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The Best Of Celina Candidate Forum 2025 The livestream of our candidate forum should be live satrting at approximately 630 PM on April 9th, 2025. If you can not view it here, you may be able to watch it live on https://www.TheBestOfCelina.com

Read David Hogue’s full Celina ISD School Board candidate Q&A and learn where he stands on growth, academics, safety, transparency, and the future of Celina ISD. David Hogue Candidate Celina ISD Place 4 Opponents: Jennifer Driver, Erin Norris Please introduce yourself and describe your connection to the Celina ISD community. My name is David Hogue. My family has called Celina home for over 20 years. I’m the father of two, one Celina ISD graduate and one currently in high school, so my connection to this district is personal and ongoing. For more than five years, I’ve attended nearly every Celina ISD board meeting. Not just during election season, consistently. When you show up that often, you learn how decisions are made, how growth is unfolding, and what challenges are coming next. Beyond being present, I’ve served the district’s Long-Range Planning Committee, Bond Steering Committee, pre-planning groups for new campuses, and community based accountability systems committee. I believe if you care about a district, you don’t just talk about it, you invest your time in understanding it. Celina ISD is growing rapidly, and growth requires preparation. What personal experiences in education or community service have prepared you for a role on the School Board? I prepare before I lead. Serving on district planning and bond committees gave me direct insight into enrollment projections, facility capacity, academic priorities, and financial realities. Those experiences aren’t theoretical; they’re hands-on. Professionally, I lead facilities operations and long-term planning in my career. My work requires balancing budgets, infrastructure, and future growth, the same challenges Celina ISD faces today. In the community, I’ve logged over 500 volunteer hours with the City in the past three years and have been recognized for my service. People seek me out because they know I will follow through on any ask. As a parent, I see the daily impact of board decisions on students. As a community leader, I understand how those decisions affect taxpayers and families across Celina. Preparation, reliability, and follow-through are what I bring to this role. On average, how many Celina School Board meetings have you attended in person this school year and have you ever addressed the board? I have attended virtually every board meeting over the past five years. That consistency matters. It’s one thing to read summaries; it’s another to sit in the room, hear the discussion, and understand context. I have addressed the board when appropriate, but I primarily attend to stay informed and serve on committees with a full understanding of the district’s direction. You cannot make responsible decisions for the district without first understanding how decisions are made. What grade would you give the current status of the Celina ISD overall. B Vision For Celina ISD What is your long-term vision for Celina ISD, and how do you plan to balance the district’s rich heritage with the demands of rapid growth? Celina ISD is at an inflection point. Growth is not coming; it’s here. My vision is a district that protects what makes Celina special while preparing responsibly for what’s ahead. A district that grows with intention, not reaction. That means: Facilities planned ahead of enrollment spikes Budgets aligned to long-term projections Maintaining academic excellence during expansion Exercising disciplined fiscal oversight Growth does not manage itself. We cannot afford to guess our way through growth. We must plan our way through it. It requires leadership that understands planning, timing, and long-term impact. As a parent, I want strong schools for my children and their peers. As a community leader, I want responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. As someone deeply engaged in district planning, I know those goals must work together. In what ways do you see the School Board evolving to meet future challenges? As Celina continues to grow, the role of the School Board must become increasingly strategic and forward-focused. A small district can rely on informal systems. A rapidly growing district requires disciplined governance, clear policy direction, strong financial oversight, long-range planning, and well-defined roles between the board and administration. The board must continue evolving from reactive decision-making to proactive forecasting. That means: • Regular review of enrollment and capacity projections • Multi-year financial planning • Clear performance metrics • Respect for governance boundaries As complexity increases, so must preparation. Future challenges will require trustees who study the data, understand infrastructure implications, and think five to ten years ahead, not just meeting-to-meeting. The board’s evolution should strengthen stability, transparency, and long-term sustainability for students and families. Academic Excellence & Curriculum Development How will you work to maintain and enhance academic excellence across all Celina ISD schools? Academic excellence does not happen by accident; it is supported by intentional planning. As Celina grows, the physical environment of our