Interview: Randall Wilder, candidate for McKinney City Council, District 1

by Staff of McKinneyNews.net

McKinneyNews.net booked time with District 1 candidates this week in an attempt to shed light on the "issues," the time-honored political concerns that are trotted out every so often (say, every election cycle) that should by now be familiar to anyone in McKinney with half a pulse -- water, transportation, infrastructure improvements, East side neglect, etc. As usual, great lengths were taken to craft several questions designed to potentially catch the candidates unawares and, hopefully, at their least-prepared -- and unscripted -- best.

Randall Wilder, 52, owns Town North Electronics, one of the oldest companies, he says, in Collin County. “It’s mainly computer sales and service and we do networking and design. If it’s computers, I’ve pretty much got my hand in it. That’s where my [District 1] competition – they had to pay for their websites, I didn’t. It didn’t cost me diddly to put it up” (laughs). Wilder has run for a spot on City Council twice before. Both times, he fell short. This time, he’s hoping, will be the charm.

McKinneyNews.net What’s your campaign slogan and how would that slogan turn into something of substance if you’re elected?

Wilder I’ve got several, but the best one is, “If you vote for me, I’ll work for you.” I’m going to represent the people. I’ve already got a website for people to log in and tell me their problems. I believe if you tell me what your individual problems are, I’m going to represent you. I feel like I’ve been listening to the people all these years and it’s about time I’ve done something about it.

McKinneyNews.net You mentioned that you’ve run two times before this. What happened?

Wilder It was pretty close running against Garza. I’m passionate. I believe being in business as long as I have, I can bring that expertise to the council. I want to look and see where the problems are and I think I can solve the problems.

McKinneyNews.net Might someone legitimately argue that Highways 5 and 380 are eyesores?

Wilder That’s a good question. I wouldn’t exactly call them eyesores, there’s some improvement to be made.

McKinneyNews.net What would you improve?

Wilder Well, the traffic on 380 is the biggest problem. I think we’re going to have to get some planning to figure out how to relieve the congestion on 380. The surface structure seems to be okay with Highway 5, it doesn’t have the traffic congestion as much as 380 does. As far as I’m concerned that’s the biggest issue. I don’t see much else, in my opinion.

McKinneyNews.net If you were trying to find dirt on you, a place where at least the potential for impropriety might lie, where would you look?

Wilder I have no idea (laughs). I just work and go home. On Sunday I go to church and go home. I have a real dull life. No skeletons or mistresses in my closet.

McKinneyNews.net Downtown McKinney is a significant part of District 1. What aspirations or goals do you have in mind for downtown?

Wilder I think the downtown area will always be important – historically especially. We’ve got a nice square with a lot of individual type stores.

McKinneyNews.net Do you have a vision for downtown, what you’d like to see downtown ultimately become?

Wilder There’s definitely parking issues that need improvement. I think the MPAC center is the greatest thing we’ve done with the square. I would say that’s a good example of how our taxpayer money is spent wisely.

McKinneyNews.net Any parking specifics?

Wilder No. I just have to get with the planning and find out what we can do as far as the budget because that’s one thing we need really watch with the economy like it is now – how to manage what you want with budgetary constraints. I believe in a balanced budget.

McKinneyNews.net Who is your least favorite politician – and why?

Wilder Senator Byrd. I think he’s too set in his ways – he’s been the office too long and we need young ideas. I’ve seen him on TV, it’s just my opinion, but he’s just been in office too long.

McKinneyNews.net What have you done in your life that you’re least proud of?

Wilder (Sighs). I can’t think of anything I’m least proud of.

McKinneyNews.net What are you most proud of?

Wilder My participation in church and my time on the City’s board of adjustments. I would say being an honest and trustworthy businessman.

McKinneyNews.net Here’s the obligatory question: What’s pressing as far as need in McKinney?

Wilder In my district we need more development along Industrial and Airport Drives in both small and large businesses. This would create a bigger commercial tax base which in turns creates more jobs which in turn [will encourage] people will build homes in District 1 because that’s where they work – which will create residential taxes which will fund needed projects. The more development we do, the better off we are.

McKinneyNews.net What distinguishes you from the other candidates – your rivals?

Wilder I’m a third generation McKinney resident -- lived in District 1 all my life and I understand the needs of my district.

McKinneyNews.net At least a couple people in McKinney are involved enough in the political process to be concerned about city council member conflict of interest issues. Do you think there’s a potential conflict of interest issue with your running for District 1?

Wilder No. Absolutely not. I don’t have any city contracts.

McKinneyNews.net What’s the most important lesson Life has taught you to this point?

Wilder Treat people like I want to be treated. I sold a Dell laptop to a customer with a three-year warranty plan. A year and a half went by and the screen went bad. I thought the screen was covered and so did the customer, but in fine print I found out it wasn’t under warranty beyond 1.5 years. I paid Dell $275 for a new screen and made good on my word to my customer. And that’s the important part. I have built my business on repeat customers. The guy bought two more notebooks later on because I treated him fairly. I’ve been doing this a long time and I’m not broke yet. People come in here having heard I treat people fairly and good. Word of mouth is the best advertisement in the world. It kind of hurts my feelings when a customer is upset.

McKinneyNews.net Bonus opportunity: Anything you’re just dying to add?

Wilder Well, I think I’ve said just about everything. If they can’t figure out that I’m an honest, Christian businessman, well, I think I’ve already expressed that.