Municipal elections in Garland, Texas (2017)
2019 →
← 2016
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| 2017 Garland elections |
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| Election dates |
| Filing deadline: February 17, 2017 |
| General election: May 6, 2017 Runoff election: June 10, 2017 |
| Election stats |
| Offices up: Mayor and city council |
| Total seats up: 5 |
| Election type: Nonpartisan |
| Other municipal elections |
| U.S. municipal elections, 2017 |
The city of Garland, Texas, held a general election for mayor and city council on May 6, 2017. A runoff election was held on June 10, 2017. The filing deadline for candidates who wished to run in this election was February 17, 2017.
District 3, where Councilman Stephen W. Stanley opted not to run for re-election, advanced to a runoff when none of the general election candidates won a majority (50 percent plus one vote). Jerry Nickerson defeated Ed Moore in the runoff to claim the open seat.[1]
Mayor Douglas Athas defeated one challenger in the general election to win re-election. District 6 Councilwoman Lori Barnett Dodson and District 8 Councilman Jim Cahill were not eligible to run for re-election in 2017 due to term limits. Newcomers Robert Vera and Robert John Smith picked up the District 6 and District 8 seats, respectively, in the general election. [2]
Elections
Runoff election
District 3
Incumbent Stephen W. Stanley opted not to run for re-election.[1]
☐ Edward "Ed" Moore
☑ Jerry Nickerson
General election
Mayor☑ Douglas Athas (i) District 3Incumbent Stephen W. Stanley opted not to run for re-election.[1] |
District 6Incumbent Lori Barnett Dodson was not eligible to run for re-election due to term limits.[2] District 7☑ Scott LeMay (i) |
District 8Incumbent Jim Cahill was not eligible to run for re-election due to term limits.[2] |
Campaign finance
The figures in the tables below are from the most recent report submitted by each candidate as of May 5, 2017. They are reproduced as presented by the candidates in their report summaries.[3]
Mayor
District 3
District 6
District 7
District 8
Additional elections on the ballot
- See also: Texas elections, 2017
The Collin College District and the Garland Independent School District held elections on May 6, 2017. Click on the following links to read about their elections:
Issues
Runoff election
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District 3 runoff contenders Ed Moore and Jerry Nickerson both emphasized the importance of economic development and responsible fiscal management on their campaign websites.[4][5]
Each also highlighted development in response to a question from the Garland Texan about the city's biggest needs and problems:[6]
- Ed Moore: "Garland is playing catch up because of decisions made in the past that were not in the best interest of South Garland. We need revitalized neighborhood structures and sustainable quality development and redevelopment. South Garland was the gateway to Downtown Garland and established the core business and residential community. Structures built during the 70's and 80's can't accommodate present development demands, resulting in the need for redevelopment or increased capital expenditures. The current I-30 Corridor Catalyst Study will assist in identifying how to structure opportunities through public/private funding and incentives."
- Jerry Nickerson: "We need further economic development, specifically commercial development and more specifically development in the South Garland areas. In recent years, the focus has been on growing the north side of Garland in the Fire Wheel area. There are opportunities for commercial development along with transportation improvements in south Garland. This area has potential opportunities along the west side of Lake Ray Hubbard that are city owned but have basically been underused and under supported.
Transportation issues need to be solved. We should work further with TX Dot along the I – 30 corridor for revitalization and development coordination and on the 635 loop issues.
Many streets in south Garland are older streets and have been repaired or patched over and over. Some of the streets need better lane identification and markings as well as complete resurfacing. Redirecting budget dollars to these areas and increasing budgets can fund these needs without increases in tax rates. This needs to be escalated and let's work to make this a priority.
