Travis Ussery running for McKinney City Council spot

by Staff of of McKinneyNews.net

Travis Ussery, native McKinney District 3 resident and small business owner, filed for placement on the ballot in the special election to be held Saturday, January 17.

After years of service to the community through various boards and commissions, Ussery decided it was time to serve his community as a City Councilmember. “I am a self-employed Certified Public Accountant in downtown McKinney,” Ussery said. “I have maintained an office at the same general location since 1980. My father before me opened an office in the downtown area in 1958. Service to others before self was what he believed and what I have carried forward.”

Ussery has served on several boards within the city structure over the last 18 years, including a six year term on the Parks Board. He currently holds the title of Chairperson in his sixth year of service on the Planning & Zoning Commission.

“While politics of recent memory seems to be about degradation and smears at the loudest volume possible, it is not something I believe in nor is it anything I will engage in,” Ussery said. “I believe the goal of public service should be to elevate quality of services provided by government at the least cost to the consuming public.”

Ussery believes this goal can be achieved through:

(1) Holding steady to the current property tax rate. Given the negative news that fills the airwaves regarding economic events and employment, it is imperative not to increase the cost of living in McKinney. The majority of households are reassessing their priorities and the city should do the same. The word provident comes to mind or, more simply stated, recognizing basic citizen needs and making provision for these needs in the most economical manner.

(2) Improve and maintain the city’s infrastructure. While the term sounds like a painful dental procedure, the goal is anything but painful. Ideally, this means sewer systems that are dependable and roads that are easily accessible. The city has undertaken projects to upgrade the water and sewer systems in parts of the city and this should continue as resources allow.

(3) Last, and by no means least, an expanded quality commercial tax base is vital to McKinney’s future. The addition of businesses that generate tax revenues, both property and sales, and offer employment opportunities improve the overall quality of life within the city. It is through these additional tax revenues amenities such as the performing and visual arts, libraries and parks can be enhanced and expanded.

“Given the position I seek will only be one of seven, I alone cannot promise these visions will be achieved. I can, however, assure each resident of the District this is what I stand for,” Ussery said. “I answer only to the residents of the city, primarily District 3, and have no interests to serve other than the public good.