The Devine City Council District 2 and District 5 seats, as well as the position of mayor, will be on the ballot when voters head to the polls in the upcoming General Election scheduled for Saturday, May 1.
Voting is at City Hall from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Cory Thompson for Mayor
Have you ever held political office, and if so, please list what offices and years you have served?
Yes. 26 months as a Councilman, and 22 months as Mayor. As Mayor I have overseen approx. 52 Council Meetings, and approx. 600 agenda items. One could safely a double those numbers if you include the 26 months I was a Councilman, plus all the secondary meetings that I am part of as Mayor. I want to point out most of the following questions deal with the power of the City Council and their ability to vote, and don’t necessarily represent or reflect the duties of a Mayor.
What are some of your TOP priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?
Roads, infrastructure, and quality of life improvements. My goal is still what it has always been, I want to see Devine become the best town between San Antonio and Laredo on the IH-35 corridor.
What is your position on the continuation of the $32,500 monthly payments from the City to the Golf Course management company over the past 16 months? Did you vote in favor of entering this contract? Have you made sure the financial statements have been turned in per the contract to provide accountability to the taxpayers?
I don’t believe that there should have been 16 months’ worth of payments, I believe that the City Council should have worked with me to fulfill the contract and should have completed the clubhouse renovations in the six months that was originally discussed and budgeted for when the contract was signed. I do want it to be noted that $32,500 a month represents a $20,000+ a month savings to the city compared with running it in-house. It also represents an approximately $20,000 a month savings as compared to the second “verbal” offer that was being presented to Council in Fall of 2019 by an organization headed by a current political candidate in this year’s race. I don’t want anybody to forget that this facility was costing the city as much as $58,000 per month to run in-house.
The City has made a great investment to improve our golf course and facilities. What area or district of Devine do you feel the $32,500 monthly payments should be funneled into next once the golf clubhouse/restaurant is complete, to provide entertainment/parks/tourism for the hobbies of others (like a multi-sports complex (baseball, softball, tennis) or a water park/swimming pool or hunting lease/shooting range or fishing pond or Veteran’s Recreation Facility (game room, clubhouse/cafe), Expanded library?
Well, we don’t “funnel” money, we are not a cartel. Nevertheless, there are many things on my “want list” that I would like to see us invest in, those have all been detailed in various social media posts, on my website, at council meetings, and in the five-year plan that I gave the council but was not approved. My want list includes new sports fields and courts, a water park, and expanded library. I believe the Devine VFW better qualified to handle our local veterans and is already doing a great job with veterans’ activities. As for hunting or shooting; As per Ordinance 66-3 it’s not legal to discharge firearms within the City Limits of Devine.
Is the new golf clubhouse/restaurant going to be open to the public or members only?
The golf course and clubhouse have been open to the public for more than 50 years, and continues operations even today as a public facility. So by default, any restaurant within that facility would also be public. There is no past precedent, nor current discussion, that would justify any implication that golf clubhouse would be anything other than a public facility moving forward into the future.
What other expenses are projected to extend road and utilities to the new I-35 development zone, and what is your position on this?
It’s no secret that I’m in favor of this plan, I have talked about it all over social media for years, and it has been covered in this paper multiple times. The cost for this project has already been reported multiple times including here in this paper, and our engineer has not alerted us to any possible expenditures beyond what has already been reported.
What is your position on the City using Imminent Domain to acquire homes or private property that are currently in the path of the new of the new development?
I believe this question is actually referencing Eminent Domain…. Personally speaking I’m not fan of it, and in the two years that I have been mayor it has never been brought up as a legitimate option on any plan moving forward with any piece of property we have discussed. I believe the last time it was used in Devine was over 10 years ago to clear up a title issue on John Curcio Park.
However if this question is actually referencing Imminent Domain, I must say that I’m personally against aliens invading our planet.
What do you love most about Devine?
The people of course! I am glad to call Devine my hometown, because within this town are some of nicest people you’ll ever meet.
What ideas do you have to improve quality of life in Devine?
First thing I want to is get past these divisive elections. I want us to be a unified town again working towards a common goal of a better Devine and success for all.
