Final Runoff Count:
Mark Burroughs: 56.15% a total of 2,505 votes
Neil Durrance: 43.85%
Pete Kamp : 51.90% a total of 2,267 votes
David Zoltner: 49.10%
We could not have done it without all of my supporters, friends and family. I extend a huge thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort to accomplish this victory. It’s people like y’all that keep me going. Thank you!
An Open Letter to Our Citizens:
Recently, lawyer and candidate for Mayor of Denton, Neil Durrance, has publicly made the following two self-contradictory statements in his quest to deride the current Denton City Council, Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem.
Neil Durrance goes on to publicly denigrate the City and its leadership based on this misrepresentation and outright fabrication of “facts”!
Of course, one does not need to be an attorney (like Mr. Durrance is) to understand what “non-binding” and “preliminary” means… that his legal conclusion that this memorandum makes the City liable for anything is wrong. His further comment claming an $87 million convention center is also wrong and appears to have been simply made up. Equally untruthful were his assertions that the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem of our city were dishonest when attempting to correct these misstatements by pointing out that no agreements had been made binding the City to anything except a good faith review. Only after feasibility reviews are detailed proposals worked up to present to the Council and the public. They can die out at any stage, and many do. These are all standard steps in major development projects in every city, not just Denton. The idea of a possible convention center/hotel project at UNT was first floated by a different developer for the old Radisson Hotel site back in 2008, and was very public. Nothing significantly new is being looked at now. There have been dozens of open, public discussions and contacts. Only those who have not paid attention to these discussions, stories and contacts over the last several years would say that these were hidden or non-public.
These are not the first knowingly false accusations made by Neil Durrance in this campaign. For some people winning at any price, even at the cost of one’s integrity, is worth it. We must not accept such a shallow premise.
Do not be fooled by denigrations, the self-serving rantings of malignant malcontents. Do not listen just to a candidate’s lip service. If you want to know the truth, look to each candidate’s history of public service… to our city, our charitables, service organizations, community development groups, etc. Our community has many great and worthy causes, and many fine people trying desperately to address them. How has each candidate stepped up, not just at election time, to work for Denton? Each candidate’s personal histories are shown (or should be) on their websites.
THERE IS A GREAT DIFFERENCE IN THE BACKGROUNDS AND COMMITMENTS SHOWN BY EACH CANDIDATE.
TWO HAVE STEPPED UP… TWO HAVE NOT.
VOTE FOR MARK BURROUGHS AND PETE KAMP!
Convention Center/Hotel Project
| DATE | MEETING/ARTICLE | |
| 1 | 1994-95 | Vision for Denton Meetings |
| 2 | 1/29/2002 | City Council Meeting Minutes |
| 3 | 11/12/2002 | Council Work Session – Presentation of White Paper on Convention Centers |
| 4 | 5/20/2003 | City Council Planning Session – Presentation of White Paper on Economic Development Plan |
| 5 | 6/2003 | Downtown Master Plan |
| 6 | 9/15/2003 | Denton News 2025 – Create the Dream |
| 7 | 7/15/2008 | HVS Consulting re: Proposed Embassy Suites & Convention Center |
| 8 | 8/4/2008 | Council Briefed in Closed Session |
| 9 | 9/26/2008 | UNT Request for Proposal for Hotel & Convention Center |
| 10 | 2/17/2009 | Council Briefed in Closed Session |
| 11 | 3/4/2009 | Press Release re: Hotel-Convention Center Developer |
| 12 | 3/5/2009 | Candace Carlisle: City picks developer for hotel – John Q. Hammons tapped by Denton, UNT for project to include meeting space |
| 13 | 4/1/2009 | HVS Consulting re: Proposed Embassy Suites & Convention Center |
| 14 | 4/21/2009 | Council Briefed in Closed Session |
| 15 | 4/28/2009 | Lowell Brown: Views on hotel split at forum |