Another issue of concern in South Garland is the situation with the old Eastern Hills Country Club. Here is a prime asset of the local neighborhood that is being totally ignored and forgotten by the City. The rich history of this facility makes this a prime opportunity and this amenity must be revitalized. There had been a proposal by a developer for 500 homes who walked away after the Friends of South Garland blocked the development. I commend the Friends of South Garland and Councilman Stanley for their efforts to forestall this development. With the recent fire the city now has a major liability on its hands and the leadership has not presented any recent ideas on how to solve it. Our firefighters are now at risk as is the surrounding neighborhood. Victor Ballas should reimburse the City for the cost of the fire services and should be made to keep the property in repair to prevent further damage and risk. This will be a high priority for me when I become the District 3 Councilman."
Moore, who was appointed by incumbent Stephen W. Stanley to the Community Multicultural Commission and the Eastern Hills Study Group Community Steering Committee, had Stanley's backing in the race.[7] Nickerson was endorsed by The Garland Messenger.[8]
General election
The Dallas Morning News surveyed candidates in the contested races about why they ran for office and the three most important actions they would take if elected. Click "show" on the bars below to see the candidates' responses. To view the Morning News' full candidate profiles, click here.[9][10]
| Why are you running for this office, and why should voters choose you over your opponent? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Office | Candidate | Response |
| Mayor | Douglas Athas (i) | "Garland is essentially at build-out. As a first-tier suburb, Garland must learn to grow within its skin, to attract new business investment and residents, and provide a quality of life that makes people want to come and to stay. Meanwhile, as a full-service city, Garland must continue to provide the infrastructure and utilities, including power, that makes it unique in the Metroplex. Garland must also work with the region and state to provide transportation necessary for businesses and residents, like a new IH-635. Residents want to continue to see low crime and high service levels. Nearly 20 years experience at city hall have been the training for my final two. We have built a solid foundation for our future and now we must start to build upon it." |
| Mayor | Leala Green | "I am running for this office because I am a good communicator, who believes that every citizen of Garland deserves to know when some project is being planned for the neighborhood in which they live. I believe their input should be sought and valued. I believe in as much transparency as the local and state government laws will allow. Garland needs more income to maintain and improve its' housing base and a better educated populace in order to be a more attractive city for investors of all kinds." |
| City Council District 3 |
Patricia Anthony | "In May, the city of Garland will once again step up to the task of choosing leaders to guide it through the next biennial. As a citizen of Garland and resident of District 3, I want what is best for this great city and to see our district grow and prosper.
I have a passion for community service and inherent optimism about the future. I draw from the inspiration of our Founding Fathers. It’s not just a desire but a commitment to serve. In my life, some of the most influential and impactful people were those committed to service, not those who sought power. President Theodore Roosevelt said, 'This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.' Our city, particularly District 3, has challenges and opportunities. The resolution to our challenges and opportunities is Leadership! Our city needs leaders who will heed the concerns of its citizens, serve with transparency, and commit to working in harmony with the City Council, business systems, neighborhood associations and educational institutions. I believe this is the formula to make Garland a place where citizens feel safe, and others desire to live in the future. I will dedicate my time, knowledge, skills, and abilities to productively guiding our district through the challenge of the next biennial and revitalization. More importantly, I'm an esteemed community leader; one who exhibits quality leadership, integrity, and fortitude. I will utilize these qualities to bring about positive change in our city. District 3 is one of the foundations of our city; it still has untapped potential that can only be brought to light by dedicated leadership and visionary talent. I have communicated and worked with the diverse communities that make up the fabric of our district and city. I will promptly respond to the concerns of my constituency and wholeheartedly serve my district full-time. My history of committed service will verify my record of effective leadership and positive results. This is why voters should choose me over my opponents; I am 'Prepared to Lead and Committed to Serve.'" |
| City Council District 3 |
Edward Moore | "I want to be an advocate and principal leader in the revitalization of South Garland. Voters should choose me for my proven servant leadership ability to facilitate and make sure everyone has a voice at the decision making table." |
| City Council District 3 |
Jerry Nickerson | "I have a desire to serve and feel that with my experience and background it is time. I have spent my energy raising a family and providing for that family for the past 32 years. I am now at the point that I can focus on helping others and I believe it is time to serve. My home is here in Garland and I want to improve the city and quality of life for its citizens.
