[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6269232,"mediaKeyId","3044959-57945a464988f4a42b2bdae562532875","parentId",3044959,"title","Tovar and Green debate development, taxes and public safety in Keller council race","audioSeconds",2823,"startMs",2520000,"endMs",5343000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3044959-57945a464988f4a42b2bdae562532875&start=2520&end=5343","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3044959-57945a464988f4a42b2bdae562532875/thumbnail_2520000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6269232/Keller/Tarrant-County/Texas/Tovar-and-Green-debate-development-taxes-and-public-safety-in-Keller-council-race","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269232-93d7e47d3c89ea99ffd8b1ba66638c6e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183135&Signature=oZOFBJEIcTuKusG7Xek~tSF0Ddqmsi6ED8p~-072-ejzHEzOM4jDCjkRPQyTjvO~de1crSRCr64wPrLAk1zFNfhbqtSYcE~tgkeb8iS0U02ygYcbf6gf7TEFSE3V5O4XcOE9VJxA4VG0sbamWJnC29Qu~5FRqd~er-jP5p~hU6~73e3sufelFZcXaPOv8-QXLIciRud4BLngbVN4VwEWbH5A~-Noc2uiELWxgCvcLoNTKieTa0eUiv1X~SAkJIqxa6dns7F4Cn4o1eOifJT4YPhHISQy~UY4aANisckWzlWKTrhwovKKMEb21qU0PGVsf2JRHW8KpC8pnA6gh1rZIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Keller TX","date","2025-04-18T03:53:48.017Z","article","Cesar Tovar, a candidate for Keller City Council Place 4, and incumbent Councilman Ted Green debated development policy, taxes and public safety at a Keller Republican Club forum.

Tovar said he moved to Keller for its “family vibe” and repeatedly emphasized preserving that character through careful development decisions. “I don't want apartments period,” Tovar said, arguing that every project should be “analyzed and looked at for its merit” and that the city should not “bend over for developers.” He repeatedly linked smart, quality economic development to the city’s ability to keep property taxes low and to fund services.

Councilman Ted Green pushed a different emphasis, urging the council’s first duty is public safety. Green said, “The first priority and duty of any governmental body is a restraint of evil,” and described policing and fire protection as prerequisites for economic development and for attracting and keeping businesses. He described efforts to grow sales-tax-generating businesses as part of a strategy to shift burden away from property taxes and said the city’s limited discretionary revenue—he cited “not even quite $30,000,000” for discretionary spending—makes budget choices difficult.

Both candidates described the city budget as a central issue: the moderator stated the annual city budget is “approximately a hundred and 10,000,000,” a figure candidates referenced in discussing trade-offs. Tovar emphasized the need to “be smarter about the things we say no to” and to protect the tax base by approving development that fits Keller’s vision. Green said he supports measured economic development and noted recent approvals of restaurants and retail that he said create a sales-tax base to support public safety.

The candidates disagreed about specific planning items and past votes. Tovar criticized what he described as slow approvals and cited past council votes to delay or deny projects; Green disputed one of Tovar’s assertions, saying he had supported a volleyball and futsal facility at Keller Sports Park after raising parking and design concerns. On a high-profile subdivision, Armstrong Hills, Green said he voted to delay approval to secure written commitments addressing neighborhood flooding and other concerns; he said two of three neighbor concerns had been met and the developer had been unwilling on the remaining item.

On permitting and small-business regulation, Tovar said he would not “slash” rules but would review applications case-by-case and prioritize business-friendly processes. Green said he has worked with the city’s fire chief and community development staff to adjust how international building and fire codes are applied locally, saying some provisions can be “burdensome to small businesses in a community like Keller.”

Both candidates opposed broad, risky incentives paid for by taxpayers but allowed for limited use in specific cases. Tovar said he opposed a recent $380,000 incentive that had been discussed; Green said incentives have been used carefully and that the city’s primary responsibility is to provide infrastructure and a safe environment where businesses can thrive.