The City of Devine was allocated over $1 million in American Rescue Funds this past April. These funds can be used for a wide variety of purposes including infrastructure, and or helping local businesses with covid relief grants. How do you think the funds should be used?
Like I advised Council, and per the paperwork from the government, it is actually an extremely limited scope of options that these funds can be used for. We have not received the funds yet, but when we receive the funds and the final instructions on what they can be used for, we will have a council meeting and open discussion to determine the best options for the funds. At the end of the day it will be the City Council’s decision, the Mayor does not get a vote on the matter unless there is a tied Council vote.
Candidate biography:
I have been involved with local politics for 4 years and believe that I am pretty much a known entity by now, plus all of this information has already been detailed in multiple locations including just six months ago in this very paper. I instead choose to use this section to celebrate the amazing people in Devine…..I want to thank all those who helped out during the snow storm. I want to thank all of the people who step up to volunteer regularly through clubs, organizations, and churches. I want to thank all those willing to invest in our community and open up a small business in pursuit of their dreams. At the end of the day I’m just some guy who happens to be mayor, it’s actually all of you who make Devine great!
Kevin Hicks for Mayor
Have you ever held political office, and if so, please list what offices and years you have served?
No
What are some of your TOP priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?
Balanced Budget, Street repair, Splash Pads, Movie theater. Downtown.
What is your position on the continuation of the $32,500 monthly payments from the City to the Golf Course management company over the past 16 months?
City will honor Contract, but as long as taxpayer dollars are being spent, the management company will be required to submit the monthly and quarterly statements that are required by the contract.
Did you vote in favor of entering this contract?
Not on council
Have you made sure the financial statements have been turned in per the contract to provide accountability to the taxpayers?
N/A, but if elected, I will push to make sure that these statements are turned in.
The City has made a great investment to improve our golf course and facilities. What area or district of Devine do you feel the $32,500 monthly payments should be funneled into next once the golf clubhouse/restaurant is complete, to provide entertainment/parks/tourism for the hobbies of others (like a multi-sports complex (baseball, softball, tennis) or a water park/swimming pool or hunting lease/shooting range or fishing pond or Veteran’s Recreation Facility (game room, clubhouse/cafe), Expanded library?
Let’s take care of what is needed, better streets and clean water, and then move to what is wanted.
A splash pad would cost very little by comparison, around $100,000, or $40,000 with the matching grant we were awarded years ago (and didn’t use). If we have $32,500 a month to spend, after all our City’s basic needs are met, imagine what other organizations like the Little League could do with that kind of funding. A whole Class A baseball field costs around $100,000.
How about basketball courts, more playground equipment, a walking trail, dog park, or a fishing pond?
Our kids are the future of Devine, and we need to make sure they have room to play and plenty of positive recreational opportunities in our community. I have a lot of experience writing grants, and I do believe many of these improvements are possible through grants, including a pool for City/School use.
Is the new golf clubhouse/restaurant going to be open to the public or members only?
Public, Restaurant to close for special events.
What other expenses are projected to extend road and utilities to the new I-35 development zone, and what is your position on this?
They would still need to purchase quite a bit of property in order to develop this land as planned, and invest over a million more dollars to build a new road that local homeowners don’t want and extend utilities to areas that no businesses have committed to coming in. We need to have more community input on this project, and it should be done in phases.
What is your position on the City using Eminent Domain to acquire homes or private property that are currently in the path of the new of the new development?
A line on a piece of paper that represents the road. It can be moved. Let’s get with TexDot and Develop a Workable Plan. Let’s extend the I-35 access road to FM 3176 instead of building a new road and dumping all of the traffic through the neighborhood of District 2. There are several homes/ private property that would have to be acquired if the City continues with the current plans, and what for?
Also, when we encourage development, we need to think about the type of businesses that we are lacking in our community and seek out those things, such as an urgent care clinic or more medical facilities, a movie theatre and other recreational businesses.
What do you love most about Devine?
I love our small town. It’s laid back, very little traffic. I love the families who live here and how this community comes together. People take care of people. Just look at the snow storm, and how we all took care of each other.
What ideas do you have to improve quality of life in Devine?
