, sales manager of a six-state tire distributorship. A mayoral candidate two years ago, he is a member of the city's urban forestry board and the arts association.
Mr. Preston comes up short of his rivals on experience and vision. Among his top issues are providing two, rather than one, garbage pickup days, pushing for options in Internet service providers and reducing city publications that go to residents.
The election is May 12. Early voting starts April 30.
DMN Suburban Editorial Board
© 2007 Dallas Morning News
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Frisco Enterprise Endorses Chris Moss
From Frisco Enterprise, April 27, 2007
Frisco City Council: Moss for Place 4
By ACN Staff, Editorial
Frisco, a major suburb and retail hub that is still growing, has been fortunate to have capable, hard-working political leaders with sound understanding of the issues its citizens face and the alternatives available to resolve them.
We note, in particular, the dedication and intelligent decision-making of Mayor Mike Simpson in setting a good example for what council members should be and do.
In the three-candidate race to fill the open Place 4 seat, being vacated due to term limits, we believe the best qualified among them is Chris Moss, a 36-year-old risk management consultant and resident of the city for nine years.
In discussions with the editors of The Frisco Enterprise, a publication of Star Community Newspapers of Texas, candidates were evaluated on the basis of four principal factors: their records of civic participation and achievement, their understanding of government and issues, their knowledge of their communities, and the clarity of their visions for the future of their communities.
Moss, who has served as a council appointee to the Planning and Zoning Commission since June 2005, would bring to the seat a lengthy record of civic participation that also includes stints on the chief building official's advisory committee, sign ordinance review committee, Plantation Springs Homeowners' Association committees, parks and recreation master-plan committee, and city planning and advisory committee.
Although he has not previously held political office, this experience has helped him develop a sound command of all major issues at stake in infrastructure, transportation, water, finance, and city services. "I have practical experience working on important issues in Frisco, as well as an existing, positive working relationship with many members of city staff and city council," Moss said.
"In addition, I have been a very involved citizen for most of the nine years I have lived in Frisco, regularly attending city council meetings and volunteering for many events over the years and watching and helping shape the decisions that have gotten us where we are today."
Notably, Moss avoids vacuous political rhetoric. He would bring to the seat a sense of realism about where Frisco is and where it is headed.
For example, Moss is honest enough not to suggest that Frisco is a small town any longer; it is not. While we might long to preserve that small-town feel, our ability to do so, given what has happened so far, is, as Moss put it, "problematic."
In fact, it is misplaced sentimentalism.
Frisco is on the verge of becoming the next Plano, at least in size and population; the course in that direction has been set.
Moss understands that this poses big issues in road development. Traffic congestion, he noted, is already "a significant issue with a large impact on citizens' daily lives."
If elected, he plans to press staff and fellow council members to make the hiring of a traffic engineer, a position vacant for about a year and a half, a higher priority. He also plans to call for "serious overhaul" in traffic-light timing and for a more concerted effort by city officials to work more closely with highway contractors on State Highway 121 and Dallas North Tollway.
In fact, Moss pledges to make the scheduling of these sessions his first action upon taking office, if elected. Voters should hold him to that promise.
In environmental issues, Moss correctly understands that the city must plan carefully or face even tougher water-use restrictions or possibly higher prices. In this respect, his call for the city to consider the experience of other cities in the country, such as Phoenix, and what can be learned from them, would be useful.
In light of Moss' experience and platform, we urge voters to support him for Place 4 on city council on May 12.
Frisco City Council: Moss for Place 4
By ACN Staff, Editorial
Frisco, a major suburb and retail hub that is still growing, has been fortunate to have capable, hard-working political leaders with sound understanding of the issues its citizens face and the alternatives available to resolve them.
We note, in particular, the dedication and intelligent decision-making of Mayor Mike Simpson in setting a good example for what council members should be and do.
In the three-candidate race to fill the open Place 4 seat, being vacated due to term limits, we believe the best qualified among them is Chris Moss, a 36-year-old risk management consultant and resident of the city for nine years.
In discussions with the editors of The Frisco Enterprise, a publication of Star Community Newspapers of Texas, candidates were evaluated on the basis of four principal factors: their records of civic participation and achievement, their understanding of government and issues, their knowledge of their communities, and the clarity of their visions for the future of their communities.
