Maher Maso announces Mayoral Candidacy

Received this announcement this morning.

TeamFrisco 2008
FRISCO, TX - July 13, 2007

First, I want to thank everyone who has been e-mailing, calling and visiting with me about my plans for the future. I appreciate the tremendous outpouring of support. I am humbled by the kind words for my previous city service and words of encouragement regarding my future plans. In fact, that encouragement is the reason behind this announcement today.

After very careful consideration, consulting with my wife and children and advice from my colleagues and friends, I have made the decision to seek the Frisco Mayor's position for the May 2008 Election. I have not made this decision lightly. After serving on the City Council for the last seven years and as Mayor Pro Tem for the last four, I fully understand the level of commitment that is required. I also have no doubt that I can meet that commitment because of the team we have in Frisco. I am grateful to have been part of that team over the years and I know that together, we can meet the challenges ahead. Frisco has been a blessing to my family and I look forward to continuing my service to this great community.

I am making this announcement today. However, out of respect for our current Mayor and Council and to avoid any potential distractions to them, my official campaign will not begin until sometime in the future.

Additional information will be forthcoming in the future and I look forward to your involvement, help and support. I will be forming an advisory committee shortly for TeamFrisco and I welcome your involvement. Please feel free to contact me at any time for any reason.

Respectfully Yours,
Maher Maso

Maso's announcement - which is contrary to what he has stated publicly on a number of occasions - is the first, and appears to aim to let others know, perhaps in an effort to persuade others not to run. Let's hope there are a number of other candidates that throw their name in the ring within the next few months.

City Council Meeting - June 19

Small turn out tonight to recognize the outgoing and incomming city council members.

They have just said goodbye to Bob Allen and Maher Maso. They both received plaques and small replicas of the city clock.

Both Jeff Cheney and David Prince have been sworn in.

Election of Mayor Pro Tem

Jim Joyner (nominated by Joy West, elected 5-0)
Tony Felker (nominated by Matt Lafata)

Election of Deputy Mayor Pro Tem

Tony Felker (nominated by Matt Lafata)
Joy West (nominated by Jim Joyner, elected 5-0)

FE - Cheney, Prince win seats on Frisco council

From Frisco Enterprise, June 17, 2007

Cheney, Prince win seats on Frisco council
By Penny Rathbun, Staff writer


Jeff Cheney won Place 2 in Saturday’s runoff election in Frisco. His 1,433 votes amounted to 57.34 percent of the total. This gave him a victory over his opponent, Fred Pascarelli, who received 42.66 percent of the votes with 1,066.

David Prince was the victor for Place 4 with 66.35 percent. His 1,656 votes defeated Chris Moss, who received 840 votes for 33.65 percent. Prince described his reaction when he realized he had won the runoff election.

“Just pure elation. This is going to be a lot of hard work, a lot of learning curve,” he said. “I’ve sat in city council meetings for the last year and I’m seeing the easy part of it.”

He and his wife, Nanci, were tired after their gathering at the Embassy Suites in Frisco waiting for the runoff election results.

“I think it’s going to be some rewarding work. Anything worth doing is worth doing well and I think Frisco deserves the best I can do for them,” said Prince.

Nanci Prince said she felt they had won no matter what the votes showed. She said it had been a great experience for them. Prince is interested in making sure the police department has what it needs to keep Frisco a safe city.

He described what’s next for he and his wife this way: “Living life, your world starts shrinking. This sure has exploded your world. Your little envelope just got ripped apart and you’re in a much bigger envelope now.”

Other Frisco candidates were unavailable for comment.

The Town of Prosper also had a runoff election on Saturday. Kenneth Dugger received 192 votes, or 51.6 percent, defeating his opponent, Joe Anselmo, who received 180 votes, 48.39 percent of the votes cast. The race was for Place 2 on the town council.

DMN - Frisco Council Results

From Dallas Morning News, June 17, 2007

Frisco voters elected two new faces to the City Council to replace longtime members Maher Maso and Bob Allen.

In the race for Mr. Allen's Place 2 seat, real estate agent and Web site owner Jeff Cheney sailed to victory over Fred Pascarelli, a software developer. Accountant David L. Prince defeated Chris Moss, a risk management consultant, by a wide margin for the Place 4 seat vacated by Mr. Maso.

June 16 Runoff Election Results

The official results have been posted by the Collin County Elections Administration for the June 16 runoff election.

