Editor’s note: Early voting begins Monday in the May 4 City of Rockdale election. The Reporter invited candidates in Rockdale’s contested race to submit statements of candidacy for voters to consider.
Here are those statements in alphabetical order:
Mayor
John King
As a city, we are facing difficult times. We have a failing water
and wastewater system due to years of neglect.
The city loses over 40% of the water that is pumped out of the ground due to over 100-year-old pipes breaking.
With heavy rain, our sewer system overflows and raw sewage leaks through manholes. We cannot continue to ignore these problems.
I will work with all entities to insure that the city gets the maximum benefit for the dollars spent. I am open to all suggestions
My goal is to lead Rock-dale through collaboration and oversite, micromanaging if necessary.
My experience as an officer in the Air Force, business owner, engineer, and mayor for six years gives me a unique perspective of the needs of the City of Rockdale.
I want to continue to work for you and move Rockdale forward into a city that we can be proud of.
I am asking for your vote.
Neil Switkowski
I am a former Marine, licensed private investigator, bounty hunter, security contractor and small business owner. My wife of 12 years, Courtney, is pursuing her PhD in organization psychology. We are raising our four children in one of the oldest homes in Rockdale.
The City of Rockdale was incorporated for your benefit as direct owners and customers of the monopoly services made available to you through that incorporation agreement.
Residents of this great city are the stockholders of this corporation and you’re currently not getting the proper return on your investment.
Our current leadership structure has the mayor, Rockdale’s CEO, and the city council, Rockdale’s Board of Directors, tied down by a non-elected bureaucratic dictatorship system.
The current weak-mayor form of government has failed us and is leading the city corporation toward financial bankruptcy dragging us down with it.
It’s vital we transform into a strong mayor form of government that allows the stockholders’ vote to determine the future of the city corporation for our benefit.
No more voting for a Mayor/CEO who is ceremonial only, forcing power and daily decision-making capabilities under an non-elected bureaucrat, accountable to no voter/ Stockholder.
The mayor should be in the trenches fighting for you every day, the true owners of this 141-year-old city corporation.
Together, we can do better Rockdale! Vote for Neil Switkowski and help ensure a great future.
City council
East Ward
Joyce Dalley
My Rockdale history goes back to the 1970’s frequently visiting friends before retiring here twelve years ago.
I have been aware of the ups and downs of the jobs market and maintenance issues.
A new water tower was built, maintenance issues were addressed, but more stringent state and federal mandates have forced us to make costly fixes or continue to receive fines if issues were not resolved.
Our council is dedicated not only to the fixes of the water, sewer, roads issues but how to find grants and outside sources to offset expenses.
I have focused on relief for senior and limited income citizens. Transportation and decrease in HOP service is challenging. Housing for fixed income folks is a major issue—finding housing or repairs to remain in their homes.
It has been a long, tedious process, but help is becoming available through the county Judge, Dept. of Human Services, CTCOG and many caring individuals.
The Senior Center continues to offer meals five days per week along with activities and social interaction.
Only through communication can our council better serve our citizens.
Reach me at 512-446-5717, home), 254-228-9261 (cell).
It is my privilege to serve you; your vote is appreciated.
East Ward
Michelle Larkin
I am running to express my commitment to serve the east ward and to help our city move forward.
My platform is based on social programs, economical Resources and higher education Opportunities
Where do you see our city 3 5, 10 years from now? I see a city beginning to thrive with social programs for our families & children, a place where new jobs are created each year, a city with reinforced infrastructure. It all starts with a plan.
I look forward to working with my constituents and council members to look for opportunities to bring social programs, economical resources and higher education to grow our city. We are in desperate need for a medical facility, businesses that will create jobs, and affordable housing.
We must also continue to support our local businesses by buying local. When we buy local, we invest in our community.
The roads in our East Ward are in dire need of repair. I ask for your commitment and let your voice be heard by voting for me.
Move forward with me for social programs economical resources and higher education opportunities for our future and for our children.
We can accomplish this only by moving forward together.
City council
West Ward
Nathan Bland
I am asking for your vote for reelection.
Five generations of my family have called Rockdale home. After graduation from RHS, I obtained a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M, then made. Rockdale my home again. I have worked at Miller Starnes Chevrolet Buick in Rockdale since 2007 and served on the council since 2013.
I have lived on east and west sides of Rockdale and have a passion for improving my community. Through council service, I have worked with citizens on many diverse projects and believe no one will question my desire to improve Rockdale.
We are at a critical point for Rockdale’s future, and decisions being made now will affect many generations.
As a parent I care deeply about these decisions and would like the opportunity to continue help making them.
Franklin Roosevelt. “Take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly, and try another. But by all means, try something.”
We have done lots of things as a city. There have been a few misses, but overall I think we are working towards improving our community for the long haul.
I would appreciate your vote to continue to serve you on the council.
Belinda Hillhouse
I am not a politician.
I taught English for eight years and returned to school for a mechanical engineering degree.
My 30-plus years of engineering is why I am skeptical of the way the water/sewer project is planned.
Most Rockdale residents have the idea we must spend $63 million or continue with the systems we have. That is not true. There is always more than one way to do a job.
$63 million is the current budget estimate for the project. The police station budget was $3 million, but cost 4.
This project is to be financed from our water bills. This first increase will raise $10 million for engineering and planning.
This phase lasts almost three years. If we don’t vote for the next increase, all we have is a plan.
At town hall meetings, many stated they cannot afford the increases. Many are retired and have fixed incomes. West ward council members did not attend these meetings.
Some west ward representatives seem to have no understanding of financial limitations of their constituents.
Taxes have doubled for many. Combined with projected water increases, we have a very serious situation. We need to learn to live within our means.
School board
Place 3
Amy Ogea Casas
I was raised in Rockdale and a 2001 graduate of RHS.
My husband and I moved back in 2014 and have three sons.
I am an involved church and school community member.
I understand the challenges and needs of our students and teachers.
I am here to be a voice for our future RISD. I am invested in this community and RISD.
Jillian McEntarffer
I love Rockdale.
My husband and I, with our three children, moved here in 2013 and knew we were home. I grew up in Idaho attending public schools.
I continued my education at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, then began teaching at a private school.
This experience shaped my views on the value of public education.
I have a broad perspective having been part of several school districts, both in Texas and beyond. RISD needs this leverage.
I’m a proud supporter of public school and a proud supporter of Rockdale ISD.
I have a great appreciation for outstanding teachers, and RISD has many. I want to make sure teachers are supported.
Great teachers make a difference in a child’s life.
I believe in recess! Many challenges we’re facing can be overcome by reinstating recesses.
Many ISDs are switching back to recesses. They’re overcoming issues with ADHD, behavior problems, fidgeting and distractions.
Kids are more engaged in learning. Scores are improving and kids retain far more information much faster.
On May 4, vote Jillian McEntarffer for Rockdale ISD School Board.
On Facebook at Jillian McEntarffer for RISD School Board.
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