| 16 | 6/8/2009 | City Council Meeting at San Marcos Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center |
| 17 | 6/17/2009 | Candace Carlisle (Denton Business Chronicle): Room count and occupancy hotel tax collections |
| 18 | 6/21/2009 | Candace Carlisle: Hotel construction booming in city of Denton |
| 19 | 6/21/2009 | Candace Carlisle: Hotel deal in flux. Officials weigh pros and cons of building facility at former Radisson site |
| 20 | 7/21/2009 | Council Briefed in Closed Session |
| 21 | 8/24/2009 | Candace Carlisle & Lowell Brown: UNT to Convene with Neighbors |
| 22 | 8/25/2009 | Town Hall Meeting at UNT |
| 23 | 2/16/2010 | Council Briefed in Closed Session |
| 24 | 11/2/2010 | Informal Staff Report re: Proposed Hotel and Convention Center Project |
| 25 | 12/17/2010 | Informal Staff Report re: John Q. Hammond Company |
| 26 | 3/4/2011 | Informal Staff Report re: The Limited Service Hotel Market in the City of Denton |
| 27 | 9/25/2011 | Karina Ramirez: Refreshed Outlook. (Re: Holiday Inn site) |
| 28 | 11/1/2011 | Council Briefed in Closed Session |
| 29 | 7/31/2011 | 2011-2012 Proposed Annual Program of Services (References Planning for Convention Center) |
| 30 | 9/20/2011 | 2011-2012 Adopted Annual Program of Services (References Planning for Convention Center) |
| 31 | 1/10/2012 | Council Briefed in Closed Session |
| 32 | 1/11/2012 | OHM, City staff and UNT reps meet on guiding principals |
| 33 | 1/11/2012 | Briefed EDP Board Chair |
| 34 | 1/13/2012 | Briefed CVB Director |
| 35 | 1/13/2012 | Presentation to Denia Neighborhood Association |
| 36 | 1/14/2012 | Lowell Brown & Matthew Zabel: Hotel, Conference Center Idea Revived |
| 37 | 1/14/2012 | Editorial: Some Old Wine in a New Bottle |
| 38 | 1/25/2012 | P&Z Work Session discussion regarding Comp Plan Amendment and Zoning Change |
| 39 | 1/30/2012 | Lowell Brown: Convention Center prompts review |
| 40 | 1/31/2012 | Briefed Andy Eads, County Commissioner |
| 41 | 2/3/2012 | Lowell Brown: City plans bond sales. Package would fund street repairs, new road projects |
| 42 | 2/3/2012 | Editorial: It’s Time for a Conference Center |
| 43 | 2/17/2012 | Introduced OHM to CVB |
| 44 | 3/14/2012 | Presentation to Denton hotel operators at the CVB Quarterly Hospitality Meeting |
| 45 | 3/14/2012 | P&Z Work Session re: Amending Code and Comp Plan |
| 46 | 3/14/2012 | Denton Business Chronicle: Annual meeting kicks off new Chamber year (discussion point) |
| 47 | 3/18/2012 | No room for center. Owners say city has enough lodging, doubt capacity for new facility |
| 48 | 3/28/2012 | P&Z Work Session re: Amending Code and Comp Plan |
| 49 | 3/29/2012 | Mayor’s State of the City Presentation at Chamber of Commerce Banquet |
| 50 | 4/1/2012 | Denton Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan – April 1, 2012-March 31, 2017 |
| 51 | 4/2/2012 | Council Briefed in Closed Session |
| 52 | 5/7/2012 | OHM & City met with DISD Superintendent |
| 53 | 5/8/2012 | Council Briefed in Closed Session |
| 54 | 5/15/2012 | Council Work Session – Presentation by staff and OHM regarding proposal |
| 55 | 6/6/2012 | Press Release – Briefing on Proposed Hotel Convention Center Project |
I just want to say thank you to every one of you who has supported me throughout this election. With your votes I can continue moving Denton forward.
Remember there are only 2 days left in early voting (Carroll Administration Building) and regular voting begins June 23rd. I’m grateful for your support and I need your vote. We can make this happen, Denton!
There were three more Letters to the Editor posted in the Denton Record Chronicle June 16th 2012:
Burroughs for mayor
Although the mayoral runoff election is billed as nonpartisan, the choice is clear. While our nation is mired with the highest, longest-running unemployment since the Great Depression at 8.2 percent, Denton’s unemployment rate is 5.6 percent.
Under Mayor Mark Burroughs’ leadership, despite a slumping economy, Denton boosted employment by attracting ALDI grocers, the Target distribution center and bolstering the Rayzor Ranch project with Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart.