schools must match the future of learning. That means designing campuses that support advanced STEM instruction, expanded Career & Technical Education pathways, fine arts, and evolving technology needs. Through my work on the district’s Long-Range Planning and Bond Steering Committees, I’ve seen firsthand how facility design impacts academic opportunity. The labs we build, the technical spaces we plan, and the infrastructure we invest in directly shape what students are able to pursue. Enhancing academic excellence means preparing for where education is headed, stronger STEM programming, expanded CTE pathways, and partnerships with organizations like Collin College and local industry. As Celina attracts new businesses and grows economically, our schools should align with those opportunities so students graduate prepared for both college and career. Strategic facility planning, disciplined budgeting, and long-term forecasting ensure we are not simply reacting to growth but building a district equipped for the next decade of innovation. Academic excellence is supported by teachers and leadership, and it is sustained by thoughtful planning and infrastructure that empowers them to succeed. What strategies would you propose to ensure that the curriculum remains innovative and relevant for today’s students? Innovation in curriculum starts with awareness of where the world is heading and planning accordingly. The board’s role is not to write curriculum, but to ensure the district is positioned to support forward-thinking programs. That means aligning long￾range facility planning, technology investment, and community partnerships with the future demands our students will face. As Celina grows, we have an opportunity to strengthen STEM pathways, expand Career & Technical Education, and deepen partnerships with institutions like Collin College and local industry leaders. When curriculum aligns with real-world workforce needs, students graduate with options, whether that’s college, trade certifications, entrepreneurship, or direct entry into skilled careers. Keeping curriculum relevant also means making sure our campuses are designed to support modern learning, advanced labs, technical training spaces, collaborative learning environments, and technology infrastructure that can evolve over time. Innovation is not about chasing trends. It’s about preparing students for the next decade, not the last one. Teacher Support & Professional Development What steps will you take to support and retain quality educators within Celina ISD? Retaining quality educators starts with stability and respect. As Celina grows, teachers feel the pressure first through class size, shifting enrollment, and changing campus demands. The board’s responsibility is to plan ahead so growth does not overwhelm our educators. That means: • Aligning facility planning with enrollment forecasts • Supporting competitive compensation within budget realities • Ensuring campuses are safe, well-maintained, and properly resourced • Providing leadership stability through strong governance When teachers feel supported structurally, not just verbally, they stay. As someone who manages infrastructure and long-range planning professionally, I understand that working environments directly impact performance. Thoughtful planning protects educators from unnecessary strain and creates conditions where they can focus on teaching. How do you plan to promote ongoing professional development to keep our teachers at the forefront of modern education? The board does not direct day-to-day professional development, but we set the priorities and allocate the resources that make it possible. As we build new campuses and expand programs, we must ensure professional development aligns with district growth, especially in areas like STEM, CTE expansion, instructional technology, and evolving workforce pathways. If we are investing in advanced labs, technical programs, and modern learning environments, we must also invest in equipping educators to thrive in those spaces. Strong professional development should: • Align with long-range academic goals • Support emerging technology integration • Prepare teachers for evolving career and college readiness models Strategic budgeting and long-term forecasting ensure professional development is not reactive, but intentional and aligned with the district’s direction. Innovation in instruction must be supported by planning at the board level. Fiscal Responsibility & Resource Allocation With enrollment projected to grow significantly, how would you ensure that the district’s budget is managed efficiently while meeting the needs of expanding facilities? Operating budgets and bond funds serve different purposes, but they must be strategically aligned. Facilities built through bond funding directly impact the operating budget through staffing, utilities, maintenance, and long-term debt obligations. That’s why growth planning must be disciplined and data-driven. To manage this responsibly, we must: • Use accurate enrollment forecasting • Phase construction to match real growth • Evaluate long-term operational costs before building • Maintain clear financial transparency As someone who works in long-range infrastructure and capital planning, I understand that expansion decisions must consider both upfront cost and lifetime impact. Efficient growth means building what we need, when we need it, not too early and