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 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.