After a historic turnout in Early Voting and on Election Day, three City Council seats, including the Mayor, are heading for a December 8 runoff election. Make sure to get out and vote in the runoff so we continue this incredible streak of voting in Denton!

Click the buttons below to see our voter guide for each race and find out where the candidates stand on key issues:

 

    Mayor              Place 6           District 2

Runoff Candidates

Mayor
Keely Briggs
Gerard Hudspeth

Place 6
Paul Meltzer
Jim Mann

District 2
Connie Baker
Ronnie Anderson

 

This nonpartisan voter guide was compiled from a sampling of candidate responses on a wide range of issues to questionnaires created by Texas Campaign for the Environment and Denton Conservation Alliance, the League of Women Voters, and Bike Denton. Here are links to the original candidate survey responses that we sourced for this guide:

1. Denton Environmental Candidate Survey—by Texas Campaign for the Environment and Denton Conservation Alliance
2. Voter Guide for Denton City Elections—League of Women Voters of Denton
3. 2020 Candidate Questionnaire—by Bike Denton

Mail Ballots: A Note for College Students and Out-of-Town Residents

If you’re a college student in Denton, there’s a good chance you might be out of town for this election. If you’re a student or resident who will be out of town, make sure the Denton County Elections Office receives your application for a mail-in ballot by November 25th. Download the application for a mail-in ballot here. The address to submit your application and more information on the process can be found at the county’s vote-by-mail page.

Voter Information:

• Places 6 and Mayor are citywide elections. For District 2, voting is restricted to registered voters living within the respective districts. You can find your district here.
• Early Voting begins on November 23. Once announced, you’ll find Early Voting locations on the county elections website.
• Election Day is December 8. Find Polling Locations here.
• The last day to register to vote in the runoff is Monday November 9.
• For additional election information, including voter registration, voter ID requirements, and precinct information, please visit the Denton County Elections website at www.votedenton.com.

 

 

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Candidates

Connie Baker
Ronnie Anderson

*Note: Candidate Ronnie Anderson did not respond to any of the three surveys we used for this guide. However, did he respond to questions from the Denton Record Chronicle in a Candidate Interview before the November election. You can see his answers here.

Issues

1. Government Transparency & Public Outreach (League of Women Voters)
2. Local Climate Impacts (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)
3. COVID-19 Impacts (League of Women Voters)
4. Landfill Expansion & Zero Waste (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)
5. Transportation Infrastructure (Bike Denton)
6. Renewable Commitments (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)
7. Vision for Denton (League of Women Voters)
8. Gas Drilling and Development Setbacks (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

 

Selected Candidate Responses

 

1. Government Transparency & Public Outreach (League of Women Voters)

What strategies will you use to ensure open communication between City Hall and residents?

 

Connie Baker
No Response

 

 

 

Ronnie Anderson 
No Response

 

2. Local Climate Impacts (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

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?

 

Connie Baker
My greatest concerns are about increased heat, drought, insect outbreaks and declining water supplies that lead to a reduced yield in crop, roadways, bridges, wildfires, etc. Same with extreme rainfalls in other areas. Many climate changes effects are manageable by reducing emission gases. Planning ahead and taking action to build protections where already exposed in vulnerable areas.

 

Ronnie Anderson 
No Response

 

3. COVID-19 Impacts (League of Women Voters)

What actions can the city take to address the health and economic impact caused by
COVID-19?

 

Connie Baker
No Response

 

 

 

Ronnie Anderson 
No Response

 

4. Landfill Expansion & Zero Waste (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

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?

 

Connie Baker
It is my understanding that clothes are a big item in landfills. It would help to have more clothes recycle bins around town and encourage people to donate to our 2 Goodwill centers. Bringing your own cloth bags for groceries helps save the landfills from plastic bags. Composting sites would be helpful with leftover food items, such as, banana peels, egg shells, etc. Recycling bins for paper and cardboard, etc. at business would be very beneficial. Denton has a great recycle program with containers available for home use. We need to use them more by talking to our community members.