Street Repairs, water lines, Parks, Swimming Pool, Movie Theater, Downtown development. A lot of this can be accomplished through grants and by simply spending taxpayer dollars on what taxpayer dollars should be spent on…streets, water lines, parks, things for our residents. While reviewing the City budget, I noticed that around $300,000 that was designated for street repair/labor was moved and used to purchase the new 28 acres along I-35 instead.
This is an example of taxpayer dollars not being spent on the things that are a priority of the taxpayers, which are streets, clean drinking water, and better parks.
The City of Devine was allocated over $1 million in American Rescue Funds this past April. These funds can be used for a wide variety of purposes including infrastructure, and or helping local businesses with covid relief grants. How do you think the funds should be used?
Stabilize. resources to stabilize operating budget.
Strategize. invest in infrastructure and launch programs to support workers and small businesses
Organize. the most effective public officials know that deploying it will require a team
Candidate biography:
Age 59
Career: Business Owner, Educator, President Western Auto Store, Automotive Technician
Business Experience: Business Owner, Customer Service Salesperson Brown Chevrolet, Western Auto
Degrees; Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Post Masters
Certificates: Master Teacher St. Philips College, Texas Teacher License, Principal Certificate, Automotive Service Excellence
I have a diverse background. My experience in Business and an Education will allow me to work with City Council to make the City of Devine a Better place to live and work.
Maria Pena, District 2
Have you ever held political office, and if so, please list what offices and years you have served?
No have not this is my first.
What are some of your TOP priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?
Road repairs are needed and look more into the New Business District for different options.
What is your position on the continuation of the $32,500 monthly payments from the City to the Golf Course management company over the past 16 months? Did you vote in favor of entering this contract? Have you made sure the financial statements have been turned in per the contract to provide accountability to the taxpayers?
Yes I do think its lots of money, but I really think Golf Course is coming along very well. I have not asked for the financial statements or looked at them.
The City has made a great investment to improve our golf course and facilities. What area or district of Devine do you feel the $32,500 monthly payments should be funneled into next once the golf clubhouse/restaurant is complete, to provide entertainment/parks/tourism for the hobbies of others (like a multi-sports complex (baseball, softball, tennis) or a water park/swimming pool or hunting lease/shooting range or fishing pond or Veteran’s Recreation Facility (game room, clubhouse/cafe), Expanded library?
I think we need a public pool for our childrens to have a place to enjoy their summer, maybe even a game room, what kid don’t like video games and a clubhouse would be great.
Is the new golf clubhouse/restaurant going to be open to the public or members only?
I would like it to be open to the public. Citizens will be able to play golf and then have a nice meal.
What other expenses are projected to extend road and utilities to the new I-35 development zone, and what is your position on this?
I don’t know of any other expenses that are projected to extend roads and utilities but I’m all for Devine growing. More jobs will be available locally and we wouldn’t have to travel far for work.
What is your position on the City using Eminent Domain to acquire homes or private property that are currently in the path of the new of the new development?
As far as I know Eminent Domain is not set on ground. I don’t like it and I would like to see other options.
What do you love most about Devine?
The most that I love about Devine is that the community comes together as a family. Also education is very important and I am very happy with our schools.
What ideas do you have to improve quality of life in Devine?
I like the growth, better our city parks, facilities where young kids get go and have fun.
The City of Devine was allocated over $1 million in American Rescue Funds this past April. These funds can be used for a wide variety of purposes including infrastructure, and or helping local businesses with covid relief grants. How do you think the funds should be used?
The funds should be used to help our community and local businesses that had hard times due to covid.
Candidate Biography:
I am 53 years old and married to a great man (Scott Stanley). I have a 15 year old daughter that enjoys attending school here. I work for Amazon for about 2 years as a Process Assistant and own a small baking business that some might know me as “The Cake Lady”. I’m a Commissioner of he the Housing Authority for 4 years now. I know how some of our citizens feel about this new development and I would like to be their voice.
Angela Pichardo, District 2
Have you ever held political office, and if so, please list what offices and years you have served?
Being the Devine City Councilwoman will be my first political office to be held. After being an educator for over 20 years, a Real Estate Broker and Business owner and working hard to complete a Bachelor’s and a Masters, I feel that with my experience and knowledge of the law, these credentials will help bring Devine together and work as a team in bringing Business Development while keeping our Warhorse Pride and Traditions.
