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

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…