Moss, who has served as a council appointee to the Planning and Zoning Commission since June 2005, would bring to the seat a lengthy record of civic participation that also includes stints on the chief building official's advisory committee, sign ordinance review committee, Plantation Springs Homeowners' Association committees, parks and recreation master-plan committee, and city planning and advisory committee.
Although he has not previously held political office, this experience has helped him develop a sound command of all major issues at stake in infrastructure, transportation, water, finance, and city services. "I have practical experience working on important issues in Frisco, as well as an existing, positive working relationship with many members of city staff and city council," Moss said.
"In addition, I have been a very involved citizen for most of the nine years I have lived in Frisco, regularly attending city council meetings and volunteering for many events over the years and watching and helping shape the decisions that have gotten us where we are today."
Notably, Moss avoids vacuous political rhetoric. He would bring to the seat a sense of realism about where Frisco is and where it is headed.
For example, Moss is honest enough not to suggest that Frisco is a small town any longer; it is not. While we might long to preserve that small-town feel, our ability to do so, given what has happened so far, is, as Moss put it, "problematic."
In fact, it is misplaced sentimentalism.
Frisco is on the verge of becoming the next Plano, at least in size and population; the course in that direction has been set.
Moss understands that this poses big issues in road development. Traffic congestion, he noted, is already "a significant issue with a large impact on citizens' daily lives."
If elected, he plans to press staff and fellow council members to make the hiring of a traffic engineer, a position vacant for about a year and a half, a higher priority. He also plans to call for "serious overhaul" in traffic-light timing and for a more concerted effort by city officials to work more closely with highway contractors on State Highway 121 and Dallas North Tollway.
In fact, Moss pledges to make the scheduling of these sessions his first action upon taking office, if elected. Voters should hold him to that promise.
In environmental issues, Moss correctly understands that the city must plan carefully or face even tougher water-use restrictions or possibly higher prices. In this respect, his call for the city to consider the experience of other cities in the country, such as Phoenix, and what can be learned from them, would be useful.
In light of Moss' experience and platform, we urge voters to support him for Place 4 on city council on May 12.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Frisco Enterprise: Candidates Forum
From Frisco Enterprise, April 20, 2007
Candidates meet and greet voters at forum
By Penny Rathbun, staff writer
The Frisco Chamber of Commerce candidate forum on Thursday night was as much about how the candidates comport themselves as it was about their stand on various issues.
After a brief introduction from Dean Castillo, the event's chair, all six candidates were given 2 minutes each to introduce themselves.
Following the introductions, the audience was given a chance to literally have round-table discussions with each candidate.
The audience was asked to group themselves around six tables at the Collin College event center on the Frisco Preston Ridge campus. A candidate went to each table. After 10 minutes the candidates switched until each candidate had spent 10 minutes at each table.
Residents were able to ask their questions of the candidates directly.
The tolling of State Highway 121 was an important issue at one table. Candidate Fred Pascarelli, running for Place 2 on the council, said he thought a perfect scenario would be that the city was able to say no to tolls on SH 121. "(But) the reality is that there will be a toll of some sort. We should keep the funds in house," he said.
Jeff Cheney is also running for Place 2. He did not favor the tolling of State Highway 121. He said Cintra sees the tolling as a cash cow and it will be a devastating blow to the city.
In referring to the complicated issue, he said, "At a point in time not only do you want change, you want to help lead."
Bart Crowder, another Place 2 candidate, does not favor the tolling of SH 121. "It would be great if we could build it tomorrow for free," he said. "It's good considering an alternative bid. We can never build roads fast enough."
David Preston, candidate for Place 4, said, "The tolling of 121 is an absolute joke." He said the tolling should be done like the Dallas Tollway with tollbooths.
Chris Moss, running in Place 4, is also against the tolling of the state highway. "I'm completely against selling off the revenue stream. City leaders have been trying to get folks like us involved. We need to keep educating our representatives," said Moss.
"The states have not done a good job spending our tax dollars," said Place 4 candidate David Prince. "The state is basically holding us ransom. The tolls will be way too high."
At the conclusion of the forum well over half the audience of nearly 60 people stayed to continue talking to the candidates.