The Denton Airport was expanded to the eighth largest in the state (behind No. 7 Love Field).
City funding added reserves without cutting major services, turning a $1.2 million deficit to a $2.9 million surplus.
Prior to being defeated by Congressman Michael Burgess for Congress in 2010, Mayor Burroughs’ opponent was chairman of the Denton Democratic Party during the reign of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Americans were brutally punished economically as unemployment rose from 4.4 percent to 9.4 percent. Debt climbed by $5.2 trillion.
Some questions remain: With a mayor who ran under a big government banner, would we have to endure the same tax, spend and redistribute philosophies locally? Would taxes be raised to fund more expensive local government at the expense of private sector jobs?
Most importantly, there’s a question of character: Why was Mayor Burroughs’ opponent banned from receiving appointments as a public defender in Denton County courts?
During this three-month campaign, Mayor Burroughs’ home sold faster than anticipated. After the election, Denton resident Mark Burroughs will have time to shop for and buy another home in Denton.
Bill Lawson,
Denton
Burroughs best choice
I have been following the mayor’s runoff race with interest. I notice that, more and more, the personality of each person, Mayor Mark Burroughs and Neil Durrance, have been showing through.
Mark Burroughs remains consistently positive, reminding us how amazingly well our city has fared these past four years. He gives details to back it up, too.
The Durrance campaign, on the other hand, repeats some tired, vague complaints about how badly the City Council has operated or listened or voted. He also said in the newspaper that he “didn’t see any evidence” that Mayor Burroughs lived in Denton.
That last item is a dishonest statement and I just have to respond to it.
I know Mark Burroughs. I volunteered with Mr. Burroughs on the Greater Denton Arts Council board of directors when he was president. We cross paths repeatedly at all manner of activities and events around town.
Not very many people I know give so much every day, every year, year after year, to Denton than Mark.
Not only does he still live in Forrestridge (in Denton, of course) where I know his family recently downsized houses, he bought a new office building on Teasley Lane for his law firm. Mark’s commitment to Denton cannot be questioned by any responsible person.
Why Neil Durrance would publically make what I know are dishonest statements is something I can’t understand. I also ask what Durrance has done for Denton … not just now, ever?
Judy Shortino,
Corinth
Vote for Burroughs and Kamp
The city of Denton runoff election for mayor will impact our lives. Local government affects us daily more than any other level of government. I have known Mark Burroughs for more than 22 years, an outstanding man, and ask for your vote.
- What: run-off election for mayor of Denton
- Re-elect Mayor Mark Burroughs
- When and where: Early voting is June 11-19 (Carroll Administration Building); or on election day Saturday, June 23 (at your local polling place).
- Who can vote: Every registered voter can vote even if the person did not vote in the city election in May.
- Why: One vote can make a difference.
You can go online to www.markburroughs.com to view Mark’s experience, commitment and contribution to our community. Our city has been moving in the right direction.
Mark Burroughs, our mayor for four years and councilman for six years, and Pete Kamp, council member for nine years, are proven leaders.
Please re-elect Mark Burroughs and Pete Kamp.
Joanne Shipley Simmons,
Denton
June 15, 2012 Letters to the Editor published in the Denton Record Chronicle:
Burroughs for mayor
Please join me in supporting Mark Burroughs’ re-election for mayor of Denton.
I have known Mark since he was a young, wet-behind-the-ears attorney who moved to Denton and jumped into the waters of this community with both his big feet and his big heart. He has given his time to more worthwhile community organizations than there is room to mention in this letter.
It has been our good fortune that he has been willing to serve on the City Council and as our mayor.
During the last few years, Denton has weathered the latest economic downturn better than most cities due in no small measure to the leadership and hard work of Mayor Burroughs and a thoughtful City Council working with the staff. He listens, he researches and he votes with the residents’ best interest in mind.
He has supported neighborhoods, historic preservation, the arts, education, local and regional transportation, and worked with developers to bring quality tax-generating businesses and housing projects.
His opponent, Neil Durrance, served on the City Council for two terms. He was divisive and disruptive. He voted against funding public art and numerous developments that have brought quality housing and businesses to Denton.
Mark Burroughs has a positive and proven record on which to stand. He deserves to continue as mayor of Denton.
