Especially in Coupland!
Three Alderman positions are up for consideration in November. Interestingly, this is a majority of what is formally known as the Board of Aldermen, which — together with the Mayor — form what we know as the Coupland City Council. So, if you like the course of the city government so far in its young life, this is your chance to keep it moving in that direction. If you’re not happy with its performance to date, this is your chance to make a change. Regardless of where you stand on the issues faced by Coupland as a community, get informed and get involved. The city council needs your input and your participation to have a fair chance at representing all of Coupland.
The Aldermen whose terms expire in November responded to a questionnaire sent by The Coupland Times. Here are the questions:
1. Do you intend to run for a second term as an Alderman? If not, please share your reason for not running.
2. What would you say was your most important contribution(s) to the City in your first term?
3. If you intend to stand for re-election, what issue(s) do you propose to focus upon in your second term?
Here are their responses, in the order received:
ELDRIDGE TIDWELL:
“No I do not intend to run again. My work load has increased so much that I an unable to attend the meetings. I feel that this is a let down to the community if I can not be present at the meetings.”
“I was able to contact the right [surveyor] to get the [incorporation] done.”
BARBARA PIPER:
“I have filed to run for re-election. Please know that I have a really hard time articulating things I have accomplished…….perhaps I grew up in an era where it was taught and admired to be humble. Having said that, I am proud of the fact that we have been very prudent with the money received via ad valorem taxes, franchise fees, sales tax, liquor tax, and other fees. We expect to have funds remaining in the city’s budget at the end of the fiscal year, astounding for its first full budget year. Coupland enjoyed its first clean-up day and I was proud to work and be part of this effort. I do have deep roots in this community and that is continually shown in numerous volunteer efforts. I care very much about the direction of our city and am proud to be part of its potential growth. So, in essence, I will gladly always volunteer my efforts to protect, promote, and serve the people of our small city.”
SUSAN SCHMIDT:
“I plan to run for a second term as Alderman.”
“There were many things accomplished during the first year of Coupland as a city. This was the work of ALL the Council, not just me. As a member of the Council, I’m proud we started a city from scratch. There was a vast amount of information to digest when starting a city government. As a council, we did quite well. We created a city budget and adhered to it with a surplus left over, which is usually unheard of. We managed to fix some major potholes. We had a successful Clean-Up day.”
“Being responsive to the needs of Coupland citizens will always be a priority for me and the Council. We have to deal with TXDot over right-of-way issues, which will prove to be quite interesting and informative. Improving roads, continuing clean-up efforts and researching grants for the city will be a major concern for me.”