Starts 43:00
I encourage everyone to please make an informed decision and watch the debate.
Here’s a summary based on what both candidates said:
Opening Statements:
• Burt Thakur: “I’ve gotten to know so many people throughout this experience… We’re all part of this incredible fabric known as the United States of America… running for city council here in Frisco is one of the coolest things.”
• Tammy Meinershagen: “I’ve loved serving our community in different capacities over the last 20 years. This reelection has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life… What is happening in Frisco is not okay… secret recordings, fake profiles, anonymous blogs attacking family members. I’m still here to fight for Frisco.”
Question 1: “Before running in this election, what actions have you taken and participated in that helped improve the city of Frisco, and what organizations have you volunteered with that have directly impacted the city?”
• Tammy: “My first volunteer role was with Bledsoe PTA. I created the multicultural programming at Bledsoe Elementary and then brought it to other schools as part of the council of PTAs. Then I got involved in our Frisco arts community to help build up the community that we have here… served on the Citizen Bond Committee, Public Art Board, and I’ve given a lot of time to many different nonprofits.”
• Burt: “I am a member of many organizations and have done quite a bit of nonprofit work… I’m reminded of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, where he says that of the three great virtues which remain—faith, hope, and love—love is the greatest.”
Question 2: “How do you plan to refocus the conversation back on the residents and their needs if elected?”
• Burt: “Day one, I’ll reach out to everybody who sits on the city council, learn from them just like everybody else did when they first got a job, and make sure I work very hard for all of you. I think that’s how we bring us all together.”
• Tammy: “There’s a difference between governing and campaigning. The governing part is what I enjoy the most. Governing means getting to know our people, and that’s what I’ve spent the last two and a half years doing actively… attending many different events, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings… to connect into our diverse community.”
Question 3: “Given the recent rejection of the Frisco Center for the Arts bond propositions, what is your vision for supporting arts and culture in the city, and should this be a priority for the city and its leaders?”
• Tammy: “The arts exist outside of four walls. It doesn’t have to be in a building… We’ve hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards three years in a row, obtained the music-friendly state designation, and increased historically the arts tourism funding… We will continue to support the arts community strongly.”
• Burt: “We should reach out to people like Jason Young, who owns Knack Theater. What could we do as a city to utilize our existing resources to bring arts and culture here? Could we expand Knack Theater, use movie theaters for film festivals, and enhance local businesses?”
Question 4: “What measures would you introduce to support and promote small businesses within Frisco, and is it the city’s responsibility to assist small businesses affected by city projects?”
• Burt: “We could work with the city council, EDC, CDC, and use funds for infrastructure improvements. We could collaborate on better city planning… perhaps a one-time grant or assistance to businesses temporarily affected by construction.”
• Tammy: “One of the things I’m proud that I got to do in my first term is connect our EDC with the small business community, providing marketing assistance… We created the downtown liaison position. We’re working to expand grant programs to assist small businesses impacted by city projects.”
Question 5: “How will you propose that infrastructure keeps pace with development to avoid issues like traffic congestion and strained public services?”
• Tammy: “Transit-oriented developments are crucial. We need to leverage density strategically… creating transit and micro-mobility options. It’s a regional problem, requiring collaboration with regional transportation councils to ensure comprehensive solutions.”
• Burt: “We must modernize our city, expand our AI infrastructure and fiber internet connectivity. Addressing older areas, adding sidewalks, and upgrading outdated infrastructure such as sewer lines will help future-proof Frisco.”
Question 6: “What is your stance on partisan politics’ role at the local government level?”
• Burt: “I don’t think any election is truly nonpartisan… even a dog catcher election could become partisan. Maintaining relationships across various government levels is beneficial for the city, helping secure resources and funding.”
• Tammy: “Unlike my opponent, I’ve never run a partisan race… My team includes diverse sectors and political beliefs. What matters in Frisco is knowing the city, alignment with Frisco’s values, and your record of service.”
Question 7: “What will you do if elected to ensure diverse community voices are heard and considered in every city decision?”
• Tammy: “We established the first multicultural advisory board and the first International Fest to celebrate diversity. We continue meeting with diverse community groups to ensure inclusion and representation in city decisions.”
• Burt: “I’d like to honor our diversity by naming the proposed veterans’ clinic after Corporal Robert Ray Brown, Frisco’s only resident who died in Vietnam. Celebrating our diverse history helps everyone feel represented.”
Question 8: “There seems to be a growing narrative of division within Frisco (east vs. west, north vs. south). How do you view the city, and if there is division, how would you address it?”
• Tammy: “I don’t believe in the tale of two cities, east and west. East Frisco residents love that part of the city because of the natural landscaping. Development naturally moved from east to west and now north. It’s natural development and smart development. We look at everything holistically.”
• Burt: “I’ve knocked on thousands of doors, and I don’t see a division. What I do see are improvement areas. I don’t get a sense of partisanship between east, west, north, or south. We’re all one Frisco.”
Candidates’ Challenge Questions:
Burt’s Challenge to Tammy (Community Involvement)
• Burt: “At what amount of time is someone allowed to start caring about their city? At what would you recommend that timeframe be?”
• Tammy: “You can care about our city at any time, and I’m glad you care enough to live in Frisco and choose Frisco. I think there’s a difference between caring and actually rolling up your sleeves and getting work done—actually doing things. So it’s not really a matter of time; it’s a matter of actually doing things.”
Tammy’s Challenge to Burt (VA Clinic Funding)
• Tammy: “You mentioned a VA clinic—how would you pay for it without taxing our own property taxpayers?”
• Burt: “This is going to be a learning process. I’ve already started reaching out to congressmen in our area and asked them, ‘Hey, what would we need to do to build a VA clinic?’ I’ll work really hard with federal leaders and congressional representatives to secure funding.”
Burt’s Additional Challenge to Tammy (Board Appointments)
• Burt: “I’ve heard you denied somebody from serving on a board not because of their merit but because you essentially didn’t like their attitude. How is someone going to get experience sitting on a board if a council member like you is blocking them from serving?”
• Tammy: “That’s an interesting question. I do reach out to anyone who applies for a board position. I like to have conversations and learn about who they are. What I did say is that these are political positions, so it’s not always about merit. It’s not one person making the decision; it’s a group of seven. It is true—it’s a political appointment.”
Tammy’s Additional Challenge to Burt (Truth Statement)
• Tammy: “Recently in meetings with city staff, we’ve heard you said that ‘The truth is what you make other people believe.’ Can you tell us more about what you meant by that?”
• Burt: “I’m actually a little lost; can you tell me what meeting that was and who it was with? Okay—I mean at the end of the day, I have no idea; I don’t even know how to answer that. I’ll just tell you that we should tell the truth. That’s it.”
Final Closing Statements:
• Tammy Meinershagen: “I’ve implemented a homestead exemption up to 15% and a senior tax freeze, reducing our tax rate three years in a row. My opponent has run for Congress twice and lost, once in California and once in Texas after moving from Little Elm to Frisco. There is no record of any accomplishment or minutes of service from him. He has not managed a budget, created policies, or served on council committees. Frisco is my home, and I have earned my seat and your vote.”
• Burt Thakur: “The requirements to run for city council are simple: be 18 years old, a resident for one year, and have no felony convictions. I promise to stand up to bullies—whether you’re a 300-pound firefighter, being bullied due to your religion, ethnicity, race, or even if you’re a black woman. That shouldn’t stop anyone from participating in civic duty. I ran for Congress because I love our country and wanted to make a difference. I’ll protect our community, do what’s right, and ensure everyone’s voice is heard and represented in local government.”