1 00:00:02,800 --> 00:00:02,800 Good evening, everybody. If you want to take your seats, We're going to go ahead and get tonight's program started. 2 00:00:19,520 --> 00:00:21,520 we'll have the candidates come up to the front. Looks like we've got everybody. Welcome. Good evening. 3 00:00:27,960 --> 00:00:31,240 my name is brian bondy with the grand prairie chamber of commerce. Thank you for taking time out of your evening to listen to the candidates that are running For the special election, 4 00:00:38,400 --> 00:00:38,400 place 8, city of grand prairie. We have four of the five candidates with us tonight. 5 00:00:42,880 --> 00:00:42,880 anna cook had a previous engagement and could not stay, But we are very appreciative of the four candidates that are here. 6 00:00:51,080 --> 00:00:51,080 we've got some prepared questions that have come from our legislative affairs committee, As well as members of the chamber that will be asking the 7 00:01:01,150 --> 00:01:04,750 candidates shortly. If you would for a moment, Please stand. Remove any caps that you may have. We're going to do the pledge of allegiance to the American and texas flags. 8 00:01:19,750 --> 00:01:19,750 one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 9 00:01:32,750 --> 00:01:32,750 one and indivisible. Thank you very much. Please be seated. 10 00:01:37,590 --> 00:01:37,590 at this time. I'm going to turn the microphone over to our moderator, Mr. 11 00:01:41,870 --> 00:01:41,870 barry sanders, who is the vice chair of our legislative affairs committee for the grand Prairie chamber of commerce. 12 00:01:49,550 --> 00:01:52,350 he will be your moderator. I will be your timekeeper. We have the timer that you can see on the big screen. 13 00:01:55,990 --> 00:01:55,990 we have it big enough for the candidates to see, As well as big enough for me to see so that we get it as right as possible. 14 00:02:02,140 --> 00:02:02,140 barry, it's all yours. Alrighty. Welcome, everyone. 15 00:02:07,420 --> 00:02:07,420 you got the sound? Good. This event will allow each candidate the opportunity to address Issues that are of concern to business. 16 00:02:15,740 --> 00:02:15,740 candidates will give a three minute opening statement so you can follow along as it counts Down. 17 00:02:21,300 --> 00:02:21,300 in addition, each candidate will be given the opportunity to give their answer to our Question in two minute responses. 18 00:02:28,540 --> 00:02:28,540 now, here's how it's going to work. We're going to draw a question out, Read the question and go down a sequence. 19 00:02:33,980 --> 00:02:33,980 now we've got them a, b, c and d. And then the next question will do b, C, d, a. 20 00:02:38,420 --> 00:02:38,420 and that way everybody gets two minutes, gets time to speak. 21 00:02:42,740 --> 00:02:42,740 earlier we drew for speaking positions. So we'll do that in the sequence as we go. 22 00:02:47,900 --> 00:02:51,340 we do ask as an audience. It's not a campaign rally. This is here for us to get information as voters to find out what's best for our city. 23 00:02:56,770 --> 00:02:56,770 I want you, everybody to be respectful and civil at all times. 24 00:03:01,290 --> 00:03:05,210 no name calling, no foul language, no personal attacks, No aggressive behavior. But I think I know almost everybody up here. Most of you are good. 25 00:03:10,490 --> 00:03:13,810 an answer should be addressed to the public and not to your opponent. Just specifically to the public. Telling folks what's going on. 26 00:03:17,330 --> 00:03:17,330 and with that, we'll get started. Again, it's a, B, c, and d. 27 00:03:21,610 --> 00:03:21,610 and our first question is going to be this one. 28 00:03:27,050 --> 00:03:27,050 opening statements. Bill, can you come back now? 29 00:03:32,210 --> 00:03:32,210 I've already messed up. How do we use these? All right. 30 00:03:36,290 --> 00:03:36,290 we'll start off with the statements. All you do is like, If it's green, it's on. 31 00:03:40,690 --> 00:03:40,690 and as long as the little razor looking side of it's pointing towards you, It can pick you up. 32 00:03:45,410 --> 00:03:45,410 because I'm not touching it and doing much. And it's picking up. He has control over in The back if he needs to turn him off. So with that, 33 00:03:51,810 --> 00:03:51,810 miss luckey, if you will start off with your three minute opening statement. Tell us why We're here. 34 00:03:58,410 --> 00:04:01,810 good evening, everyone. Thank you to the chamber. Thank you to the candidates that are here and the residents that decided to take out your Time to be here and hear what we have to say. 35 00:04:09,770 --> 00:04:09,770 my name is amber luckey. And of course, I'm running for grand prairie city council place 8 At large. 36 00:04:15,810 --> 00:04:15,810 I personally am a facilities manager, project manager where I have experience with Construction, 37 00:04:22,970 --> 00:04:22,970 multimillion dollar budgets. I'm aware of code compliance. 38 00:04:30,050 --> 00:04:30,050 like I said, multi-million dollar budgets. And currently I work for the largest commercial Real estate company in the world where I directly oversee 39 00:04:39,890 --> 00:04:39,890 51 properties. Personally, I am a parent of an adult daughter who graduated from stanford University with dual degrees and is currently in 40 00:04:49,890 --> 00:04:49,890 seminary. I also have a special needs son. So that ended up making me a special needs Advocate. 41 00:04:58,200 --> 00:04:58,200 and I have been a special needs advocate throughout north texas for the past 11 years. 42 00:05:06,720 --> 00:05:06,720 my focus as a candidate is to ensure that we have safe and strong neighborhoods, That we have affordable living and family support. 43 00:05:15,960 --> 00:05:15,960 is the mic running out? And thriving business environment supported by reliable Infrastructure. 44 00:05:23,280 --> 00:05:23,280 I believe that our small businesses are the backbone of our economy in this city. 45 00:05:30,800 --> 00:05:30,800 like I stated earlier, professionally and personally, I believe I bring a collaborative leadership style that's grounded in real work, 46 00:05:41,680 --> 00:05:41,680 real world experience, fiscal responsibility, And service. 47 00:05:46,600 --> 00:05:46,600 I've spent years working behind the scenes supporting local candidates and community Efforts, 48 00:05:51,950 --> 00:05:51,950 and I'm ready to bring that same commitment, Accountability to the city council. 49 00:05:58,950 --> 00:05:58,950 I'm running because I believe grand prairie´s growth should be smart, Inclusive, and business friendly. 50 00:06:06,790 --> 00:06:06,790 protecting what makes our city strong while creating opportunity for the future. 51 00:06:11,470 --> 00:06:11,470 thank you. Thank you, miss luckey. Next up is madden. 52 00:06:16,910 --> 00:06:16,910 okay. Thank you so much. I want to thank the chamber as well and all of you for being here Tonight. 53 00:06:21,750 --> 00:06:21,750 so my name is michelle madden. I am a 25 year long resident of grand grand prairie, And you may know me from my past role of running 54 00:06:31,710 --> 00:06:35,350 the grand prairie chamber of commerce for a little more than six years. So, as I mentioned, I've lived here for more than 25 years and raised two children that Attended gpisd. 55 00:06:42,790 --> 00:06:42,790 my roles professionally have ranged from project management, Which I'm in right now, to real estate and then, 56 00:06:50,820 --> 00:06:50,820 of course, to the chamber. And so I bring a wide variety of professional experience to This role. 57 00:06:59,940 --> 00:06:59,940 so why do I want to run for city council? I'm sorry. 58 00:07:04,940 --> 00:07:04,940 I lost my train of thought. I, as I mentioned, Have been on a number of boards and commissions for the last almost ten years. 59 00:07:12,580 --> 00:07:12,580 and in that role, I have seen a number of cases come through that impact our city. 60 00:07:19,940 --> 00:07:22,980 the last major role that I played was on planning and zoning. And as you may know, planning and zoning is a recommendation committee. 61 00:07:27,300 --> 00:07:27,300 so we see all the same cases that city council does and we ask all the difficult Questions. 62 00:07:33,540 --> 00:07:33,540 but then when it comes time, we make our recommendation and it moves on to city council. 