Rockwall Voices Op-Ed
Yes, it’s campaign season again in Texas and Rockwall County! The campaign signs are sprouting up like wildflowers (or weeds, depending on your perspective). Candidates are polishing their three-minute elevator pitches, memorizing their canned talking points, attending candidate forums, and breaking in their sneakers for the door-to-door marathon. And brace yourself—the dreaded political mailers are on their way to a mailbox near you.
But hold on—before you cast your vote based on the latest catchy slogan, let’s take a closer look at the Rockwall County 2050 Plan. It holds the key to the real issues facing our cities, and it’s time to start asking some questions:
Keep Local Decision-Making Local
What’s the plan to fight overreach from Austin into our local governments? Are we going to let state politicians dictate the Fate of Rockwall County, or will we keep control where it belongs—right here at home? How will they respond to Senate Bill 15, a key legislative priority for Lt. Governor Patrick, Texas 2036, Texans for Responsible Solutions, and the Texas Public Policy Foundation?
Investment in Infrastructure
How will the candidates plan for future growth, from new roads and maintaining our existing ones to ensuring our schools, water, and sewer systems stay ahead of the curve? Will they protect local taxpayers by fighting for developer impact fees that help keep our government debt in check, or will they pave the way for pre-built infrastructure that shifts the tax burden to all of us?
Smart Growth vs. Sustainable Growth vs. No Growth
We all know growth is inevitable, but how will the candidates manage it? Are they focused on smart, sustainable growth that keeps our community strong and vibrant, or are they planning to put the brakes on all development, slowing progress to a crawl? Will the candidates stand firm on enforcing existing zoning laws, even if it means facing criticism from some local citizens? Or will they push for an “informal residential development moratorium” that not only challenges existing state law but also invites legal battles and state government overreach?`
City Tax Rate: The Race to the Bottom?
Let’s be honest, setting the city tax rate is one of the toughest decisions any city council member faces. On one hand, citizens push for the No-New Revenue rate, a responsible approach that ensures taxpayers aren’t hit with higher bills just because property values rise. On the other hand, growing cities have real needs—roads, public safety, infrastructure—so the question isn’t just how low can we go, but rather, how do we keep taxes in check while ensuring smart, responsible growth? Will candidates propose ideas to use AI technology to create a nimble and efficient local government or will they just cut spending at the expense of core government services?
Fostering Economic Growth: Smart Growth or Taxpayer Gamble?
How do we grow our local economy without overburdening taxpayers? Commercial development is a key driver, generating three times the traffic of residential areas—but that growth comes with infrastructure demands. So, what’s the plan for new roads and smart development as we expand our sales tax base to reduce city property tax rates? Are the candidates advocating for sales tax incentives (a fancy way of saying using your tax dollars to chase retail businesses)? Will they slash impact fees for new commercial projects, shifting infrastructure costs to taxpayers? Or do they have a plan—one that encourages business friendly policies, prioritizes infrastructure investments, and balances commercial growth with responsible planning?
Who Do the Candidates Really Listen To?
At almost every city council meeting or town hall, we hear the phrase, ‘listen to the citizens.’ Sounds great, right? But it begs the question—which citizens? Are they listening to the vocal minority who show up at meetings (thank you for being engaged!), or are they making decisions based on what’s best for the entire community? Do they stand firm on principles, long-term planning, and lead with vision, or will they govern by who yells the loudest? We need everyone to get involved and ask the important questions that will determine the future of Rockwall County. Abraham Lincoln famously expressed the idea of unity in his June 16, 1858 speech:
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this Op-Ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Rockwall Times. We encourage a respectful exchange of perspectives to enrich our community dialogue.
