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Council incumbents and challengers clash over growth, taxes and public‑safety pay in Keller forum
Summary
In a Citizens to Protect Keller's Small Town Feel forum, Councilman Chris Whatley and candidate Zane Cooper emphasized protecting Keller's low‑density character, debated whether the city can maintain current tax rates near 50,000 residents, and discussed incentives and wages to retain police and firefighters.
Chris Whatley and Zane Cooper used opening remarks and two‑minute answers at a candidate forum to stake clear positions on growth and municipal finances ahead of the May election. Whatley, a nine‑year incumbent, warned that Keller is roughly 80% built and that surpassing 50,000 residents would shift maintenance of major roads to the city, costing "millions" and requiring new budget choices. He said, "I don't think Keller needs another apartment complex," framing opposition to high‑density housing as protection of Keller's character.
Cooper, a media‑production worker and PTA volunteer, agreed that reaching 50,000 would change the city’s fiscal picture and said it was "not realistic" to expect the current tax rate to remain unchanged if the city must assume more infrastructure costs. He pressed for attracting and retaining niche, locally rooted businesses to grow sales tax revenue instead of relying on high‑density residential development. "We need interesting coffee shops. We need places that will attract people to come here and visit," he said.
The moderator asked both candidates whether they supported economic incentives. Whatley described the city’s incentives as performance‑based tax abatements that "return that investment to us," while Cooper signaled support for incentives aimed at entrepreneurship and small business growth rather than tax breaks for large corporations. On public‑safety pay, both candidates said retention is a concern: Cooper noted training a recruit can cost about $50,000, and Whatley said the city has boosted pay in recent years and is working with department leadership to stay competitive.
Both finalists said they favor sticking to the city’s current zoning and future‑land‑use plan unless a proposed project clearly ties into long‑term infrastructure and quality‑of‑life goals. The forum closed with each urging voter turnout; Whatley framed his record as stewardship of a fiscally prudent council, and Cooper emphasized accountability and willingness to own mistakes.
The candidates took questions from a volunteer moderator and invited the public to speak with them after the event. No formal motions, votes or official city actions occurred during the forum.