not too late. What priorities should guide the allocation of funds between new construction, renovations, and educational programs? The priority should always be student impact. New construction must be driven by enrollment data and capacity needs. Renovations should extend the life of existing facilities when it is fiscally responsible to do so. Educational programs should align with long-term academic and workforce priorities. Balance is critical. If we overbuild, we strain taxpayers. If we underbuild, we overcrowd classrooms. If we neglect programs, we limit opportunity. Responsible governance requires evaluating: • Enrollment projections • Facility condition and lifespan • Academic program growth • Long-term operating implications Every dollar, whether bond-funded or operational, should answer one question: Does this decision position Celina ISD for sustainable excellence over the next decade? Addressing Overcrowding & Infrastructure Needs Celina ISD is experiencing rapid enrollment growth. What measures would you support to prevent overcrowding in our schools? Preventing overcrowding starts with anticipating it early, not reacting once classrooms are already full. I would support: • Frequent review of enrollment projections by attendance zone • Phased campus openings aligned with actual growth patterns • Thoughtful boundary planning to balance capacity • Flexible design in new campuses that allows space to scale with enrollment Overcrowding impacts class size, teacher workload, and student experience. Growth should be absorbed strategically, not pushed onto existisg campuses without support. The key is staying ahead of growth curves, not chasing them. How can we optimize existing facilities while planning for necessary future expansions? Optimization begins with understanding how every campus is currently being used. That means reviewing utilization rates, evaluating specialized space usage, and identifying areas where facilities can be adapted before new construction is required. Renovations and reconfigurations can often extend the life and usefulness of a campus when done thoughtfully. At the same time, future expansions must be designed with flexibility in mind, multipurpose spaces, scalable infrastructure, and room for program growth. We should not build schools based solely on today’s enrollment. We should build them based on how learning environments will evolve over the next decade. Smart optimization protects taxpayer investment while ensuring students have the space and resources they need. How will you ensure that parents, teachers, and community members have a meaningful voice in the decision-making process? Celina ISD already provides multiple avenues for community input through board meetings, workshops, public comment, and committee service. I’ve participated in many of those settings over the past five years. The opportunity is there. The challenge is making sure people feel informed early enough to engage meaningfully. I believe in encouraging structured involvement at key planning stages, particularly in long-range growth, bond planning, and major initiatives. When stakeholders understand the context and timing of decisions, their input becomes more productive. Engagement works best when it is early, informed, and respectful. My commitment is to continue showing up, listening carefully, and encouraging participation before decisions are finalized, not after. Community Engagement & Transparency What methods would you use to maintain transparency about district policies, budgets, and upcoming projects? Transparency is more than posting information; it’s making information understandable. Board meetings and documents are public, but budgets and capital plans can be complex. I would support clear, plain-language summaries of major financial decisions, bond timelines, and project updates so families can follow along without needing technical expertise. For growth-related projects, regular updates on enrollment projections, facility timelines, and budget impact help reduce confusion and speculation. I’ve attended nearly every board meeting for the past five years because transparency matters to me personally. I believe strong governance includes clear communication, consistent updates, and respect for public trust. Transparency builds confidence, and confidence strengthens community support. Technology & Innovation in the Classroom How can Celina ISD better integrate new technologies to enhance learning and operational efficiency? As we build and renovate campuses, infrastructure must support evolving technology, strong network capacity, adaptable classroom design, and systems that can scale as tools change. From a governance perspective, the board’s role is to ensure technology investments align with academic priorities and long-term financial planning. That includes evaluating return on investment, ensuring cybersecurity readiness, and supporting systems that improve operational efficiency from enrollment management to facility maintenance. Technology should enhance teaching and streamline operations, not create distractions or unnecessary expense. What role do you see for technology in preparing students for a rapidly evolving, digital future? Digital literacy is no longer optional; it’s foundational. Students must graduate with the ability to think critically, adapt to new tools, and navigate digital environments responsibly. That includes exposure to