What are some of your TOP priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?
Top priorities for Devine are to:
Build a Strong team by working together with all Districts and the new City Manager to help Devine Prosper
Structure and Build a Community Centered framework for better communication and streamlined responses for our citizens. In building effective communication, our City will thrive.
Build a Business Route Corridor for Devine to increase Economic Development and Commercial Growth. The current plan Mr. Thompson is proposing is the work of the late Mr. Raul Garcia, the City Engineer at the time. This plan has been in the works for many years and will need to be revisited to assess what is in the best interest of our Community, particularly since it involves a large portion of Residential properties in District 2, the position I am running for as Councilwoman.
What is your position on the continuation of the $32,500 monthly payments from the City to the Golf Course management company over the past 16 months?
After much research prior to the acceptance of the self-made and submitted written contract by SG Management, there were several Management companies that were not given the opportunity since the availability for lease was not publicized for Bid Proposals, as is necessary by law for City entities. As the contract was not structured for the equal benefit of both parties and with over ¾ of a million already spent in 14 months with next to Zero dollar return, it is Not a difficult decision to be against a Zero dollar return on Citizens’ of Devine investment of taxpayer money. My goal for the golf course is to represent the “highest and best use” of publicly owned land and be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. It is my belief that $32,500. a month in return to any entity to run a city golf course would have been successful.
Did you vote in favor of entering this contract?
After reading several golf management contracts of other city entities, it is my opinion that this contract is one-sided. With over $520,000. given to SG Management in 14 months, $450,000. on a bank note for the club house/restaurant renovations, the 100% profit on all sales going to SG Management (food, alcohol, beer, green fees, cart rental, etc.), all membership fees (starting at approx. $99. each month) with the last stated number of members as 135 at a previous city council meeting this fall, the management company’s profits are at $13,400. to $20, 250. a Month. With only approx. $1.00 a month in return to our citizens’ of Devine, this contract is not one that I would favor in the “Best Interest” of the taxpayers.
Have you made sure the financial statements have been turned in per the contract to provide accountability to the taxpayers?
As of the last City Council meeting, SG Management was not up to date on their contractual obligations to the City in providing updated and current financial statements. This has been a norm for SG Management in that the initial several months, no statements were provided and has repeatedly occurred. This is a provision that will place the contract the management company designed and submitted as Null and Void. Being that the selected management company and its owner were found to be “Not Viable,” as stated by the City Attorney Mr. Tom Cate in late 2019, prior to Thompson, Randall, and Schott voting to accept the contract anyway. This has placed the city with the option on not renewing the contract on the management’s inability to provide basic financial statements that the owner of the management company placed on himself. Additional items in the contract will be reviewed once in office.
The City has made a great investment to improve our golf course and facilities. What area or district of Devine do you feel the $32,500 monthly payments should be funneled into next once the golf clubhouse/restaurant is complete, to provide entertainment/parks/tourism for the hobbies of others (like a multi-sports complex (baseball, softball, tennis) or a water park/swimming pool or hunting lease/shooting range or fishing pond or Veteran’s Recreation Facility (game room, clubhouse/cafe), Expanded library?
We need a Sports Complex and a new City Hall to be funding with available grants and using funds to improve the Little League field, city facilities, the water pumps, increase law enforcement officers, training for our city personnel and the improvements of our roads (as visibly needed).
Is the new golf clubhouse/restaurant going to be open to the public or members only?
This is a point of contention as the facility was donated to the City and it should be available to all Citizens. Before the vote to have SG Management take over the Devine Golf Course, it was assured by the Management company that it would stay a Public Golf Course and it would not be privatized.
Since the Golf Clubhouse/restaurant is in a Municipality owned building, there are not stipulations as to excluding anyone from its use. The management company owner stated that, “the Golf Course is open to Everyone,” and would remain a Public facility and not Privatize and exclude non-members. Since the golf course was donated to the Citizens’ of Devine, it should remain Public and allow all its citizens who contribute tax dollars to the city property enjoy the facility, including guests and visitors.
What other expenses are projected to extend road and utilities to the new I-35 development zone, and what is your position on this?
