News Connection Debate

Last night I attended the last Candidate Debate for this election season. If you are interested in viewing it, it is on the FM website and is VERY interesting.

The first question during the last hour was as follows, submitted by me.

"Once phase one of the Morriss/Gerault expansion is complete and north of Flower Mound Road is level C or better will you suspend the implementation of phase 2"

Al Filidoro said, "The good thing about the project is all of the good things are happening during phase 1, The 2499 flyover, six lanes on Gerault, intersection improvements, landscaping, safety features, fences, etc. With the current situation with Riverwalk and won't happen with Riverwalk and with the improvements of Phase 1, we will not need phase 2."

Gerald Robinson said, "As an appointed to a commission by Andy Eades, watched hours and hours of traffic studies came to the conclusion that it was needed. I support the 2 phases of the project and feel with the overwhelming success of Riverwalk the lanes will be necessary" (no mention of traffic studies in the future)

Steve Lyda said, "As Chair of the transportation committee, he has attended every meeting regarding Morriss/Gerault and voted against the suggestion of the Trans Committee. The two phase compromise was a good idea because it addressed the needs of the citizens of our town, or as Mr Robinson referred to as a fringe group. When the traffic needs require it move forward when that happens"

Bryan Webb said, "Phase 2 needs to follow Phase 1, it might not be popular with some residents, so, Sorry, that's what I believe. When you put it a road, its there a long time and blamed poor leadership for the decision.

Jody Smith said, She never realized that so much traffic would ever on that road and supports the 2 phase project. (those of you at the June council meeting know that is not true). Her fear is when people talk about the six lanes being more dangerous, additional lanes are there for a security issue. If you go by Forestwood Middle school today during rush hour traffic, if you could call it that, its dangerous if someone slams on their brakes and swerves around". (gee I thought that's why we have school zone speed limits during those times). Lanes do not equate to more traffic."

Melissa Northern said, " She agreed with the 2 phase project was a good approach, the question was if the traffic levels remain level C or better, I am a fact based person two items have to happen before I would support, the 2.2 million from the developer, and traffic studies that support the increase. I believe the majority of the money coming from TX dot and the Denton County bond will be spent on phase one. For phase two to go forward, I would have to look at the increased burden on taxpayers before going forward."

As you can see or witness for yourself, Robinson, Webb and Smith would proceed with the project regardless of the need and or supported traffic studies. Period.

Northern, Filidoro and Lyda are cautious and are against advancing unless it is absolutely necessary.

The debate was extremely informative and showed the character of all the candidates on all the issues. Please take the time to decide for yourself, but the choice is clear. Select the individuals that are willing to listen and work with the residents of this town and are not indebted to developers and gas companies. Select the ones that have not accepted huge campaign contributions from the Mayor they will be serving with and from outside interests. Select the candidates that have our best interests at heart.

I believe those candidates are Melissa Northern for Mayor, Al Filidoro and Steve Lyda for Town Council.

I, Kim Berg, endorse these candidates and will work hard towards their success in the best interests of everyone in Flower Mound.