Note: The Mason County News offers every candidate an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community, in their own words.
When I heard that our City Commission was voting on accepting a loan of 5.8 million dollars for the water infrastructure that would double our city taxes, I was deeply concerned that the City Commission was rushing into creating a problem rather than a solution. It is true that our city is in grave need of these improvements but there must be a better way to raise the necessary funds than to double our city taxes on a loan that would take 30 years to pay back. This is the time for hard questions that lead us to full transparency.
Because I wanted to find a better solution to this pressing matter I decided to run for City Commissioner of District 4. On March 6, 2025, I went to the Capitol to speak with Senator Charles Perry who, lucky for us all, is well positioned as the Chairman of the Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee. In addition, Governor Abbott has appointed him to the Southwestern States Water Commission and to the Western States Water Council. According to Senator Perry’s office this is a major concern throughout the entire state of Texas. A vast majority of small Texas towns are all in need of improving their water infrastructure due to aging and are experiencing major water shortages due to years of drought. Senator Perry’s office gave me a lead on State grants and loans, however the interest burden on these loans are astronomical but pursuing a state grant is a wise pursuit in my opinion.
As your Commissioner I propose another possible solution. I would recommend a simple flat rate added to the utility bill each month, that would keep the town in the black and earning interest. The city could begin financing the project without paying interest for the next 30 years and the work could be done as much as possible by our own employees. Granted it may be six months to a year before there would be enough funds to start the purchase of materials to begin the repairs. This would not interfere with the city continuing to research and applying for additional grants. Mason will be saving money, earning interest on that saved money and staying in the black by paying as we go. Another option should we still need a loan would be to take one out from one of our local banks using our CDs as collateral for a much lower interest rate thus not needing to raise our taxes.
I served two terms as Commissioner of District 1 in 2016-2020. I am a proud patriot, a conservative, and believe less government is best. Prior to retirement I was a business owner and office manager in the medical field for 30 years. My father was a career Air Force navigator, we moved every 2-3 years and never really had a place to call home. Then I met my husband who was born in Mason and is a fifth-generation cattle rancher. When we were able to move permanently to Mason, we finally had a place to truly call home. That was eleven years ago, and with God’s grace, we could not be any happier. We love our town and its diverse population. We, the people of Mason still hold on to those trusted values of the previous generations. Our children are taught to respect their elders, to say yes sir and no ma’am, to hold the door for a lady, lend a hand to a neighbor and bow their heads in prayer.
I respectfully request your vote for me as your next City Commissioner of District 4 on election day, May 3, 2025, and God bless Texas!
