Candidates for area school, municipal and special district elections were asked to complete a survey on open government in addition to providing basic biographical information. Below are their responses.  Early voting begins April 27. The election is May 9. For details on voting days and times in your area, follow the local link provided.

Argyle ISD | City of Aubrey | City of Corinth | Denton ISD | City of Hickory Creek | Krugerville | City of Oak Point

• ARGYLE ISD

• Two at-large seats

Randy McKellar

Occupation: business applications manager with Zale Corp.

Age: 52

Education: bachelor's degrees in computer science and math, Southern Methodist University, 1978

Career: Argyle school board member for nine years, as secretary and board president; consultant for almost 15 years.

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

Open government is vital to public trust in government and essential to good governance.

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

It can be and probably has been in specific situations.  It is a necessary safeguard which requires us, as citizens, to rely on the integrity of our elected officials and public officials to use only as necessary. 

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

That depends.  Open government does not have to be expensive and should be a normal part of the process.  Putting information on websites proactively reduces the need to speed extra staff time to respond to open requests.  There are safeguards in place to require individuals to reimburse for exceptional costs, but most information can be made readily available via the internet.                      

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records  No

Personal text messages  No

Personal e-mail  No

Notes exchanged during meetings  Yes       

Wendee Long

Occupation: middle school principal in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw district

Age: 43

Education: bachelor's degree in education, University of North Texas, 1989; master's degree in education administration, East Texas State University, (now Texas A&M Commerce) 1996

Career: principal at Wayside Middle School in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw District, 2007-present; assistant principal, Northwest High School, 1999-2007; school administration internship, cheerleading instructor, Boswell High School, Fort Worth, 1998-99; business and computer information systems instructor, Diamond Hill Jarvis High School, Fort Worth, 1996-98; career connections instructor, B. McDaniel Middle School, Denison, 1995-96; business instructor, varsity boys basketball coach, Ector High School, Ector, 1994-95; business instructor, volleyball and cheerleading coach, Brazosport High School, Freeport, 1990-94.

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

I believe the public has right to know the discussion held to form a decision. It is important for democracy in local government because it allows understanding for the public.        

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

I feel this question is too broad to answer because it would depend on the topic being discussed in the "closed-door meeting." For example, personnel issues should be discussed in an executive session to protect the individual.    

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

Information requiring an excessive amount of time to gather should be subjected to a fee to be determined by the governing entity/board.                

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records  No

Personal text messages  No

Personal e-mail  No

Notes exchanged during meetings  Yes       

Chad Elsey

Occupation: founding attorney of the law firm Elsey & Elsey

Age: 30

Education: bachelor's in business administration, Baylor University, 2001; juris doctor, the University of Tulsa, 2004; passed Texas bar exam in 2005.

Career: attorney with Law Offices of R. Brad Lamberth 2004-05; opened Elsey and Elsey in 2005.

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

My philosophy of government openness is complete transparency.  The school board position that I seek is a post that requires the devotion of much time and energy, while at the same time, exists as an unpaid position.  I believe this dichotomy creates doubts about the motivations of those participating in unpaid local government positions. That is precisely the reason why openness and transparency are so vital.  Even the mere appearance of impropriety is inappropriate in the context of local government.  Transparency eliminates appearance from the equation.        

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

As a practicing attorney, I probably have a unique perspective on this issue.  I don't think it is a question that can be addressed with a yes or a no.  My opinion is that a case by case assessment would be required. It is very important that an attorney attempting to provide legal advice or analysis of an issue have all the facts and requisite information necessary to properly assess an issue.  In many cases information is exchange between attorney and client that could be damaging to the client, yet the client is unaware of this.  On occasion closed door meetings allow governmental bodies to ask the tough legal questions without exposing the governmental entity to potential liability.  While it is probably a protection that is over used, on occasion, it is essential.        

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

Again, this is a question of applying theory to facts.  While I do believe there is application of spending limitation, I don't think you can blanket spending limitations.  It simply depends on the issue at hand and the instant facts.  There are circumstances that come to mind where spending is too much and more fiscal responsibility ought be applied; yet, I can see of the other side of the issue as well.                 

