Editor’s note: Candidates are listed in ballot order. The first question was limited to 300 words, all others 100 words.
Pat Kelly
What are your three top priorities and what will you do about them if elected?
First priority: Address the increasing crime activity. The number one job for the City Council should be public safety. I will visit with the police administration about real community policing. Since I am a retired police officer and know the different divisions within the department, I would like for the Council to consider moving some of the administrative personnel to patrol duties.
Second priority: Address the lack of transparency. The City Council must be transparent about spending our tax dollars. I will be transparent. District 1 has not received their share of funding as other districts. In addition, integrity should be a high priority. No more back-door politics.
Third priority: Addressing the neglected infrastructure. District 1 is one of the oldest parts of the city. The infrastructure, water and gas lines, lighting and most importantly, the roadways are not receiving the attention it deserves. There are still dirt roads in the District that are impassable when hit by heavy rains. I will work to have funds allocated for such projects in District 1 instead of prioritizing South Lubbock.
I feel that both police and fire are too heavy with administrative personnel. I would like to see some reassigned to boots on the ground.
pat kelly
Should the city reconsider impact fees or go forward with road bonds?
I am opposed to road bonds for additional debt at this time. I would rather slow down on all bonds and look at reducing taxes. Impact fees were in place for a brief period of time then suddenly, when it did not benefit the developers, the impact fees were cancelled. The city should reconsider the impact fees and direct funds to Districts 1 and 2.
What letter grade would you give Lubbock’s police and fire departments and why that grade?
Overall, the police and fire departments are doing exceptional work. I would give a grade of B+ but, as with anything else, there is always room for improvements. I feel that both police and fire are too heavy with administrative personnel. I would like to see some reassigned to, “boots on the ground.”
What’s your opinion about the city attracting AI hubs?
I do not believe that we should be spending tax dollars that are being spent to attract AI. Private funding/investors should step up. Over the last year, I met with a local real estate agent who was representing a Dallas-based organization, we looked at and discussed in depth land in North Lubbock. At this time, the city does not have the mechanism in place to support what it would take for AI.
What’s your opinion about the 2040 plan, which advocates a centralized neighborhood development process, or should people in neighborhoods be allowed to make their own choices?
This is a simple issue for me. I believe the neighborhoods who are directly affected by centralized neighborhood developments have a large say in their neighborhoods. Local and out-of-town developers should not be forcing established neighborhoods to forego their peace and quiet.
We know Lubbock will have to fund more roads as it grows. Are you satisfied with the city’s water plans, or is there more to be done?
The way that the city is growing at a strong pace, it is vital to address the roads, with that being said, we still need to maintain existing roadways. I believe that we are heading in the right direction, however, with our continuous growth, the City Council should continue to look for other resources for obtaining vital water supplies.
Over the next four years, what kind of leadership talent does the city need to hire in terms of skills and philosophy of local government?
The City of Lubbock has a large diverse population. Instead of continuing outsourcing to expensive out of towners, we should encourage Lubbockites to share their expertise. We have qualified citizens who share our values.
I would like LEDA to focus more on the existing small business market. Looking around Lubbock more mom-and-pop businesses are having to close their doors.
pat kelly
What’s your opinion on business development and recruiting large employers to Lubbock?
LEDA has done a fair job, especially in the office park area in District 1. I would like LEDA to focus more on the existing small business market. Looking around Lubbock more mom-and-pop businesses are having to close their doors. Mom-and-pop businesses are our bread and butter.
There has been pressure on the city to stay at the no-new-revenue rate. Where do you stand and why?
I would support the No-New-Revenue Rate. With the city allowing more annexation, the developers should have to pay for all infrastructure expenses. The City Council should reinstate the impact fees.
What quality-of-life issues would you advocate the city invest in and why?
Substandard housing will be high on my priority list. Code Enforcement officers need to be added to enforce the laws in place. Homeless criminal activities are increasing. The city in conjunction with law enforcement should do a better job working with NGOs to address homeless issues.
Is there an important issue that might force you to take an unpopular vote, and why?
The homeless population is one issue that I would like to address. Districts 1, 2 and 3 seem to get the brunt of homelessness. The presence of the out-of-town landlords letting their rentals become in disrepair causing code violations, increases homeless criminal activities in our neighborhoods.
I realize that there are two segments of the homeless issue. One of the true homeless people who want and need our help. The other is drug addict criminals who are causing our neighborhood issues. We have to address each separately with policing and local nonprofits.
Christy Martinez-Garcia
What are your three top priorities and what will you do about them if elected?
My three top priorities continue as I’ve demonstrated.
First, I’ll continue to advocate for my neighborhood. We have achieved many projects in our neighborhoods and we’ve been very intentional about always being prepared and present when representing my constituents. We must continue to ensure that we don’t get overlooked or neglected and I always encourage input and engagement.
Public safety remains a top priority for me. I’ve been committed to ensuring that we keep our residents safe and aware of crime and vulnerability issues. We’ve partnered with our first responders to keep our neighbors safe and accessible through our police substations and community policing – including me inviting them to attend monthly neighborhood meetings and other community events and activities important to our neighbors.
