DMN - Frisco council runoff matches 4 for 2 seats

From Dallas Morning News, June 14, 2007

Frisco council runoff matches 4 for 2 seats
Elections: Candidates tout involvement with issues, career experience
By BRANDON FORMBY

Their professional and political experiences differ, but four Frisco men have the same goal: a seat on the City Council.

A runoff election Saturday will decide which two will replace outgoing council mainstays Maher Maso and Bob Allen.

Jeff Cheney, a 32-year-old real estate agent and Web site owner, and Fred Pascarelli, a 43-year-old software developer, are vying for Mr. Allen's Place 2 seat.

Mr. Cheney, who was the front-runner in the May general election, said he'll rely on his experience as an accountant and real estate agent to watch city finances and manage growth.
"I have a great understanding of development and what makes quality development and how to build out a city," he said.

He wants to usher in smart development, create pedestrian-friendly development and ensure enough resources for public safety. Mr. Cheney said his experiences owning businesses have given him the management tools needed to serve on the council.

"I'm very familiar with what it takes to be a leader," he said. "That's what this is – an ultimate leadership position for our city."

Mr. Pascarelli, who ran unsuccessfully against Mr. Allen five years ago, said his years of community service and involvement with city issues will serve him well if he's elected.
"I've worked not just with citizens, but people within city government," he said. "I know how it works and I know how to cooperate with people."

Educating residents on ways to conserve water is a top priority for Mr. Pascarelli. He also wants to form a bond with state transportation officials and give voice to the needs of the city, which has several state roads as major thoroughfares.

"I plan to attend those meetings and participate in the discussions as they affect Frisco," he said.
Chris Moss, a 36-year-old risk management consultant, and David Prince, a 57-year-old accountant, will compete for the Place 4 seat being vacated by Mr. Maso.

Mr. Moss said he's spent years forming relationships with officials and residents.

"I already have a positive working relationship with all the City Council members and the mayor and a lot of the city staff," he said. "I think I have a pretty good handle with what citizens in Frisco care about."

His top goals are to reduce traffic problems, set aside park space and find alternative sources of water.

"I think I have the energy and wherewithal to push those issues forward," he said.

If elected, he would become the first openly gay person to hold public office in Collin and Denton counties, according to county officials and representatives of county political party organizations.
Mr. Prince, who almost won the general election outright last month, said his experience as an accountant would make him an asset to the council.

He also thinks his long professional career gives him broad perspective.

"I was raised here in Dallas and I've seen mistakes made by other cities," he said. "Frisco is faced with a lot of challenges in the future, and I think it's going to take some wisdom to work through it."

He would like to see more parks and recreational activities for children. He also wants to increase public safety resources.

"I want more boots on the street and more cars on the street," he said.

In Prosper, voters will choose between two men vying for the Place 2 Town Council seat vacated by Lisa Dritschler. They are Kenneth Dugger, who garnered the most votes in May's general election, and Joe Anselmo. Ms. Dritschler ran unsuccessfully for mayor against incumbent Charles Niswanger last month.