It is early voting time in Denton. Do you have any clue which candidate you're going to vote for? Do you know which district you live in? Do you know where to vote? Do you even know what you're having for dinner? Don't worry. It will all be okay. Let's get through it together.
As far as how to vote, there are two websites that already exist for this exact purpose. Better yet, they're both even called the same damned thing. Go check out VoteDenton.com or VoteDenton.org and find out information on where and when you can go vote. This week, you can vote early at the Civic Center and the Denton County Elections Administration Building off of 288.
We’ve asked each candidate to respond to two items as we head to the polls for early voting. You can see our two requests below:
1. A response to the "Keep Denton Gritty" letter of endorsements that was released yesterday including any key points that you may agree/disagree with and why.
2. A brief rundown of the main issues of your campaign (i.e. what is important about this election and or Denton in 2015 to you).
The responses below were copied and pasted exactly as they responded. Today, we're covering District One. The candidates running for city council in District 1 are Kevin Roden and Doyle Cain. You can find their responses below, and if you live in District 1, you can go cast your vote for your preferred candidate later today!
Kevin Roden
1). The Denton you love doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s the result of a beautiful mix of hardworking businesses, ambitious citizens, the constant stream of smart, fresh ideas coming from our two universities, and long-range planning and policy-making. The Denton you love is fragile and needs to be continually cultivated and fought for.
As is often the case when you lack a positive vision for the city, you cobble together an assorted list of random criticisms and present it to the voters as your platform. Such is the nonsense contained in this letter.
I am extremely proud to not be endorsed by this letter. It contains a dangerous and counterproductive vision for Denton. It is anti-historic preservation, anti-arts and music, and anti-downtown.
I believe in a Denton that is vibrant, organic, and evolving. I believe in a Denton that is continually being created by her citizens. I have a record of shaping our local economy, investing in our neighborhoods, bringing citizens into the governing process, and making our city more livable.
2). Create more economic opportunity for more people. I’m proud of my record of focusing on the tech industry, entrepreneurship and scalable startups. We need to continue our efforts so that no young person who wants to stay in Denton has to leave just to find meaningful employment.
Bring 1 Gig fiber to Denton. Starting with the creation of a Downtown Innovation District and moving into key neighborhoods, Denton should stop waiting on the big internet providers and should take the lead on building out the fastest fiber network in the state. Fiber is to the 21st century what electricity was to the 20th century. This has significant economic development and social justice (digital divide) implications for our city.
Invest in our Core Neighborhoods. I’m proud of my record on bettering Denton neighborhoods, including initiating the creation of a $50,000 a year Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Program. Instead on depending on new sprawling residential development to find higher end housing stock, let’s take advantage of the yet-untapped jewel we have in the first couple of rings of single family neighborhoods. I’ve recently written on this very topic here: http://rodenfordenton.com/2015/04/lets-make-denton-neighborhoods-remarkable/
Doyle Cain
1.The people that penned that letter are entitled to say what they want, I am not going to stand in the way of others opinions. I appreciate their coming out and endorsing me. It is good to know that there are people that believe in me.
2. Responsive, transparent and accountable city government. Fast track repair of streets and other infrastructure. Neighborhood safety and integrity. Revision of economic development efforts to: Prioritize businesses that pay high salaries. Position Denton as a supply-chain business hub. Reduce use of taxpayer-fronted incentives. Incorporate unique resources at UNT and TWU.
So there you have it, District 1 Dentonites! Hopefully, if you haven't paid much attention to the ongoing forums, interviews, and the like that have been a part of this extremely important election so far, maybe now you have somewhat of an idea of which candidate to vote for. Go run over to the polls, early vote, and get that sweet sticker while you still can!