Birdia Johnson
Regularly report to organizations. Support community events and organizations. Host and support Town Hall meetings to include all neighborhoods. Involve community in decisions concerning the community at large.Use social media avenues to inform the community of decisions that were made, solicit feedback, and keep an open line of communication. Be sure community is aware of standing
meetings and their ability to attend as well as the process to voice their opinion.

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?

George Ferrie
I am very concerned about climate change and its effects on the environment. Increased severity of storms and droughts, hotter heat waves, worsening air quality (which is already very poor in Denton), increased flooding and costs of damages. The list goes on but those are a few very real concerns citizens should be aware of right here in Denton. It also important to note how climate change disproportionately affects poorer communities. I think a barrier is how we educate our public about the importance of knowing our individual contributions, both beneficial and harmful, to the environment. Also, educating folks on the many ways to change, curb, or increase daily habits to reduce our footprint as a community and city.

Birdia Johnson
Deforestation; policy must be implemented to protect the climate.

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?

George Ferrie
I was forced to close my business due to this pandemic. I understand all too well the pain those who live paycheck to paycheck feel. We cannot afford to get sick. We cannot afford our rising rents. And we are forced to decide whether to pay bills or buy food. This is a reality that must be addressed immediately. This is a reality that many of our District One residents are experiencing right now. People living all over town are struggling more than they ever have, and we need compassionate, creative leadership to get us through this pandemic. One very important action that can be taken right now,
during the current budget discussions, is to invest more money in Human Services. This will provide
funding for Denton residents in need of food, housing, utilities assistance, eviction prevention, and
mental healthcare. We must invest in Community care if we expect to get through these incredibly
tough times.

Birdia Johnson
The City can continue to work with the County and DISD to assure a unified message is communicated to the community. Continue to advocate for social distance, hand washing, and wearing of masks. Wherever possible, make sanitizing stations available, Continue to limit building occupancy until further notice. Continue to promote health and wellness opportunities through the recreation
centers as well as promote the open parks and trails for those that desire to remain outside. As for the economic impact, we should continue to promote the grants and loan opportunities. Remain a listening ear for those who need to talk and provide a list of counseling resources if provide a list of counseling resources if possible. Finally, whenever possible, look for collaboration opportunities that are mutually beneficial..

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?

George Ferrie
This is a very concerning issue. We shouldn’t be giving outside businesses and cities wholesale pricing, when the environmental impacts caused affect our citizens directly and daily. The city has already spent over $11 million dollars and 15 years on acquiring the land for the expansion and plans for the expansion. We need a better commitment from the city to increase participation in recycling, composting, and waste reduction throughout our city. The city should require all multi-family developments to provide adequate recycling bins and knowledge for their residents. We need to encourage more partnerships between local businesses and food banks to reduce food waste. We need more money allocated to education and access to waste reduction, recycling, and composting.

Birdia Johnson
I must understand the process : and evaluation of options can’t not make informed decision without this

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?

George Ferrie
This is a tough question. There is so much construction happening in our city with multiple bond projects in the works, general upkeep construction, current overhaul on Locust Street. The list is TOO LONG! I believe it is vital that city staff and city council hold meetings with those directly affected by the current construction. We must come up with a plan that prioritizes projects efficiently and effectively to alleviate the growing pains as we continue to experience growth and more construction projects in the future.

Birdia Johnson
From my Understanding the Gibson creek decisions have already taken place. We must continue to push for clean air policy’s

7. Vision for Denton (League of Women Voters)

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

George Ferrie
Future Denton is a place where we all have equitable opportunities, access, and rights. To build this Denton, we start by looking within ourselves and doing the work needed to do and be better. And then we reach out and listen to our community’s needs, raise voices speaking of these concerns, and work together to find the best solutions. Our city council must embrace accountability and transparency as foundations for action rather than buzzwords used during reelection campaigns. I am here to be of service to my siblings in District One. I am here to work for a better future for Denton. I am here for you. Put me to work.

Birdia Johnson
I want Denton to experience economic growth for our businesses and families, educated youth, unified community, well trained first responders that work in cohesion, maintained infrastructure, thriving parks and recreation centers, healthy environment with open green space, and open communication between our elected officials and the community. I would support community organizations that are
making positive strides in making these areas a reality. I would vote to show my support of these issues. I would advocate for safety for our community.

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?

George Ferrie
I think this was a step in the right direction, but by no means is this the end of the conversation. We are seeing nationwide conversations surrounding the issue of gas wells and their effects on the health and safety of those that live near them. I would like to see an increase of reverse setbacks to 1,000 feet. I think it is very telling how much money is spent by Oil and Gas lobbyists to try and bury these needed discussions. We do not have a federal mandate on setbacks, and with the tens of millions of dollars spent by lobbyists, it is easy to assume we won’t anytime soon. This leaves you local leaders in charge of advocating for the community. Almost every City Council candidate will say public safety is of the utmost importance to their campaign. If this is true, then each one must take this issue seriously before we have another explosion in our city which puts lives in danger.