63 00:07:38,460 --> 00:07:42,380 what we say on planning and zoning doesn't stick. And so after seeing so many cases come through and asking so many questions of businesses And individuals that come forward asking for 64 00:07:52,330 --> 00:07:52,330 extra provisions for their project, I really want to make sure that I can get into the Seat and protect the interests of our citizens, 65 00:08:00,970 --> 00:08:04,650 and be able to make final decisions on planning and zoning. I mean, I'm sorry, on city council. So what do I feel is important here? 66 00:08:11,330 --> 00:08:14,890 I am definitely a proponent of our small businesses. I've worked with them for more than six years. 67 00:08:17,170 --> 00:08:17,170 built many, many relationships. Built programs that would help support and grow those Small businesses. 68 00:08:25,410 --> 00:08:25,410 also during covid, when we were working from home, I developed a new program called journey to inclusiveness. 69 00:08:33,850 --> 00:08:33,850 because here in grand prairie, we find that we are a stew pot. 70 00:08:40,610 --> 00:08:40,610 a stew pot of many, many different ethnicities. 71 00:08:45,160 --> 00:08:48,960 and I feel like we needed to start to understand one another. That's one of the things that I want to bring to our city council. 72 00:08:53,120 --> 00:08:53,120 when I get on city council, I want to make sure that I am not representing any one Particular group or any one particular interest. 73 00:09:02,560 --> 00:09:02,560 it's a time for us to bring everyone together, And that's the way I've run my business or actually ran the chamber. 74 00:09:09,760 --> 00:09:09,760 and that's the way I'd like to perform on city council. 75 00:09:15,440 --> 00:09:15,440 so really, that's all I have to say. My experience, I think. 76 00:09:21,920 --> 00:09:25,680 thank you. Timed out. Well, then. Next up, mr. Anderson. Thank you, barry. First I want to say thank you to you guys for being here. 77 00:09:31,920 --> 00:09:31,920 I've attended a lot of these types of events here at here in grand prairie. 78 00:09:37,400 --> 00:09:37,400 and I think this may be the largest crowd that we've had for any of the candidate forums. 79 00:09:43,630 --> 00:09:43,630 and what that does is that speaks volumes about the quality of the candidates that are up Here. 80 00:09:49,590 --> 00:09:49,590 I have a complete respect for anyone who is willing to put their name on a ballot. 81 00:09:55,470 --> 00:09:59,110 as many of you know, I served three terms in the texas legislature. And one of the questions that came directly to me is, Why are you running for city council? 82 00:10:05,550 --> 00:10:05,550 and it's really simple. When I was in the legislature, I was backed by law enforcement, by cleat, 83 00:10:14,070 --> 00:10:14,070 and by the tmpa, which represents the grand prairie police department. 84 00:10:20,510 --> 00:10:20,510 and public safety is, to me a core function of city government. 85 00:10:25,310 --> 00:10:25,310 one of the things that we have to be cognizant of is government overreach, And having our city government getting involved in areas 86 00:10:36,070 --> 00:10:36,070 that they probably shouldn't be just like we have the texas legislature that is demanding City government 87 00:10:45,590 --> 00:10:45,590 to comply with their rules, which makes it incredibly difficult for our city to actually Manage their own budget. 88 00:10:54,270 --> 00:10:54,270 if for those of you that have have followed along, They have they've put a lot of restrictions on what they can do, 89 00:11:01,150 --> 00:11:01,150 how they can do it. And that's one of those things that we need folks at our city council That actually understand how the legislative process works, 90 00:11:08,950 --> 00:11:08,950 not only the legislative process, but how that integrates with our local government. 91 00:11:15,510 --> 00:11:15,510 so that's really why that I said, okay, I've been asked numerous times, Please run, please run. 92 00:11:23,030 --> 00:11:23,030 I've been asked to move. I've been said, hey, If you'll move to, insert place, we'll make sure that you have a spot in the legislature. 93 00:11:31,270 --> 00:11:35,230 grand prairie is home for me. This is where I was born and raised. When I look at debbie johnson over here, debbie johnson was one of my basketball coaches. 94 00:11:39,110 --> 00:11:39,110 or actually her mom and dad was my basketball coach, And I was like eight years old and she was an assistant coach. This is home. 95 00:11:45,300 --> 00:11:45,300 I've raised three boys here. My wife is a graduate of south grand prairie high school. I Graduated from grand prairie high school, and we've raised three eagle scouts right here. 96 00:11:53,220 --> 00:11:53,220 so we are deeply tied to this community. And when people ask whether republican or Democrat, 97 00:11:59,060 --> 00:12:02,940 why is rodney anderson running? My responsibility is to you. And that's what I put on my postcards that are back there on the back table. 98 00:12:06,180 --> 00:12:06,180 focus on the basics. Accountable to you. Thank you. 99 00:12:11,420 --> 00:12:15,340 thank you, mr. Anderson. And mrs. Dominguez santini. Again, we got three minutes. They've started the timer. 100 00:12:17,740 --> 00:12:17,740 go ahead. Barry. My name is mary dominguez santini, And I'm running to ensure grand prairie continues to be a city of opportunity, 101 00:12:26,260 --> 00:12:26,260 safety and smart growth where small businesses can grow, Neighborhoods are protected from flooding and crime, 102 00:12:33,380 --> 00:12:33,380 city services work for everybody, and transparency guides continue to make every decision. 103 00:12:39,450 --> 00:12:39,450 I believe in collaboration, accountability, practical solutions that put residents first And move the entire city forward. 104 00:12:46,810 --> 00:12:46,810 now my career. I am from el paso, texas. I have been here 27 years, Married 44 years with 11 grandkids, 105 00:12:55,450 --> 00:12:55,450 seven of those attending grand prairie, where we already had two graduates from the District and the other the rest are in arlington isd. 106 00:13:04,450 --> 00:13:04,450 I am a small business owner and small business owner retired. 107 00:13:09,370 --> 00:13:09,370 okay? I'm already retired, but my daughters are helping me with my industry. 108 00:13:16,010 --> 00:13:19,570 I'm the founder of the grand prairie hispanic chamber of commerce. We founded that five years ago after talking with our city manager. 109 00:13:25,410 --> 00:13:25,410 covid hit. We talked about how we could have saved. 110 00:13:30,130 --> 00:13:30,130 out of ten businesses that folded, we could have saved seven if we would have had that Information, 111 00:13:35,610 --> 00:13:35,610 you know, available to them. And when I talked to the city manager, He said, well, mary, come back when you have it. 112 00:13:44,120 --> 00:13:46,800 when you have the chamber already formed. I came back. I said, no, no, no, I'm here. Here's the folder. 113 00:13:48,840 --> 00:13:48,840 I already found it. The articles. I got one of our rotary members to do my cpa work. 114 00:13:55,240 --> 00:13:55,240 and today, five years later, we have over 366 businesses, Mostly from grand prairie, very few from 115 00:14:05,080 --> 00:14:05,080 arlington. But I'll tell you, the reason it was founded is to fill a void that we were Missing, 116 00:14:10,920 --> 00:14:10,920 to bring together who we are and what we need so we can continue investing and growing in Our city. 117 00:14:17,200 --> 00:14:17,200 because I firmly believe that opportunities and resources are for everybody. 118 00:14:23,200 --> 00:14:23,200 the hispanic chamber of commerce serves everybody, Regardless of ethnicity. 119 00:14:27,960 --> 00:14:27,960 and you know, I hope that with the experience I've served on numerous boards, Being appointed to the neighborhood 120 00:14:37,910 --> 00:14:37,910 commission by richard frigo, and being actively in my community through another Organization that I founded for arts and culture. 