The Economic growth and development of Devine is essential to remain competitive in the market. With the road development structure, it has placed many residents in the path of the proposed roads with a cost of over $1,000,000 (one million dollars) for its development. The proposed plan must be looked at to determine what the citizens want, particularly those that will be most affected in District 2. Since the discussion was in Closed Session, and the current Mayor has stated he will not discuss the issue, I feel it is important for the taxpaying residents in my District to know what the city is proposing before the road is built so that they have a better understanding when they see the lines marked on the map going right through their homes.
My position is to review this road development and form a Citizens’ Forum to discuss what will be happening to their homes and what the City plans to do to assist them in they need to relocate or Do Not Want to Sell.
What is your position on the City using Eminent Domain to acquire homes or private property that are currently in the path of the new of the new development?
It is important for the city to avoid using Eminent Domain at all cost. I have met with homeowners in District 2 who have lived there for years. They don’t want to sell and they shouldn’t have to. There is a time and place for Eminent domain, but it must be used effectively and fairly.
Eminent Domain in the case of the I-35 development is NOT a need, it’s a want by some city leaders. We must look at how our decisions affect the Whole City and work as using Eminent Dain as a LAST Resort. I don’t think some of our city Leaders have even thought of meeting with the families that are impacted as of yet, but that will be one of the first things I’ll do.
It is my goal to work cooperatively with our homeowners.
What do you love most about Devine?
The definition of Place attachment is when the emotional bond between person and place, and is a main concept in environmental psychology. It is highly influenced by our personal experiences. So, it’s the love for our city, a belief that this is our place. It’s a sense of local belonging and emotional bonds due to our mutual history, responsibility, and affection. It is our family history and legacy of the past, living her for the present and doing great things for the future of Devine.
What ideas do you have to improve quality of life in Devine?
1) Improving public safety: hiring additional patrol officers.
2) Making daily commutes faster: examining the traffic flow once QT and other developments move into the IH-35 corridor.
3) Better public health – work with state and federal health programs and grants for Organic and Healthy living plans. A healthy community is a thriving community.
4) Cleaner and more sustainable environments – use our Code compliance effectively in cleaning up neighborhoods needing some help in effective disposal of items that lead them to violate the ordinances.
5) Enhance social connectedness – apply a City wide app, such as Nextdoor or Meetup to supply the citizens with up-to-date information and immediate response times and live feeds which allow for our local government to be more responsive to the citizens needs and concerns.
The City of Devine was allocated over $1 million in American Rescue Funds this past April. These funds can be used for a wide variety of purposes including infrastructure, and or helping local businesses with covid relief grants. How do you think the funds should be used?
As I stated at a previous City Council meeting on the Ice Storm and Animal Control issues, it isimportant for our city to adopt the Motto or Philosophy of “Preparation Over Desperation,” when it comes to any Rescue Funds gained.
There will be a streamlined Decision Protocol in place if elected as Councilwoman for District 2. As with the school system repeatedly initiating Safety Drills and major Emergency Responses using the Standard Response Protocol system, it is necessary to have an effective program with the city. It should be updated frequently and we should implement a systematic and self-sufficient City Emergency plan to be able to not only assist our citizens in need, but also be able to maintain our City during any tragic or natural disaster event. The required necessities should be food, water, heat and basic survival skills training available to all our city personnel, but also available to our citizens.
Candidate biography:
As an Educator for almost 25 years and teaching Aviation/Aerospace/Aeronautics, Automation (3D Printing and VEX Robotics), I have learned that providing opportunities for our youth is essential in any city. Being a Devine High School graduate, I consider Devine the Best city to reside in and raise a family. As a 57 year old having earned my Bachelors in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Education: Curriculum and Integrating Technology, it is my belief that the knowledge gained should be shared with others and give others the opportunities I was given to advance my Learning. With both these credentials and the experience as a business owner as a Real Estate Broker for 23 years, I understand the fiscal responsibilities to our citizens and the need to be good stewards with their tax dollars. I will work with due diligence in making decisions that are in the “Best Interest of the Whole City of Devine.”
Kevin Stephens, District 5
Have you ever held political office, and if so, please list what offices and years you have served?
I have not previously served in any political offices [local, state, or national].
What are some of your TOP priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?