Growth and infrastructure continue to be a priority in District 1. In the last four years, I’ve received more street maintenance dollars, as well as much-needed infrastructure updates and improvements. I’ll continue to address District 1 infrastructure to further create appeal and economic strength and remain ever present and prepared during budget season as well as during day-to-day operations. We’ve got to do preventive maintenance work and not band-aid the needs.
In the last four years, I’ve received more street maintenance dollars, as well as much-needed infrastructure updates and improvements.
christy martinez-garcia
Should the city reconsider impact fees or go forward with road bonds?
I look at it as a toolbox, and each is a tool – road bonds, ordinances, street maintenance. I want to use every tool in the toolbox, not just one, because each tool has a specific need. Bonds are not a one-size-fits-all and neither are impact fees. I voted to sustain the rate, but ultimately the Council decided to do away with it. As the growth continues in Lubbock, I believe that road bonds can help us keep up with the projected population growth happening in newer developed areas of Lubbock covered by its own infrastructure demand.
What letter grade would you give Lubbock’s police and fire departments and why that grade?
For saving and protecting the lives of our citizens, I would give our first responders an A+. The fire department also achieved an ISO rating of 1, and that’s also a reflection of not only the fire department but the infrastructure that they use for public safety.
What’s your opinion about the city attracting AI hubs?
AI or any project of this magnitude should be vetted thoroughly. AI is so new and it’s scary. I’m doing my homework and one thing I’ve learnt is that this is a new frontier and the effects and implications of AI are barely known. I’m committed to learning everything and staying on top of it. We don’t know what the future capabilities will be. What I do know is that for my district, I’ll be super vigilant. I won’t allow District 1 or the city I live in to be taken advantage of. I’ll be a loud voice for Lubbock.
What’s your opinion about the 2040 plan, which advocates a centralized neighborhood development process, or should people in neighborhoods be allowed to make their own choices?
The 2040 Plan establishes the future vision and goals for our city government and serves as a guide; therefore, public input matters should be ongoing and a continuous process. As the District 1 representative, I reviewed numerous documents and jumped on board to seek input for neighborhood plans. For Dist. 1 specifically, I’ve been actively working with Jackson and Mahon neighbors, which resulted in more street maintenance and neighborhood improvements. Currently, we are meeting with Arnett Benson residents to encourage them to offer input, which has provided insight into the conditions, needs and desires of residents in our neighborhoods.
We know Lubbock will have to fund more roads as it grows. Are you satisfied with the city’s water plans, or is there more to be done?
When it comes to water issues in Lubbock, I’ve supported the construction of new infrastructure, expanding sewer services, investing in new water sources and upgrading distribution infrastructure to prepare for projected population growth.
While we have a 100-year water strategic plan, Lake #7 will further serve as additional storage while also offering recreational opportunities to our citizens.
We must continue to urge our citizens to be responsible for their water consumption and conserve water.
Over the next four years, what kind of leadership talent does the city need to hire in terms of skills and philosophy of local government?
Council is only responsible for three staff – city manager, city attorney, and the city secretary – and our job is to hire people in these positions that exemplify leadership skills in accordance with a good organization. Beyond that, I’ve supported opportunities for our employees to have funds allocated for them to obtain higher education and accreditation in their fields.
What’s your opinion on business development and recruiting large employers to Lubbock?
I’ve continued to urge economic development and job growth in District 1. I’ve supported the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA), which operates as a private-public partnership, utilizing a combination of local sales tax funding, which has successfully served our city’s economic development interests. LEDA’s CEO, John Osbourne, and his staff have included me to connect with companies to offer insight into our community. One such collective effort resulted in a company like Chick-fil-A investing in a $50 million distribution center in District 1. I’ll continue to work with LEDA to encourage companies that will create jobs and create economic growth.
There has been pressure on the city to stay at the no-new-revenue rate. Where do you stand and why?
I’m making decisions as they come. During my first year, we voted for a no-new-revenue rate. Each budget year may or may not allow for no-new-revenue. I also voted to sustain the impact fee rate; ultimately, the Council decided to do away with it. I take all things into account and all those decisions are made in public and in the best interest of our constituents. We’ve adopted a property tax rate addressing the needs of a growing city, resulting in an annual city tax increase of roughly $15.33 for the average single-family home. I don’t like raising taxes.
I think that a Quality-of-Life Bond is necessary in the future to create a year-round aquatic center (pool) and address aging city park infrastructure.
christy martinez-garcia
What quality-of-life issues would you advocate the city invest in and why?
There is a need to build more parks in neighborhoods that fit the needs of the public. I’ve been instrumental in working with sports groups and organizations to convert current assets like tennis courts into basketball courts to fit the needs of that neighborhood. We must be intentional and aware of trends like Futsal courts and other popular and creative ways to address them. I think that a Quality-of-Life Bond is necessary in the future to create a year-round aquatic center (pool) and address aging city park infrastructure.
Is there an important issue that might force you to take an unpopular vote, and why?
In the last four years, I’ve discovered that in each decision made, there will be someone happy with my decision and another who disapproves. For each issue, I do my homework and commit the time on a case-by-case level so that I understand each issue and objectively and responsibly make my decision in the best interest of District 1 and the city as a whole.