121 00:14:47,815 --> 00:14:47,815 not only arts and culture, but we serve the underprivileged families over thousands of Families here in grand prairie with their food pantries that they need, 122 00:14:57,190 --> 00:14:57,190 when our amazing united charities can help, we step up and thank you for helping us when We need help and giving them school supplies, 123 00:15:07,590 --> 00:15:07,590 access to resources, health resources that some of these kids need, And the families as well, 124 00:15:13,390 --> 00:15:13,390 the parents. And that's who I am. I'm very passionate about service, Regardless the outcome. 125 00:15:20,830 --> 00:15:20,830 [inaudible]. Honored to be with us today. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mrs. 126 00:15:27,270 --> 00:15:27,270 dominguez santini. All right. Now we can do our handy dandy questions. 127 00:15:32,700 --> 00:15:36,260 I got so excited that we're using the fishbowl. Just wanted to rush right to it. I couldn't help it. 128 00:15:39,540 --> 00:15:43,540 in this order, we're going to go mrs. Madden, Mr. Anderson, mrs. Dominguez santini, and then miss luckey. 129 00:15:46,980 --> 00:15:46,980 okay? So our first question up for bat. Each of you will get the same question, And each of you gets two minutes to give your answer, 130 00:15:55,660 --> 00:15:59,460 and the timers are running. The question is this. And I will repeat for each of you as need be. 131 00:16:02,500 --> 00:16:02,500 but first of all, mrs. Madden. As a general rule, Hospitality and service sector jobs tend to pay lower wages. 132 00:16:10,300 --> 00:16:10,300 what should the city be doing to attract higher paying jobs and the companies that provide Them? 133 00:16:23,180 --> 00:16:23,180 well, thank you for the question. So city's involvement in recruiting hospitality Companies and increasing their pay. 134 00:16:34,450 --> 00:16:34,450 it's interesting because quite honestly, I feel like economic development should find Businesses, 135 00:16:42,730 --> 00:16:42,730 but I don't feel like they necessarily should have impact on pay. 136 00:16:48,090 --> 00:16:48,090 so, the quality of the businesses that come to grand prairie, I think, are reflective of how we advertise our city. 137 00:16:57,130 --> 00:16:57,130 and the way we advertise our city is also reflected in our neighborhoods, Our roads, our school rating, 138 00:17:04,890 --> 00:17:04,890 those kinds of things. And I think if we make sure to take care of those things, The things that are, 139 00:17:10,883 --> 00:17:10,883 visible to the public, that will trickle up. And I've been told actually that economic Development, 140 00:17:19,650 --> 00:17:19,650 while that is part of the job of economic development to recruit businesses, It's many times the businesses themselves that come to the city to ask for placement 141 00:17:29,450 --> 00:17:29,450 or exhibit their interests. So what I would say is, I think what we need to do is make sure that we are taking care of our city well, 142 00:17:39,450 --> 00:17:39,450 in order to recruit those businesses, the. I don't feel that we have any impact on their Pay range, 143 00:17:48,970 --> 00:17:48,970 but the larger the businesses, the more professional the organizations. 144 00:17:53,610 --> 00:17:53,610 those are the ones that will have that. In addition I think that it would be great if we Could spread the word on 145 00:18:03,330 --> 00:18:03,330 professional development. And so that would allow us to have more of a workforce to work For these larger companies. 146 00:18:09,650 --> 00:18:09,650 and thus, those people would end up having the ability to earn more. 147 00:18:15,130 --> 00:18:18,930 thank you, mrs. Madden. Next will be mr. Anderson. And I'm going to go ahead and read the question again, Because it is word salad here. 148 00:18:22,690 --> 00:18:26,490 so it is the longest question, I drew it out first, By the way. As a general rule, hospitality and service sector jobs tend to pay lower wages. 149 00:18:32,240 --> 00:18:32,240 what should the city be doing to attract higher paying jobs and the companies that provide Them? 150 00:18:37,720 --> 00:18:37,720 the short answer is get back to basics. The city must provide a strong public safety. 151 00:18:46,760 --> 00:18:46,760 they must provide infrastructure that is manageable, That when you drive up and down carrier parkway 152 00:18:56,200 --> 00:18:56,200 and you see some dilapidated housing or dilapidated fences, That's the type of stuff that 153 00:19:06,200 --> 00:19:06,200 if you're a business owner, is that. Or do you want to relocate there? 154 00:19:11,000 --> 00:19:11,000 do you want to relocate to someplace that has type of challenge? 155 00:19:16,440 --> 00:19:16,440 or do you want to go up in plano or frisco? Do you want to go? 156 00:19:20,840 --> 00:19:20,840 so it's those basic city services. That's really what the city should be focused on, Because if the city will stay focused on those basic city services of of public safety, 157 00:19:30,790 --> 00:19:30,790 infrastructure, fiscal stewardship and keeping your tax burden low. 158 00:19:36,510 --> 00:19:36,510 if you're a business owner, there are business taxes that you do have to pay. 159 00:19:40,550 --> 00:19:40,550 so you want to make sure that your city tax rate remains very competitive. 160 00:19:46,150 --> 00:19:50,070 those are the types of things that you do to try and attract business. Over and above those types, there are tax incentives that you can offer up to ten year tax Abatements that you can do on certain with certain 161 00:19:59,990 --> 00:19:59,990 employers that guarantee having a certain number of employees. 162 00:20:05,270 --> 00:20:05,270 there are things you can do like that. And that's what the city should stay focused on, Not trying to dictate whether it's, 163 00:20:13,350 --> 00:20:13,350 quote, high paying, low paying, but bringing strong companies to grand prairie is done by Focusing on the 164 00:20:22,350 --> 00:20:22,350 basics and staying involved. Thank you, mr. Anderson. 165 00:20:28,300 --> 00:20:28,300 next up will be mrs. Dominguez santini, and I will again reread it. 166 00:20:33,420 --> 00:20:33,420 as a general rule, hospitality and service jobs tend to pay lower wages. 167 00:20:38,540 --> 00:20:38,540 what should the city be doing to attract higher paying jobs and the companies that provide Them? 168 00:20:44,460 --> 00:20:44,460 absolutely. That's one thing that we do talk about a lot at home, Especially with our latest graduating uta. 169 00:20:53,660 --> 00:20:53,660 where do we want him to go? Do we have the company that's going to hire him in Engineering, 170 00:20:58,820 --> 00:20:58,820 which is his career? So I think that the city should focus, You know not only in hospitality and all this restaurants and that we have going on, 171 00:21:07,940 --> 00:21:07,940 but bringing in attractive companies that bring opportunity for future advancement to These graduates that we have, 172 00:21:15,740 --> 00:21:15,740 because we do have to offer. They graduate and they go somewhere else because we don't Have the companies that would pay them to continue moving forward. 173 00:21:24,530 --> 00:21:24,530 and we do not have enough big companies that can give them the opportunity they need so They won't have to leave grand prairie 174 00:21:34,330 --> 00:21:34,330 or, you know, go somewhere else. Thank you very much. 175 00:21:40,410 --> 00:21:40,410 yes, sir. Our last answer for this question is miss luckey. 176 00:21:45,530 --> 00:21:45,530 and one more time. As a general rule, hospitality and service sector jobs tend to pay Lower wages. 177 00:21:52,210 --> 00:21:52,210 what should the city be doing to attract higher paying jobs and the companies that provide Them? 178 00:21:57,010 --> 00:21:57,010 go ahead. Well, first, as a rule of thumb, we need to address our infrastructure. 179 00:22:04,530 --> 00:22:04,530 we have massive growth on the southern sector of grand prairie. 180 00:22:09,130 --> 00:22:09,130 and when you look at the central part and northern parts of our city, We have areas that have been neglected. 181 00:22:16,490 --> 00:22:16,490 and so we want to be sure that our city is one attractive for those businesses to come to Grand prairie. 182 00:22:23,000 --> 00:22:23,000 and then the next part is working with our city leaders with the economic growth plan of Expanding 183 00:22:35,080 --> 00:22:35,080 the economic growth plan off of highway 30 where we want to bring in fortune 500 Companies. 