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records  No

Personal text messages  No

Personal e-mail  No

Notes exchanged during meetings  No

• CITY OF AUBREY

• Mayor

David Coker

Age: 57

Born: Riverside, Calif.

Education: bachelor’s degree in political science, University of North Texas, 1978

Experience: U.S. Army, 1971-73; real estate sales, 1979-81; real estate broker, 1981-present.

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

Without open government taxpayers will soon become the victims of unscrupulous public officials and city employees. The rights of citizens can only be protected if people of good morals and character exercise their god given rights of free speech, rights which were guaranteed by our Bill of Rights. These rights are expressed through the democratic process. Without citizen participation, only those interested in self aggrandizement will benefit from local government to the dismay of taxpayers.                    

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

Without a doubt.  Executive Sessions were permitted by state statute for only very limited use. To protect the innocent victim from unnecessary embarrassment which a discussion  of the subject matter in open session would cause or to jeopardize contract negotiations where monetary issues are discussed.  It is violation of the spirit and letter of the law to discuss in closed session items which could just as easily be discussed in open session for the sole purpose of denying the taxpayers right to know. The Texas Supreme Court in the Cox Enterprises case states this unequivocally.             

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

With today’s software and computer hardware, it is ridiculous for a local government to complain about the amount of time it takes to answer Open Records Requests. What one sees most often is public officials and city staffers spending more time trying to avoid compliance with the Open Records Act than in fulfilling their responsibilities of making information accessible. This is because the easiest way for a taxpayer to discover malfeasance is by an examination of the financial records. Very difficult to hide payments to undeserving vendors or individuals when financial records are made public.  When a local government only makes the budget available, the taxpayer is still left in the dark because the budget only shows how much was spent, not who received the money.

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records - Yes

Personal text messages - Yes

Personal e-mail - Yes

Notes exchanged during meetings - Yes

Gary Hammett (I)

Age: 59

Born: Denton

Education: diploma, Denton High School, 1967

Experience: land surveyor, 1968-present; partner-owner, Metroplex Surveying, 2001-present

• CITY OF CORINTH

• Mayor

Shannon Bryan

Age: 31

Born: Shreveport, La.

Education: associate's degree, North Central Texas College, 2003; bachelor’s degree, Dallas Baptist University, 2009

Experience: construction office manager, 1995-97; business owner, 1997-1999; manager, Roy G. Bryan, CPA, 1999-present

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

I believe it is critical to have openness in government. If we want people to get involved in the process - they must have information.     

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

No, I do not believe executive session is interpreted too broadly. However, I am basing this conclusion on my personal experience as an elected official, having participated in executive sessions, in the past. I cannot speak to how other governmental bodies work. I believe there are specific situations when it is necessary to have executive session.             

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

I do not believe there is a time limit on Open Government. True, Open Government, means people are informed and I think people should be informed. Therefore, I believe in Open Government.  

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

I believe whatever is relative to city business is Open Record when I use my personal cell and personal e-mail (which I do use my personal cell and personal e-mail). I think you might need clarification for this question. I do not believe personal phone calls and personal e-mails should be open record just because one chooses to use their personal communication devices for all their communication purposes. I have also contacted Texas Municipal League regarding this matter because I was concerned about using my personal communication devices, i.e. cell phone and e-mail upon being elected in 2005. The response I received was this ... "If 'it' (the call and or the e-mail) is relative to city business – ‘it’ is Open Record. However, if 'it' is not relative to city business - 'it' is Not Open Record.

Personal cell phone call records – no answer

Personal text messages – no answer

Personal e-mail – no answer

Notes exchanged during meetings – no answer

Paul Ruggiere

Age: 43

Born in: Glen Cove, N.Y.

Education: bachelor’s degree in business administration, University of North Texas, 1987; master’s degree in sociology, UNT, 1991; doctoral degree in sociology, UNT, 2000

Experience: researcher, 1990-94; director of research, UNT Survey Research Center, 1994-present

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

Open government is an essential component of local governing. Texas’ laws ensure that government is conducted in meetings that are open to the public. It is important that public officials comply with the law.        

