Editor,

In response to the article quoting his opinions & endorsing his picks for our upcoming election by former mayor A.W. Hines printed in last week's paper, I would like to point out a few key points.

First, I think it is a slap in the face to all prior mayors, city council members, as well as prior and current city staff !

What we have in place today in our city was built upon the foundation of past administrations and we owe them respect and gratitude for stepping up and doing their best with what they had at the time. Sure, some mistakes were made, however they've been corrected.

Unfortunately, none of us have a crystal ball or know what lies ahead. As the old saying goes, "hindsight is always 20/20."

No one person rode into Bullard on a white horse and saved our city! It has been the consistent dedication, hard-work and different strengths of each member of our city council, working as a unit, that has moved our city forward and into not only better financial shape, but better shape all the way around.

We are not a fractionalized council, and no one member is omnipotent. All decisions are discussed and made as a unit. Our city manager, Larry Morgan, brings years and years of experience with him and he has played an enormous role in getting us where we are today. Bullard is a city that operates effectively, as well as efficiently, because of many contributing factors.

While I appreciate the time, ideas, and knowledge that Mr. Hines brought to our council while he was a citizen here, before moving to Waco, I would like to assure the citizens of Bullard that their current sitting city council is more than capable, with the help of our City Manager to keep our city thriving and moving forward, who and does not require, nor desire, governing from afar.

Concerning Hines' list of issues that should be addressed in the future, the reality is that 10 of the 12 things he listed are, and have been, in the works for some time; and, in some cases for several years.

The two remaining issues, I would like to address as follows:

Impact Fees: In the last three (3) years, the city has spent$144,000 of collected impact fees to repair wells, pumps, water & sewer lines, etc. Had those dollars not been set aside for these such needs that directly address the "impact" new homes and businesses have on our current infrastructure, those dollars would have had to come from somewhere else which would have potentially put our city's finances into a bind. Many cities have fees such as these and I don't believe they discourage growth. I believe people move to Bullard for other attributes (great schools, location, etc.) that far outweigh a fee that will ultimately be a tiny fraction of their total building costs. While I fully support this at some point in the future, I don't know that we are there yet.

Hiring a city CPA: I disagree with Mr. Hines' statement on hiring a CPA to be added to the city staff. Per data received directly from the CPA that has served Bullard exceptionally for the past two years, the city has paid his firm $29,306 for the past 12 months, and $29,100 for the 12 months prior to that. Henry & Peters, PC starts an accounting graduate with NO experience and NO CPA certificate, but good grades, at a salary of approximately $42,000 per year. In Jacksonville, a new hire with an accounting degree would start at about $36,000 per year. In talking with several CPA's, I have learned that it would more than likely cost the city of Bullard $45,000 -$50,000 per year for a CPA with governmental experience. Based on the information above, the city is already making the correct choice in utilizing the services of a CPA.

While Mr. Hines and I do not endorse the same candidates for Mayor or city council, I found it interesting that the inference was made that only the candidates he supports have sufficient experience to carry out these roles, which is not at all the case! I would urge all citizens to learn about their candidates & to dig deeper than the surface would suggest… learn what drives their candidate and if their values are in line with their own.

Finally, I urge all voters to go to the polls, either by early voting or on Election Day, and allow your voices to be heard! This is a very important election for our city & its future!

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Stacey Thompson, Bullard City Council 2006- present