Although I am fully aware that our city is sectioned into five (5) districts, one of our main priorities has to be that we come together as a unified body [mayor, city council, city manager, and others] to work towards a plan that is best suited for the City of Devine as a whole. We are not just five (5) districts, but instead we are one city that needs to be united with common goals. Make Devine Great Again!
I firmly believe that we can repair our streets (that are in horrible condition); I firmly believe that we can work towards a balanced budget (in which we have been over budget for the past 3 to 4 years and / or since the current administration took office); I firmly believe that we can work towards bringing in new businesses that BENEFIT ALL DISTRICTS in Devine; and I firmly believe that we can work on our parks and recreation (for all citizens to enjoy). There are so many aspects, but it is important that we focus on a starting point and then grow our goals as we meet our achievements.
What is your position on the continuation of the $32,500 monthly payments from the City to the Golf Course management company over the past 16 months?
First of all, I find it very unprofessional for SG Golf Management to be posting the horrendous things that they have on social media instead of having actual discussion with concerned citizens. Golf Course Management Agreement, page 4, states that the city shall pay $32,536.00/month for the first 6 months of the agreement or until such time the restaurant / bar is completed. I firmly believe that this renovation project has taken way too long. I am well aware that there have been other construction projects done in and around our community during the past 16 months. Also, it seems too frequent that there have been requests made for increased cost [to be absorbed by taxpayer money].
But it is not only about the $32,536.00/month, page 3 (5.0) discusses the signs, place settings, eating utensils, glasses, and etc. that will be provided by the city to this management group; page 4 (13.00) discusses the city owned equipment allotted to SG Golf Management [note, SG is responsible for maintenance and repair]; and there seems to be a huge concern from local citizens about the fact that it appears that SG Golf Management retains all profits while managing our city property. I do not have time to go into further detail regarding my concerns of this contract.
I support a professionally and appropriately managed golf course, and yet I have a major concern in regard to the overwhelming cost of this process.
Did you vote in favor of entering this contract?
As a contract coordinator (negotiations) [previous job title], I would not have accepted / voted for this contract on behalf of the city. This contract needs to be fair for both parties (with a percentage of profits being returned to Devine since it is a city property). In my opinion, this is a terrible contract between the City of Devine and SG Golf Management.
Have you made sure the financial statements have been turned in per the contract to provide accountability to the taxpayers?
It is interesting that this question has surfaced at this time as I recall a very nasty social media post [from SG Golf Management on April 7, 2021] trying to explain their cost (among other inappropriate things) on Facebook. At the last Regular Monthly City Council meeting, on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, it was requested that these financial reports be provided. I have been advised by city officials that these financial reports (at that time) were not available.
Page 7 (18.0), Accounting and Reporting, SG Golf Management shall at all times maintain accounting records in a format consistent (in all material respects) with generally accepted accounting practices. I would personally, along with many other Devine residents, like to receive and review the “(18.01) Employers Quarterly Report (941)”, (18.02) “Monthly Statement, SG Golf Management shall submit to City, within twenty (20) calendar days after the close of each calendar month, a financial statement showing in reasonably accurate detail the financial activities (monthly) …”; (18.03) Annual Statement, SG Golf Management shall submit to City, within sixty (60) calendar days after the close of each calendar year, a financial statement showing in reasonably accurate detail the financial activities (year end) …”
Proper accounting is required by SG Golf Management [and I hope that they are submitting what the contract states].
The City has made a great investment to improve our golf course and facilities. What area [or district] of Devine do you feel the $32,500 monthly payments should be funneled into next (once the golf clubhouse / restaurant is complete) to provide entertainment / parks / tourism for the hobbies of others (like a multi-sports complex [baseball, softball, tennis] or a water park / swimming pool, or hunting lease / shooting range, or fishing pond, or Veteran’s Recreation Facility (game room / clubhouse / cafe)? Expanded library?
I believe that all four remaining Districts [1, 2, 3, and 4] need to be considered for various improvements and / or amenities. As I stated earlier, we need to move away from thinking selfishly in regard to districts and thinking united in terms of our city. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could incorporate the suggested items (from above) in and throughout our entire city? Sure, it will take time but that does not mean that we cannot work towards trying to accomplish good things for our citizens.