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

I cannot speak to entities in Denton County in general. I can say that Corinth uses executive sessions when it is legal and in the best interests of the tax payer. For example, when the city negotiates land acquisition with several property owners to complete road or utility projects, it would not serve tax payers to have these meetings in the open. All sellers would then know the city’s top price and cost of our projects would be higher.       

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

There are times when individuals can abuse the intent of open records laws. Requests that are repetitious or redundant can cause an undue burden on city staff. When that line is crossed is still a subject that is being defined in Texas. The bottom line is we should always comply with the law.         

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Regarding use of personal resources for conducting city business, this is a subject that is still developing in Texas. My opinion is not relevant. Elected officials should follow the law.

Personal cell phone call records – no answer

Personal text messages – no answer

Personal e-mail – no answer

Notes exchanged during meetings – no answer

• Place 2

Jim Mayfield (I)

Age: 63

Born in: Peoria, Ill.

Education: bachelor's degree, 1969, Tennessee Tech; graduate study, 1986-1993, Purdue University

Experience: U.S. Army, 1969-1971; Peterbilt Motors, 1976-1982; French Tool & Manufacturing, 1982; Transportation Manufacturing Corp., 1983-1986; General Motors, 1986-1993; Peterbilt Motors, 1993-2008 (retired)

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

My philosophy is to comply with the intent and the letter of the Public Information Act in the Texas Government Code Chapter 552.   

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

No. Section 552.107.1 describes the burden of providing the facts to demonstrate the elements of attorney-client privilege.           

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

The “reasonable limit” (with certain exceptions) described in Section 552.275 is not less than 36 hours in a 12-month period.

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records – no answer

Personal text messages – no answer

Personal e-mail – no answer

Notes exchanged during meetings – no answer

Sherry Schneider

Age: 40

Born in: Vancouver, Wash.

Education: attending University of North Texas College of Public Affairs and Community Service, anticipated graduation in summer 2009

Experience: transcription business, 1984-88; telemarketer, 1988-89; franchise operator, 1991; occupational therapy assistant, 1994-95; business development, 1996-98; transcription business, 1999-2006; franchise operator, 2005-06; nonprofit development, 2007-present

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

The government belongs to the people of the people and for the people.

The only way the people can effectively oversee their elected officials is if they have access to information about what their officials are doing.  “The public deserves to know more about how their elected officials are working on their behalf and how their tax dollars are being spent.” (Senator John Cornyn -- http://cornyn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ForPress.TexasTimesWeeklyColumn&ContentRecord_id=9ccdc209-2aec-4a46-b2bf-e8c1938c6d50&Region_id=&Issue_id=DCB7B5C8-9BA6-455D-8FFC-40090529D5E7 )

The only way the people can effectively oversee the activities necessary for their government to operate efficiently is if they have access to the details and information about the activities. 

I believe in open records and feel that the city employees should respond quickly, openly, and compliantly.  The government belongs to the residents.  If I am elected I am elected as the representative of the people, as a servant to facilitate their access and ability to be informed. 

The spirit and the letter of the open records act should be followed and we should gladly open records to the public so that they can understand what is being done in their name and be able to give meaningful input. 

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

The perception by the people in Corinth that I have spoken to is that executive session is used too broadly.  The law specifically states what can be taken into executive session.  There needs to be a way to let everyone know what is being discussed in executive session, and a way for the people to verify that is what is taking place. 

If our elected officials have created the appearance that they are using executive session to stall the people, to delay dealing with an issue, or just to take up time and hope that people leave so that no one is there to protest their actions or votes on other issues, then they are abusing the authority that was given to them when they were elected. 

The test of an open and transparent government is do the people trust that the decision to go into executive session and what is being discussed in them is appropriately following the spirit and letter of the law.   

How open is a government that continuously goes into executive session without even telling the community what they are going in there to discuss?  Corinth does this consistently. 

Do people feel that this is a government that is accessible to them?  If they do not, then I feel that executive session is being used too broadly.          