I will bring a Fiscal conservative approach to managing the City budget, a fresh approach to growing Garland with a renewed energy and focus on South Garland and improved city services." |
| City Council District 6 |
Eric Elmore | No response |
| City Council District 6 |
Robert Vera | "I am running for city council because I have a dedication and passion for serving District 6 and the entire City of Garland. I have been a homeowner in Garland for over 40 years and I have served my community in a number of ways. I was a member of the Garland Planning and Zoning Commission for 6 years; I am the current treasurer of the West Garland Neighborhood Association; and I have been a reserve deputy sheriff for over 15 years. I am dedicated to improving the quality of life for all of us in this wonderful and diverse community." |
| City Council District 6 |
Nhat-Nam "Bao Vinh" Pham | "As the first Vietnamese-American candidate for District 6 of Garland, I came here as an immigrant with my family fleeing Communist Vietnam and grew up in Garland. I bring to the table a different outlook to how Garland should look to celebrate her diversity and potential to reach the higher rankings as one of the best suburbs to live, work and play. Garland can balance between being a bedroom community and the drive to work towards positive economic growth, local jobs creation, as well as affordable housing for our residents. I went into pharmacy to help people overcome and treat their illnesses but felt that I wanted to touch peoples' lives on a broader sense through civic/public service. You can treat one person at a time with medicine but with correct policies and leadership, your residents and city will benefit greatly from the successes of teamwork, vision and civic participation. The voters should examine the shift in demographics and look towards me as the candidate who is younger, eager, and bolder, representing the newer faces of the community, offering fresher approaches to propel Garland while celebrating the city's 'Texas Made Here' heritage." |
| City Council District 8 |
Jack Blackshear | "I have been a servant of the people in some capacity for all of my adult life, including 27 years in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. My experience and loyalty to serve will provide me with a solid foundation to serve once again. A position in which I can and will serve with Integrity. I will listen to the people and always put Garland first." |
| City Council District 8 |
Terry G. Kaliney | "make garland great again-----------------------trump is making America great again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" |
| City Council District 8 |
Robert John Smith | "I was born and raised in Garland. I left for college, but when it came time to settle down and raise a family, I came back to put down roots in the community that I love. For decades I've worked as a community volunteer and a policy analyst, where I learned the needs of the community and how policy affects it at every level. I feel it is time to take the next step.
My campaign slogan is 'Smart Spending, Safe Streets'. 'Smart Spending' is needed to lower our debt while improving our city. We should target spending on core city services like streets, public safety, and utilities. We have to think ahead to how we're going to revitalize the older half of the city and bring jobs to our community. We will not be able to do that as well under a mountain of debt. It is my primary goal as a city councilman to ensure that we continue the trend of reducing the city's debt. 'Safe Streets' has two meanings. The first is street repair, maintenance and traffic management. Transportation is the lifeblood of every successful city. Our roads must be safe, reliable, and modern. The second is public safety. Garland has top-rated public safety departments. Our Fire Department has an ISO rating of a '1' which is best in class. Our police officers are being recognized at the state and national levels for their actions. I will work to ensure that our police and fire departments continue to have the tools they need to be successful. Smart spending, safe streets isn't just a campaign slogan. It's a way of life. I believe that I am the only candidate in this race with the experience, the ability and the drive to help keep the city on the road to financial strength and regional competitiveness. That is why I am running for Garland City Council, District 8." |
| City Council District 8 |
James Scot Sullivan | "I'm running for office to work with the Mayor, my fellow City Council Members and my constituents of District 8 to ensure the City of Garland’s financial integrity and success by doing the following:
Ensure affordability of living in Garland by acting against increases in property taxes. Maintain quality of City services. Improve safety and security. Stop the Liberal Socialist's insidious plot to attack Garland's financial stability, threaten our Federal funding and undermine our credit rating thereby increasing taxation of law abiding citizens by turning our home into a Sanctuary City. Act as a proponent for development and redevelopment. My fellow citizens should vote for me if they want a strong proponent for fiscal responsibility who will decisions according to it's impact on our City's bond credit rating. A proven leader who has a verifiable history of putting himself in harm's way in service to his country. A protector of traditional conservative values who believes in America and Garland's prosperous economic future." |