Candidates meet and greet voters at forum
By Penny Rathbun, staff writer
The Frisco Chamber of Commerce candidate forum on Thursday night was as much about how the candidates comport themselves as it was about their stand on various issues.
After a brief introduction from Dean Castillo, the event's chair, all six candidates were given 2 minutes each to introduce themselves.
Following the introductions, the audience was given a chance to literally have round-table discussions with each candidate.
The audience was asked to group themselves around six tables at the Collin College event center on the Frisco Preston Ridge campus. A candidate went to each table. After 10 minutes the candidates switched until each candidate had spent 10 minutes at each table.
Residents were able to ask their questions of the candidates directly.
The tolling of State Highway 121 was an important issue at one table. Candidate Fred Pascarelli, running for Place 2 on the council, said he thought a perfect scenario would be that the city was able to say no to tolls on SH 121. "(But) the reality is that there will be a toll of some sort. We should keep the funds in house," he said.
Jeff Cheney is also running for Place 2. He did not favor the tolling of State Highway 121. He said Cintra sees the tolling as a cash cow and it will be a devastating blow to the city.
In referring to the complicated issue, he said, "At a point in time not only do you want change, you want to help lead."
Bart Crowder, another Place 2 candidate, does not favor the tolling of SH 121. "It would be great if we could build it tomorrow for free," he said. "It's good considering an alternative bid. We can never build roads fast enough."
David Preston, candidate for Place 4, said, "The tolling of 121 is an absolute joke." He said the tolling should be done like the Dallas Tollway with tollbooths.
Chris Moss, running in Place 4, is also against the tolling of the state highway. "I'm completely against selling off the revenue stream. City leaders have been trying to get folks like us involved. We need to keep educating our representatives," said Moss.
"The states have not done a good job spending our tax dollars," said Place 4 candidate David Prince. "The state is basically holding us ransom. The tolls will be way too high."
At the conclusion of the forum well over half the audience of nearly 60 people stayed to continue talking to the candidates.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
DMN Endorses Fred Pascarelli for Place 2
From Dallas Morning News, April 20, 2007
DMN Suburban Editorial Board supports Fred Pascarelli for Frisco Council
Planning & Zoning background gives him the edge
Frisco voters will be deciding one of the most interesting and competitive races in North Texas on May 12 when they fill the open Place 2 on the City Council. Three strong candidates are vying to succeed Bob Allen, and with term limits leading to a complete turnover on the council within a few short years, this dynamic community needs someone with a history of involvement.
That's why we recommend Fred Pascarelli.
Mr. Pascarelli, 43, a software developer, first got involved in city issues in 2001, when he worked on a committee that successfully fought Frisco's airport. He ran for council in 2002, losing to Maher Maso, but gained valuable experience. He has since served on the Planning & Zoning Commission and has also been active on bond committees and the city's charter amendment committee.
Of his two opponents, the most intriguing is Jeff Cheney, 32, a Realtor and owner of Frisco-Online.com. Mr. Cheney, perhaps by nature of owning the popular online gathering place, he is tuned in to the issues facing the city. He speaks clearly and articulately on the challenges facing Frisco, but he also seems a bit more indecisive than the others. Also, his resume lacks the stepping stones voters look for in a traditional path to a seat on the council. Not that serving on P&Z is a prerequisite, but in a community where economic development moves at lightning speed, that experience seems to have made Mr. Pascarelli more calmly assertive, compared with Mr. Cheney's more energetic, inquisitive style.
For example, Mr. Pascarelli talks about the need for stronger communication between the city and developers. He says he attends developers meetings to try to understand their issues, although he stresses that he alone is funding his campaign.
When Mr. Cheney talks about whether the city should embrace tougher environmental standards, he lists the pros and cons well, but seems unsure of what he would do if a vote came up. Mr. Pascarelli points out that not only would tougher standards increase Frisco's already high home prices, they may diminish the value of existing housing stock. He seems more likely to let the market decide anything beyond Frisco's already energy-friendly standards and incentives.
Bart A. Crowder, 42, a financial services executive, is the third candidate in this race. Mr. Crowder wants to bring his business success to city politics, and he offers straightforward answers to most questions.