STEM pathways, technical certifications, and workforce-relevant technology skills. As Celina continues to grow economically, our schools should align with emerging industries and regional workforce demands. Technology education should connect to real-world opportunities, whether through advanced STEM labs, CTE programs, dual-credit pathways with Collin College, or partnerships with local businesses. Preparing students for a digital future means building learning environments, both physical and academic that evolve alongside innovation. Student Safety & Wellbeing What initiatives do you believe are essential to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment? Safety begins with consistent systems, not just intentions. Strong policies must be clearly written, consistently followed, and regularly reviewed. That includes maintaining trained School Resource Officers on campuses, ensuring supervision standards are upheld, and reinforcing accountability at every level. Inclusive environments are built when students feel physically safe, respected, and supported. Clear expectations, professional oversight, and consistent leadership create that foundation. Safety is not a one-time effort; it is a discipline. How would you address issues related to student mental health and overall wellbeing within the district? Student well-being requires both structure and support. The district should ensure policies are in place that provide access to qualified counseling professionals, clear referral processes, and early intervention protocols. At the board level, our responsibility is to make sure resources are aligned with need and that campuses are supported with appropriate staffing. Growth impacts wellbeing. Overcrowding and instability increase stress for both students and teachers. Thoughtful planning and manageable campus environments contribute directly to student mental health. Wellbeing must be approached proactively, not reactively. Celina ISD has seen its share of trouble with the recent locker room events and impaired teachers. Why did these things happen and what do you intend to do to stop similar events from happening in the future. A criminal investigation was conducted, and a third-party review recommended strengthening certain processes. That is an opportunity for improvement. Balancing Tradition with Change Celina ISD has a proud legacy—how will you honor this tradition while implementing necessary changes for modern education? Celina’s legacy is rooted in pride, community involvement, and strong expectations. We honor that legacy by maintaining high standards while preparing for the future. Growth and modernization should not erase tradition; they should strengthen it. By aligning facility planning, academic priorities, and community engagement, we can preserve what makes Celina special while ensuring our students are equipped for tomorrow. What innovative ideas do you have that could enhance the learning experience while respecting the district’s history? Innovation should connect students to real opportunity. As Celina grows economically, we can strengthen partnerships with Collin College, expand CTE pathways tied to regional industry, and design campuses that support modern STEM labs and technical certification programs. Innovation is not about replacing tradition; it’s about expanding opportunity. When we build flexible learning spaces and align curriculum with workforce trends, we enhance learning while maintaining the values that define this community. Collaboration & Leadership How do you plan to work collaboratively with fellow board members, administrators, and community stakeholders to achieve your goals? Strong boards function through preparation and respect. I plan to: • Study materials thoroughly before meetings • Ask governance-level questions • Respect operational boundaries • Support the superintendent while providing oversight I’ve attended board meetings for over five years. I understand the importance of tone, professionalism, and collaboration. Healthy governance is disciplined, not divisive. What leadership qualities do you bring that will positively impact the district’s future? Preparation. Reliability. Long-term thinking. I have consistently shown up in board meetings, planning committees, and community service. People seek me out because I follow through. I approach leadership with discipline and clarity. I prepare before making decisions, and I focus on long-term impact rather than short-term reaction. In a rapidly growing district, steady, informed leadership matters. What is the key message you want to convey to parents, educators, and community members regarding your candidacy? Academic excellence does not happen by accident; it is built through intentional planning, disciplined leadership, and support for the educators who make it possible. As Celina grows, we cannot afford to react our way forward. We must plan thoughtfully, aligning facilities, budgeting, and academic priorities so teachers can teach, students can thrive, and our community can trust that we are building something sustainable. My candidacy is about preparation, reliability, and long-term vision, not noise. Closing Statement How do you envision your role on the School Board making a lasting difference for Celina’s students and families? If you care about a district, you don’t just talk about it; you invest your time in understanding it. For the past five years, I’ve shown up attending meetings, serving on planning committees, and study the direction of this district. That preparation matters. I envision my role as helping guide Celina through its next phase of growth with clarity and discipline, ensuring that the schools we build, the programs we support, and the decisions we make today position students and families for success over the next decade. Lasting difference doesn’t come from headlines. It comes from steady leadership and thoughtful decisions that stand the test of time. Contact Email dhogue729@gmail.com Phone +1 469 952 7182 Facebook Campaign Link https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555615140539