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

“An open government is the cornerstone of a free society.” (Attorney General Greg Abbott -- http://www.oag.state..tx.us/open/index.shtml) 

We are putting the cart before the horse. People who are against open government always quote the cost and yet never show any evidence that the cost is substantial.  This is a hypothetical and straw man argument at this point. 

People put their lives on the line every day and many have given their lives to keep our government free and open.  Cities and municipalities that do not honor the spirit and letter of our open government laws are disrespecting and dishonoring those who have made this sacrifice. 

Therefore, if “Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value” then the only time it would be spending too much is if we were not being efficient with our processes to provide the information being requested. 

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records – Yes, those calls that can be determined by an independent party as being city business are subject to open records – all else remains private.

Personal text messages – Yes, those texts that can be determined by an independent party as being city business are subject to open records – all else remains private.

Personal e-mail – Yes, those e-mails that can be determined by an independent party as being city business are subject to open records – all else remains private.

Notes exchanged during meetings – Yes, those meetings and notes that can be determined by an independent party as being city business are subject to open records – all else remains private.  

• DENTON ISD

(I) denotes incumbent

• Place 1

Sheryl English

Occupation: Realtor

Age: 45

Education: Graduated for California’s Nathanial Narbonne High School, 1982; attended California State University of Dominguez Hills, 1992-1993; took additional classes at the local junior college. She decided that she will to return to school at Texas Woman’s University soon and earn a bachelor’s degree in business.

Career:  worked at defense company TRW, 1981-1987; earned her license to sell real estate in California in 1990 and went into the profession full time after leaving Cal State.  She has been a licensed Texas Realtor since 2004.

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

I think openness is very important when you are making decisions on behalf of others. Democracy is also very important because of citizen should have input on issues that may affect them. We should always have open communication.         

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

Sometimes that has been taken to a broader scope that it should, and it brings suspicion on the government bodies that use this practice. Yes executive sessions and closed door meetings are necessary, especially when dealing with others personal or legal information, this is based on my experience as a board member for an HOA. I do not know what Denton County's practices are.   

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

With modern technology providing resources to the public can be done in minimal time, which would cut down on time. 

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records  No answer

Personal text messages  No answer

Personal e-mail  No answer

Notes exchanged during meetings  No answer

Curtis Ramsey (I)

Occupation: retired professor

Age: 82

Education: Graduated from Denton High School, 1943; bachelor's degree in biology, University of North Texas, 1950; master's degree in counseling and guidance, UNT, 1951; doctorate in educational leadership and administration, Peabody/Vanderbilt University, 1959

Career: U.S. Army, 1945-47; public school teacher in Sanger, Denton, Fort Worth and Dallas, 1951-57; psychologist/psychometrist in California, 1957-59; professor, departmental chairman and college dean in six different universities for more than 30 years, including adjunct teaching at UNT and Texas Woman's University between 1988 and 1996. Has served on the Denton school board since 1994.

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

 Government is the voice of the people; Open government is essential to the survival of democracy. Jefferson noted that eternal vigilance was essential to democracy.

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

I have no ability to generalize about other entities. DISD maintains a very narrow interpretation of rules for “closed sessions.”

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

Anything over 5 percent of a staff person’s time to meet Open Records Requests should be compensated by the requesting agent.  

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records  No

Personal text messages  No

Personal e-mail  No

Notes exchanged during meetings  Yes

• Place 2

Jeanetta Smith (I)

Occupation: retired teacher 

Age: 68

Education: bachelor’s degree in elementary education, University of North Texas, 1962;  bachelor’s degree in art education, University of Texas, 1973;  master’s degree in elementary education, University of Arizona, 1965; master’s degree in art education, University of Mississippi, 1978; doctor’s degree in early childhood education, 1997.

Career: summer school principal for Denton ISD 1993-2001; assistant principal of Denton’s Hodge Elementary 1992-1994; assistant principal of Denton’s Lee Elementary, 1990-1992; Denton ISD gifted and talented K-5 teacher, 1992-2005; Denton third and fourth-grade teacher, 1979-1990; adjunct professor in elementary education, University of North Texas, 1978-1979;  third, fourth, fifth and sixth-grade teacher, Austin ISD, 1969-1973; fourth-grade teacher, Tucson ISD, 1963-1969; fourth grade teacher, Dallas ISD, 1962-1963. Has served on the Denton school board since 2006.

