Keller candidates at Republican Club forum emphasize commercial growth, parks and public‑safety pay

Candidates for Keller city offices outlined strategies on growth, the tax base and public safety at a Keller Republican Club candidate forum on July 8.

Russ Baderas, running for City Council Place 4, said the city should pursue a revenue mix that includes “big box stores and restaurants” to offset inflation and stressed support for competitive pay for police and firefighters. Baderas also recounted meeting longtime residents and veterans during his door‑to‑door campaigning.

Elda Rata, also a Place 4 candidate, urged using remaining developable land “wisely” and said Old Towne Keller should retain its walkable character. She suggested creative options for Northeast Mall — including proposing a botanical‑garden concept — and said public‑safety funding that affects taxes should be presented to voters.

Ned Brown, running for Place 5, framed the solution as attracting destination dining and entertainment to increase sales tax revenue and reduce reliance on homeowners. He said his businesses already bring outside dollars into Keller and argued for “disciplined budgeting” rather than automatic tax shifts to property owners.

Place 5 candidate Ashley Stone Hernandez, a business owner and member of Keller’s economic development board, emphasized experiential dining and events to capture visitor spending from sports tournaments and cited a reported 16% attrition rate among public‑sector staff as a retention concern requiring attention.

Incumbent council member Chris Whatley described the 2021 tax‑increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) along FM 377 as a tool to spur redevelopment, said sales tax receipts are a significant portion of the city’s $111.3 million annual budget, and suggested the city consider asking voters to approve dedicated public‑safety funding.

Zane Cooper (Place 6) recommended investing in sidewalks and bike infrastructure to boost foot traffic for small businesses, discourage more high‑density residential development in some areas and prepare the city for future needs. Dr. Charles Rankeleve noted Keller’s current population estimates and staff projections that additional maintenance costs tied to growth could be on the order of $1–2 million annually and said council should review the budget for opportunities to support first responders.

In the mayoral block, Councilman Tad Green highlighted the city’s commercial gains — citing new restaurants and retail — and said Keller needs more daytime population and destinations to capture spending. Green also addressed criticism of his private‑sector dealings, calling attacks on his reputation unjust and referencing a civil‑lawsuit matter involving his company. Mayor pro tem Ross McMullen said the city has been preparing for a possible population threshold since 2020, described county partnerships that secured an additional $7–8 million for projects, and reaffirmed public safety as a top priority. Mayoral candidate Ed Prim emphasized his Army background and pledged to lead with integrity if elected.

Across the forum, candidates repeatedly identified three themes: diversify the tax base through targeted commercial development (Old Towne Keller, North Main/377 and destination retail/restaurants), protect parks and trails and prioritize competitive pay and retention for police and fire. Several candidates said voters — not council alone — may need to approve tax measures for public safety. No formal motions or votes took place at the forum; it was a candidate event for voters to hear positions.

The forum closed with an invitation for attendees to speak with candidates outside the hall.