Ronnie Anderson 
No Response

 

5. Transportation Infrastructure (Bike Denton)

The Denton 2030 Plan and the Sustainable Denton Plan have goals for a more walkable, bikeable city as a way to improve fiscal and environmental sustainability, reduce traffic and congestion, improve air quality, and improve community health and safety. However, movement toward expanding sidewalks and safe bicycle infrastructure has been slow, leaving us with an incomplete network with dangerous gaps in infrastructure. What will you do to speed up the implementation of infrastructure that gives Denton residents the option to travel safely around town without an automobile?

 

Connie Baker
Making a map of the “gaps” throughout the city will help focus attention on them. Such a map can then be used to chart progress and keep citizens, as well as City Administrators, informed so that prioritization of each gap-filling project can be accomplished. This map should be committed to being up-dated and used for bond committees and new developments in impaired areas.

 

Ronnie Anderson 
No Response

 

6. Renewable Commitments (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

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? 

 

Connie Baker
The Gibson Creek Coal Plant would be beneficial to decommission the plant and go with the plan to create a family-friendly area. Selling the Gibson Creek Plant could endanger the health of area residents and polluting the air and water.

 

 

Ronnie Anderson 
No Response

 

7. Vision for Denton (League of Women Voters)

What is your vision for the future of your municipality and how would you achieve it?

 

Connie Baker
No response

 

 

 

Ronnie Anderson 
No Response

 

8. Gas Drilling and Development Setbacks (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

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?

 

Connie Baker
No, I feel 500 ft. is still too close to protect the public. I am not sure what measures could be implemented, but i would be willing to look into this matter.

 

 

 

Ronnie Anderson 
No Response

 

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Candidates

Paul Meltzer
Jim Mann

 

Candidate Surveys

1. Denton Environmental Candidate Survey—by Texas Campaign for the Environment and Denton Conservation Alliance
2. Voter Guide for Denton City Elections—League of Women Voters of Denton
3. 2020 Candidate Questionnaire—by Bike Denton

 

Issues

1. Government Transparency & Public Outreach (League of Women Voters)
2. Local Climate Impacts (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)
3. COVID-19 Impacts (League of Women Voters)
4. Landfill Expansion & Zero Waste (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)
5. Transportation Infrastructure (Bike Denton)
6. Renewable Commitments (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)
7. Vision for Denton (League of Women Voters)
8. Gas Drilling and Development Setbacks (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

 

Selected Candidate Responses

 

1. Government Transparency & Public Outreach (League of Women Voters)

What strategies will you use to ensure open communication between City Hall and residents?

 

Paul Meltzer
The City itself does many more community meetings (virtual for now) than in the past and publishes the Resident Update. Best of all is the Engage Denton App that lets you report any kind of issue and have it routed to the right department. Hundreds of resident issues are handled every month that way. For me personally, I’m reachable 24/7 at 940-220-2027, on Facebook and at paul.meltzer@cityofdenton.com. I assure you constituents reach me all the time and get response on personal issues. I’ve done town halls, often bringing city staff with me, at North Branch Library, South Branch Library, the American Legion Hall, Fire Station 7, and a couple of times on Facebook Live. I was slated to have one at Robson Ranch the night the shutdown went into effect.

 

Jim Mann
My longtime relationships with many civic, business and religious leaders in Denton give me access to a broad perspective from diverse constituencies and communities. I also will develop new relationships in the role of a city council member. I personally will engage in outreach with these individuals and constituencies in order to receive first-hand information on the impact of city policy and how we can improve on the delivery of essential services and the overall quality of life in Denton. I am an advocate of transparency and openness believing that “light is a great disinfectant.” I have a close working relationship with several non-profits in Denton and will build on those in relation to our homeless and poverty issues.

 

2. Local Climate Impacts (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

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.

 

 

Jim Mann
Declined to Respond

 

 

 

 

3. COVID-19 Impacts (League of Women Voters)

What actions can the city take to address the health and economic impact caused by
COVID-19?

 

Paul Meltzer
Despite setting aside significant emergency funds, at peak the economic needs were on such a scale that they could not in any way be covered through city resources alone. Fortunately the federal government acted fairly swiftly and, at first massively, with the CARES Act. That still left a void primarily in the areas of connecting shocked workers and business owners with the resources that were
available. The city worked closely with both the Chamber and United Way to get the information to the individuals in need. Personally I successfully advocated for the United Way to assemble a group of expert volunteers like those who help with taxes to help people file for unemployment. I also advocated for our utilities customer service to be able to make a direct hand-off of customers in need to resources who could take their information and get them covered. From a health point of view, the city’s main role was to facilitate containing spread through careful closures and our mask rule.

