Woodcreek City Council Top 3 votes received win seat

WV: What are your top priorities if elected?

Jackson: Transparency, communication, customer service.

I’d like to help create a publicized communication plan council and staff would follow consistently, diligently, respectfully, and considerately. This will shine light on all activities, ensure all voices are heard, and all intelligent alternatives are considered. Our citizens deserve nothing less. Our City offices employ 3 different individuals, with office hours of 10am - 4pm, five days a week. To enhance customer service, we really should hold that office open from 8am to 5pm. We can stagger working hours to make this a reality.

WV: After the construction of Brookhollow, what do you believe needs to be done to repair or replace the rest of the roads in Woodcreek and how would you pay for it?

Jackson: We have over $900,000 in reserve funds and can certainly make asphalt improvements. I do not believe any roads need to be replaced and incurring further, burdensome, bond debt for cement roads is not acceptable to me. Additionally, cement roads are tantamount to creating speedways!

Repairing is relatively inexpensive, is part of what citizens expect for their tax dollars and is something we can afford. 2019 Budget: 1500 citizens; $208,000 staff expenditures; $150,000 earmarked for street maintenance. So that.

WV: From water interruptions to the cost of services, Aqua Texas is always a hot topic in Woodcreek. How, and should, the city of Woodcreek play a role in improving service, cost and communication as it relates to Aqua Texas?

Jackson: As the first system under Aqua Texas control, Woodcreek has a responsibility to lead in taking control of our precious resource. Our agreement with AT is ripe in 2020; I propose we create a One Valley water system in partnership with neighbors. With 1,884 taps in 2017 at an average rate of $180 per customer, one can estimate income from this system above $4mil per year.

The bond potential far surpasses the cost to take this system back. Experts working on the system now are prime partners in this endeavor, and citizens are ready to move forward. Let’s lead!

WV: With the new WISD school planned to go in next to the Woodcreek entrance, there will likely be a dramatic increase in traffic through the city. Do you think the increased traffic will be an issue and what would you do to address it?

Jackson: Having poured $1.3mil into concrete for Brookhollow Drive, we now have traffic counters and citizen complaints about speeding on that very same road! I believe we need to stick with asphalt to maintain the quaint, country feel of Woodcreek. Let’s keep cut through traffic at a minimum by working with partners to keep LaRocca closed, and to prevent other cut throughs from opening. I’d like to see radar speed signs installed on Woodcreek, Brookmeadow and Brookhollow Drive; stop signs or roundabouts added on Brookhollow and advocate the use speed bumps as a last resort only.

WV: Previous city councils have discussed the merits and issues of annexation. What is your opinion on the city of Woodcreek expanding via annexation?

Jackson: Annexation could enhance Woodcreek’s income if done correctly and frankly, many feel a buffer between us and Dripping is needed. But, none of us want fast food and big box stores in our Valley. Let’s encourage mom & pop shops! Any “real” ideas of annexation are pipe dreams however, until we have something to offer as a City. When we’ve taken control of our water system, we can start dreaming big. For now, let’s focus on taking back our power.