On parks and recreation, Green highlighted the city’s investment in a major sports park and ongoing park refurbishments, and said the city should next focus on a long-neglected northeast park. Tovar, a parent of four, said he would advocate for timely completion of youth facilities and avoid unnecessary delays.

The forum included repeated appeals from both candidates to preserve Keller’s family-oriented character while preparing for growth. Neither candidate announced new binding financial commitments at the forum. The forum concluded with closing remarks and a reminder that the event was recorded and would be posted by the club.

Ending: The debate clarified differences on development strategy, the role of sales tax vs. property tax in Keller’s finances, and how the city should prioritize public safety and recreation spending as it grows. Both candidates urged voters to weigh those trade-offs in the upcoming election.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Candidate Forum - April 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Cesar Tovar, a candidate for Keller City Council Place 4, and incumbent Councilman Ted Green debated development policy, taxes and public safety at a Keller Republican Club forum.","taxTitle","Keller, Tarrant County, Texas","taxId",54069,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6269216,"Place 3 hopefuls stress budget oversight, campus safety and rebuilding trust on Keller ISD board",0,8723000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3044959-57945a464988f4a42b2bdae562532875&start=8723&end=8723","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3044959-57945a464988f4a42b2bdae562532875/thumbnail_8723000.jpg","/articles/6269216/Keller/Tarrant-County/Texas/Place-3-hopefuls-stress-budget-oversight-campus-safety-and-rebuilding-trust-on-Keller-ISD-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269216-bd57cefeca2aefaf80ab87c7e7b12e30/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183135&Signature=M4hZsuMd63FahW1-H1JbiqM2SE77kCbOGgjSoRudNaEWq87bvRCBNoilgOdRI2vO22-A9sgqGaD~FymgYvI4ZSRWmoYNKowpHfEWcULk58GCd0KfyMTLH8hy3SAI4hf40ptH0~2Zj9V0Zjoe22VW8oFuwRPrX9abkgStQuL3Z0APIJj8URhMJY1Po5SsL4lVxBYFZWDkTu~Rt1r0mJpugA7lEMpGrhGcC~oi782Y-gdtB-Cw7JiysmNtIx-pI6Z3pNwY14ElnDFAeedtdKN~xlG7-IVgR6NfiVkmJRCsaKDRpwZWsLcivqj9KK9AeOABgneC14lyUyKaYC0n5GEV~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Keller Republican Club forum Chelsea Kelly, the appointed trustee for Keller ISD Place 3, and challenger Nikki Paris addressed budget shortfalls, school safety and the board’s social-media disputes.

Kelly described herself as “homegrown,” cited experience in banking and small-business management and said she had been appointed to the board in August 2024. She urged colleagues to respond to constituent emails and said she was “willing to put our differences aside” to restore working relationships on the board. Kelly cited the cell-phone policy and recent budget trimming as board successes and said budget oversight and line-by-line scrutiny remain priorities.

Nikki Paris, a parent, coach and longtime volunteer, said strengthening students’ supports is a priority; she suggested mentoring programs and expanded tutoring and urged policies to reduce testing stress. Paris said she would pursue stronger campus safety measures, including school resource officers at every campus, and said removing age-inappropriate books from some campus collections had increased her confidence in returning students to school.

Both candidates addressed the district’s budget shortfall—panelists cited a target reduction of about $12–13 million. Kelly said administration identified approximately $10.8 million in savings so far and that the district was pursuing additional administrative cuts and reassignments of some positions; Paris said consolidation of under-enrolled buildings and other “outside-the-box” revenue ideas should be explored.

On school choice, Kelly said she is wary of broad voucher language and worried about universal programs; Paris said she opposed removing public-school funding when the system needs more resources. On TEA oversight, both candidates preferred local control and opposed state takeover as a default.

Ending: The Place 3 exchange focused on practical steps to close a budget gap, strengthen campus safety and end board infighting by prioritizing direct communication and policy work. Voters heard contrasting emphases: Kelly’s administrative and financial experience and Paris’s focus on student supports and safety.