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

Government openness is an essential element of democracy.

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

Every Denton ISD board member has received Open Government training, and is therefore very attentive to the information that can or cannot be discussed in closed session. The DISD School Board is extremely conscientious about adhering to the concept of open government. However, it is essential that the Board of Trustees be able to discuss personnel issues and property purchases within closed-session boundaries.

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

The cost of supplying access to public records should be paid by the person requesting the information. The amount charged should include, but not exceed, all costs relating to reproducing the records.

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records Yes

Personal text messages  Yes

Personal e-mail  Yes

Notes exchanged during meetings  Yes

Yes, all these would be considered public record if the information they contain relate to the official business of a governmental body.

Tony Puente

Occupation: revenue and treasury analyst for The City of Denton

Age: 37

Education: bachelor’s degree in sociology, Angelo State University, 1996; master’s degree of public administration, University of North Texas, 2000.

Career: City of Denton revenue and treasury analyst, 2007-present; worked for the City of Denton as a financial analyst and budget coordinator, 2001-2007; City of Grand Prairie financial analyst, Jan.- Dec 2001; City of Denton code enforcement officer, 2000-2001; client right’s officer and case manager for Denton County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center, 1997-2000; served in the U.S. Marines 1990-1994.

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

I believe transparency and accountability are essential to an open and democratic government.  However, I agree that certain matters are and should be confidential as prescribed by laws.    

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

I believe that governmental entities do have a right and an obligation to keep certain matters private, as prescribed by law.  I believe that governmental bodies in Denton County appropriately handle executive sessions.  These entities consult with legal counsel about such matters and I believe they follow relevant laws.       

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

I believe open government is essential to our democratic way of life and that the cost of staff time and resources should be carefully weighed.  I agree with current laws that prescribe guidelines for open records requests.           

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records  Yes

Personal text messages  Yes

Personal e-mail  Yes

Notes exchanged during meetings  Yes

• HICKORY CREEK

Town of Hickory Creek

• Place 5

Randy Wahl

Age: 50

Born in: Huntingburg, Ind.

Education: bachelor’s degree in sociology, University of Evansville, 1981

Experience: state trooper, Texas Department of Public Safety, 1982-85; real estate broker, 1986-present.

Eric Wiser (I)

Age: 47

Born in: Arlington

Education: bachelor’s degree in business administration, University of Phoenix, 1997

Experience: All with Southwest Airlines — reservations, 1987-88; supervisor, 1988-95; supervisor, executive office-customer relations, 1995-98; manager, revenue accounting services, 1998-present.

• KRUGERVILLE

• Mayor

Erich Ransleben

Age: 42

Born in: Houston

Education: bachelor of science in advertising, Texas A&M Commerce, 1991

Experience: advertising, 1991; oilfield data technician for environmental clean-ups, 1991-93; pool design and sales, Robertson Pools, 1993-2002; pool design and sales, 2003; pool design and sales, AquaStone Pools, 2003-present

Robert Spears

Age: 48

Born in: Odessa

Education: associate’s degree in paramedics, Odessa College, 1984; associate’s degree in fire technology, Odessa College, 1995; bachelor’s degree in fire administration, Western Illinois University, 2004

Experience: fireman, 1980-1997; fire chief 1997-2005; roughneck, 2006; fire training, Navarro College, 2006-2007; safety coordinator, Felderhoff Drilling, 2007-present

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

I believe that all government bodies that have control of the tax payers money and welfare should be open for review by the people in a format that is understood by most. Democracy is the back- bone to freedom.          

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

My opinion on this matter is yes there are only a few times it is necessary to have closed meetings, and this should only be done when it is in the best interest of the public and in employee matters.           

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

Without open records we the people (you know government) would be reframed from gather information to make better decision. However I do believe that the fee to recover the documents should reflect the actual cost to the governing body just as any other professional fees would apply.            