Peggy W. Capps,
Denton
Vote for Burroughs and Kamp
Every candidate who runs for a public office in Denton files the same form and meets the same eligibility requirements to qualify for a public office. From that point forward, a new set of unwritten qualifications come into play.
Denton offers countless opportunities for one to be involved. This is where Mark Burroughs and Pete Kamp stand head and shoulders above their challengers. They are involved in hundreds of community activities and support these endeavors by donating their time and money. Mark and Pete are qualified by their tireless involvement.
Next, look at leadership, economic development vision and what has happened on their watch. Light rail is a reality and I-35 expansion is scheduled to begin.
The Denton Airport is a recognized regional facility and major economic driver. New businesses have chosen Denton as their home.
The two leaders understand the importance of structuring incentives to assure Denton maintains a competitive position to attract quality companies, add new jobs and increase our tax base.
Highlights include new taxable growth, one million square feet, from Aldi, Schlumberger and the Target distribution facility.
The two leaders promote strong partnerships between the city and the business community, the county and our universities. The point is, Mark and Pete have done their job and earned the right to continue the momentum. They are committed and definitely qualified.
Please vote for Mark Burroughs and Pete Kamp, the qualified candidates.
Paul Chandler,
Denton
Burroughs best choice
I’ve been following closely the upcoming mayoral runoff election and don’t envy the average voter having to make a decision based on the information I’ve seen circulating around the community.
It seems confusing, and in some cases, outright misleading.
I had the pleasure of serving on the City Council with both Mark Burroughs and Neil Durrance in the late ’90s and feel that I have some insight into how each of them functions as decision-makers and community leaders. I got to see them both up close, and almost too personal, in our weekly meetings for three years, and as a result, my decision to support Mark Burroughs is an easy one.
I found Mark to be a man of integrity, good for his word and willing to listen to and learn from opposing points of view.
I’ve not agreed with his voting record 100 percent as mayor (but I don’t even agree with my own voting record 100 percent either); however, I still support him as the best candidate for mayor based on how he makes decisions and his willingness to listen to others. He represents Denton well, and I hope he can continue to do so.
Mike Cochran,
Denton
Vote for Burroughs
I know Mark Burroughs. I know Neil Durrance. I know the personality, conduct and public service record of each. I know Mark Burroughs is the only good choice to keep Denton moving in the right direction.
Please vote to re-elect Mark Burroughs for mayor.
Delaney M. Gregory,
Denton
June 14, 2012 Letters to the Editor of the Denton Record Chronicle:
Re-elect Burroughs
The contrast between the two runoff candidates for mayor is very clear to anyone who has served, volunteered or taken on a community leadership role during the last 20 years in Denton.
Mark Burroughs, our mayor for the last four years, has stood up time and again for Denton … for Denton’s economic future, its arts, public transit, hunger and health awareness, supporting our schools, partnering with our universities, lifting up our young people, cutting taxes for our elderly and on and on.
I have known this man for many years, and he has always worked for Denton this way. He is an eternal optimist, particularly where our city is concerned. It is infectious when you work with him.
I challenge everyone who has worked with Mark to make good things happen in Denton to stand up and be counted! Vote to re-elect Mark Burroughs as our mayor.
Denton has more than prospered under his positive, inspired leadership, despite the recession. For those who don’t know Mark, ask the leadership of almost any civic, community or charitable group in this city and you’ll come to know and appreciate his high level of service and commitment to Denton.
Compare Mark Burroughs’ level of commitment and success in Denton to that of Mr. Durrance, his opponent. You will see why the Durrance camp has little of substance to say … only some negative campaigning, I’m afraid. We have had enough of that. Join me and support Mark Burroughs on June 23.
Kenneth Wilcox,
Denton
Burroughs best choice
As a member of the Denton Airport board, I have watched Mayor Mark Burroughs bring about a transformation of the Denton Airport. Our airport is no longer what many have thought of as a tax-supported amenity for well-to-do plane owners. Under Mark’s leadership it has become financially independent for the first time in history. It now is the eighth-busiest airport in Texas in terms of takeoffs and landings.
It provides about 450 high-skilled, high-paying jobs — jobs that helped Denton weather the recession.
Mark has worked with UNT to create a much-needed aeronautical program partially based at the airport. U.S. Aviation, based at our airport, has a contract to train all of the commercial pilots of China.