Being that I served in the United States Marine Corps (along with many family members), it would be great to do something in our community for our Veterans. They certainly deserve it!
I certainly believe in an expanded library (would love to see that in our wonderful city).
Is the new golf clubhouse/restaurant going to be open to the public or members only?
I think that this is a great question! I firmly believe that, since it has been our taxpayer monies that has assisted in this clubhouse / bar / restaurant renovation project that the facilities must remain open to the public. I do not believe that our taxpayer monies should be used for a private / exclusive club for members only.
What other expenses are projected to extend road and utilities to the new I-35 development zone, and what is your position on this?
Honestly, I will have to look at the cost analysis for these various projects to determine what is necessary. I believe that we need to look at potential grants to offset cost to the city. If I am elected, it will take some serious discussion with the mayor, city council members, and other city officials.
What is your position on the City using Eminent Domain to acquire homes or private property that are currently in the path of the new of the new development?
I am against using Eminent Domain to acquire homes and / or private property at this time.
What do you love most about Devine?
Allow me here to simply use our town slogan, “Small City … Big Heart … Great Future!”
It has been amazing to witness how our wonderful community has “pulled together” this past year, especially with COVID-19 and severe winter storms (with loss of electricity, water, and other services). I give credit to the amazing people who live in our community.
I love our P.E.A.C.E Homeschool Coop (group); I love our small [mom and pop] businesses; I love our schools and their many activities; I love living across from a beautiful golf course; I love seeing wonderful people enjoying our parks; simply, I just love living in Devine.
What ideas do you have to improve quality of life in Devine?
We need to concentrate on an effective [and balanced] budget, road maintenance and repairs, residential and business safety, parks and recreation (striving to find fun programs for the youth in our community), new and existing business opportunities, dog park, and striving to address other essential areas within our wonderful city. I expect leadership to work together and to set the example for those around us.
The City of Devine was allocated over $1 million in American Rescue Funds this past April. These funds can be used for a wide variety of purposes including infrastructure, and or helping local businesses with covid relief grants. How do you think the funds should be used?
I think that a committee should be organized to assist in determining the best area for these funds to be designated. This committee could do an analysis and then provide essential feedback to our city officials [and possibly a Public Hearing]. I would not want to rush into answering this question; not until I fully understand the needs of our community.
Candidate biography:
I stand for God, Family, Community, and Country.
Born and raised in Colorado, Kevin L. Stephens enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1988 upon graduating from high school. Initially trained as a Field Artilleryman, he held a variety of duties including rifleman, artillery cannoneer, administration, recruiting, and more. During ten years of service, Kevin was able to attend multiple vocational schools. In 1991, he served a tour in Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm. Throughout his career in the United States Marine Corps, Kevin received many different awards, citations, ribbons, and medals.
Kevin Stephens married April Phillips in July of 1994. In 1998, he left the military to begin his civilian career. Since then, he has worked in the mechanical field as a technician, store manager, mill maintenance mechanic, and contract coordinator.
In 2002, Kevin and April moved to Vail, Arizona. They visited Tucson Baptist Church, and April began attending faithfully while Kevin, who was not a Christian at the time, attended occasionally. As God worked on Kevin’s heart, he became more interested in and faithful at the church. Between the Holy Spirit’s conviction, encouragement of his wife, and prompting of Pastor James Howard at Tucson Baptist, Kevin finally gave his heart to the Lord in July of 2008.
Since his salvation, Brother Stephens has grown in his walk and love for the Lord, and he has enjoyed serving in the ministry. He previously worked as the Superintendent / Youth Pastor in children and youth departments, served as a deacon, began a RV park ministry, and traveled on multiple mission trips.
In 2017, he graduated with High Honors and as Salutatorian from Tucson Baptist Bible Institute with a degree in Biblical Studies. Upon graduating, Kevin was provided the honor to teach at the same Bible Institute during the following school year.
In January of 2018, Kevin was ordained to preach by Pastor Brent Armstrong at Tucson Baptist Church, and shortly after he began looking for a church to pastor. In the spring of the same year, he heard that Pastor Williams at Community Baptist Church of Devine, Texas was retiring and that the church needed a new pastor. After several phone conversations with Pastor Williams, Kevin, his wife, and teenage daughter decided to travel to the small town and candidate for the position.
