Candidates

Paul Meltzer
Liam York
Jim Mann

 

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?

 

Paul Meltzer
Increasing temperatures make the “heat island” consequences of rapid development worse. We need to preserve and enhance tree canopy, make funded parkland purchases, and be open to creative zoning-for-preservation swaps.

 

 

Liam York
I don’t support the environment.

 

 

 

Jim Mann
Declined to Respond

 

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?

 

Paul Meltzer
In the balance of property rights and health protections, I think 500 feet is a realistic and prudent basic reverse setback. I’d be interested in exploring other avenues to encourage well capping and zoning-for-conservation swaps.

 

 

Liam York
I don’t support the environment.

 

 

 

Jim Mann
Declined to Respond

 

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?

 

Paul Meltzer
I was relieved to see that the sale would involve decommissioning the plant and doing the associated environmental cleanup. We’re continuing to engage in new longer term renewable energy contracts. I also support increasing our tree canopy and protecting green space to sequester carbon and particulates.

 

 

Liam York
I don’t support the environment.

 

 

 

Jim Mann
Declined to Respond

 

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?

 

Paul Meltzer
I support finding ways to limit contamination so we can expand our recycling program to include commercial and multifamily—a waste stream three times as big as residential. I also support investigating introducing curbside compost pickup for residential and commercial. Other municipalities do it.

 

 

Liam York
I don’t support the environment.

 

 

 

Jim Mann
Declined to Respond

 

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?

 

Paul Meltzer
We have about $6 million in bond money for parkland purchases. We prioritize adding people into the 10-minute-walk to green space range and trail connectivity. I’ve also asked staff to add an evaluation of conservation value to each parcel considered. I feel we need to protect the trees areas around our major watersheds, Clear Creek, Hickory Creek, Pecan Creek, and Cooper Creek and preserving what’s left of our original cross timbers. I encourage exploring zoning-for-conservation swaps to achieve this.

 

Liam York
I don’t support the environment.

 

 

 

Jim Mann
Declined to Respond

 

6. Community Engagement

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

 

Paul Meltzer
I supported forming a new Sustainability Committee to tap local expertise to help guide us toward our sustainability goals.

 

 

 

Liam York
I don’t support the environment.

 

 

 

Jim Mann
Declined to Respond