184 00:22:42,640 --> 00:22:42,640 and so with that, like I said, we want to make sure that we are addressing our Infrastructure. 185 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:48,000 the next thing is bringing in a hospital. Grand prairie is the longest city in texas, And we do 186 00:22:58,000 --> 00:22:58,000 not have a hospital. So we want to be able to attract those people that are in that field With bringing in 187 00:23:07,560 --> 00:23:07,560 jobs that provide higher wages for our city. As well as we want to be sure that we're not Having our residents and 188 00:23:17,160 --> 00:23:17,160 visitors go out to the neighboring cities for those services as well. 189 00:23:21,950 --> 00:23:21,950 thank you. Thank you, miss luckey. We'll move on to our next question. 190 00:23:26,630 --> 00:23:26,630 on this question, we'll go c, d, a b. So anderson, Dominguez santini, luckey and then mrs. 191 00:23:34,463 --> 00:23:34,463 madden. And for this question we have. It seems so easy. 192 00:23:41,910 --> 00:23:41,910 you put your reading glasses on. Should elected officials be held accountable for a code Of conduct in public and in private? 193 00:23:50,750 --> 00:23:54,350 yes or no. And please explain. Guys was going to get good. Yes. Here we go. Yes. 194 00:23:58,230 --> 00:23:58,230 and that should be very self-explanatory. And as somebody who spent three terms down in Austin, 195 00:24:05,110 --> 00:24:05,110 that makes some of the things that happen up here look like child's play, You never once. 196 00:24:12,710 --> 00:24:12,710 if anybody heard anything in here, you never once heard anything sideways about what I did Or about my performance, 197 00:24:22,590 --> 00:24:22,590 or my public or private life. You saw nothing of that. 198 00:24:27,550 --> 00:24:27,550 I could tell you stories that would make your skin crawl about things that go on in austin And in washington, 199 00:24:37,150 --> 00:24:37,150 d.c. And not one time during any of that was there any accusation, Any thought. 200 00:24:45,510 --> 00:24:45,510 and so I will tell you unequivocally, yes. Code of conduct without question. 201 00:24:52,910 --> 00:24:52,910 thank you, mr. Anderson. Next one to answer the question will be, Mrs. 202 00:24:57,190 --> 00:24:57,190 dominguez santini, should elected officials be held accountable to a code of conduct in Public and in private? 203 00:25:03,070 --> 00:25:03,070 yes or no? And please explain your answer. Absolutely, Yes. 204 00:25:07,310 --> 00:25:10,230 regardless of who you are, you can love me to death. But if I do something wrong, you better hold me accountable because I'm representing you. 205 00:25:14,635 --> 00:25:18,500 regardless, like I said, I echo what rodney said. If you cannot represent our city, our citizens with dignity, Respect and clear leadership, 206 00:25:24,940 --> 00:25:24,940 you have no business being a councilperson. Absolutely, Yes. 207 00:25:30,060 --> 00:25:30,060 thank you, mrs. Dominguez santini. Next up, miss luckey, And I'll ask it again. 208 00:25:34,540 --> 00:25:34,540 should elected officials be held accountable to a code of conduct in public and in Private? 209 00:25:39,900 --> 00:25:39,900 yes or no? And please explain your answer. My answer is yes. 210 00:25:44,180 --> 00:25:44,180 I believe our city works best when the city, Businesses, residents, we all move forward together with transparency, 211 00:25:53,820 --> 00:25:53,820 accountability and mutual respect. Thank you. 212 00:25:58,100 --> 00:25:58,100 thank you, miss luckey. And last mrs. Madden. 213 00:26:02,380 --> 00:26:02,380 should elected officials be held accountable to a code of conduct in public and in Private? 214 00:26:06,820 --> 00:26:06,820 yes or no? And please explain your answer. My answer is yes as well. 215 00:26:11,260 --> 00:26:11,260 and I think that it would take, and it requires more than a slap on the hand if things Happen. 216 00:26:18,610 --> 00:26:18,610 we've had an experience here in the city, and I can assure you that if I had been on the Council, 217 00:26:25,690 --> 00:26:29,130 I would have spoken up a little bit more than was done. All in all, absolutely. For sure. We definitely need to enforce a code of conduct at the End. 218 00:26:38,170 --> 00:26:38,170 thanks. Thank you, mrs. Madden. Our third question is going to go in this order. 219 00:26:43,890 --> 00:26:43,890 we will go d with mrs. Dominguez santini, then miss luckey, Mrs. 220 00:26:49,362 --> 00:26:49,362 madden finishing off with mr. Anderson. For our third question we'll go as follows. 221 00:26:57,490 --> 00:26:57,490 another multiple lines. What do you see as the chamber's role in relation to the city, And how would you work with the chamber to support economic growth and 222 00:27:07,170 --> 00:27:07,170 thriving business community? And we'll start with you, Mrs. Dominguez santini. Absolutely. 223 00:27:12,200 --> 00:27:12,200 as a passionate cheerleader of any chamber of commerce, The chambers of commerce are a resource platform and advocate for any business 224 00:27:22,080 --> 00:27:22,080 of their city. They're extremely important. They should function as an organization where Entrepreneurs, 225 00:27:29,360 --> 00:27:29,360 business startups, regardless of your size of business, You can come to a chamber and find the resources or opportunities you're looking for. 226 00:27:38,600 --> 00:27:42,480 the small businesses are the driving force of the economy. We know that. So then we need to focus as chambers. 227 00:27:46,520 --> 00:27:46,520 our chamber collaborates with anybody that is willing to partner up if they have Opportunities, 228 00:27:52,280 --> 00:27:52,280 if they feel that we can grow our businesses here in our city, We will collaborate so that the chamber is very important that they collaborate not only 229 00:28:02,240 --> 00:28:02,240 with the other chambers, with the city, with governments, With local business partners, partners to help the negocios group. 230 00:28:12,030 --> 00:28:15,350 thank you, mrs. Dominguez santini. Oh, were you done? I'm sorry. I looked down. I'm done. Okay. Outstanding. 231 00:28:19,230 --> 00:28:22,830 I didn't want to step on you. Next up will be miss luckey. I'll ask the question again. What do you see as the chamber's role in relation to the City, 232 00:28:27,990 --> 00:28:27,990 and how would you work with the chamber to support economic growth and a thriving business Economy? 233 00:28:34,390 --> 00:28:34,390 so I believe the chamber's role and responsibility related to the city is to work for Everyone. 234 00:28:42,630 --> 00:28:42,630 it should work for all, not just some. Our small businesses are the backbone of our Economy, 235 00:28:49,830 --> 00:28:49,830 and oftentimes we're not finding out about small businesses in our city until they've gone Under. 236 00:28:58,310 --> 00:28:58,310 and so I believe the chamber has a responsibility to make sure that our small businesses Have the resources and tools that they need to be successful. 237 00:29:10,380 --> 00:29:10,380 along my campaign journey, I've talked to a lot of small business owners, And what they've told me is they don't feel like they should have to reach out to the 238 00:29:18,060 --> 00:29:21,180 chamber. They want the chamber to come to them. And so we need to do a better job with being open and available to our small businesses. 239 00:29:28,740 --> 00:29:28,740 we need them. We need them for our economy. We need them for our continued growth in this City. 240 00:29:35,500 --> 00:29:35,500 and again, we need them in every aspect and every avenue and all businesses. 241 00:29:42,820 --> 00:29:42,820 again, all businesses, no matter the ethnicity of the owner, The background of the owner. 242 00:29:50,980 --> 00:29:50,980 we should be working with all businesses. Thank you. 243 00:29:55,660 --> 00:29:55,660 thank you, miss luckey. Next up will be mrs. Madden and I'll read it again. 244 00:30:01,100 --> 00:30:01,100 what do you see as the chamber's role in relation to the city, And how would you work with the chamber to support economic growth and a thriving business 245 00:30:07,970 --> 00:30:07,970 community? You have two minutes. Thank you. So the role of the chamber with this city and How I would work with them I feel like 246 00:30:18,730 --> 00:30:18,730 the city needs to partner with the chamber of commerce, Whether the grand prairie chamber or the hispanic chamber. 