Candidates

Keely Briggs
Gerard Hudspeth
Michael Mitchell

 

Issues

1. Local Climate Impacts
2. Gas Drilling and Development Setbacks
3. Renewable Commitments
4. Landfill Expansion & Zero Waste
5. Land Development and Green Spaces
6. Community Engagement

 

Survey Responses

 

1. Local Climate Impacts

What are your greatest concerns about the impacts of climate change on Denton and its residents, and what must the city do to mitigate those impacts? What barriers exist to getting these solutions enacted?

 

Keely Briggs
Extreme record breaking temperatures, drought, flash flooding, water supply, loss of habitat/insects. We must put a priority on green infrastructure and protecting and preserving our forests. The barriers would be funding and a lack of urgency by council.

 

 

Gerard Hudspeth
One of my top environmental and land development concerns is guarding against developmental sprawl. I support policies to incentivize infill development and repurpose existing buildings. Another priority is the tree canopy and green spaces. I will work to ensure both increase every year.

 

 

Michael Mitchell
No Response

 

2. Gas Drilling and Development Setbacks

The city recently voted to expand reverse setbacks on development near gas wells to 500 ft. Do you believe the 500 ft reverse setback is sufficient to protect public health? What measures would you like to see implemented to mitigate health concerns from potential air, water, soil, and fire concerns related to gas wells?

 

Keely Briggs
500ft. is better than 250ft. Data from other studies suggests it should be more. Without a local Denton study, 500Ft was agreed upon and it is in place. With the 500ft, I believe other measures should be implemented to help with safety. Soil and water testing, local health impact study, continued/increased inspections, notifications to homeowners and air monitoring around sites.

 

Gerard Hudspeth
Personal health concerns are not a one size fits all solution. As Mayor, I would take a very active role in ensuring Denton’s public health. Public health is a core responsibility of the City Council, per the city charter.

 

 

Michael Mitchell
No Response

 

3. Renewable Commitments

Denton has committed to using only 100% renewable energy and reducing air pollution. Recently there was a possibility City Council would have to decide whether or not to sell its share in the Gibbons Creek Coal Plant, which would restart the plant and create non-renewable energy and air pollution. The Gibbons Creek site still may be sold to be used for industrial processes that could create harmful emissions. How would you ensure Denton upholds its commitment to renewable energy and reducing air pollution?

 

Keely Briggs
I am not in favor of selling Gibbons Creek so that it can continue to run as a coal plant. In 2015 we were told as part of our renewable Denton Plan this dirty polluter would come offline. Most decisions then were made based on that assumption. All generation goes into the grid. Denton has committed to a 100% renewable energy goal and city leaders will need to continue to work and maintain that goal to help the grid stay as clean as possible.

 

Gerard Hudspeth
I cannot provide an answer because this decision has not come before council. It is important to have all available and updated information before making a decision of this magnitude.

 

 

 

Michael Mitchell
No Response

 

4. Landfill Expansion & Zero Waste

Denton is in the final stages of permitting to expand its landfill to over 200 ft high. Right now, over 50% of annual trash disposal is coming from outside cities and businesses at wholesale rates. What kinds of programs and policies would you consider to reduce trash volumes at the Denton Landfill from within the city and from outside cities and businesses? Would you consider any recycling mandates for businesses or apartments, or food waste diversion mandates (composting, food donations) for food businesses?

 

Keely Briggs
We do not need to renew the many outside contracts of waste we allow to come in to our landfill once they expire. If we are to prevent a 210ft trash pile we have to start doing something now. Recycling will help but it isn’t the answer. We can make multifamily units and commercial recycle but if it’s contaminated it will not be recycled. So education is still critically important. We need to start composting programs or change our policy to allow for private companies to begin composting in our city. There is so much food waste!

 

Gerard Hudspeth
The landfill expansion is not imminent and will be decided by a future city council. Denton has a number of programs that encourage citizens to reduce and divert the amount of waste. For example, the dumpsters downtown were removed so that the individual commercial customers could be accountable for their solid waste. Also, this change helped with illegal dumping. Denton offers recycling centers and free pick up to discourage illegal dumping.

 

Michael Mitchell
No Response

 

5. Land Development and Green Spaces

City Council and the Planning-and-Zoning commission have recently seen some high-profile development projects approved that would severely impact or even destroy large swathes of important green corridors, further exacerbating species loss and the financial impacts thereof. Where do you stand on such developments and what steps could the city take to sustain and protect regional environmental assets?

 

Keely Briggs
Losing quality forests and open spaces is hard to watch. These old growth trees and prairies have been here longer than we have.They provide many benefits to our ecosystem. I am concerned about the loss of habitat for our wildlife. We need to understand these areas have value and add to our quality of life. When they are gone, they are gone. Our tree code has been updated and is better than before but if an area was platted under the old code, they can use it. A positive is that we allow conservation areas now. It doesn’t seem to be enough. I understand development has to happen and is going to, but we can do it in a smart and sustainable way. These corridors are our highly valued assets and should treated as such.

 

Gerard Hudspeth
The citizens of Denton voted in last year’s bond election to purchase land to preserve green space. I support the vote of the citizens and staff has recently identified several acres to purchase. I currently discuss land banking, via first right of refusal agreements with the city staff. As Mayor I will continue to look for new and unique ways to protect our city green space.

 

 

Michael Mitchell
No Response

 

6. Community Engagement

How would you engage and support community members to make positive environmental changes in Denton?

 

Keely Briggs
I am very excited that we are creating a community Environmental Committee to help implement our sustainability plan. It was an idea that came from our own Environmental Committee, which I chair, to help our residents engage and be a part of solutions to make our city more sustainable. I will continue to host monthly meetings and make sure issues are made public and information is shared.

 

 

Gerard Hudspeth
I have a clear record of promoting open communication on the council. And I want to do more, as Mayor. In the past, people could have direct and daily contact with their leaders. But this has been pushed that to the wayside as cities grew. I plan to use advancements in technology to help me bring that tradition back. As Mayor, I will continue with direct monthly meetings with citizens and use “CivicPlus”, a constituent relationship app to ensure citizens always have a voice. I will also continue to be active with local nonprofit organizations to be part of their weekly scheduled event. I will have an open door policy.

 

Michael Mitchell
No Response