CITY COUNCIL, PLACE 2 FRISCO

JEFF CHENEY   1433  57.34%
FRED PASCARELLI  1066  42.66%

CITY COUNCIL, PLACE 4 FRISCO

DAVID L. PRINCE  1656  66.35%
CHRIS MOSS   840  33.65%

Congratulations to Jeff and David.

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.

David Prince Keeps True to His Faith

Was just reviewing some information I found on some blog postings, and found the Voter's Guide from the Collin County Gay & Lesbian Alliance. Interesting extract from David Prince's response.

Two questions piqued my interest. Four of the six candidates answered in a very similar way (in a positive manner). David Preston provided an answer, but not sure if he really addressed the questions. Then we saw David Prince's responses which were unlike any other answers.

CCGLA: Would you support fair & equal treatment for everyone regardless of a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity?
David Prince: No, not EVERYONE.

CCGLA: Would you support an ordinance that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing and employment?
David Prince: No, I would not support any ordinance, on any issue, without more information.

Seems pretty clear to me.

DMN Keeps Endorsments

From Dallas Morning News, June 3, 2007

Editorial: We Recommend
A summary of our choices for the runoff elections in Frisco
03:46 PM CDT on Sunday, June 3, 2007

We said in April that Frisco voters faced some tough choices in local elections this year. While other cities and school districts offered their voters little in the way of choice, Frisco fielded a strong slate of candidates, all dedicated to their community, and most of them fully qualified to do the job. Certainly, it's fair to say that the four candidates in the two runoff elections in Frisco could ably provide the city with strong leadership in the years to come.

Still, elections are about making choices, so the members of The DMN Suburban Editorial Board got to know a little more about the candidates, both through interviews and through the helpful Candidate Quiz, which is still available online at www.dallasnews.com/elections. The runoff election is June 16; early voting starts tomorrow, and any registered voter (not just those who voted in May) can help decide these races. So today we summarize our recommendations in these races.

DMN Suburban Editorial Board

Fred Pascarelli
Frisco City Council
Place 2

Fred Pascarelli has had broader experience in city issues, earning him the nod in what is a close call. He 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 Bob Allen, but gained valuable experience. He has since served on the Planning and Zoning Commission – albeit, briefly – and has also been active on bond committees and the city's charter amendment committee.

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.

He seems more likely to let the market decide anything beyond Frisco's already energy-friendly standards and incentives.

Also in the runoff:
Jeff Cheney

Chris Moss
Frisco City Council
Place 4

Planning and Zoning Commissioner Chris Moss focuses on 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 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.

Also in the runoff:
David Prince

Recount Fails - Runoff Election Proceeds

From Dallas Morning News, May 22, 2007


Council election recount comes up with same tally

A recount of the May 12 Frisco City Council election ended with the exact result Monday that election officials originally tabulated. That means David Prince, who obtained 49.88 percent of the vote and requested the recount, will not avoid a runoff against Chris Moss for the Place 4 seat being vacated by outgoing Mayor Pro Tem Maher Maso. Early voting for the June 16 runoff begins June 4.

David Prince Seeks Recount

David Prince, candidate for Place 4 of Frisco City Council, filed the required paperwork to seek a recount of the vote on May 12. Details will follow.

DMN - Frisco Council Runoff

From Dallas Morning News, May 13, 2007

FRISCO CITY COUNCIL

Runoff contenders: Jeff Cheney, Fred Pascarelli, David Prince, Chris Moss

Jeff Cheney, a 32-year-old real estate agent, and Fred Pascarelli, a 43-year-old software developer, will compete in a runoff election for the Place 2 council seat.

David Prince, a 57-year-old accountant, and Chris Moss, a 36-year-old risk management consultant, will square off for the Place 4 council seat.

May 12 Election Results

The results have been received from the Collin County Elections Administration.


CITY COUNCIL, PLACE 2: FRISCO

Bart A. Crowder 284 23.97%
Fred Pascarelli 407 34.35%
Jeff Cheney  494 41.69%

CITY COUNCIL, PLACE 4: FRISCO

Chris Moss  473 40.32%
David Preston 138 11.76%
David L. Prince 562 47.91%

Looks like we will have a runoff election in June.

Sandy Simpson's "Le Groupe"

It seems the Mayor's wife has decided to show her support in a public forum for two of the candidates. (Note, the spelling of Fred's last name was in her email.)