The Stephens family and Community Baptist both spent much time in prayer, and Brother Stephens accepted the position of Senior Pastor in May. He preached his first sermon on July 1 and was officially installed as the new Senior Pastor of Community Baptist Church on August 5, 2018.
Kevin and April have two married adult children and one teenager: Richard is married to Amber, and they have two sons and another baby due in July 2021. Catherine is married to her husband, Chance, and have one daughter. Jenna Lee is 16 (turning 17 in June).
Pastor Stephens and his family are honored to live in this community and they look forward to the cities bright future with great anticipation of what the Lord will do.
Deborah Randall, District 5
Have you ever held political office, and if so, please list what offices and years you have served?
August 2017 I was appointed to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board for District 5 and served through August 2019. September 2019 I was appointed to the City Council for District 5. November 2020 I won the election for District 5 Councilperson and am now campaigning again to retain the seat.
What is your position on the continuation of the $32,500 monthly payments from the City to the Golf Course management company over the past 16 months?
A contract was signed on December 13, 2019 by the City and approved by the City Attorney to provide $32,500 monthly to SG Golf Management until such time the restaurant and bar are completed. The City is obligated to uphold their end of the contract.
Did you vote in favor of entering this contract?
Yes, I did vote to have SG Golf Management to provide golf management services to save budget money for the city of Devine, which in turn allowed the council to allocate money in the budget to repair roads this year.
Have you made sure the financial statements have been turned in per the contract to provide accountability to the taxpayers?
Regularly over the last 16 months I have verified with the Interim City Manager that financial statements have been submitted monthly by SG Golf Management.
The City has made a great investment to improve our golf course and facilities. What area or district of Devine do you feel the $32,500 monthly payments should be funneled into next once the golf clubhouse/restaurant is complete, to provide entertainment/parks/tourism for the hobbies of others (like a multi-sports complex (baseball, softball, tennis) or a water park/swimming pool or hunting lease/shooting range or fishing pond or Veteran’s Recreation Facility (game room, clubhouse/cafe), Expanded library?
Devine has a Parks & Recreation Advisory Board that can bring ideas for the council to discuss and consider, A few years back I was involved and promoted a new swimming pool with splash pad for all ages of the community to enjoy, which is something I would like to support.
Is the new golf clubhouse/restaurant going to be open to the public or members only?
The golf course clubhouse/restaurant will open to the public to enjoy.
What other expenses are projected to extend road and utilities to the new I-35 development zone, and what is your position on this?
The City Engineer advised council of the projected costs of I-35 development. Devine needs to invest the money to be able to move forward and obtain future property and sales tax revenue.
What is your position on the City using Eminent Domain to acquire homes or private property that are currently in the path of the new development?
Eminent domain has not been discussed nor considered by Council for the I-35 project.
What do you love most about Devine?
The good-hearted people.
What ideas do you have to improve quality of life in Devine?
Not sure government improves a person’s quality of life, other than ensuring personal safety and protecting a persons’ rights. However, I would like the city to be able to offer more activities for the community to enjoy together.
The City of Devine was allocated over $1 million in American Rescue Funds this past April. These funds can be used for a wide variety of purposes including infrastructure, and or helping local businesses with covid relief grants. How do you think the funds should be used?
Council is awaiting a final answer from the Federal Government regarding the actual list of eligible expenditures that these funds can be legally used for. The Council will discuss and make decisions as soon as we can.
Candidate biography:
Debbie Randall here and I’m running for City Council – District 5. I am a single mother of twins. Both children graduated from Devine HS and went on to serve our awesome country in the military. I have a vision of growth and prosperity for all of Devine. Our city cannot remain stagnant. Being directly involved in the city since 2017 has given me the opportunity to demonstrate my commitment to moving Devine forward. Revenue growth is essential, without raising taxes, to improve our infrastructure. The I-35 project will bring in much needed revenue. With this happening, we can begin to address adding to our parks. Our roads will be worked on for the first time in almost 3 years, which I was instrumental in the planning. Progress is happening. I’m the only Councilperson on Face Book, Debbie Randall District 5 Councilperson, which keeps the district informed.