He wants to see neighborhoods develop in ways that make them stand out, and he thinks the city should offer incentives to developers who break up the monotony of the housing landscape. He also offered a clear answer on the issue of mass transit: Link with DART and create a seamless rail system in North Texas, he says. Mr. Cheney agrees with the plan to level the sales tax playing field and bring rail to Frisco. On this issue, Mr. Pascarelli needs to forget his wishful thinking that a private company might supply rail travel to Frisco. That's not going to happen.
But on most other issues, Mr. Pascarelli offers realistic, well-thought-out solutions. He knows how to get things done, and that record of involvement and success – from the neighborhood level to citywide elections – sets him apart in this race.
DMN Suburban Editorial Board
DMN Suburban Editorial Board supports Fred Pascarelli for Frisco Council
Planning & Zoning background gives him the edge
Frisco voters will be deciding one of the most interesting and competitive races in North Texas on May 12 when they fill the open Place 2 on the City Council. Three strong candidates are vying to succeed Bob Allen, and with term limits leading to a complete turnover on the council within a few short years, this dynamic community needs someone with a history of involvement.
That's why we recommend Fred Pascarelli.
Mr. Pascarelli, 43, a software developer, first got involved in city issues in 2001, when he worked on a committee that successfully fought Frisco's airport. He ran for council in 2002, losing to Maher Maso, but gained valuable experience. He has since served on the Planning & Zoning Commission and has also been active on bond committees and the city's charter amendment committee.
Of his two opponents, the most intriguing is Jeff Cheney, 32, a Realtor and owner of Frisco-Online.com. Mr. Cheney, perhaps by nature of owning the popular online gathering place, he is tuned in to the issues facing the city. He speaks clearly and articulately on the challenges facing Frisco, but he also seems a bit more indecisive than the others. Also, his resume lacks the stepping stones voters look for in a traditional path to a seat on the council. Not that serving on P&Z is a prerequisite, but in a community where economic development moves at lightning speed, that experience seems to have made Mr. Pascarelli more calmly assertive, compared with Mr. Cheney's more energetic, inquisitive style.
For example, Mr. Pascarelli talks about the need for stronger communication between the city and developers. He says he attends developers meetings to try to understand their issues, although he stresses that he alone is funding his campaign.
When Mr. Cheney talks about whether the city should embrace tougher environmental standards, he lists the pros and cons well, but seems unsure of what he would do if a vote came up. Mr. Pascarelli points out that not only would tougher standards increase Frisco's already high home prices, they may diminish the value of existing housing stock. He seems more likely to let the market decide anything beyond Frisco's already energy-friendly standards and incentives.
Bart A. Crowder, 42, a financial services executive, is the third candidate in this race. Mr. Crowder wants to bring his business success to city politics, and he offers straightforward answers to most questions.
He wants to see neighborhoods develop in ways that make them stand out, and he thinks the city should offer incentives to developers who break up the monotony of the housing landscape. He also offered a clear answer on the issue of mass transit: Link with DART and create a seamless rail system in North Texas, he says. Mr. Cheney agrees with the plan to level the sales tax playing field and bring rail to Frisco. On this issue, Mr. Pascarelli needs to forget his wishful thinking that a private company might supply rail travel to Frisco. That's not going to happen.
But on most other issues, Mr. Pascarelli offers realistic, well-thought-out solutions. He knows how to get things done, and that record of involvement and success – from the neighborhood level to citywide elections – sets him apart in this race.
DMN Suburban Editorial Board
Monday, April 16, 2007
Pegasus News Survey
Pegasus News has also surveyed the candidates for Frisco City Council. Here are the links to each answer.
Place 2
Place 2
Fred Pascarelli did not provide a response to this survey.
Place 4David Prince did not provide a response to this survey.
DMN Candidate Surveys
Dallas Morning News has surveyed each of the candidates for the Frisco City Council.
Here you can find the candidate's responses.
Great comparison tool if you want to compare answers.
Note, David Prince didn't respond, so his answers are not there.
Here you can find the candidate's responses.
Great comparison tool if you want to compare answers.
Note, David Prince didn't respond, so his answers are not there.
Friday, April 13, 2007
More candidate questions
"RB" has posted a series of questions and answers to the Council Member Candidates. You can see their responses here.
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