Thirty-three days from now, residents will cast their votes for the hotly contested Mayor of Denton seat. With four candidates, the race is expected to cover a variety of issues that will keep voters on their toes when they’re in the voting booths.
So before the Denton Record-Chronicle’s forum tonight, here is a breakdown of each candidate:
Perry McNeill, 71, incumbent
Occupation: Retired college professor/engineer
Major issue: Since he took the helm, Denton has made “remarkable strides” on property maintenance since 2006, the Denton Municipal Electric has the lowest in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and McNeill has led a cohesive council.
Marks against: His opponents have criticized his leadership on the council. McNeill has pointed to the improvements of Denton during his tenure as evidence that isn’t the case.
Past experience: He has spent the last two years as mayor of Denton. Prior to becoming mayor, McNeill served five years as the council member for District 4, which covers southwest Denton. He has also served as the board chairman of the Denton Chamber of Commerce.
Web site: None
Justin Bell, 30
Occupation: Co-owner of Bell’s Super Lube
Major issue: Bell wants to focus on fundamental city government responsibilities, such as spending taxpayers money wisely and making a city attractive to economic development.
Mark against: Lack of experience in government. He said he would inject a fresh look on to the city that would enable the city to pay closer detail to the fundamentals of government.
Past experience: No civic experience. He did unsuccessfully run for mayor in 2006 against McNeill.
Web site: www.justinbell2008.com
Mark Burroughs, 50
Occupation: Lawyer
Major issues: Burroughs feels that city leaders have failed to stay on track with Denton’s 20-year plan, to deal with hot-button issues such as property maintenance and to involve a variety of stakeholders in making decisions.
Mark against: Burroughs’ law firm has a contract with the city to collect taxes, which some have seen as a conflict of interest. He has said there is nothing legally preventing him for running for mayor, and his firm has virtually no communication with city employees.
Past experience: Burroughs served on the council from 1998 to 2004. He contemplated a bid for mayor in 2006, but he opted against it. He also has served on the Denton County Transportation Authority board of directors.
Web site: www.markburroughs.com
Darac Jason Farve, 20
Occupation: Swimming pool technician
Major issue: He has focused his campaign on environmental reforms, downtown revitalization, litter abatement and maintenance of adequate infrastructure.
Mark Against: As a UNT student, Farve has been criticized for a lack of experience. He has said his youth would give him a fresh outlook on the city. His age, he said, also gives him a different viewpoint than his opponents.
Past experience: No civic experience
Web site: daracfavre.com/press.html