Mark used his skills to create a public/private partnership with Jet Works, another large company based at the airport. Jet Works got a contract to provide maintenance for military aircraft if it had a specialized fire truck that could serve as a crash vehicle.
Jet Works purchased the $300,000 vehicle and gave it to the city; the city, in turn, trained 12 firefighters in the skills needed to deal with plane crashes.
Some Denton residents might question whether they get any benefit from the airport. We do. The really good jobs and the tax base and other city income help to keep our property taxes down, our libraries open, etc. The airport sustains Denton’s great quality of life. Re-elect Mayor Mark Burroughs. Keep Denton moving forward.
Jim Clark,
Denton
Vote for Burroughs
Let’s get out and support someone who has spent his whole 20-plus years here in Denton (and yes, he does still live in Denton, despite his opponent’s-inspired rumor otherwise) volunteering, leading, contributing to and actively working to make our city a great place to live.
That person is Mark Burroughs.
If you haven’t followed Mark’s path in our community, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who has given more or done more to help others, in so many different ways.
He has 10 years total volunteering as a city councilman and mayor; two years as vice chairman of DCTA (the A-train);Greater Denton Arts Council president; Chamber of Commerce vice chairman; Denton Public Schools Foundation president; Rotary president; CASA board and Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home board; Clean Air Steering Committee regional chairman; Regional Transportation Council member; and on and on.
This is dedication. This is selfless service. This is leadership. Clearly our city has done well while he has been our mayor during a really hard four years. We should not, we cannot take that for granted. There is simply no comparison between the two candidates as to who has proven themselves dedicated to Denton. Mark Burroughs has. His opponent has not.
We need to keep him as our mayor. If you really care about our city you must take the time to vote June 23.
Alex Lee,
Denton
Letters to the Editor published June 13, 2012 in the Denton Record Chronicle:
Vote to keep Burroughs
On June 23 we have the opportunity to keep Denton moving in a positive direction as it has been the past four years under the direction of Mayor Mark Burroughs. Commercial and industrial growth is a key element to a thriving city capable of providing services to a growing population.
We have seen development on the south loop and on University Drive, with stores like Sam’s, Wal-Mart, Best Buy and a number of smaller locally owned franchises, as well as in the industrial corridor out on Airport Road with businesses like ALDI, Target distribution center, Schlumberger, Quality Industries and Custom Vehicle Solutions moving to Denton. If you have not driven out on Airport Road in a while, you should, it’s pretty impressive.
These businesses pay taxes and employ our growing population. Consider the burden of a 300-home development on the city these homes require — schools, roads, sewer and water, and fire and police protection. Homeowner taxes will not sustain this growth in population and residential development. We require the types of business Mayor Burroughs has facilitated during his time in office.
To the contrary, if Neil Durrance is elected, his vision seems to be to not promote growth of new jobs, as he spoke against the building of the northside Rayzor Ranch building. This is not a positive move for Denton and the residents.
Vote for Mark.
Jim Fykes,
Denton
Vote for Burroughs
I am not putting you on. I saved it. Recently, I received a message on my cell- phone voice mail. It had the compliments that I’m “a straight shooter” and that “many people follow what I have to say.”
But then the caller went on to “warn” me, to warn me that if I supported Mark Burroughs for mayor, I would be hurt, my reputation would be hurt. The voice mail was a good job of dramatics with all the emphasis on all the right words.
When you attempt to scare me, or threaten me, you only raise the hair up on the back of my neck. It only causes my fingers to start tapping the keyboard.
After due consideration, I concluded that my reputation could tolerate a bit of ruination, and am throwing my wholehearted support to Mark Burroughs for mayor of Denton.
Jim Stodola,
Denton
Re-elect Burroughs
I met Mark Burroughs 20 years ago, when he was new to Denton. We had a long conversation about what made Denton such a great little town. I said that the residents worked to make it great. Denton had good local businesses, churches, civic and cultural organizations, nonprofit social service agencies, all working well because residents volunteered in them.
We had the stimulation of two universities, a fine city staff and excellent municipal services. Importantly, we had competent residents who were willing to take time away from their professions, careers and occupations to serve on City Council.
