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By LESLEE BASSMAN, Four Points News
With a mayoral seat and two city council positions at stake, Volente residents have lots to vote on in this election season that winds up on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
A proposition to reauthorize the village’s local sales and use tax of 1% is also on the Nov. 3 ballot, with the funds to be used to maintain and repair its streets. The issue is placed on the ballot every four years, at its expiration.
The Four Points News received the filing documents for all candidates as well as asked them to provide short responses to three questions so residents can get to know them a bit better.
Volente mayoral race
Two candidates are on the Nov. 3 ballot for Volente mayor: Jana Nace and Daniel Thost.
A resident of Lakeview Street, Thost is retired and has lived in Texas for about three years.
- Describe your education and work or other experience.
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I recently retired after 30 years of international energy business development and trading. I believe my business experience provides me with the knowledge and skill sets to bridge differences and bring people together. As a board director, secretary, or committee chair for several joint ventures projects I have held the role as an arbitrator among different languages, cultures, and business objectives. I have a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Houston.
- Why are you running for mayor?
Volente is unique and eclectic and so are our views. Unfortunately, our local government has become divisive. I believe and respect our Village and the fundamental objectives described in the Comprehensive Plan to remain primarily a bedroom community, focused on safety, health, and environment, which is maintained by a minimalist government. The spirit of neighbor looking out for neighbor was our emphasis and remains today. I want this spirit brought back to Council.
- What is the Village of Volente’s top issue and, if elected, what action do you plan to take to resolve it?
We must stop the divisiveness by bringing simplicity, consistency, and most of all, transparency into the Village Administration and Council. Citizens will become involved rather than driven away. The Mayor’s primary role as a non-voting Council member is facilitating Village administration and guiding the Council to decisions. Elected volunteers will come and go, but how our day to day running of the Village should remain simple and consistent. We are a fluid Village whose demographics, ideas, and aspirations change. With a transparent and inclusive government neighbors will be empowered to consider change. Decisions will be better made, and better understood.
A resident of Beauregard Drive, incumbent Nace has lived continuously in Texas for almost five years and a total of 28 years in the state. The Four Points News did not receive her response to candidate questions as of press time.
Volente city council
Five candidates are vying for two open Volente City Council positions: Meri “Kit” Hopkins, Donovan Dixon, Adam Joseph “AJ” Forsythe, Kristin Ruff and Judy Barrick.
Hopkins, a resident of Booth Circle, is retired. She has lived in Volente for just over six years and almost 26 years in Texas. The Four Points News did not receive her response to candidate questions as of press time.
Dixon, a resident of FM 2769, has lived in Volente for just over seven years but has been a Texas resident for about 26 years. He is in sales. The Four Points News did not receive his response to candidate questions as of press time.
Forsythe, a resident of Booth Circle, is the CEO of a company. He has lived in Texas for more than eight years and shortley less than a year in Volente.
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1) Describe your education and work or other experience.
I grew up in Texas and went to College as a Div. 1 wrestler at CalPoly. While there I started a company and grew it as CEO with hundreds of people. Last year I sold it to Allstate and want to get things back on track in Volente! Volente2020.com
2) Why are you running for the Volente City Council?
I love Volente and believe it can be known as the “Friendly Village”. There’s way too much drama and animosity for a town of 600+ residents and I want to use my experience to help make sure the local village can run efficiently and smoothly!
3) What is the Village of Volente’s top issue and, if elected, what action do you plan to take to resolve it?
Stopping BCRUA from drilling through our town and getting fair remuneration if they try to steamroll us. It’s not a done deal and we can fight it. I also want to keep Volente business friendly as well as create a new website for our village!
Ruff, a resident of Jackson Street, has lived in Volente for four years and in Texas for almost 53 years. She is the president of a consulting company.
1) Describe your education and work or other experience.
I have 25+ years’ experience, serving in senior HR leadership roles for several Fortune 500 companies. I’m currently President of an HR and Talent Management consulting firm. I earned my MBA in 1996 from LeTourneau University and have been certified as a Senior Professional in HR Management for 20+ years.
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2) Why are you running for the Volente City Council?
I’m running for Council to bring stability, professionalism, and a collaborative approach to
Volente. We must end the divisiveness, manage critical issues and accomplish the results expected by residents. If elected, I will make sure we get back to business, stay focused on the right things and serve our residents.
3) What is the Village of Volente’s top issue and, if elected, what action do you plan to take to resolve it?
Volente’s top issue is the struggle leaders have in collaborating and resolving conflict. These struggles continue to divide our community, hinder our ability to manage critical issues (ie BCRUA), and pose considerable risk to Volente. My experience leading high-performing teams, problem-solving, and effective communication will help to overcome these struggles.