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To My Fellow Kennedale Residents:
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My name is Chris Pugh and I have lived in Kennedale for almost 3 years. I was born and raised in West Texas where my grandparents settled after WWII. {{more: continue …}}?I entered the US Army a few days after High School graduation and served in West Germany during the Cold War. My professional life has given me extensive experience in retail management, warehouse supervision, and I served as a police officer in New Mexico.?In order to be closer to my family I returned to Texas in 2014 and ultimately chose Kennedale as my home. When my wife Alayna and I were married last spring we made the decision to remain in Kennedale. We enjoy the lifestyle the community offers and continue to look for ways to stay involved and serve the city. I presently hold a seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission and was recently nominated to be the Chairman for the remainder of my term. That is some history about who I am and how I came to Kennedale.?My involvement in Kennedale government began about two years ago when a dramatic increase in water rates pushed me, and a whole lot of you, to become more active in the direction of our city. A lot has happened in these two years. In response to our concerns, an additional citizen?s advisory committee was formed to examine the utility rate structure and propose solutions. I served as a member of that committee along with some of you. We elected three new members to the City Council, witnessed numerous changes in City Staff, received and reviewed the results of multiple audits, attended a record number of budget meetings, and witnessed the increasing tension of regular City Council sessions. We all experienced these events together and while a lot has taken place; our measurable accomplishments are few and far between.
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Kennedale must find its lost momentum. We must move forward together and develop solid strategies for dealing with the critical tasks before us.
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Our To Do List includes:?
? Current/Future Utility Rates
? Future Water Supply Needs
? Infrastructure Maintenance and Repair
? Developing the Tax Base with Business & Residential Growth
? Staff Recruitment & Retention
? First Responder Compensation
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This is not a comprehensive list, but it includes what I believe should be our highest priorities for the next two years. We should learn from past mistakes, but if we focus all of our energy and attention on the past, we miss out on the opportunities we have NOW?to share ideas, to find solutions, and to work together.
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To those who want what?s best for our city and who believe, as I do, that we can learn from one another, find a common ground, and move forward as ONE, I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Kennedale City Council, Place 2.?