247 00:30:26,170 --> 00:30:26,170 unfortunately, as you find with many things, The chamber of commerce, at least our grand prairie chamber is only four employees, 248 00:30:35,090 --> 00:30:35,090 and we don't have a crystal ball, or they don't have a crystal ball to know where Businesses are being formed at what kitchen table across town. 249 00:30:42,810 --> 00:30:42,810 so that's why our small businesses need to know that the chamber's available to them, And it's available to everyone. 250 00:30:49,810 --> 00:30:49,810 and doing so needing to know that information is difficult. 251 00:30:54,370 --> 00:30:57,730 it's difficult to find that information in partnership with the city. I think it would be great if our city would market the chamber through the pipeline. 252 00:31:04,130 --> 00:31:04,130 I think that would be fantastic. It would maybe reach people where they are. 253 00:31:08,290 --> 00:31:08,290 I don't want the city to reinvent the wheel. Business development is what a chamber Specializes in. 254 00:31:16,530 --> 00:31:16,530 and we have partners like workforce solutions, I mentioned earlier, that we can bring in. 255 00:31:20,970 --> 00:31:20,970 we are continually trying to train and educate our small business members. 256 00:31:26,250 --> 00:31:26,250 and I think also that the city could do a lot of good by providing office space in Partnership with the 257 00:31:36,010 --> 00:31:36,010 chamber for small fledgling businesses. They already do a great job with our farmer´s Market. 258 00:31:44,130 --> 00:31:44,130 there have been a number of businesses here in town that have started out there through That opportunity, 259 00:31:48,770 --> 00:31:51,930 and then grown and become a brick and mortar business. Overall, I think that not to step over the bounds of the chamber and what it's meant to Do, 260 00:31:58,650 --> 00:32:02,560 I think that the city needs to partner. Thank you. Thank you, mrs. Madden. And that takes us to mr. 261 00:32:05,240 --> 00:32:05,240 anderson one more time. What do you see as the chamber's role in relation to the city, And how would you work with the chamber to support economic growth and a thriving business 262 00:32:14,000 --> 00:32:14,000 community? Thank you again for the question. If you have one of these packets, That question is directly here. 263 00:32:23,080 --> 00:32:23,080 so without trying to regurgitate what I've said here. 264 00:32:28,920 --> 00:32:28,920 the chamber of commerce. For a city to be really successful, You have to have a thriving chamber of commerce. 265 00:32:36,440 --> 00:32:36,440 the thriving chamber of commerce does not happen unless the city is strongly supportive. 266 00:32:43,440 --> 00:32:43,440 as someone who sat on the executive board of the chamber of commerce, I can tell you there are times where it´s 267 00:32:53,280 --> 00:32:53,280 been strained with the city. And it's been strained for various reasons that have nothing To do with with individuals but have everything to 268 00:33:03,150 --> 00:33:03,150 do with priorities. And the city must make the chamber of commerce a priority. 269 00:33:11,670 --> 00:33:11,670 why? It gets back to the question that was asked earlier about attracting strong Businesses. 270 00:33:17,230 --> 00:33:17,230 if you have have the chamber of commerce and the city at odds, You will not attract businesses. 271 00:33:25,030 --> 00:33:25,030 if you have public officials behaving badly, You will not attract strong businesses. 272 00:33:34,830 --> 00:33:34,830 that is an absolute. And I've talked with folks, I've talked with companies. 273 00:33:43,670 --> 00:33:43,670 I've watched these companies want to relocate and those types that types of friction, They do not want. 274 00:33:50,590 --> 00:33:50,590 so what the city must do is it must work hand in glove, Hand in glove. 275 00:33:54,990 --> 00:33:54,990 they're not the same, but hand in glove with the chamber of commerce and the chamber of Commerce should work hand in glove along with the city as well. 276 00:34:04,860 --> 00:34:04,860 thank you, mr. Anderson. Our next question will be this dude right here. 277 00:34:10,500 --> 00:34:10,500 and in this one we're going to go a with miss luckey, D with mrs. 278 00:34:14,958 --> 00:34:14,958 dominguez santini, then c with mr. Anderson and finish up with b, With mrs. 279 00:34:19,856 --> 00:34:19,856 madden. And the question up now and you'll have two minutes. 280 00:34:25,460 --> 00:34:25,460 rental properties which can span a wide range of income levels, Can change the landscape of a community. 281 00:34:33,100 --> 00:34:33,100 what do you think the city could and should do to monitor the number of rental properties? 282 00:34:38,340 --> 00:34:41,260 and we'll start this one off with miss luckey. You have two minutes. 283 00:34:51,900 --> 00:34:51,900 okay. Rental properties. Well, unfortunately, With sb840 recently being 284 00:35:01,730 --> 00:35:01,730 passed where it states that developers can go anywhere in the city and build apartments, 285 00:35:13,250 --> 00:35:13,250 that is going to be an issue for us. However, I do know that the city has created an appendix. 286 00:35:21,810 --> 00:35:21,810 appendix s, that they've recently adopted and I support. 287 00:35:27,570 --> 00:35:27,570 what I want to do is work with single member districts and meet with developers and see How 288 00:35:37,570 --> 00:35:37,570 we can possibly create multi development versus just apartments, Especially in those areas that 289 00:35:47,450 --> 00:35:47,450 are not zoned for apartments that are zoned for businesses. 290 00:35:56,640 --> 00:35:56,640 and so just me wanting to just work with our individual districts and developers to make Sure that we are not 291 00:36:05,040 --> 00:36:05,040 overflooding our city with more apartments. Thank you, Miss luckey. 292 00:36:12,560 --> 00:36:12,560 next up will be mrs. Dominguez santini, again with the question. 293 00:36:16,920 --> 00:36:16,920 rental properties, which span a wide range of income levels, Can change the landscape of a community. 294 00:36:22,560 --> 00:36:22,560 what do you think the city could or should do to monitor the number of rental properties You have? 295 00:36:27,480 --> 00:36:31,280 two minutes. All right. Well, definitely monitor. You know many years ago, richard frigo asked me when they started building these Apartments. 296 00:36:37,160 --> 00:36:37,160 I live over on crossland and home depot. With all the apartments that are building now, It used to take me five minutes to get from pioneer event, 297 00:36:47,240 --> 00:36:47,240 you know, to where I go. Today by 3:30, just to turn on crossland. 298 00:36:54,160 --> 00:36:54,160 I don't know how long it takes me. The traffic is all the way almost to top golf, And that is unfortunate because, 299 00:36:59,720 --> 00:36:59,720 I mean, our house is already paid. We're not going to sell a house and go somewhere else. 300 00:37:03,840 --> 00:37:03,840 so I think they have to find a way to either stop with this apartment complex now that They're building all over. 301 00:37:09,840 --> 00:37:13,440 not all over, because I only see them in our part of town. But I think there's got to be a limit in how much of that rental property apartments is Coming to the city. 302 00:37:18,840 --> 00:37:18,840 well, I know it's important. I would focus more on, Like, affordable housing or houses, building community homes rather than apartments. 303 00:37:25,400 --> 00:37:25,400 and not only in one area. They need to figure out how to, You know, or where to build or where to find other developers that are willing to 304 00:37:35,040 --> 00:37:35,040 build not only apartments, but affordable homes, Residential areas. 305 00:37:42,120 --> 00:37:42,120 because really, that's one thing that I say, Oh my goodness, all this apartments is just crazy and I'm not selling my house. 306 00:37:47,560 --> 00:37:50,880 I'm stuck there. My house is paid for and I'm already retired. But yeah, that's all I have to say. Thank you ma'am. 307 00:37:57,470 --> 00:38:00,350 yes, sir. Next on this question will be mr. Anderson. I can read it again. Rental properties, which span a wide range of income levels, Can change the landscape of a community. 