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Brandon Grumbles City Council Candidate/Incumbent Place 6 Phone: 972-363-5716 Email: bgrumbles@celina-tx.gov Can you briefly introduce yourself and share your background? I am a BRIC (Born and Raised in Celina). I graduated from Celina High School in 1999. My grandmother was the 3rd grade teacher for many years, my grandfather was a postal carrier in Celina after WW2 and my father was the AG teacher at Celina during the 1970's. In 1978 my dad and grandfather started R&R Pest Control, which my dad and I co-own still today. When my wife, Elizabeth, and I got married in 2010, I asked her to move back to Celina to raise our family and my wife absolutely fell in love with Celina immediately. Our oldest son, Army, graduated a few years ago and is currently a senior at Texas A&M University (WHOOP). Mason is going into High School next year and Fisher will be starting Kindergarten next year. What inspired you to run for City Council in Celina? I am a 5th generation Celina resident. Its safe to say that my family really loves Celina. With my kids getting older, I really want Celina to be the place that they decide to live while they are raising their families. All the men in my family served Celina in some fashion, with my dad being on City Council in the 1990's. My ultimate goal when I first decided to run was to be a voice of the people that are here now and to respect the foundation of the residents that came before us. Celina is rich in traditions, and keeping people involved that have experienced those traditions is key to keeping our small town values and charm. I really want my kids, and other families, to have some of the same experiences I had when I was growing up here. My goal is to help Celina grow in a way that keeps family legacies local. What is your overall vision for the future of Celina? I really see Celina as a destination for families. From our great events to what the City offers in regards to living and playing. With the extension of the tollway through Celina, it really opens up the door for major corporate entities to relocate here and offer more opportunities for work. Its a really hard thing to say in todays society that you work and live in the the same place....but that is key component to a healthier family life. Some of the plans that are in the works with new parks, you can see that keeping Celina a family oriented community is top of mind with the City Council. How do you plan to balance growth and development while preserving Celina’s small-town charm? Keeping our traditions and small town charm should be front lines for anyone on or wanting to run for City Council. The only way we don't loose these foundational aspects, is to not bend when it comes time in executing them. A great example of is our Homecoming Parade...It has become SIGNIFICANTLY larger over the past few years. It literally shuts down the town! This is something, no matter how big we get, we must continue to do this every year, and it must stay on the square. That is a big part of our small town charm. Another great example of this is waving. So simple, right?!? I remember when my wife and I moved back to Celina, and I would wave at people when driving. She would ask me who that was and I would just say, " I don't know"! But, they would wave back anyway....Sometimes is just the little simple things that make people feel welcomed and fall in love with Celina. I feel like with a lot of the new subdivisions and roads that are going in around the area, the city has done a great job with honoring our past residents. Either naming subdivisions after the farmstead that was on that land or naming streets after influential residents....but then they take it a step further and will make videos or have articles written about these families explaining the history and making the newcomers feel like they are a part of the past. What strategies would you implement to attract new businesses and create jobs in Celina? Working directly with the EDC and the EDC Board to talk about what Celina is missing. Large retailers will come to Celina regardless because of the growth...We dont have to incentivize every one to come here. Incentives can be important for things like first to the market and speed to market, but not every business needs them. Every once in a while, we get that non chain business that wants to come here because of the atmosphere that Celina Creates. The businesses that come here and truly impact the people and the community is what I like the most. A great example of this is Grace Bridge. There a a few more that are looking at Celina right now that will be great for the community and schools. How will you support local entrepreneurship and small businesses? We hear