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