","Appointed trustee Chelsea Kelly and challenger Nikki Paris focused on restoring communication, finishing cuts and prioritizing student safety. Kelly emphasized her financial and local experience and said she is open to dialogue to reduce social-media conflict; Paris prioritized SROs at every campus and mentoring/tutoring supports for students.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6269222,"Place 2 debate centers on split proposal, TEA involvement and restoring fiscal trust",2218,6681000,8899000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3044959-57945a464988f4a42b2bdae562532875&start=6681&end=8899","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3044959-57945a464988f4a42b2bdae562532875/thumbnail_6681000.jpg","/articles/6269222/Keller/Tarrant-County/Texas/Place-2-debate-centers-on-split-proposal-TEA-involvement-and-restoring-fiscal-trust","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269222-9bdd58c66929b7d785619de3869e09b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183135&Signature=Hs63AvjuUd-fMThvAyKzTgrLxooKYPdmECCDD3g4hIu8dMkbrxHxYxpePNzMYgMrSrS1zkZyWx1dx6rZ3LakUKTHZDmluytrzw36mupu0UXMRZwhiwybbwFIT7w5bsZnJSlpRAt-Wlyhju1baSFK6XQxbBeH1YNIYPdGks7wTn-gKweP7c3wueKTgKaXA9iNBNHyx3ETq6GUNtco3SxKO3ze9kUaHcp2HlaLmSSl8EsnQVkshxRq8VWLDuGMDfJgatQGTj2KZu-6MPfyU~n~20aBwNE4qR0fyoKS8IajD~P7me-8LFVD2qB-qUzzxHqoDP4m6UpNTbefl9tnkjjYwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Incumbent trustee Joni Shaw Smith and challenger Jade Holbrook addressed the Keller ISD Place 2 race at a Keller Republican Club forum, focusing on the previously proposed district split, the Texas Education Agency’s role and measures to restore the district’s financial stability and community trust.

Trustee Joni Shaw Smith described her priority as rebuilding transparency and easing rancor around board decisions. She said she asked the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to attend board meetings to “help be a mediator to get the ball rolling on getting back to work,” describing the request as an attempt to restore momentum for policy work. Shaw Smith said she wants to “make school board meetings boring again” by restoring a community environment where people feel included in conversations instead of relying on social-media conflict.

Challenger Jade Holbrook said she did not take an early public position on the split because she felt the public and the board did not yet have sufficient data. “I would be making a data driven decision,” Holbrook said, and described her approach as focused on fiscal stability, improved oversight, cutting waste and pursuing targeted state funding sources. Holbrook cited long-term financial stability as her top visionary goal and said she would pursue better financial oversight and expanded, targeted revenue rather than immediate tax increases.

Both candidates opposed single-member trustee districts in favor of retaining at-large voting, arguing at-large representation preserves broader accountability. On district finances, Shaw Smith pointed to work the board has done to trim costs and to the need to explore alternative revenue streams, including sponsorships and efficiency measures. Holbrook emphasized seeking state funds and cited missed opportunities—she said the teacher incentive allotment could provide substantial targeted funding if the district applied for it.

On the split specifically, Shaw Smith said she opposed the timing because key logistical and financial questions had not been answered, including costs and the effect on property taxes and operations. Holbrook said she had not taken a position until data were available and stressed the importance of a fact-based decision-making process.

Ending: The Place 2 candidates differed on tactics—Shaw Smith emphasized continued work within the board and bringing in a TEA monitor to rebuild trust; Holbrook emphasized waiting for full data and pursuing targeted fiscal reforms. Both framed long-term financial stability as the central objective.