During the 20 years since that conversation, two pertinent things happened: First, Mark Burroughs volunteered in many of the service venues I mentioned above, and often he used his considerable skills in leadership roles in those groups. Later he came forward to run for City Council.
The second thing that happened is that Denton doubled in population. Twice as many people need municipal services, facilities and amenities.
Mark learned about Denton; he studied the changing situation and needs. He conferred with people here — discussed, listened, analyzed and consulted. He has met with leaders in other communities, and sought information everywhere.
Now he is using his considerable leadership skills to lead City Council so members can piece things together, and Denton will move forward successfully, meeting the needs of our doubled and still growing population.
No one in Denton is better prepared to lead our city forward than Mark Burroughs.
Dorothy Damico,
Denton
Letters written to the editor of the Denton Record Chronicle on June 12, 2012:
Burroughs best choice
The choice for mayor of Denton is simple. Mark Burroughs has done a great job over the last four years as our mayor. His opponent is trying to bring partisan politics to City Hall. Denton is moving in the right direction.
We don’t need partisan politics creeping into city government and the gridlock that comes with it. Our city government works best when our elected officials are looking out for the best interests of the city versus looking out for the best interests of the party.
Mark Burroughs will keep Denton moving forward and assure that City Hall is a place free from the gridlock of party politics. I urge you to vote for Mark Burroughs for mayor in the June 23 City Council runoff election.
Tim Crouch,
Denton
Burroughs for mayor
The city of Denton continues to flourish while a large part of the United States remains in a recession. You may ask yourself how this can be the case.
A large part of our success is due to the foresight and leadership of our City Council, and in particular, Mayor Mark Burroughs. Over the past several years, major companies like Aldi, Fastenal, Target, Schlumberger and Mayday Manufacturing have moved to or expanded in Denton.
These companies increase our property and sales tax base while providing additional jobs in our community. This is important because it lowers the tax burden on our residents; and allows the city to provide a great place for us to live, work, and play.
Please re-elect Mark Burroughs as mayor so we can keep Denton moving forward.
Priscilla Sanders,
Denton
Vote for Burroughs
Everyone needs to take personal responsibility and vote in this runoff for mayor.
Based on the May general election, there is danger of extremely low turnout for the June 23 runoff. We can’t let this happen.
This is doubly important to Denton’s future because of the choice before us. Look at the direction Denton has taken during the last four years under Mayor Mark Burroughs. Despite a near economic collapse nationwide, Denton has done remarkably well!
We now have public transit. Our city has won national awards for sustainability and green initiatives (our 40 percent wind energy is just one example). We have great new shopping destinations on the north side of town. Our downtown is booming.
Our airport has grown as has the nearby industrial center, adding hundreds of good jobs to our economy.
I can remember when we did not have the prospects we do now. I remember the infighting on the City Council and deep divisions in our community. Mr. Durrance was part of that history, which is why he was voted out of office in 2001. We cannot go back to that. It is no public service to Denton.
Mark Burroughs has always stood for tolerance, cooperation and inspiration, consistently being a force for bringing this city together.
We need to stand up for him in this runoff. Vote for Mark Burroughs for mayor!
Jerry Mohelnitzky,
Denton
Following are a few letters submitted to the editor of the Denton Record Chronicle on June 11, 2012:
Vote for Burroughs, Kamp
I have been following with alarm what’s going on in the run-off for mayor of Denton.
The contrast is stark between candidates. Mark Burroughs is our current mayor. He has consistently conducted himself as mayor with dignity, fairness and respect for others. He conducts himself as a gentleman, a statesman.
Anyone who has worked with or observed our City Council recognizes that Mark is a key peacemaker, working constantly to bring people together on the hardest issues.
Durrance, whom I have known since our Boy Scout days, has a long history of polarizing politics and deportment. His approach to campaigning has been poisonous, antagonistic, divisive and destructive.
I have also never witnessed such a blatant attempt to use a political party to take over a city election that by law, history and good sense is nonpartisan. We will all pay a dear price if we let that happen.
City decisions like police, fire, street repair, trash pickup, etc., are not the kind of decisions that should be influenced by party affiliation.
Durrance’s time on the City Council until his defeat was marked by bizarre votes, angry outbursts and divisiveness.