| What are the three most important actions you would take, if elected, and how would you advance them and pay for them? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Office | Candidate | Response |
| Mayor | Douglas Athas (i) | "Secure funding for IH-635 by continuing to work through the Regional Transportation Council, with our state representatives, and with TxDOT. Challenge the ever-increasing costs of water from our water district by working with the member cities to institute better business practices that are sustainable and do not penalize conservation. Bring new plans and resources to our neighborhoods and older shopping areas that revitalize growth and provide those products and services that citizens desire." |
| Mayor | Leala Green | "1. I want more transparency for the citizens of Garland. If a project is planned for their neighborhood, they should be the first to know and have some input. 2. All students should leave high school with a working knowledge of 3 languages,_ English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. 3. Beautifying the roadways that leads into the city would do a great deal to make Garland a more attractive and welcoming city and providing more affordable housing, that will give the city more funds via property taxes." |
| City Council District 3 |
Patricia Anthony | "Garland is known as the 'Best kept secret in North Texas.' We want to expand this attitude; therefore, it is important that our district reflects the shifting metropolis. To accomplish this goal, these are the three most important actions I would undertake: 1) Revitalization: I would work to redevelop the former Eastern Hills Country Club and the properties destroyed as a result of the December 2015 tornado. This revitalization would be a negotiated process with the current owners and financed via investors and other available redevelopment programs. 2) Infrastructure: The continued growth of our city creates stress on our transportation. The current budget includes funding to repair our streets for extended years. I would continue to work with the Street Department ensuring the streets in District 3 are properly repaired. 3) Interstate 30 (IH 30) Corridor: The IH 30 corridor in Garland is prime development for commercial, housing, and recreational properties. With the assistance of the City Council, City Manager, Planning & Community Development and Office of Neighborhood Vitality, the IH 30 corridor and undeveloped property, would be advanced. This project would be funded with assistance from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), investors, and neighborhood grant programs offered by the State of Texas." |
| City Council District 3 |
Edward Moore | "(1) Continue the I-30 Corridor Catalyst Study to assure a comprehensive plan for South Garland in collaboration with Envision Garland 2020. (2) Work with the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, County and State governments to assure funding resources from public and private finances. (3) Facilitate discussions between land owners and development/redevelopment resources to bring them to amicable agreement on land usage or reusage." |
| City Council District 3 |
Jerry Nickerson | "Help to build a collaborative City Council and improve communication with the citizens of Garland and District 3
Improve the transparency of the decision making process. Improve the outreach to the citizens of Garland and especially those of District 3 and South Garland. None of these action will require increased cost and will in fact provide opportunities to decrease costs and increase economic growth." |
| City Council District 6 |
Eric Elmore | No response |
| City Council District 6 |
Robert Vera | "One of my most important duties as a City Council member representing District 6 is to be an effective conduit for information between our citizens and the city government. My three most important actions are related to this central duty. 1) West Garland is a wonderfully diverse and stable community. My first goal is to showcase our unique character while revitalizing some of our aging buildings and infrastructure. My first action would be to educate our apartment managers, renters, and homeowners about the Neighborhood Vitality Program and other initiatives the City of Garland has undertaken to encourage our citizens to further invest in our community. Ninety percent (90%) of the houses in District 6 were built before 1981. I will promote city initiatives that invest in established neighborhoods like West Garland. In addition to Neighborhood Vitality funds, some larger projects could perhaps be funded through a CDBG grant. I will also examine if some bond economic development funds may still be available for investing in West Garland. Economic development must include revitalization and not just new development.
