Tim Green answers ten questions for candidates who want to win District 4 special council election

Editor’s note: Candidates for the District 4 City Council election to replace Brayden Rose, who is stepping down, were sent the following questions. Stephanie Ferran did not respond by our deadline.

What are your three top priorities and what will you do about them if elected? 

Public Safety
As a retired firefighter, public safety is important to me. I will support proper funding levels for fire and police services. 

Growth/infrastructure
As a builder, I have had a lifelong role in helping Lubbock grow its affordable housing and know how important adequate infrastructure is not only for growth but also for stable neighborhoods.

Protecting taxpayers
I will work to protect taxpayers by identifying opportunities to grow city revenues while helping keep taxes as low as possible. My 35 years of experience building a successful business from the ground up have given me the skills and practical knowledge needed to understand the business side of city government.

I believe in smart, responsible growth that creates new revenue opportunities for the city and reduces the burden on homeowners and existing taxpayers. I will support efforts to attract companies that provide good-paying jobs, strengthen our local economy and expand the tax base, helping ensure the city can meet its needs without placing additional pressure on current residents.

We tried impact fees and they did not work. There was far too much administrative cost that diverted money that should’ve gone to infrastructure.

tim green

Should the City reconsider impact fees or go forward with road bonds? 

I support road bonds over impact fees.

We tried impact fees and they did not work. There was far too much administrative cost that diverted money that should’ve gone to infrastructure. The use of road bond elections every three-to-five years is a much better program and gives voters the ability to approve them. 

What letter grade would you give Lubbock’s police and fire departments and why that grade? 

Cut 20

My grade is “A.”

We must find ways to get our Police Department fully staffed and address challenging crime trends. Residents generally report feeling reasonably safe in their neighborhoods and violent crime rates remain lower than many larger Texas urban centers.

Lubbock Fire Rescue must continue to plan and build new fire stations where growth demands and keep response time at less than five minutes. We amust maintain an ISO Class 1 rating, the highest fire protection rating available, achieved by a small percentage of departments nationwide.

The department attracts a large numbers of applicants, offering a strong professional reputation.

What’s your opinion about the city attracting AI hubs? 

I am not categorically for or against data centers because every project is designed differently.

For me to support a data center, it would need to meet extremely high standards regarding noise control, air quality and light pollution. Protecting the quality of life for the surrounding area would be of the utmost importance. In addition, the facility should operate on a closed-loop water system and not place added stress on our electrical grid. I’m also not in favor of large tax abatements or public subsidies. I’m developing a detailed questionnaire that any prospective developer would be expected to address.

For me to support a data center, it would need to meet extremely high standards regarding noise control, air quality and light pollution.

tim green

Are you satisfied with the city’s water plans, or is there more to be done? 

I’m satisfied with the 100-year Plan. However, it needs constant monitoring and updating as the city grows.  

We need to bring the Lake 7 project on time and on budget. Water is our most precious resource in West Texas and is of the utmost importance to get right. We must constantly plan for the future!   

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 needs knowledgeable and accountable staff to accomplish the goals set by Council. I will grade the city manager’s ability to manage the city’s operations and hire innovative and responsive staff who meet the needs of a growing city with unique opportunities and challenges.

What’s your opinion on business development and recruiting large employers to Lubbock? 

I will be an advocate for recruiting new manufacturing, retail, technology and industrial businesses to Lubbock if they aren’t given unfair advantages over existing businesses. I will support efforts to attract companies that provide good-paying jobs. New business development strengthens our local economy and expands the tax base. This helps ensure the City can meet its needs without putting additional pressure on current residents.

There has been pressure on the City to stay at the no-new revenue rate. Where do you stand and why?  

I support lowering the tax rate whenever possible, or at a minimum keeping the tax rate at the same level as the previous year. While the no-new-revenue rate can provide tax relief, adopting it year after year would require the city to continually reduce the tax rate as property values increase. Over time, that could significantly limit the City’s ability to maintain essential services, infrastructure, public safety and long-term investments. I believe in being fiscally responsible, controlling spending, and finding new revenue opportunities, while ensuring the city continues to provide the quality services residents expect.

What quality-of-life issues would you advocate the city invest in and why? 

I want to improve parks and walkable areas and partner with private industry on more youth sports facilities which can generate revenue.

Is there an important issue that might force you to take an unpopular vote and why? 

Any issue could be considered unpopular. I will look at all the facts of every issue and base a decision on what I believe is in the best interest of the City and District 4 whether or not it is viewed as being popular or not.

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