Both of the candidates running in the June 10, 2023, general runoff election for Irving City Council Place 5 — Mark Cronenwett (nonpartisan) and Heather Stroup (nonpartisan) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Cronenwett:
- “First and foremost, I am an advocate for Irving families and I have formed my priorities to best serve them. The many Irving Board positions on which I have served have been critical to my learning the current and future needs of our city. My 14 years of service has also allowed me to build relationships with our city leaders and staff. A working relationship with City management is essential to successfully address the needs of my constituents and of all the residents of Irving.
- Police and Fire. Our City must provide the funds to retain and attract top-notch first responders. During the pandemic, our pay structure slid. We must regain our position as the preferred destination for police officers and firefighters by increasing pay to at least the 80th percentile of similar cities. This pay increase is currently before the City Council, and I will fully support it.
- Quality of Life. The redevelopment of Texas Stadium and Exxon Headquarters will have a tremendous impact on Irving’s tax base. They are also prime locations for family-centered destinations, like what Epic is for Grand Prairie. Our city also needs more recreational venues and greenspace. District 5 would benefit from a rec center and library. I championed the construction of Levy Event Plaza where our city hosts many events, including our 4th of July celebration.”
Stroup:
- “We need better COMMUNICATION and Citizen Engagement. There are still so many gaps within the City of Irving and other organizations that are keeping Irving from being the absolute BEST. Communication builds Communities.
- I championed our Police and Fire Training Facility while I served on our Public Safety Task Force. I also want the City to get aggresive about Cybersecurity and Ransomware Attacks. How catastrophic will it be if someone can’t dial 911? We need to be prepared. …
- Let’s explore good land use. Economic Development only works when our infrastucture is solid. ‘Build it and they will come’ is a phrase often discussed as a reason to invest in a particular project which ushers in tourists, businesses or investors. However, creating a short term incentive is not enough, the excitement quickly wears off if the project doesn’t have a local grounding. The key is to look at who ‘they’ are before starting a project. Also asking ourselves, do ‘We/Irving’ have the infrastructure to support and retain it? Being 93% built out, I see this as an opportunity.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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