it everyday, small business is the backbone of Celina. I myself am a small business owner. The Shop Local is a great campaign here in Celina. When people visit the local restaurants or have a local service company out, the honest reviews that put out on social media is more impactful than they think. The City Council has in the past interviwed small businesses, and I enjoyed seeing those. Right now the EDC and the Chamber of Commerce do a great job of showcasing some of our local business....and it FREE! I would like to see the City, the Chamber and the EDC work more closely together to highlight the small businesses in Celina. to help feed that entrepreneur spirit, I would like to see the Celina School district have a career fair filled only with small business and entrepreneurs in Celina. this is also another great way to keep some of our kids here after high school or bring some of them back after college. What are your priorities regarding infrastructure improvements in Celina? Priority number one is water. Thats not just a Celina thing, but a State wide issue. We need water for growth, we need water for our current residents. The City is working on some things that can help provide more access to water, but it must be a priority now for every single council person. Downtown roads, sidewalks and drainage would be a close second. Downtown Celina is the heartbeat, and its what most people say really attracted them to Celina. They came here for an event downtown, and just loved it. But the roads, sidewalks and drainage have been neglected for so long, that now it's not a quick fix. But it's time to start fixing them. We have events on the square that bring in thousands of people, but there are no sidewalks and some of the roads have such large waves and potholes, that damage can be done to vehicles. A great many of the houses in downtown are pier and beam homes, and when we do have those bug rains, the water has nowhere to go except under the homes. this can cause a safety issue and a health issue. We have such a great requirement for new roads and drainage in our new subdivisions, but such poor conditions in downtown....We need to stop neglecting our heartbeat and protect our historic homes and our residents. Like Bob Wills said, you gotta dance with who brung you. What steps would you take to ensure the safety and security of our community? Police and Fire are a huge component of safety for our community. Making sure that they have all the equipment they need to be successful at their jobs. Making sure that they have all the continuing education they need and facilities here local to train in is a must. But it extends further than that. Making sure that we not only keep our first responders physically fit, but also mentally healthy. I praise these men and women for the job that they do, the things that that see and the experiences that they have daily. then to go home to their families and start that part of their life must be difficult. Having the ability to talk with mental health professionals should be a part of their job duties. Keeping these men and women mentally fit and healthy is crucial not only to their safety, but to the communities safety that they serve. How do you plan to work with local law enforcement and community organizations to address public safety concerns? We are very blessed to have great leadership in our Police Chief and Fire Chief. Anytime that I have reached out to either of them, their doors have been open. I appreciate that they both have plans with their departments and they are executing extremely well. What are your plans for maintaining or increasing affordable housing options in Celina? I believe that we will see the amount of affordable housing start to increase in our community. We have some large developments that are coming in with several options for builders. Some of the things that we could be doing is streamlining the development approval.make the process clear for developments and helping out with permits. Encouraging more mixed use developments with house and retail on the same parcel. We dont want to start throwing up apartments everywhere, and we also must be careful on lot size, by not allowing a bunch of 40 foot lots to come in. While this could increase affordable housing, the strain that it would put on the city and the school district could be catastrophic. How will you ensure that new development projects align with the community’s needs? This is where it becomes important to know who you are voting for to be your voice on City Council. Like I said earlier, I see Celina being a family oriented community where families can work and play. This means that new developments need to have good green space for families. Having some light retail/restaurants on their area, ease of access to main roads and proximity to schools. How do you plan to manage the city’s budget while addressing both current needs and future growth? Its all about priorities. With a growing community comes increased concerned with public safety. That was a main priority on last years budget. Public safety extends beyond first responders. Roads are a public safety concern. Proper lighting on roads and subdivisions. Some of these things we can be looking at the developer to provide. I feel that this year I will have a big push for public works and engineering when it comes time to look at the budget. I would also like to have a butter understand of our