2) I will work with the appropriate City of Garland departments—Code Enforcement, Police Department, and Fire Department—to educate residents about code enforcement, fire safety, crime prevention, their rights as renters, and their responsibility as property owners. Almost 50% of the citizens of District 6 are long-term renters (on average exceeding 10 years). I will encourage Code Compliance to become more active in inspecting rental units to ensure that they meet acceptable living conditions. I will also listen for citizen concerns to be addressed. Examples of potential concerns are those about parking, predatory towing practices, and discriminatory rental policies. This action will not require any additional financial investment. 3) I would like to bring more businesses to Garland. District 6 has lost some of its industrial base. We can reverse that trend with the appropriate policies and initiatives. Beyond contributing to the tax base, new commercial activity will provide more jobs and otherwise contribute to the quality of life and fiscal health of the City of Garland." |
| City Council District 6 |
Nhat-Nam "Bao Vinh" Pham | "1. Economic Growth: Aggressive, active recruitment of manufacturing or business entities both foreign and domestic to our commercial/industrial districts. Observing 'catalyst areas' and determining if the tax-incremental-district is necessary for those areas versus potential sites within city. More help from SBA or branches to help prospective entrepreneurs to set up shop within Garland and providing rebates or similar tax incentives at a proportional percentage compared to large businesses who come to the city for development. 2. Neighborhood Revitalization: Assessing and prioritizing which neighborhoods need the extra help through a ranking system. From there cities should incorporate successful voucher programs or utility credits/rebates for upgrades both for landlords and tenants. Also, we need more publicity of nonprofits or volunteer groups to assist in the matter through civic participation to reduce heavy usage of taxpayer dollars. Another successful attempt is examining if it can be listed as a historic neighborhood district to attract attention to the need for preservation and upkeep. 3. Upgrade in Infrastructure: One of the main arteries of Garland is Walnut Street and many shopping plazas and neighborhoods depend on this street for transit. I will work with City Council as well as the Public Works in Road Construction to determine how to solve this issue that Walnut Street is not evenly paved although there has been work done on it in the past. Mainly the Capital Improvement Fund should be able to fund this project. Or the project could be incrementally done by sections of the street to prevent huge obstruction in maneuverability for vehicles and offset costs." |
| City Council District 8 |
Jack Blackshear | "1) Maintaining the highest standards in public safety -- police and fire/EMS. My emphasis would be on the people. We must take care of the people. This will be a priority for me in each annual operating budget.
2) Maintaining our infrastructure -- streets, water, and sewer. Much of these big ticket items will require continued borrowing, but bonding must be structured to ensure taxes do not increase. 3) Retaining and attracting business to provide good jobs and to expand the tax base. I would accomplish this by providing great services -- police, fire, utilities. Where it makes economic sense, judicious use of incentives should also be considered on a case-by-case basis." |
| City Council District 8 |
Terry G. Kaliney | No response |
| City Council District 8 |
Robert John Smith | "My first step as a city councilman is to take a deep dive into the city's operating budget. We are still funding our street repairs with debt, when streets should be one of our top priorities. We have to find new ways to cut spending in other areas to keep our roads safe.
Second, the city has a long list of funded projects – some dating back to the 1997 bond election – that are still not complete. It will be my goal to work with the city manager to finish or close those projects. Lastly, I will undertake a comprehensive review of the safety, compensation and benefits for our first responders." |
| City Council District 8 |
James Scot Sullivan | "My priority is the quality of life of the law abiding, taxpaying citizens of Garland, TX. #1) Ensure continued affordability of living by acting against increases in property taxes. #2) Maintain quality of City services. #3) Act against all 'Sanctuary City' policies that jeopardize Garland's financial stability.
