Bill Mahoney Campaign for Irving City Council, Place 6

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Last night, the League of Women Voters held a Candidates' Forum at City Hall. If you missed it, The Dallas Morning News provided a live twitter feed that included a concise summary of each candidates' response. These are the questions and responses given by me and my opponent, in the order they were made.

For the DMN summary page of all candidates go to: http://irvingblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2012/04/council-candidates-talk-city-d.html

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

DART's Importance to Irving

As some of you already know, transportation and infrastructure have been civic passions of mine for many years. They are also critically important issues for the future of Irving. The North Central Texas Council of Governments has projected that the region’s population could double in the next ten years. It is imperative that we have the infrastructure to sustain this growth well into the 21^st century. That includes having a transportation system sufficient to efficiently move goods and people throughout the city.

Most recently, I have had the honor of serving as the Chairman of Irving’s Transportation Management Association (TMA). The TMA is charged with the responsibility of managing and solving local transportation concerns. The TMA has been heavily involved in the final stages of the DART Orange Line construction. The Orange Line is a crowning achievement for Irving, providing light rail transit access from downtown Dallas through the Las Colinas Urban Center to Terminal A of the DFW Airport. The TMA’s work has included participation in layout negotiations, station design committees, the APT connection and connections with other DART modes. I have enjoyed working with DART’s professional staff and I have learned a lot about the transportation needs of Irving and this region along the way.

DART’s President, Gary Thomas, gave a very informative presentation this morning on the progress of the Orange Line at the Henry Holmes Breakfast. Revenue service begins on July 30, 2012, for Irving I to the Irving Convention Center Station. His material highlighted the need for a seamless regional transportation system. Irving and DART have been true partners in recognizing what it takes to have a complete door-to-door transit option for the thousands of employees that commute to Irving everyday. DART will operate a daily circulator shuttle from the Orange Line’s Las Colinas Urban Center Station, along Lake Carolyn Blvd. and Las Colinas Blvd., as a service for its riders within the Urban Center, including Irving’s Convention Center. We need to collectively thank DART for its efforts in completing this important piece of the transportation puzzle.

Transit is also important to us because Irving can expand its tax base, which in turn could lower property taxes, by seeking and encouraging the right types of developments in these areas. Much of the growth and/or redevelopment in Irving will be centered on new and existing transit centers. Transit Oriented Developments (TOD's) along the soon-to-be completed DART Orange Line and the TRE, the former Texas Stadium site, Las Colinas Urban Center and Irving's Heritage Crossing can greatly enhance Irving’s tax base. We need to continue developing our transportation and infrastructure systems to sustain our growth.

The election is May 12, 2012. For more information about me or my campaign, please check out our website at http://www.billmahoneycampaign.com/.

I would appreciate your vote for Irving City Council, Place 6.

Pol. Adv. paid for by Bill Mahoney Campaign

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Hot Topics In Irving

Several people have been asking for my positions on some hot topics currently being debated in Irving. One of the biggest challenges that I face in my campaign is that I am not a politician. I say what I mean and I mean what I say. Unfortunately, many of the other politicians during this campaign season say what they think people want to hear, even if they know that what they propose will never happen. It is my hope that honesty and integrity will win out over typical political rhetoric. Some people have said that doing things the right way is not possible in a campaign for public office. I intend to prove them wrong.

(NC-17) MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY - Some of what I have to say includes the cold hard truth. And some people can't handle the truth (insert Jack Nicholson impression here). People may not agree with every idea I have, but my ideas can start a dialogue that leads to a well thought out resolution to these important issues effecting the future of Irving.

Here are my responses to important questions recently raised by one concerned citizen:

Entertainment Center - I would support an audit of the expenses already paid to LCG. However, an audit based on a contingent fee is not sufficiently reliable to determine the true facts. In my business, if an expert witness (we often use accountants) ever tried to perform expert work based on a contingent fee, they would be laughed out of court. Why can’t we take multiple bids from reputable accounting firms for a flat fee based audit?

I would not have agreed to the current financing split for the Entertainment Center. But, as an attorney, I respect the importance and responsibility that comes with entering into a contract. The city has an obligation to honor the current contract with LCG as long as that contract is valid and binding. I do not favor any further extensions of deadlines or modifications to the contract by LCG without appropriate counter-negotiations.