procurement process as it pertains to the contractors that we are hiring to build our infrastructure and that contractors that are hired to maintain our infrastructure. How can we get the invitation to bid out to more businesses? How can we get it out to more local contractors? Are the local contractors trained and understand our procurement process? I would like to get more information on the change orders that are coming in from these contractors after they are awarded a bid. What specific areas do you believe require increased funding or reallocation of resources Public works and permitting. Celina has a growing need for a large public works department with well trained and well compensated employees. When it comes to city departments, public works is the heartbeat of Celina. I feel like with the growth we are experiencing, the permitting department and inspectors are overwhelmed. Getting them more staffing and more streamlined policies will not only make it easier to work with the city, but it will also increase the speed to market for residential and commercial properties. How will you ensure that the voices of Celina residents are heard and reflected in decision-making processes? For the past year, I have accepted any and every phone call or in person meeting with any resident wanting to speak with me about something. I take notes during those conversations and always give them a time frame in which they will hear back from me. I live here...I am from here...its all about respecting everyone around you, and understanding that whatever they are dealing with, its the most important thing to them at that time. I don't hide behind policy. Common sense and a love for people will go a long way. I urge people to get involved, show up to events, speak at Council Meetings. At the end of the day, the people have more control of what goes on in the city than they think. If you have anything questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. My cell is 972-363-5716 What methods will you use to keep the community informed about City Council initiatives? Social media is one of the most powerful tools today. I have proposed that City Council and the Mayor produce more community videos. Get back to doing the city council recap. More opportunity at events to speak with council members, and more events designed just to speak with council members. Open forums are good. As council members, be shouldn't be afraid to speak in public with our own thoughts. How do you plan to promote environmental sustainability and enhance the quality of life in Celina? Making sure that the developers are sing some of these green areas and retention ponds for watering. I would like to see a push on more native grasses and plants being used at the city level, and maybe some form of incentive for residential and commercial properties to use native plants to lower watering. With new commercial, making it a requirement to use energy efficient lighting or solar. Are there specific green initiatives or projects you would support or introduce? Parks with detention ponds used for watering and harboring a local ecosystem. incorporating more nature trails in parks and developments. Not putting a lot of flowers and trees in the medians that require high maintenance. A push or incentive for businesses to encourage sustainable practices. What is the one message you’d like Celina voters to take away from your campaign? I am not a politician. My ultimate goal is to make Celina a place that kids and future generations want to live. That doesn't mean bring in as many rooftops that we can, and just start packing businesses in all over the place. It simply means listen to the people that are here now. What are their concerns? What made them choose Celina out of all the other cities? How do we make Celina the city of generational legacies? That is my ultimate goal. My great grandfather got here in the late 1890's.....I want to build upon the foundation that he built, and that my grandfather built upon and that my father helped to refine. How do you plan to work with fellow council members to achieve your goals? I have said it in the past and it still holds true today. I don't care who sits to the left of me or the the right of me....at the end of the day we all should have the same goal. We can difference in opinions, that fosters good conversations. I don't play sides and I don't play politics. I reach out now to council members ( without breaking quorum laws) to ask questions. I try to get as much information and understanding that I can before I make a vote on items. I might disagree with some votes, but hey....thats what makes America great. We have the right to disagree with each other and still be friendly at the end of the day. Philip Ferguson Dorothy Allan

