Southern Denton County residents will head to the polls starting this month to decide a plethora of municipal and school board contests.
The Cross Timbers Gazette asked each candidate in a contested race to answer a brief questionnaire to help voters make an informed decision at the polls this May.
The 2019 Bartonville Town Council general election is for Council members for Place 1, 3 and 5, each for a term of two years. Those seats are currently held by Jeff Traylor, Clay Sams and Josh Phillips, respectively. All the incumbents filed to run again, and Sherry Pound will run in Place 1. There will also be a special election for Place 4, because Place 4 Council member Jim Murphy has resigned.
Election Day is Saturday, May 4, with early voting April 22-27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 29-30 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The candidates for Bartonville Town Council Place 4 are listed in alphabetic order under each individual contested race.
Place 4 (2-year-term)
Bridget Melson, 49
What is the main issue facing your community and how would you address it: After meeting with several citizens of Bartonville, the greatest issue I hear about is the desire to keep the friendly, welcoming, and rural qualities, that makes Bartonville special and unique. The citizens desire to balance that with keeping property minimums to no less than 2 acres, maintaining a balanced budget, and making Bartonville welcoming to small business owners, while maintaining the current infrastructure and small town feel. The citizens of Bartonville have spoken to me loud and clear and I will listen to them, first and foremost, as a town council member.
Why are you the best candidate for this position: I am dedicated to making sure that the citizen’s voices are heard in regards to all of Bartonville’s issues, including current and future utility planning and zoning ordinances. I have spent a lifetime working with others to solve various issues, by first addressing their concerns, and then working towards solutions that are both practical and benefit all involved. I bring a unique perspective and set of skills to the town council which you will see displayed in my everyday life as well as when I am elected. My ultimate goal is to protect the integrity of the town’s history and preserve the unique, rural characteristics that make Bartonville desirable and family friendly, while keeping the town current and relevant.
Facebook page: None listed
Website: bridgetmelson2019.com
Email: [email protected]
Harry Otto, 62
What is the main issue facing your community and how would you address it: Commercial and residential development is occurring not only within the Town of Bartonville, but all around it. Property values, traffic concerns, and the overall quality of life are being affected. While development can be beneficial, it must be carefully planned and managed with the best interests of the residents in mind. Many residents moved to and live in Bartonville for the country lifestyle. It is truly unique. If elected I would work hard to maintain our Town’s country atmosphere.
Why are you the best candidate for this position: My family and I have lived in Bartonville for nearly eight years. I believe in active community service. My tenure on the Zoning Commission has given me a very good understanding of many of the issues facing the town. As a Saddlebrook HOA Board Member I see that the Saddlebrook development has unique concerns that need to be addressed at the Town Council level. In addition, my service with the Lions Club has given me the opportunity to meet many of our Town’s residents and better understand their needs.
Facebook page: None listed
Website: None listed
Email: [email protected]
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