I think we can solve a lot of the decisive issues with the creation of an Oversight Board to oversee the entire project. The Oversight Board could be part of the ICVB and would make recommendations on necessary contract negotiations, perform construction oversight and manage any future potential funding surpluses.

Convention Center – Most people do not understand that the Convention Center is designed to operate at a loss. In the current year, that gap is budgeted at $1.46 million, which is funded from the ICVB's budget. As the building's business stabilizes, that number will get reduced each year. This is the way every convention center in the country operates - it is a "loss leader" meant to generate revenue for the businesses around it. Its primary purpose is to attract outside visitors that stay in our hotels and eat in our restaurants, and pay taxes on those activities while they are here. We have lost several large conventions because we did not have sufficient entertainment options to support the convention. Relying on private investment would not get an Entertainment Center out of the ground quickly enough to benefit from the prime years of the Convention Center. The $2.1 million loss a year mentioned by others is not coming from the convention center's operations, it is the difference in the debt service payments from what was estimated in 2009 when the bonds were sold versus what the 2% of the dedicated hotel tax needed to make the payment generated.

Cowboys Suite – I have reviewed the Suite contract and can provide the following information. Under the terms of the agreement, if a payment is missed, the entire balance becomes due. That would be $2.5 million due immediately. The Dallas Cowboys have gone to court to force 10 other luxury suite holders to honor their leases. The contract also requires the suite holder to pay attorney’s fees if litigation is required to enforce the agreement. In my mind, breaking the lease is a bad idea and would cost the city more money with litigation costs. With regards to a potential transfer of the suite to another buyer, all assignments require prior written permission of the Stadium. I would advocate for exploring a request for written permission from the Stadium for a potential transfer. Given the current inventory of suites that remain empty (see lawsuit above), I would not hold my breath waiting for the approval. But, we can try.

The election is May 12, 2012. For more information about me or my campaign, please check out our website at http://www.billmahoneycampaign.com/.

Pol. Adv. paid for by Bill Mahoney Campaign

I would appreciate your vote for Irving City Council, Place 6.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Soldier's Code

For many years when I was in the Army, I carried a card in my pocket that contained the Soldier's Code:

"1. I am an American soldier - a protector of the greatest nation on earth - sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States.

2. I will treat others with dignity and respect and expect others to do the same.

3. I will honor my Country, the Army, my unit and my fellow soldiers by living the Army values.

4. No matter what situation I am in, I will never do anything for pleasure, profit or personal safety which will disgrace my uniform, my unit, or my Country.

5. Lastly, I am proud of my Country and its flag. I want to look back and say I am proud to have served my Country as a soldier."

On the back of the card are the seven Army Values, which form a mnemonic for Leadership:

"Loyalty
Duty
Respect
Selfless - Service
Honor
Integrity
Personal Courage"

Why can't we expect our elected officials to uphold the same Code and Values that we ask our soldiers, who we put in harm's way, to follow? They all swear the same oath to the Constitution. They all have the same duty to the people they serve.

I have spent my entire adult life honoring this code. I will continue honoring it. I have made a commitment to this community to make it a better place to live and work for everyone.

I am going to carry this card with me. If you see me out and about, please ask to see it. It is a good reminder of who we should always be. It is a better reminder of the sacrifice our brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers have made for all of us.

The election is May 12, 2012. For more information about me or my campaign, please check out our website at http://www.billmahoneycampaign.com/.
I would appreciate your vote for Irving City Council, Place 6.

Pol. Adv. paid for by Bill Mahoney Campaign

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Government of the People, by the People, for the People

Government, at its best, is inefficient! No government can better accomplish what private enterprise can achieve at any level. However, by virtue of participating in any society, we have created a central body ("the government") to collectively administer those social functions by which we have chosen to be bound. In our democratic republic, it is always our hope that the government will be led by people who have the ability, the experience and the personal fortitude to consider and take action for the good of all the people over all else. That does not mean that everyone will be pleased with every action taken. We can only put ourselves in the best position to succeed with the most able leaders.

I have many times taken an oath to defend and support the Constitutions of the United States and Texas to the best of my abilities. I have faithfully executed my duties both domestically and abroad in every office I have held. What I have seen through my military service and in service to my community has given me the perspective necessary to provide steadfast conservative leadership, when leadership is needed most.