308 00:38:07,030 --> 00:38:07,030 what do you think the city could or should do to monitor the number of rental properties? 309 00:38:12,190 --> 00:38:12,190 whoever put this question in, I would really like to say thank you for putting one right In my wheelhouse. 310 00:38:17,070 --> 00:38:17,070 as somebody who owns six properties, and for those of you that know that my mother managed Properties here in town for many, 311 00:38:24,150 --> 00:38:27,190 many years before before her passing about five months ago. And I've been managing those properties on that she had. 312 00:38:31,030 --> 00:38:31,030 somebody needs to start the timer, by the way, And I've used about 20s. 313 00:38:35,870 --> 00:38:35,870 so to keep it fair, guys. And this really gets back to getting back to the basics. 314 00:38:42,830 --> 00:38:42,830 what can the city do? Code enforcement, code compliance. 315 00:38:47,510 --> 00:38:47,510 I cannot tell you. And I see the real estate people in here shaking their heads because Code compliance we have across the street from us, 316 00:38:55,780 --> 00:38:55,780 the fugly house, that's what we call it. And we finally got code enforcement to be able to Site the gentleman 317 00:39:05,620 --> 00:39:07,900 because he was not taking care of the property. Just let it go. There hasn't been anybody that's lived in that property for the last four Years. 318 00:39:12,620 --> 00:39:15,820 rental properties. We need rental properties, Folks. I can't tell you the number of people that are consistently looking for quality rental Properties. 319 00:39:24,780 --> 00:39:24,780 so what can the city do? The city can ramp up enforcement. 320 00:39:29,420 --> 00:39:29,420 it's very simple to find out where the rental properties are. 321 00:39:33,500 --> 00:39:37,500 it´s public database. It's very simple to get. The city I'm sure has it. And what they can do is to make sure that code enforcement is Following up with that. 322 00:39:44,780 --> 00:39:44,780 one of the other things that they can do is make sure if you have a rental property that They're complying with drug free housing standards. 323 00:39:53,850 --> 00:39:57,530 that is a big issue. Again, it's public safety. So when I talk about getting back to basics, This is the kind of basic thing and the kind of experience you need in city hall to be 324 00:40:06,730 --> 00:40:06,730 able to address these kinds of issues. Thank you, Mr. 325 00:40:10,970 --> 00:40:14,890 anderson. And lastly, we have mrs. Madden and one last time. Rental properties, which span a wide range of income levels, Can change the landscape of community. 326 00:40:20,370 --> 00:40:20,370 what do you think the city could and should do to monitor the number of rental properties? 327 00:40:25,730 --> 00:40:25,730 thank you very much. So in my mind, there are three different kinds of rental properties. 328 00:40:30,690 --> 00:40:30,690 we've got apartments. We have individual homes that are rented out. 329 00:40:34,970 --> 00:40:34,970 and then we also have the airbnbs and vrbos and everybody's familiar with that. 330 00:40:39,570 --> 00:40:39,570 so individual properties. Again, code compliance. 331 00:40:46,440 --> 00:40:46,440 making sure that our city has enough manpower to perform code compliant duties. 332 00:40:52,840 --> 00:40:52,840 I think that's important. I'm a huge proponent of rental homes. 333 00:40:57,000 --> 00:40:57,000 I mean, those are businesses. One and two, they do serve a purpose because, As we all know, 334 00:41:01,760 --> 00:41:01,760 interest rates are high. And buying your own house now, If you don't already have one, can be a challenge. 335 00:41:08,480 --> 00:41:11,920 second, apartments. I think they serve a purpose. We have probably too many here in grand prairie, And it's kind of out of our hands at this point. 336 00:41:17,720 --> 00:41:17,720 but what I would like to do is have some legislation and change some of the rules on What's required for apartments. 337 00:41:25,200 --> 00:41:29,040 right now, I believe it is one parking spot per unit. And how many people you know have only one person driving in a unit? 338 00:41:33,760 --> 00:41:33,760 and also garages that are included as parking at apartment complexes. 339 00:41:39,120 --> 00:41:39,120 and those are often rented out as storage. So we start out, One, apartment complexes. 340 00:41:45,550 --> 00:41:45,550 the developers are trying to jam as many units as they possibly can in there. 341 00:41:49,830 --> 00:41:49,830 and that is helped along with the fact that they are required minimal parking Requirements. 342 00:41:55,870 --> 00:41:59,390 so that's another thing I'd like to change some legislation there. And then third, the city's already doing a great. 343 00:42:02,230 --> 00:42:02,230 well, they've started a program and are trying to make it great with registering airbnbs And such, 344 00:42:08,590 --> 00:42:08,590 because I want to make sure that those things are being monitored as well, Because if you live next to an airbnb, 345 00:42:15,750 --> 00:42:19,670 that may diminish your enjoyment of your biggest investment. So those are the three things. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. 346 00:42:22,732 --> 00:42:22,732 madden, which will take us to our I believe this will be our fifth question. 347 00:42:30,150 --> 00:42:32,710 and in this one we're going to go straight a, B, c, d. Start with miss luckey, mrs. Madden, mr. Anderson and mrs. 348 00:42:36,430 --> 00:42:36,430 dominguez santini. And here's the question. What should the city be doing to support small Businesses that pay property and sales tax? 349 00:42:47,380 --> 00:42:47,380 and we'll start with you, miss luckey. You have two minutes. 350 00:42:52,620 --> 00:42:52,620 what should the city do? What should the city be doing to support small businesses that Pay property and sales tax? 351 00:43:07,820 --> 00:43:07,820 what I would say, the city should be first thankful for those businesses that are 352 00:43:17,540 --> 00:43:17,540 paying all those taxes. In this day and age, Taxes are an extreme hindrance to a lot 353 00:43:27,540 --> 00:43:27,540 of people. Growing families, single families and businesses. 354 00:43:33,060 --> 00:43:33,060 and so I would say the city. Being on council, I would review options. 355 00:43:40,900 --> 00:43:40,900 I can't say I would. Honestly, I can't say that I would cut those taxes. 356 00:43:45,020 --> 00:43:45,020 I would want to review the budget and see how our businesses are directly affected by Those 357 00:43:55,020 --> 00:43:55,020 taxes and see where those resources are going and making sure that we're properly funding Our 358 00:44:05,540 --> 00:44:05,540 different programs and infrastructures with those tax dollars. 359 00:44:11,740 --> 00:44:11,740 thank you. Outstanding. The next person to answer this question will be mrs. 360 00:44:16,791 --> 00:44:16,791 madden. What should the city be doing to support small businesses that pay property taxes And sales taxes? 361 00:44:24,180 --> 00:44:24,180 okay. Thank you. So I think the word fair kind of comes to mind when I first hear that Question because we have some fantastic businesses in 362 00:44:33,820 --> 00:44:33,820 town and some of them have some really special locations and some of those really special Locations get a lot of attention by the city, 363 00:44:42,690 --> 00:44:42,690 and I don't think that's fair. You know, if you happen to be on a side street somewhere And you are not the pet of 364 00:44:52,090 --> 00:44:52,090 marketing, you're not getting the same treatment that you would if you were elsewhere in The city. 365 00:44:57,970 --> 00:44:57,970 I think one of the other things that the city needs to do is make sure that roads, Access to all businesses are well maintained. 366 00:45:04,450 --> 00:45:04,450 that goes back to infrastructure. I think, too, That when the city holds festivals and activities that they should make those exclusive to 367 00:45:14,570 --> 00:45:14,570 grand prairie businesses. I mean, if I were coming from another town, Fort worth, and came to grand prairie, 368 00:45:21,290 --> 00:45:21,290 I would want to see what grand prairie has to offer, Not what grand prairie shipped in from dallas and fort worth. 369 00:45:28,090 --> 00:45:28,090 so I would say exclusivity, or at least give major preference to our local businesses. 