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records  No

Personal text messages  Yes

Personal e-mail  Yes

Notes exchanged during meetings  No

• Place 1

Thurman Bridges (I)

Age: 70

Born in: Decatur

Education: attended University of North Texas, 1958-65

Experience: supervisor, 1970s-1988; self-employed painter, 1988-2005; retired 2005-present

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

Transparency is paramount to maintain and support any free society.     

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

I can only speak for the Krugerville City Council.  Any decision arrived at in executive session is made public upon re-opening the council meeting.     

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

With a tight city budget I do not think it unreasonable to require a small minimum fee to cover staff time and resources used to satisfy the public's request for open records information.

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records  Yes

Personal text messages  Yes

Personal e-mail  Yes

Notes exchanged during meetings  Yes

Bryan Firth

Age: 57

Born in: Opolis, Mo.

Education: attended Crowder College, 1978; attended Richland College, 1986

Experience: self-employed 1980s-1990s; environmental technician, haz-mat and incident commander, 1996-98; woodwork business owner, 1999-2008; mowing business owner, 2008-present

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

I believe government should be absolutely transparent and accountable to its citizens.

The single most damaging effect on our government today, stems from secrecy and deceit.

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

It most definitely is. It is abused to an extreme extent to hide details from the public. I have refused to participate in the secrecy in my last term on at least one occasion.

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

 I believe open government should be free to the public.

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records  yes

Personal text messages   yes

Personal e-mail  yes

Notes exchanged during meetings yes

• CITY OF OAK POINT

(View the notice by following the election link on Oak Point News) http://www.oakpointtexas.com/

• Oak Point City Council (two at-large seats)

Tom Bahl

Age: 62

Born in: Chicago

Education: associate’s degree, McCook Community College, 1966; management coursework, Wichita State University, Kansas-Newman College and AT&T University

Experience: computer technician, 1966-1985; hardware and software field support manager, 1985-2003 (retired)

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

Open honest communication is the key to any trusting relationship be it social business or political.         

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

I can't say for sure since from the outside concerned parties will always suspect they are being left out of important dialog. In truth, closed meetings are necessary to insure complete understanding of the situation and actions before open discussion.           

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

I would expect that with good and proper records organization staff involvement should be minimal.                  

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records - No

Personal text messages - Yes

Personal e-mail - Yes

Notes exchanged during meetings - No

Candace Cummings

Age: 24

Born in: No information available

Education: senior sociology major at the University of North Texas

Experience: No information available

Dave Koch

Age: 60

Born in: Dallas

Education: attended Wichita State University, 1970-72

Experience: U.S. Air Force, 1967-70; appliance sales, 1970-80; electronic sales, 1980-83; bar owner, 1983-1995; limousine company owner, 1995-2003 (retired)

What is your philosophy of government openness? How important is it to democracy in local government?

Government should be open to all questions and respond with honesty and integrity. Democracy is not even mentioned in our Constitution or our Bill of Rights. Our Country is a Republic which gives each person the rights to be free to have their own business and the right to speak out about the way we are governed. Becoming a Democracy can tear down the Rights of the Individual to speak and do as he wants. In a Democracy , the Government makes all decisions without respecting how the majority feels.  

Do you think the attorney-client privilege which permits executive session, or “closed-door meetings,” is interpreted too broadly among governmental bodies in Denton County? Why or why not?

I do not like closed door meetings. As a taxpayer , We The People have the right to hear what is being decided by our City Officials for our future as how we will spend or what problems we have that will affect each citizen.       

Open records require staff time and resources in order to be of public value. How much is too much to spend on open government?

As taxpayers we have the rights to see any and everything that affects us, no matter how much government spends. Our government works for We The People and not the other way around.   

If you conduct city business with personal resources, do you agree that the following would be considered a public record? Answer Yes or No to the following:

Personal cell phone call records - Yes

Personal text messages - Yes

Personal e-mail - Yes

Notes exchanged during meetings - Yes

Jim Wohletz (I)

Age: 63

Born in: Lawrence, Kan.

Education: associate degree in computer science, Control Data Institute, 1975

Experience: training manager, 1976-1991; director of training and customer service, 1991-92; national customer service program manager, 1992-97; owner, Expert Depot Services, 1997; EDS, 1997-present.