DALTON GREGORY
What are
the three most important issues facing the city today?
1.
Growth and planning for it through the 2030 comprehensive planning
process. Those plans guide city staff
and elected officials efforts, policies, and budgeting. Much of what we enjoy about Denton today is
the direct result of previous plans. So
if you want to impact the future of Denton get involved in the Denton 2030
project. Then elect councilmembers who
will honor the plan.
2.
Growth and accommodating it with our infrastructure such as water,
electrical service, road maintenance. We
own our electric company and demand grows every year, which means that the
system needs to be expanded to carry the load.
We have recently put more emphasis on repairing our roads by increasing
that part of the budget by over 50% but we are going to need a lot more just to
maintain them at the current level.
Denton has a 50-year water plan but the drought of the last two years
makes it clear that we must do more to conserve water.
3.
Growth as it impacts the culture of the city. Denton feels unique, independent, and
authentic. While one of the fastest
growing cities in the U.S. it still has a small town atmosphere. We don’t have to demonize big box retailers,
but we must support our local businesses so that they can help help keep Denton
authentic and independent.
What do
you think are Denton's greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Our people are both our greatest strength and our greatest
weakness. We have a great group of folks
who are active in Denton. Through their
work or volunteer efforts they have made Denton what it is today. But too many folks are sitting on the
sidelines. They don’t get involved in
things like the Denton 2030 planning process.
Too many don’t bother to get informed about local issues that have a
direct impact on our quality of life or they only get involved when something
impacts their particular neighborhood.
All of us working together can make Denton an even greater place to
live, work, learn, and play.
What single thing makes your district awesome?
What
makes my district awesome is that it is part of Denton. Our charter calls for four single member
districts to enhance the opportunity for the election of minorities to the
council. According to the council ethics
policy all council members are to “decide what is best for the whole
city.” We don’t want to pit
neighborhoods or districts against one another.
But if
you press me, then here is a partial list of what I love about district 2: the
people, the neighborhoods, the parks, the schools, the north side of the
historic downtown square, Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center, Water-Works
Park, the natatorium, the Elm Fork Green Belt, the wide shoulders on Sherman
Dr. north of the waterpark which makes for great road bike rides out into the
countryside.
How do you see your possible councilman-ship
positively affecting Denton?
Since past performance is the best predictor of future performance
let me answer by listing some policies I have helped pass that make Denton a
better place:
Improve opportunities for citizens to be heard by the city,
The “safe passing ordinance” requires motorist to give room for
bicyclists, pedestrians, stranded motorists, road crews, persons in wheel
chairs, and other vulnerable road users.
We approved a new Bike and Pedestrian Plan that will improve
conditions for active transportation.
We funded the plan and have started adding bike lanes.
We now allow food trucks (mobile food units).
We improved our gas well drilling ordinance to provide more
protection for people, neighborhoods, and property values.
We passed a more comprehensive smoking ban.
We approved construction for a new animal adoption center.
We added 26 acres to North Lakes Park
We have placed restrictions on predatory lenders.
We’ve
increased the road repair budget by over 50% in the past four years.
In your
opinion, what is the best taco in Denton?
How does an amateur politician answer this
one? For breakfast tacos I’d have to go
with Mi Casita. They are good by
themselves but their salsa takes it to another level that can keep you smiling
all day. Frilly’s fish tacos are another
favorite. They are spicy, light, tasty,
and oh so satisfying.