","Incumbent trustee Joni Shaw Smith and challenger Jade Holbrook debated the district split proposal, the role of the Texas Education Agency and long-term financial stability. Shaw Smith said she asked TEA to attend board meetings as a monitor; Holbrook said she withheld a position on the split until data were available.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6269227,"Place 1 candidates debate neutrality, budget shortfall and teacher retention in Keller ISD race",2041,5075000,7116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3044959-57945a464988f4a42b2bdae562532875&start=5075&end=7116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3044959-57945a464988f4a42b2bdae562532875/thumbnail_5075000.jpg","/articles/6269227/Keller/Tarrant-County/Texas/Place-1-candidates-debate-neutrality-budget-shortfall-and-teacher-retention-in-Keller-ISD-race","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269227-ee1570c40e9ca9c68b3d2893ea5fa140/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183135&Signature=OJq1qCGdQhrmM3OU0OJeABaTwazLWXdb8srZlVxgB7tFu9bHBSdZL5jCnMrnjRFIWGPEBdRALNqefuxtbF2WrRIhm1UBvbTBotpQlTtRTIFzVTXIJgrurIP94Br8gS7rvMz-59ZfNIKyO93-9vZDdb2tuw2FhDP79EXNGN5k-2QZsJLdFrgL2sZlxB648SbV-3vsn83LqX5MQpOcETeHV0vSsixClMOB76Xo1EzMKb6voA-8yx3NuaxHoAX2vnyeSCHGCxYO640-F3mcl2VbZTw11lwSG4c3JmeqNdMRagwp-uP0CvAgY7v-hT9K0k3fibE~0hlKEaKMHQf0VzwYBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Keller Republican Club forum, Scott Bruce and Marissa Bryce competed for Keller ISD Place 1 and focused their answers on classroom neutrality, the district budget and teacher retention.

Scott Bruce said the board should prioritize student outcomes and “support anything that's data driven and also focused on positive student outcomes.” He said adults’ agendas should be kept out of classrooms: “Everything else is an adult agenda item.” Bruce highlighted fiscal experience from his private-sector career and said he favors policies grounded in data rather than politics.

Marissa Bryce emphasized parental rights and trust-building. “I'm for strong parental rights and for balanced budgets,” she said, and framed her candidacy as offering calm and truth amid what she called division. Bryce said she is “open to the idea of vouchers” in principle but with current implementation proposals she opposed vouchers as written.

Candidates addressed the district’s finances and staffing. During the forum Bruce cited an annual Keller ISD budget figure of about $340,000,000, while Bryce referenced $352,000,000; Bryce and others also cited labor as a large share of the budget (one panelist gave about 86%). Both candidates said teacher retention is a high priority: Bruce noted the district spends about $20,000 when a teacher leaves and advocated for surveys and policies to encourage teacher engagement; Bryce emphasized improving teachers’ work environments and reducing noninstructional burdens so educators “love their job.”

On single-member districts versus at-large elections for the school board, both candidates opposed single-member districts, arguing at-large elections preserve broader accountability. Bruce said a cell-phone-in-classroom policy and restrictions on gender ideology in sports and facilities were successes of the current board; Bryce also highlighted those policy changes and said the board has worked to rebuild the district’s fund balance.

Both candidates said they would not support vouchers that would undermine public funding; Bruce said he “does not support vouchers,” and Bryce said she is against current voucher proposals.

Ending: The Place 1 exchange emphasized shared priorities—student outcomes, fiscal responsibility and teacher retention—while differing on tone and approach. Voters will weigh which candidate’s mix of private-sector experience, school engagement and policy priorities best matches their expectations for the board.

","Scott Bruce and Marissa Bryce, candidates for Keller ISD Place 1, sparred at a forum over keeping politics out of classrooms, how to close a district budget shortfall and steps to retain teachers. Both said they would prioritize student outcomes but differed on vouchers and district priorities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tovar and Green debate development, taxes and public safety in Keller council race

Place 3 hopefuls stress budget oversight, campus safety and rebuilding trust on Keller ISD board

Place 2 debate centers on split proposal, TEA involvement and restoring fiscal trust

Place 1 candidates debate neutrality, budget shortfall and teacher retention in Keller ISD race