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.