From: Sandy Simpson <sandsimp@swbell.net>

To: Dan/Dotty Bollner <dandotty@sbcglobal.net>; Mike & Kristen Armstrong <kristenarmstrong@sbcglobal.net>; Dot Autrey <dorothyautrey@sbcglobal.net>; Ron & Diane Baker <mercedesdy@aol.com>; Rob & Pam Banta <rbanta@lockeliddell.com>; Joe & Carol Bertrand <carolbertrand_45@msn.com>; Connie Bobotis <cbobotis@aol.com>; Dick and Gwen Bohlen <bohlengab@sbcglobal.net>; Ken & Mary Francis Botta <mfbotta@aol.com>; Lyn & Donna Brock <brocktxret@aol.com>; Jerry & Barbara Buss <jbbbntx@aol.com>; Bob & Lyn Chambers <ladybug.tx@sbcglobal.net>; Thomas & Sylvia Cotton <tswaldo@aol.com>; Mike & Janice Crane <jcrane@pisd.edu>; Donna Crawford <dcrawford@bigplanet.com>; Jim & Jean Deible <jimdeible@sbcglobal.net>; Rex & Kay Eatmon <relocks@aol.com>; John & Linda Gaskill <Lgas1@aol.com>; Jay & Donna Gidick <dgid2003@comcast.net>; Ken & Marie Gobin <maudemarie@aol.com>; Clyde & Dottie Stafford Hartter <clydehartter@sbcglobal.net>; Tim & Sandra Hayes <shayes9624@aol.com>; Jim & Sandi Heidrich <sandinfrisco@aol.com>; Dick & Marilyn Herrmann <luckyd1942@sbcglobal.net>; Mike & Suzanne Horn <suzan42686@aol.com>; Steve & Linda Ingram <ingramls@swbell.net>; John & Mikele Jennings <mikelesmagic@aol.com>; Walt & Ann Kaser <awkase@msn.com>; William & Shelley Latta <shelley.latta@tx.rr.com>; Ted & Sharon Lawson <silawson@sbcglobal.net>; Mike & Mary Lesch <michael.lesch@rrd.com>; Tom & Cindy Lewis <cindylewisdallas@aol.com>; Mike & Sonia Lowery <sonialowery50@aol.com>; Tom & Joy Mann <tupsmann@aol.com>; Saj & Joanie Maqsood <fairwayj@hotmail.com>; Rhonda Martin <rhonda.k.martin@tx.rr.com>; Marc & Karen May <mmay@ntexas-attorneys.com>; Terry McCracken <dameterry@aol.com>; Tom & Susan McGeehan <smctennis1@aol.com>; Lloyd & Cindy McHoes <luckibuy@aol.com>;
Dan & Pam Mergen <dmergen@ccgmail.com>; John & Peggy Mossinghoff <jmossin@sbcglobal.net>; Sonny & Judi Moyers <judi@starwoodhomes.com>; Kay Pries <tangopop@swbell.net>; Aziz & Sue Rasul <hiking50@tx.rr.com>; Ron & Jean Riley <oltonriley@sbcglobal.net>; Nancy Taylor Rosenberg <nancy@nancytrosenberg.com>; Dennis & Nancy Shupe <russelltex@tx.rr.com>; Richard & Karen Silverston <rsilverston@swbell.net>;
Mitch & Gerry Smigiel <smigiel99@comcast.net>; Dennis & Gail Smith <claysmithg@yahoo.com>; Merv & Val Tarde <tarde@comcast.net>; Bill & Paulette Thompson <petwwjd@hotmail.com>; Jim & Mary V. Thompson <mvt38@yahoo.com>; Russ & Joyce Trimble <jrtrimtx@aol.com>; Ron & Martha Tuttle <mbtuttle@aol.com>; Bruce & Rhonda Martin Vander Lind <bruce.vanderlind@comcast.net>; Errol Veno <errolveno@kw.com>; Bob & Marcia Verhagen <mlarjv@aol.com>; Al & Sarah Wayland <srwayland@sbcglobal.net>; Jim & Brenda Webb <sleepycatranch@sbcglobal.net>; Clyde & Sandy Ziegler <ziggysz@comcast.net>; Fred & Nancy Zimmer <fpzimmer1@tx.rr.com>

Sent: Sunday, May 6, 2007 2:03:46 PM

Subject: Le Groupe

Just a friendly reminder to vote. Early voting is until Tues. and then you must vote at your precinct on Sat. the 12^th.