370 00:45:34,610 --> 00:45:34,610 and then finally, code enforcement. Again, really making sure that code enforcement is Well equipped to manage and look over 371 00:45:44,520 --> 00:45:44,520 the landlords of all these properties where we have small business renting, Because, you know, 372 00:45:51,680 --> 00:45:51,680 you can't attract no matter what your product is, If your building is falling in, if it's the only place you can rent, and if it's not being 373 00:45:57,240 --> 00:45:57,240 well kept it's a disservice. And it makes the whole city look bad. 374 00:46:01,520 --> 00:46:01,520 so again, not marketing some businesses and marketing others, Roads well maintained, prioritizing 375 00:46:11,280 --> 00:46:11,280 small businesses that are local for festivals and other activities and code enforcement. 376 00:46:16,040 --> 00:46:16,040 thank you. Thank you, mrs. Madden. This takes us to mr. 377 00:46:20,240 --> 00:46:20,240 anderson. What should the city be doing to support small businesses that pay property and Sales taxes? 378 00:46:26,560 --> 00:46:26,560 the best thing they can do is be fiscally responsible with the taxes that they're being Given and the taxes that are being paid. 379 00:46:32,800 --> 00:46:32,800 and the way that you're fiscally responsible is you keep your tax rate down. 380 00:46:38,030 --> 00:46:38,030 not only do you keep your tax rate down, but you keep your infrastructure and your, As michelle said, 381 00:46:44,550 --> 00:46:47,390 your infrastructure and your code enforcement. You utilize them to make sure that the property surrounding a business are well Maintained, 382 00:46:54,310 --> 00:46:54,310 even if they are vacant. So I'm not going to use the entire time here, But it's keep your tax rate down and be fiscally 383 00:47:03,750 --> 00:47:07,510 responsible with the taxes that are being collected. And in so doing that, that will attract more business, Which is what we've been talking about the entire time. 384 00:47:15,630 --> 00:47:15,630 thank you, mr. Anderson. And last on this question, Mrs. 385 00:47:20,390 --> 00:47:20,390 dominguez santini, I will read it again. What should the city be doing to support small Businesses that pay property and sales taxes? 386 00:47:27,510 --> 00:47:27,510 they should create a small business development office to assist not only the small Business, 387 00:47:33,470 --> 00:47:33,470 but the medium size. They need to work on a program to help our businesses grow. 388 00:47:39,140 --> 00:47:39,140 if they're paying taxes, we can utilize, or they can consider utilizing that money to Create programs of opportunity to create some kind of funding. 389 00:47:49,060 --> 00:47:49,060 so when this business is running to an issue that they can't survive, We need the businesses, 390 00:47:53,900 --> 00:47:53,900 all businesses, to thrive. Regardless, I know that we all love the big brand names, But we must support the mom and pop shops in our city. 391 00:48:03,020 --> 00:48:03,020 we have to. We have a called an incubator program, Which is an accelerator program to educate, 392 00:48:11,260 --> 00:48:11,260 inform our entrepreneurs, business startups, To guide them how to get funding, how to run their finances, 393 00:48:17,300 --> 00:48:17,300 where to go to help. But that should not rely on our chambers alone. 394 00:48:22,940 --> 00:48:22,940 we need the city. The city is the bank. They can afford to educate and to serve our small Negocios because we need everybody to grow here. 395 00:48:32,410 --> 00:48:32,410 so definitely it would be a small business development center that I would love for our City to have for everybody. 396 00:48:38,370 --> 00:48:38,370 opportunities and resources should be for everybody. 397 00:48:42,650 --> 00:48:42,650 thank you, mrs. Dominguez santini. And that wraps up our formal questions. 398 00:48:47,610 --> 00:48:47,610 and I know there's probably some questions you have that they didn't answer. And I want to Tell you we have the room until 8. 399 00:48:53,810 --> 00:48:53,810 you ask the questions. Each of the candidates will be here with their materials and ask Questions. 400 00:48:58,490 --> 00:48:58,490 we will get to a final two minute wrap up concluding statements from each of the Candidates. 401 00:49:04,530 --> 00:49:04,530 but it's a unique position. Sitting here, I'm looking at all your smiling, Beautiful faces, 402 00:49:09,170 --> 00:49:09,170 and there are 84 people in the room for the candidates forum. 403 00:49:13,250 --> 00:49:16,730 that's not counting the four candidates. And then brian and I. So give yourselves a hand. [applause]. Citizens of grand prairie are showing up because we Care about our town. 404 00:49:22,610 --> 00:49:26,130 this is for a special election. One seat for a partial term. So congratulations on taking it seriously. I do want to point out that five active members Of our school board are in the room. 405 00:49:33,240 --> 00:49:33,240 kind of makes sense. We're in their house. So and we also have one active city council Member in the room. 406 00:49:39,800 --> 00:49:39,800 so mr. Shotwell just want to say hello. And with that, I'm going to go back and give us a rotation for final statements. 407 00:49:49,320 --> 00:49:49,320 two minutes. Tell the citizens what they need to hear, The one thing you want them to take away, 408 00:49:55,200 --> 00:49:55,200 and find out who you are and what they need to know about this election. 409 00:49:59,640 --> 00:50:03,600 and in this order we're going to go c, d, a, B. So we're going to go mr. Anderson, mrs. Dominguez, Miss luckey, finishing up with mrs. 410 00:50:09,811 --> 00:50:13,600 madden. And this is closing statements. And you have two minutes. So mr. Anderson, we'll start with you, sir. Again, I want to say thank you to you folks for being out. 411 00:50:19,880 --> 00:50:19,880 this is a great crowd to be out. I'm going to tell you that experience matters, 412 00:50:29,000 --> 00:50:29,000 especially in times where budgets are getting tighter and tighter. 413 00:50:34,000 --> 00:50:34,000 we didn't even talk about the aging infrastructure of water pipes and things of that Nature, 414 00:50:39,080 --> 00:50:39,080 which are the blocking and tackling. There are things that are going to be presented that Instead of blocking and tackling, 415 00:50:45,760 --> 00:50:45,760 they're going to be playing a completely different sport, Or it is what you will hear. 416 00:50:53,200 --> 00:50:53,200 and because there are things that folks want to do that I think we can better use our Money on aging infrastructure, 417 00:51:02,440 --> 00:51:02,440 streets, code enforcement, public safety. Police and potholes. 418 00:51:09,320 --> 00:51:09,320 it's not sexy, but it's what the city should be doing. 419 00:51:14,600 --> 00:51:14,600 should be taking care of our law enforcement, Should be taking care of our fire department and taking care of our streets and our roads. 420 00:51:24,040 --> 00:51:24,040 the other thing that I will tell you. Accessibility and transparency. 421 00:51:30,670 --> 00:51:30,670 there is a dearth of transparency in the public sector. 422 00:51:35,870 --> 00:51:35,870 and by that I mean that there are expenditures that get made that get pushed under the Rug. 423 00:51:43,070 --> 00:51:45,790 I will tell you that you will have access to me. My cell phone number is (214) 679-4106. My work number is (214) 293-8067. 424 00:51:53,310 --> 00:51:53,310 you can call either one of them. And I put that on all my material and I will return your Phone call. 425 00:52:00,030 --> 00:52:00,030 that's another thing. That accessibility you will have that guaranteed with me. 426 00:52:05,150 --> 00:52:05,150 and I have the experience and those that have used it understand that I put my money where My mouth is. 427 00:52:13,110 --> 00:52:13,110 and it's a big mouth. Thank you, mr. Anderson. 428 00:52:18,430 --> 00:52:21,513 next up on two minute closing statements is mrs. Dominguez santini. Go ahead. Okay, well, grand prairie is more than a city. 429 00:52:27,500 --> 00:52:27,500 it is all of us together. I would like to ask that you all consider seeing who can better Work for you. 430 00:52:36,020 --> 00:52:36,020 we have leaders here, all passionate about what we do in our community. 