He voted against residents being able to comment on the council’s consent agenda items, opposed incentives to bring business and jobs to Denton and opposed Robson Ranch and Unicorn Lake.
We have been lucky since those difficult years … luck brought in no small part by Jack Miller, Euline Brock, Mark Burroughs and Pete Kamp.
Vote for Mark Burroughs and Pete Kamp this run-off.
Scott L. Campbell,
Denton
Re-elect Burroughs
Please join me in casting your vote for Mark Burroughs for mayor in the June 23 run-off election.
As Mark Burroughs’ father-in-law, I am extremely proud to write a letter to help my fellow Dentonites know a few things about Mark, who has been Denton’s mayor for the past four years and is seeking re-election.
First, despite a quote I read in the paper by Mark’s opposition, Mark certainly does live in Denton. I should know as I live with Mark and his family in our Denton home.
I am at a loss why Neil Durrance continues to claim differently on his website. Apparently, Neil has not made any inquiries of me or my neighbors as to Mark’s true residence. It appears to me, if Neil cannot prove a fact, he just tries to cast doubt and confusion.
Perhaps Neil wants to win this race so desperately he is willing to put out false and misleading information.
Sometimes if a politician has little or no achievements of his own, his only alternative plan is to attack his opponent, even with untruths.
I am very proud of Mark and his many achievements, which have helped advance Denton as one of the premier North Texas cities.
I have never known a man so dedicated to helping others, so intelligent, with so much integrity, such understanding of government, business and community needs and who works tirelessly for his community for free.
Let’s continue our progress — please vote for Mark.
Robert McKee,
Denton
Burroughs best choice
As a former Denton mayor, I served with both Mark Burroughs and Neil Durrance. Based on that experience and subsequent observations of the two candidates in this year’s mayoral election, I wholeheartedly endorse Mark for re-election.
Past performance is the best predictor of how a person will perform in the future. Mark’s record as Denton’s mayor the past four years speaks for itself. Even in these difficult economic times, Denton continues to prosper and be a great place to live, learn and work.
Voting in this election is every registered voter’s opportunity to help determine the future of our city. I urge you to vote.
Please join me in voting to re-elect Mark Burroughs.
Jack Miller,
Denton
Take note of two letters to the editor in today’s edition of the Denton Record Chronicle.
“Mayor lives here
I have been informed (by a very reliable source) that our hard-working mayor does in fact (despite some prior reports to the contrary) spend most of his weekday nights with his head resting on a pillow within the city limits of Denton.
It is not, apparently, in a home that he owns, but in one which belongs to his father-in-law (why have a father-in-law if you can’t grab a free place to sleep from time-to-time?).
After a (hopefully) refreshing night of rest, Mayor Burroughs hops into his trusty Mercedes (a vehicle appropriate to his status in our community although probably not made in America) and rockets off to work to serve us, his fellow residents.
Some may carp and quibble that the mayor of Denton should actually own and live in a home here in Denton.
But then he might have to put up with the complex and occasionally draconian machinations of the city of Denton code enforcement department (and I would not wish that upon anyone — even upon our beloved mayor).
Martin Kemplin,
Denton”
“Burroughs for mayor
I support Mayor Mark Burroughs for re-election. Professionally, I talk with officials in 30 to 40 American cities monthly. I can assure you that Denton is doing very well in weathering the recession and maintaining services that are of high quality and often innovative, thanks to our local leadership.
A question has been raised about where Mark lives. Typical of empty-nesters, he and his wife sold their house in order to downsize. They moved in with her father until they find a permanent house in Denton.
Meanwhile, his law firm has just purchased new office space in Denton. Mark Burroughs is a Dentonite!
Also there have been allegations about secret City Council meetings. It is lawful and appropriate for the council to hold closed meetings when dealing with real estate, personnel and competitive electric matters. Being able to do so is in the best interest of the public.
Mark Burroughs deserves to complete his work as Denton’s mayor. He can provide the leadership necessary both inside the city and to deal with state and federal agencies that are an inevitable element in local government.
I urge you to vote for him in the run-off election on June 23.
Charldean Newell,
Denton”
There you have it.
Remember early voting is just 5 days away, June 11th. Regular voting begins June 23rd. Vote for me, your Dentonite mayor, and let’s keep Denton moving forward.