The bond ratings companies, Fitch and Standard & Poor, have reaffirmed the Garland’s General Obligation Bond ratings. Fitch assigns Garland a AAA rating and S&P assigns Garland a AA+. Garland's extremely high ratings allow the City of Garland to pay lower interest rates on debt accumulated to provide City services, this benefits every Garland citizen. In cooperation with the Mayor and other City Council Members I'll continue to seek ways to improve and maintain bond ratings so as to ensure no increased taxation is levied upon citizens to provide the same quality services. I'll act as an advocate of full cooperation with Federal authorities to ensure Garland's access to Federal funds is not jeopardized. Every decision I make as a City Council Member will be for the purpose of maintaining Garland's 'high-grade' ratings. Bond ratings serve as a statement of a City's economic, financial and managerial condition and represent the business community's assessment of the investment quality of a local government. Highly rated bonds are more attractive and are more competitive in the market and thereby help lower interest costs paid by City residents. High-grade ratings reduce the cost of raising capital for City projects and a substantial savings for the City taxpayers. In an effort to ensure our continued high rating I'll make financial decisions in accordance with the following: 1) The city will repay borrowed funds, used for capital projects, within a period not to exceed the expected useful life of the project. This policy reflects the view that those residents who benefit from a project should pay for the project. Adherence to this policy will also help prevent the government from over-extending itself with regard to the occurrence of future debt. 2) I'll advocate that the City limit long-term debt to capital improvements which cannot be financed from current revenues. Incurring long-term debt serves to obligate future taxpayers. Excess reliance on long-term debt can cause debt levels to reach or exceed the government's ability to pay. Therefore, conscientious use of long-term debt will provide assurance that future residents will be able to service the debt obligations left by former residents. 3) I'll also advocate that the city not use long-term debt for financing current operations. This policy reflects the view that those residents who benefit from a service should pay for the service. Utilization of long-term debt to support current operations would result in future residents supporting services provided to current residents." |
About the city
- See also: Garland, Texas
Garland is a city in Collin County, Dallas County, and Rockwall County, Texas. As of 2010, its population was 226,876.
City government
- See also: Council-manager government
The city of Garland uses a council-manager system. In this form of municipal government, an elected city council—which includes the mayor and serves as the city's primary legislative body—appoints a chief executive called a city manager to oversee day-to-day municipal operations and implement the council's policy and legislative initiatives.[11]
Demographics
The following table displays demographic data provided by the United States Census Bureau.
| Demographic Data for Garland, Texas | ||
|---|---|---|
| Garland | Texas | |
| Population | 226,876 | 25,145,561 |
| Land area (sq mi) | 57 | 261,266 |
| Race and ethnicity** | ||
| White | 63.8% | 74% |
| Black/African American | 14.9% | 12.1% |
| Asian | 11.2% | 4.8% |
| Native American | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Pacific Islander | 0% | 0.1% |
| Other (single race) | 6.1% | 5.8% |
| Multiple | 3.5% | 2.7% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 42.5% | 39.3% |
| Education | ||
| High school graduation rate | 77.1% | 83.7% |
| College graduation rate | 22.9% | 29.9% |
| Income | ||
| Median household income | $61,211 | $61,874 |
| Persons below poverty level | 13.2% | 14.7% |
| Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2010). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2014-2019). | ||
| **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here. | ||
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Garland Texas election. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
| Garland, Texas | Texas | Municipal government | Other local coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
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External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Facebook, "Steven Stanley - Garland City Council Dist 3 on February 17, 2017," accessed March 7, 2017
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 The Dallas Morning News, "Local Elections Filing Period Opens Wednesday with Dallas Council, Suburban Mayors on May 6 Ballot," January 17, 2017
- ↑ Ballotpedia staff, "Email correspondence with Garland city secretary," May 5, 2017
- ↑ Campaign to Elect Ed Moore, "Ed Moore on the Issues," accessed May 31, 2017
- ↑ Jerry A. Nickerson - Candidate for City Council District 3, "Issues," accessed May 31, 2017
- ↑ Garland Texan, "Council Candidate Q&A – District 3," April 8, 2017
- ↑ Campaign to Elect Ed Moore, "Endorsements," accessed May 31, 2017
- ↑ The Garland Messenger, "Jerry Nickerson Jr. Candidate of Choice," May 2, 2017
- ↑ The candidate's answers were reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
- ↑ The Dallas Morning News, "Voter Guide," accessed May 3, 2017
- ↑ City of Garland, "Government," accessed September 5, 2014
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