431 00:52:41,100 --> 00:52:41,100 I would like for us to do our research, our work, See what experience we have. 432 00:52:47,780 --> 00:52:51,700 how can we make this grand city? Because we do live in a grand city. I love my city. This is my hometown. I'm from el paso, But I have been here 27 years and I love the ciudad. 433 00:52:59,580 --> 00:52:59,580 so absolutely, I would like to ask you all to do a little bit of research and what we have Done. 434 00:53:07,380 --> 00:53:07,380 we have what we have accomplished. I wrote a whole bunch of stuff when we had our Questions. Like rodney said, it's in here, 435 00:53:12,660 --> 00:53:12,660 so I'm not going to go back. But I thank you and thank you for being here and thank you For letting us run. 436 00:53:20,540 --> 00:53:20,540 thank you. Gracias. Thank you, mrs. Dominguez santini. 437 00:53:25,370 --> 00:53:25,370 next up will be miss luckey. Thank you again to the chamber 438 00:53:35,090 --> 00:53:35,090 and the candidates and everyone here that's joined us tonight. 439 00:53:40,170 --> 00:53:42,810 I want to say a special thank you to my grandmother. She's 89 years old, and she's here tonight. [applause]. 440 00:53:46,130 --> 00:53:46,130 and I actually learned my business acumen from her and my grandfather. 441 00:53:55,170 --> 00:53:55,170 growing up, I saw them work extremely hard. They opened up ray luckey texaco in turtle Creek. 442 00:54:06,170 --> 00:54:06,170 and I grew up in that gas station, and I saw how hard my grandmother worked day in and day Out, 443 00:54:13,210 --> 00:54:13,210 making sure the business stayed afloat. So thank you for being here. 444 00:54:20,410 --> 00:54:20,410 as I stated earlier, I have 17 years of experience managing multimillion dollar budgets. 445 00:54:26,600 --> 00:54:26,600 I currently work for a fortune 500 company. Excuse me. 446 00:54:33,520 --> 00:54:36,600 where I work directly with construction projects. Infrastructure, general contractors and vendor relations. 447 00:54:42,640 --> 00:54:42,640 I understand how businesses work. I understand how budgets work. 448 00:54:47,400 --> 00:54:47,400 I know how important efficiency and accountability and long term planning, Our strong to our bottom line. 449 00:54:55,360 --> 00:54:55,360 so I want you to know, first, I'm a servant leader, But I'm also a person that has actual lived 450 00:55:04,360 --> 00:55:04,360 experience. I will be visible, transparent, and accountable. 451 00:55:10,720 --> 00:55:10,720 I've been available in the community, for the community and to the community for the past 20 years behind the scenes. 452 00:55:18,560 --> 00:55:18,560 this is pretty much my first time in front of the scenes, But I've done a lot of work behind the scenes, 453 00:55:24,110 --> 00:55:24,110 and so I would like for you all to consider me as your next city council person for place 8 at large. 454 00:55:32,310 --> 00:55:32,310 you can find out more information about me on. 455 00:55:36,790 --> 00:55:36,790 yes. My website. And fourth of all, mrs. Madden, If you'll answer closing statements. 456 00:55:45,350 --> 00:55:49,070 sure. Great. Thank you so much. I want to thank you all so much for being here tonight. You know, a friend of mine mentioned that they were interested in maybe running for office At one point, 457 00:55:55,110 --> 00:55:55,110 but it was a strain. They weren't sure if they were. 458 00:55:59,350 --> 00:56:01,750 they could do it because they were afraid to lose. It takes a lot of courage. So I want to thank everybody up here. 459 00:56:05,030 --> 00:56:05,030 it does take a lot of courage. So one of the other things is that it takes experience and It takes local experience. 460 00:56:14,310 --> 00:56:14,310 I've been involved here in the city of grand prairie, Either boards or commissioned or with nonprofits since, 461 00:56:21,900 --> 00:56:21,900 well pta, since 2005. So my experience here in the city started out with petitioning for Speed bumps, 462 00:56:31,500 --> 00:56:31,500 because my kiddo wanted to go and play outside and I didn't want him run over. 463 00:56:35,700 --> 00:56:39,540 so I learned about the city through my own personal experience. So I started there, went to pta, also continued on with boards and commissions, As I mentioned. 464 00:56:47,740 --> 00:56:47,740 and here I am today. I have worked here in the city, Worked with the city, and I feel like I've created great relationships with the city 465 00:56:57,700 --> 00:56:57,700 staff. I am just like you, though, ultimately, What do we all want? 466 00:57:02,460 --> 00:57:02,460 we all want to make sure that our property values either maintain or go up. 467 00:57:07,820 --> 00:57:07,820 we want to be able to enjoy our property without encumbrances. 468 00:57:13,020 --> 00:57:13,020 and that might be noisy airbnbs next door or fences that are falling down. 469 00:57:19,500 --> 00:57:19,500 I want the same things that you do. Another thing is, Is that, when it comes time to make decisions, 470 00:57:27,740 --> 00:57:27,740 there's history of me not voting with the crowd, And I'm okay with that. 471 00:57:32,140 --> 00:57:32,140 I don't mind being the only one on the dais that doesn't agree. 472 00:57:36,820 --> 00:57:40,300 and I'll stick to my guns and I will protect you. And that is what I want to do here for the city of grand prairie. 473 00:57:44,180 --> 00:57:44,180 please give me that opportunity. Check out my website, Votemichellemadden.com. 474 00:57:48,660 --> 00:57:51,460 the questions here were just a little snippet of us. And there's so much more to learn. Thanks. Thank you, Mrs. 475 00:57:55,253 --> 00:57:55,253 madden. And I want to thank all of the candidates for being so courageous and stepping up And doing something. 476 00:58:00,380 --> 00:58:00,380 I'm never going to do, and I'm not going to raise my hand get on the ballot. 477 00:58:04,500 --> 00:58:07,620 and they're stepping up to lead. So all of them should be congratulated. And you as an audience, should be congratulated. Not only the 87 people in the room, But the folks watching on live stream, 478 00:58:13,340 --> 00:58:13,340 because this represents a concerned grand prairie that wants to know what's best for our Community. 479 00:58:18,650 --> 00:58:22,170 and you did the hard part. Thanks for stepping up. We have the room for another hour and bryan, I believe you have a few wrap up comments. 480 00:58:26,850 --> 00:58:26,850 yes, I do, thank you very much. First of all, Let's give these candidates a round of applause. 481 00:58:35,330 --> 00:58:35,330 you know, it's been said that, you know, it's not easy to put your name on a ballot. 482 00:58:40,210 --> 00:58:43,370 it's not easy to be elected once you're on that ballot. And it's not easy to stay elected once you've been elected. 483 00:58:46,450 --> 00:58:46,450 so to do this is powerful. And as citizens, we have the ultimate right in this country That has 484 00:58:56,450 --> 00:59:00,330 to be exercised every time we have an election. And that's to go vote. Voter turnout for something like this shouldn't be 3, 4 or 5%. 485 00:59:07,570 --> 00:59:07,570 it should be 50, 60, 70% because it means that much to this community, To our community, your community. 486 00:59:14,920 --> 00:59:14,920 that's where your home values are. That's where our businesses grow. 487 00:59:19,160 --> 00:59:21,760 so don't just look at this as a special election. Look at it as an opportunity to make a difference on january 31st. 488 00:59:27,880 --> 00:59:27,880 our fliers that we have we may have run out. I'll have a qr code that will be on the Chamber's website in the morning. 489 00:59:35,120 --> 00:59:35,120 early voting starts on wednesday of this week, And it runs through the 27th of january at various times. 490 00:59:43,360 --> 00:59:47,000 that's in dallas county, tarrant county and ellis county. Man, that just blows my mind. But that also is an explanation of how complicated grand Prairie is and how important your vote really is to the whole process. 491 00:59:56,800 --> 00:59:59,800 stay and visit with the candidates. Ask them questions. If you're supporting them, take some of their signs. But most importantly, From the chamber of commerce perspective, 492 01:00:04,800 --> 01:00:04,800 thank you for your time and coming this evening. Have a good evening. Thank you.