Rockwall Voices Op-Ed
A voter walks into the polling place. They’ve seen the signs, read the mailers, and heard the slogans: “Fate First.” “Make Fate a Destination.” “Improve Infrastructure.”
It all sounds good.
But what do those promises actually mean? And more importantly, are they grounded in reality?
With early voting approaching, it is important to take a closer look at some of the statements being made on the campaign trail. Election Day is May 2, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Campaign slogans can win attention. They can even win elections. But they do not govern cities. Facts, planning, and accountability do.
So, let’s take these statements one at a time and examine them carefully.
Campaign Comment 1: Fate First
The City of Fate does not operate in isolation. It must partner with numerous organizations and companies to maintain low tax rates while delivering high-quality services.
Today, the city works with five community service organizations, six Rockwall County partners, and nine professional service providers—a total of 20 partners.
These partnerships support essential services such as emergency management, Meals on Wheels, engineering, financial auditing, and more.
Just as important, the city must operate in compliance with state law. Any notion that Fate can function in a vacuum is simply not accurate.
Campaign Comment 2: Make Fate a Destination Place
Let’s face the facts.
Lafayette Crossing has long been envisioned as a destination development for the City of Fate. This vision is not new; it has been part of the city’s broader planning efforts for many years. The development is expected to bring significant economic growth, create jobs, generate sales tax revenue, and establish a vibrant destination for Rockwall County.
It is fair for voters to ask an important question: why are some candidates who previously opposed development now supporting a large-scale project? What has changed?
There is also a claim that high-density commercial development will not increase traffic. That claim does not align with reality.
Commercial development produces more traffic than residential development often two to three times more trips, depending on the type of retail use. Retail, restaurants, and, coffee shops attract visitors from inside and outside the community, along with delivery and service traffic.
To be clear, Fate needs more commercial development. It strengthens the local economy, broadens the tax base, and can reduce the burden on homeowners.
But we must also be honest about the trade-offs. More commercial activity will bring more traffic. The question is not whether traffic will increase, it will. The real question is whether the city is planning ahead to manage that growth responsibly.
Campaign Comment 3: Improve Infrastructure
The City of Fate relies on three types of roadways: interstate highways, state highways (SH), Farm-to-Market (FM) roads, and city-owned roads.
Each type is funded and controlled differently.
Interstate highways, such as I-30, are primarily funded by the federal government, with some state participation. FM and state highways, such as FM 551 and SH 66, are funded and managed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), often with local matching funds approved by voters.
The City of Fate maintains more than 82 miles of city-owned roads, including major corridors like CD Boren and Gettysburg Road.
It is important to understand this distinction. The City Council has very limited influence over state and federal road funding. However, it does have direct control over city street maintenance, developer impact fees, and local roadway planning.
The primary congestion points in Fate, FM 551 and SH 66, are state-controlled roads. Their expansion depends on state and federal funding decisions.
City-owned roads, however, are in excellent condition. This reflects the city’s commitment to a long-term maintenance program and a well-planned roadway strategy.
The same is true for utilities. Due to strong long-term planning and coordination with the North Texas Municipal Water District, the city does not face water or sewer capacity issues. Other systems, such as broadband, electricity, and natural gas, are managed by private providers and are outside direct city control.
To put current funding needs in perspective:
- The SH 66 intersection improvement project does not yet have funding to begin engineering.
- The FM 551 widening project is estimated at $77.3 million. While $5.4 million was approved in the May 2021 bond, no construction funding has been allocated.
- The I-30 expansion is projected to cost approximately $625.6 million, with completion targeted for December 2027.
One final point: every time smart residential development is denied, the cost of future infrastructure does not disappear. It shifts away from developers and onto future taxpayers. That is a critical fact voters should not ignore.
Campaign Comment 4: Economic Development Agreements
Economic development agreements are formal contracts between a city and a business (or developer) that outline mutual commitments.
In Texas, common types of agreements include Chapter 380 agreements, tax abatements, public-private partnerships (such as planned development agreements), and sales tax incentives.
State law requires provisions to be included in qualifying economic development agreements, such as anti-boycott clauses, non-discrimination compliance, restrictions related to boycotts of energy companies, Comptroller reporting requirements, and other financial and legal protections.
The City Council has control over the business terms of these agreements, as long as they comply with applicable federal and state laws.
In Fate, there are 11 Chapter 380 agreements and no sales tax abatement agreements.
Final Thoughts
Elections are not just about who has the best slogan. They are about who understands the facts, respects the law, and is prepared to make informed decisions.
Lower taxes, better infrastructure, and responsible growth are all worthy goals. But they do not exist in isolation. Every decision carries trade-offs, costs, and consequences.
Voters deserve more than campaign talking points. They deserve honesty about what is possible, what is not, and what it will take to get there.
In the end, good governance is not built on promises. It is built on facts, discipline, and the willingness to tell the truth even when it is not politically convenient.
About the Author:
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.