 

Jim Mann
The Council should work with county and state authorities to expedite the full reopening of businesses so they can recover from the lockdown. The Council should encourage high risk populations to take adequate precautions and businesses to accommodate with curbside pickup, distancing, etc. until the virus case count is negligible.

 

 

4. Landfill Expansion & Zero Waste (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

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.

 

 

Jim Mann
Declined to Respond

 

 

 

 

5. Transportation Infrastructure (Bike Denton)

The Denton 2030 Plan and the Sustainable Denton Plan have goals for a more walkable, bikeable city as a way to improve fiscal and environmental sustainability, reduce traffic and congestion, improve air quality, and improve community health and safety. However, movement toward expanding sidewalks and safe bicycle infrastructure has been slow, leaving us with an incomplete network with dangerous gaps in infrastructure. What will you do to speed up the implementation of infrastructure that gives Denton residents the option to travel safely around town without an automobile?

 

Paul Meltzer
It really is all about money. I pushed for sidewalks-to-schools funding in the 2019 bond package, which passed. I’ll continue to push for funding multi-modal priorities in future bond issues

 

 

Jim Mann
COVID 19 has changed many things…but not everything is negative. We have seen the importance of slowing down and getting outside. Denton’s goal of having a park or green space within ten minutes of every citizen is worthwhile and I suggest speeding up the plan. I would like to hear from the City Manager where we are as far as the 2030 Plan schedule is concerned. If we are, in fact, behind schedule, I would push to expedite.

 

6. Renewable Commitments (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

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.

 

 

Jim Mann
Declined to Respond

 

 

 

 

7. Vision for Denton (League of Women Voters)

What is your vision for the future of your municipality and how would you achieve it?

 

Paul Meltzer
My vision for the future of Denton is that, with all the growth we’re experiencing, we end up being not just bigger, but even better than now because we nurtured and built on the great qualities we already have. We will have not just a vibrant, diverse culture fueled by the presence of our colleges and universities, but also careers for our graduates in innovative and creative fields. We will have not just a walkable, colorful square but a bigger walkable downtown with public, family-friendly spaces among the well designed shops and office spaces between Locust and Elm. We will have not just a storied
underground music scene, but the steady presence of performances across the arts in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues. We will be a model for care of the marginalized and for equality before the law. Everyone will live within a ten-minute walk of green space, with hike and bike trails connecting them. It sounds a bit dreamy, but it’s all within our power as we set goals and plan.

 

Jim Mann
As a lifelong resident, I can attest that Denton is a great place to live and raise a family. We have economic opportunity, good schools and safe neighborhoods. I’m running for City Council because I want to keep it that way. Too often, as cities grow, various advocates arise who espouse zoning and regulatory policies that stifle business operations and growth, presume the people are accountable to the government rather than the government accountable to the people, and desire to import ideas that expand city government beyond its proper role. Texans prefer less government to more government! The City Council’s focus is economic development, safety, roads, zoning and capital improvement—that’s the core function of a city government. Again, common sense must prevail!

 

8. Gas Drilling and Development Setbacks (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

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.

 

 

Jim Mann
Declined to Respond

 

 

 

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Candidates

Keely Briggs
Gerard Hudspeth

 

Candidate Surveys

1. Denton Environmental Candidate Survey—by Texas Campaign for the Environment and Denton Conservation Alliance
2. Voter Guide for Denton City Elections—League of Women Voters of Denton
3. 2020 Candidate Questionnaire—by Bike Denton

 

Issues

1. Government Transparency & Public Outreach (League of Women Voters)
2. Local Climate Impacts (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)
3. COVID-19 Impacts (League of Women Voters)
4. Landfill Expansion & Zero Waste (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)
5. Transportation Infrastructure (Bike Denton)
6. Renewable Commitments (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)
7. Vision for Denton (League of Women Voters)
8. Gas Drilling and Development Setbacks (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

 

Selected Candidate Responses

 

1. Government Transparency & Public Outreach (League of Women Voters)

What strategies will you use to ensure open communication between City Hall and residents?