A Message from Ron Lyons Let me preface this statement with the fact that I personally like and consider each candidate in this race to be friends of mine. Sadly, many people are willing to lose friendships with good people over politics. It's a huge issue that has taken over our country, from national politics to local. This is discouraging to me, and I hope that it is to you as well. When we start to put people ahead of politics again, Celina becomes a MUCH better place. As the owner of The Best Of Celina Facebook Group with over 5,000 members, host of The Celina Radio Podcast, and founder of TheBestOfCelina.com, I’m honored to be in a position where I regularly engage with countless members of our growing community. Through these conversations, I gain unique insights into the thoughts, concerns, and hopes of our citizens. That said, I want to be clear: I do not endorse either candidate in the Celina City Council Place 1 race. I have had the opportunity to observe both candidates closely, and while I believe each of them brings strengths to the table and could contribute positively to the future of Celina, I also believe that both come with concerns that warrant careful consideration by you, the voter. It’s important to note that in my role, I strive to serve the entire community without bias even though supporters of both candidates are sure that I am in the opposite camp. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I’ve recently made it a personal mission to help move Celina beyond the divisive “two-group” system that has polarized our local politics for far too long—a dynamic that both candidates have been part of. It's time we come together as one community with a shared goal of building a better future, rather than clinging to sides, labels, or past divisions and absolutely without vendetta, paybacks and dirty politics. Disagreements and differing opinions are healthy and should be encouraged. Sadly, we are well beyond that during election seasons in present day Celina, Texas. These opinions and observations are entirely my own and should not be interpreted as representing the views of any candidate, organization, or business partner. I encourage every voter to do their research, ask tough questions, and most importantly—vote informed. If you disagree with my views, good! Welcome to The United States of America and something that makes us unique. Let’s continue to grow Celina with unity, respect, and purpose. —Ron Lyons Celina City Council Place 1 ✅ Candidate: Philip Ferguson (Incumbent) Years on Council: Since 2022 Background: Insurance executive, HOA president, downtown event creator, and former Republican precinct chair. Recognized as Celina's Volunteer of the Year in 2021. 🟩 Pros: Helped deliver major city improvements, including: New Celina Police Headquarters Fire Station #3 Infrastructure upgrades, pothole repairs, and expanded public works staff Advocated for economic development, retail growth (Costco, Lowe’s, etc.), and community-focused events like Beware of the Square. Strong public visibility and responsiveness to residents Well-versed in city operations and budgeting; backed shift from reliance on developer fees to sustainable sales tax revenue Calmed in tone over time, showing signs of maturing leadership 🟥 Cons: On his very first night in office, Ferguson seconded a motion (led by also newly sworn-in council member Tony Griggs) to completely remove members of all city boards and commissions, an unprecedented act now known as the “Tuesday Night Massacre.” This surprised many, appeared premeditated, and likely disrupted months of planning for several city initiatives. ✅ Candidate: Dorothy Allan (Challenger) Experience: Business consultant, EDC collaborator, volunteer, and licensed commercial real estate agent with active leasing activity in Celina with Keller Williams. 🟩 Pros: Strong strategic background in analytics, retail planning, and business growth. Promises to preserve small-town charm while guiding smart, connected growth. Publicly critical of past council missteps, including calling the “Tuesday Night Massacre” a “rookie move” that harmed Celina's momentum. Wants stronger community engagement, walkability, and thoughtful infrastructure upgrades. Strongly supports local law enforcement and zero tolerance for crime. 🟥 Cons: Real Estate Conflict of Interest Concerns: During her Celina Radio Podcast interview, she expressed hesitancy about recusing herself on matters where she may have a business interest. She stated she doesn’t get paid by the city and sidestepped direct questions about possible conflicts—potentially raising ethical questions if real estate decisions come before council. Shea Scott Case Fallout: Allan has been a vocal public critic of supporters of former Celina Assistant Police Chief Shea Scott, who was terminated and later filed a wrongful termination lawsuit. Despite publicly stating he deserved “his day in court,” she often sided against Scott supporters and criticized the “Stand With Shea” movement using images of city officials on social media. — Now that Scott has won his lawsuit and been awarded a significant jury verdict, many are questioning Allan’s judgment and whether she trusted flawed narratives or allowed personal opinions to override fairness and due process. Lacks direct experience in public office or in executing city budgets or infrastructure projects. 🎯 Final Thoughts: The Place 1 race is a contrast of three years of city council experience versus a different vision—but both candidates come with baggage voters must weigh. Ferguson seems to have improved with time, but started with a heavy-handed approach that still casts a shadow. Allan brings strategic insight and passion, but her alignment on high-stakes issues like the Shea Scott case and her refusal to fully commit to potential recusal raise concerns about discretion, neutrality, and long-term trust. This vote may come down to whether you prioritize governing experience and course correction—or fresh perspective with lingering red flags.

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