Please consider casting your vote for David Prince and Fred Pacarelli.

Sandy Simpson

More dirty emails in Place 4?

It seems that the email that "values" David Prince over Chris Moss is circulating again, without the retraction that David Prince posted to the original recipients.

DMN Endorses Chris Moss for Place 4

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

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 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.

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

Pegasus News Survey

Pegasus News has also surveyed the candidates for Frisco City Council. Here are the links to each answer.

Place 2

• Bart Crowder


• Fred Pascarelli
  
• Jeff Cheney

Fred Pascarelli did not provide a response to this survey.

Place 4

• Chris Moss


• David Preston


• David Prince

David 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.

• Place 2
• Place 4

Great comparison tool if you want to compare answers.

Note, David Prince didn't respond, so his answers are not there.

More candidate questions

"RB" has posted a series of questions and answers to the Council Member Candidates. You can see their responses here.

David Prince Responds

Following the recent email about traditional and family values, David Prince has responded by sending out the following email.

From: David Prince [david@davidprincecpa.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Subject: Frisco City Council Election

It has come to my attention a friend of mine, who is not a campaign volunteer, sent out an email today that discusses my running for city council. I appreciate my friend’s support; however, I regret I did not have previous knowledge of its contents before it went out. Otherwise, I would have encouraged him to focus on the issues that face Frisco.

I have encouraged each of my six volunteers to focus fully on the issues Frisco is facing, and not on the personal issues of any candidate.

I intend to discuss only city issues, and then allow the citizens to choose the candidate that they feel is most qualified to serve as their next councilman.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Sincerely,

David Prince

It's About Family Values, Not Issues

This email was sent out from one of David Prince's supporters.

From: b.putnam@tx.rr.com

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Sent: Wed, 7 Mar 2007 11:46 AM

Subject: Frisco City Council Election

A long time friend of mine is running for Frisco City Council Position 4 in the upcoming election. I am sending out this email to ask for your support. We need to make sure David Prince, CPA is our next City Council Position 4 representative. David http://www.princeforcitycouncil.com/ is one of the good guys. He is a person who holds the values of a traditional conservative fiscal and supports the traditional family values we hold so dear. We need people like David to help lead the Frisco community, and look out for our family interest. We must make sure we get out and vote, and if you can, contribute with financial support. David's campaign has immediate needs to purchase signage and other materials to help win this election. This is expected to be a low turn out election, as there are no major elections occurring, but this election can be pivotal in deciding the direction this community moves toward in the future. Please visit David's web site http://www.princeforcitycouncil.com/.

His opponent, Chris Moss, seen below with his "Partner", is far from traditional. He actively supports "Same Sex Marriage". As you all know there has been an assault by the Gay community to undermine our traditional family values. Chris Moss has garnered a great deal of support from the gay community in Frisco, and they are mobilizing to get out the vote. Chris Moss will have the finances to be able to win this election if we do not help David.

The Frisco Community has been under great leadership from folks who value traditional family structure and have governed according to those values. We need to insure those same values continue to be supported by our elected officials. The Gay lifestyle does not need to be part of the leadership of Frisco. We are in control of making sure that does not happen. Let's mobilize to make sure David Prince our next City Council Position 4 representative.

David, Nanci, and Grandchildren

His opponent.

Chris Moss and his "partner" James

Chris Moss Family Values. Picture from his partners website.

Lets make sure Frisco Family values are not compromised with this election.

Vote and financially support David Prince!

Regards,

Bill Putnam

Let's Go Web Browsing

The following sites are currently active, or in the process of becoming active for the candidates for Frisco City Council.

Place 2

• Jeff Cheney (blog)
  
• Fred Pascarelli

Place 4

• Chris Moss
• David Prince

As more become available - and known - these will be posted.

Let's begin

This election season will be an interesting one for the residents of Frisco. After a couple of years of "ho-hum" races, this year looks like it is going to be a full ticket -- with the possibility of a run-off in both seats!

At this stage, we have confirmed the following candidates have filed for one of the two seats on city council:

• Jeff Cheney
  
• Christopher Moss
• Fred Pascarelli
• Dave Preston
• David Prince

More details on each candidate will be available shortly.