One of the foundations of my campaign will be to eliminate the potential for influence by special interest groups in our city. We need to be able to make the best decisions possible based on the evidence and the facts available. I support ethics reforms to the city's charter. Most importantly, I am willing to back my words with action. I will not accept a campaign contribution from any individual for more than $250.

I know that this type of committment challenges my campaign's ability to raise money. I know that I will likely stand alone in this fight. But, it is important to me and important to the healthy future of Irving. Please help me get the message out that special interests will not prevail in this election or in our city. I challenge any other candiate for city council to match my contibution limit pledge.

The election is May 12, 2012. For more information about me or my campaign, please check out our website at http://www.billmahoneycampaign.com/.

I would appreciate your vote for Irving City Council, Place 6.

Pol. Adv. paid for by Bill Mahoney Campaign

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Irving Issues

The Dallas Morning News had an article in yesterday's print edition, "Irving’s hottest issues at boiling point for start of election season." http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/irving/headlines/20120311-irvings-hottest-issues-at-boiling-point-for-start-of-election-season.ece?action=reregister. Once again, the media wants to glorify the extreme viewpoints in an attempt to sell more copies. The decision to continue with the development of an entertainment center in Irving is important. However, it is not the only issue facing Irving at this time. Voters should beware of single-issue candidates running for City Council. What are these candidates going to do once that one issue is finally decided and they are asked to make important decisions on the future of our city? What experience do they have in the other areas that will significantly impact Irving?

Irving has several key areas that are primed for growth and/or redevelopment (Transit Oriented Developments "TOD's" along the soon-to-be completed DART Orange Line and the TRE, former Texas Stadium site, Las Colinas Urban Center and Irving's Heritage Crossing). Irving can expand its tax base, which in turn could lower property taxes, by seeking and encouraging the right types of developments for these areas. Density is good, as long as you have quality construction and the proper mix of increased retail opportunities.

Along with growth comes greater infrastructure needs. According to the North Central Texas Council of Governments (http://www.nctcog.org/ris/demographics/forecast.asp), the population in our area will nearly double by 2040.

"Over the course of a thirty‐five year period, which began in 2005, the North Central Texas area is
expected to add nearly 4.8 million people and 3.0 million jobs."

This incredible expansion will burden our already crowded transportation systems and our troubled water supply. Irving is very fortunate to have a rail option through downtown and the DART Orange line through Las Colinas. These are good steps towards meeting the city's future transportation needs. In addition, Irving has already begun to take steps to secure sufficient water supplies for tomorrow. We need to continue to ensure that Irving has enough resources to sustain any contemplated or projected growth.

This is not the time for single-issue petty politics. This is the time for teamwork and leadership!

The election is May 12, 2012. For more information about me or my campaign, please check out our website at http://www.billmahoneycampaign.com/.

I would appreciate your vote for Irving City Council, Place 6.

Pol. Adv. paid for by Bill Mahoney Campaign

Monday, March 12, 2012

Why I Serve!

I am running for Irving City Council, Place 6 because I am committed to public service and my community. I served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve for 22 years. I was deployed overseas for Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia. In Bosnia, I served as the Legal Advisor to the Bosnian Election Commission and helped draft Bosnia's election law.

After retiring from the Army Reserve, I began serving Irving as a Commissioner on the Buildings and Standards Commission and as a representative on the Green Advisory Committee. I have also served on the Chamber of Commerce and Irving Symphony Association's Boards of Directors. We all have a responsibility to serve the community we call home in one form or another.

I have learned that you can either complain about something or you can choose to take action. My record of taking action is quite clear. I pledge to maintain my fierce independent principles and not be swayed by special interests or zealous partisans who support one political camp or the other. As a conservative, my loyalty is to my family and my community and the foundations of smarter government, lower taxes, and a strong, pro-business climate in our wonderful city. If you believe this is the kind of visionary leadership that Irving needs , then I encourage you to support my campaign.

The election is May 12, 2012. For more information about me or my campaign, please check out our website at http://www.billmahoneycampaign.com/.

I would appreciate your vote for Irving City Council, Place 6.

Pol. Adv. paid for by Bill Mahoney Campaign