J.J. Smith Writes on his blog (The Rockwall News) “Council Member Glen Farris is enthused with Allied’s program, which can also help the City to raise funds to donate to local non-profits.” This is absolutely wrong. Although I am enthused with the program, The City of Rockwall does not raise funds to give to Non Profits. Perhaps J.J. is still confused from his previous editorial statement where he chastised the City for Spending money on boat docks at the Harbor and not supporting the financially strapped Rockwall Boys and Girls Club. I addresses this ridiculous assertion in a previous blog. Continue reading
I am appalled at The Rockwall News and the Boys and Girls Club of Rockwall for implying that the City of Rockwall should give up economic development opportunities and bail out a nonprofit organization. It is not the responsibility of any City to ensure that non-profits thrive or even survive. The Rockwall County Kiwanis (of which I am a member) just gave the B&G club $1,500.00. I have supported the organization in the past through Leadership Rockwall and attending their functions. Other Council members have been board members in the past. As a reward the Rockwall City Council and the City of Rockwall gets slammed by a website and others for not bailing them out. My support ends here.
The Rockwall Independent School District was instrumental in bringing the B&G Club to Rockwall. No one questions the RISD about their support. Where is the National B&G Club and why aren’t they trying to help? Is it really the economy or is the B&G club fat at the top? Valid questions I think. In reality the only one to help the B&G Club is itself and the board who governs it. Where were they in the WFAA Channel 8 Report?
The filing period has come and gone and I am once again unopposed. I am pleased that the citizens of Rockwall are happy with my leadership and my service on Rockwall City Council. I can assure you I will continue to do my best for the citizens of Rockwall. Mr. David White, a Lake Rockwall Estate’s resident did file against me, but the State of Texas ruled that since the Department of Justice has not cleared Lake Rockwall Estates to vote in the City of Rockwall elections Mr. White was not a qualified voter and thus ineligible to run.
My first term on city council has been an experience. Having served 3 years on the parks board and 9 months as a planning and zoning commissioner I had a pretty good insight into the job of councilman. I can honestly say that I greatly underestimated the commitment and shear workload associated with the position. The time commitment is at least 20 hours a week and sometimes more. I embrace this responsibility and will continue to fulfill that commitment. Rockwall is a growing community and there are many issues associated with a city in that position. Nonetheless I feel I am contributing to the success of Rockwall and will continue to serve for the next term.
Stay The Course.
With no opponent my basic philosophy for the next 2 years is “Stay The Course”. I receive a lot of feedback from citizens who support my voting record and my leadership as a whole. It is important for me to hear from you, The Citizens of Rockwall. Your input is crucial in the formation of my values and decisions on issues facing the City of Rockwall. I encourage you to contact me by phone or e-mail and let me know how you feel.
The Council.
Overall I am pleased with the leadership of the Council. I have nothing but respect for those who choose to serve their community. This is the first time that I can remember that 3 council members and a Mayor were unopposed in an election cycle. This speaks volumes about the council and indicates to me that this City Council has huge support from the community and that our overall values and leadership are embraced by the community as a whole. I really enjoy working with this group. Each council member brings something to the table. I can honestly say we enjoy and embrace the responsibility bestowed upon us by the citizens of Rockwall.
Focus
PD-32 (the hill above the Rockwall Harbor) will eventually be a premier development in Rockwall. Coy Talley and Associates has completed the concept plan and the sub committee is meeting to determine what needs to be done next. Let me emphasize that the City of Rockwall is not the developer of this property. Even though Rockwall owns the largest amount of land on the hill our role is to ensure that the development that does occur is the highest and best use of the land. The tax revenue, both sales tax and ad valorem tax will have a significant impact on the Citizens of Rockwall. It is our responsibility and duty to ensure that this development is beneficial to all concerned.
I will close this blog for now and will continue to write periodically about my thoughts and decisions as a 2nd term council member in Rockwall, Texas.