 

Keely Briggs
Increased Community engagement and transparency has been a priority of mine since day 1. As a district representative I have kept the lines of communication open and clear with the residents and businesses in District 2 by meeting people where they are – in person, phone, email, blogs, social media, neighborhood groups, digital newsletters, and regularly scheduled District 2 conversations. As mayor I will continue this strategy of intentional communication by holding town-hall meetings across each of Denton’s districts and will be adding a monthly meeting with businesses in our community.

Gerard Hudspeth
I have a clear record of promoting open communication on the council. And I want to do more. 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. Advances in technology 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 participate in their weekly scheduled event. I have an open door.

 

2. Local Climate Impacts (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

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.

 

 

3. COVID-19 Impacts (League of Women Voters)

What actions can the city take to address the health and economic impact caused by
COVID-19?

 

Keely Briggs
We have to acknowledge that it is indeed a real pandemic . From there we need to continue to work closely coordinating resources, efforts, communication, and policy with Denton County and the State of Texas. But, we have to recognize our foremost duty is to the health and safety of our residents here in the City of Denton. This means that we need to be ready and willing to act locally, on our front lines, in our best interest, in real time. This pandemic has exposed weaknesses and reluctance in larger government institutions to take action in a timely manner. Our willingness to take action locally helped save lives and deliver better health outcomes. In addressing local economic impacts we need to collaborate with our businesses to get creative and have flexibility. Further as we own our municipal utilities, we can continue to be willing to help businesses and residents alike by not cutting off their utility service for late payment during this pandemic induced economic downturn.

Gerard Hudspeth
The city can take an active role in partnering with the business community. The city economic development department should bring forward policy decisions that could help existing businesses and encourage new businesses to open in Denton.

 

 

 

4. Landfill Expansion & Zero Waste (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

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.

 

5. Transportation Infrastructure (Bike Denton)

The Denton 2030 Plan and the Sustainable Denton Plan have goals for a more walkable, bikeable city as a way to improve fiscal and environmental sustainability, reduce traffic and congestion, improve air quality, and improve community health and safety. However, movement toward expanding sidewalks and safe bicycle infrastructure has been slow, leaving us with an incomplete network with dangerous gaps in infrastructure. What will you do to speed up the implementation of infrastructure that gives Denton residents the option to travel safely around town without an automobile?

 

Keely Briggs
We need to keep our 2019 Bond projects for for sidewalks and land a high priority. And we need to use open spaces and existing right of ways to add connector trails. Stying on top of these projects means making sure they are completed in a timely manner… 3 to 10 year completion schedules are not acceptable.

 

 

Gerard Hudspeth
If I am elected Mayor, I will push for a definitive plan that prioritizes safe pedestrian routes utilizing the City’s right of way. The plan will be phased and will identify projects that are actionable immediately, intermediate, and long-term. The finalized plan will provide city staff and future councils with a clear direction. It will also make it easier for citizens to track and measure progress.

 

 

6. Renewable Commitments (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

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.

 

 

 

7. Vision for Denton (League of Women Voters)

What is your vision for the future of your municipality and how would you achieve it?

 

Keely Briggs
To leave Denton a better place than we found it and to lay a foundation for the health, prosperity, and happiness of Denton’s future generations. We get there with people and leadership that is focused on building bridges toward that vision in this troubling time of deep national and global division. This is an overwhelmingly good community. We have so many caring and decent people that we are fortunate to call our neighbors and friends. And we benefit from the positive work of our numerous non-profits and charitable organizations. They make us better. They make Denton a place that cares about people.

Gerard Hudspeth
My vision for Denton is to preserve the diverse family-friendly community that I grew up in 47 years ago. The population will grow, but good city policies can keep the close-knit culture. As Mayor, I will protect that culture by supporting policies that attract first-time homebuyers, such as keeping taxes as low as possible. To accomplish that, I support strategies to attract high-quality businesses to grow the commercial tax base. That brings jobs and also shifts the tax burden away from homeowners. Jobs and low taxes will allow our children to grow up here, graduate here, and then work and raise a family here.

 

8. Gas Drilling and Development Setbacks (Denton Environmental Candidate Survey)

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.

 

 

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