Denton mayoral candidates answer hot topic questions

by Arlinda Arriaga of North Texas Daily

DENTON — Citizens filled the conference room in the Holiday Inn to hear Denton City Council mayor candidates discuss hot button issues Monday night during the city council forum.

Controversy stirred as the 10 candidates answered questions collected from the public. In response to a question concerning illegal immigration, several of the candidates agreed that it was a federal issue that local levels should push to address.

Mayoral candidate Mark Burroughs said it was the mayor's job to push for progress from the federal government.

"I do not believe Farmers Branch was the proper way to address this issue, and I feel it would be a waste of money to go that route," he said.

Candidate Justin Bell, an NT alumnus, said he was adamantly opposed to illegal immigration and stated that the proper term was "illegal alien."

"Police departments are going to have to deal with this issue, and it is proven that one out of every three immigrants is going to get in trouble with the law," he said.

Place 2 seat candidate Rudy Moreno said he felt strongly about building bridges, not fences, and that he did not understand the term illegal immigrant.

"These are the kind of issues that can tear the heart out of this country," Moreno said. "All people deserve to be treated like human beings, work peacefully and be treated respectfully."

Candidates also responded to a question concerning the lack of open communication with city budgets.

Incumbent Mayor Perry McNeill said he felt city communication was essential to being responsive to citizens.

"City council wants to make sure as much information as possible is out there, and it is important for us to have that citizen input," he said.

Other items discussed were road construction and parking, animal shelter conditions and freezing the property tax for citizens over 65 years old in the city.

Burroughs and Moreno agreed that an important issue not discussed was that of population growth in Denton.

"The underlying issue here is growth, and everyone will realize it as the election draws closer," Moreno said.

Burroughs said many city issues were not being solved.

"We need to be connected and establish leadership that will fulfill city needs," he said.

Other candidates in attendance were NT sophomore Darac Favre, candidate for place 2 seat John Ryan, at-large place 5 candidates Pete Kamp and Mike Sutton, at-large place 6 Jerry Mohelnitzky and incumbent Joe Mulroy.

Following the forum, candidates opened themselves up to answer questions from residents one-on-one. Larry Apple of Denton said the forum answered some good questions.

"I met many of the candidates that I did not know, and as an employee for the municipal, I felt the hot issue tonight was budgeting because I saw a lot of people nodding their heads in agreement," he said.

Early voting for the May 10 elections will begin Thursday.