Public Safety – Since September 11, 2001, the world has become a more dangerous place. I will continuously work to ensure that our police and fire departments have the resources they need to protect our city. I will also continue to encourage citizens to get involved with programs like citizen's police academy and its alumni association; neighborhood watch; and block captains, three programs I am proud to be a part of.

As many of you know, our fire department received the highest insurance rating in 2000. As a result of their safety record, Frisco is only the second city in Texas to receive this high rating and one of only 34 cities in the entire U.S. Fire Chief Borchardt and Police Chief Renshaw are committed to the safety and well-being of all our citizens and I will work closely with them to ensure their needs are met. You will not find a finer Fire Chief or Police Chief anywhere in the country.

Frisco voters passed bond packages in 2002 and again in 2006 that relate directly to Fire and Police. In the 2002 bond election, $16 million was approved for the construction of a new police station and holding facility which has been built at the northwest corner of Stonebrook Parkway and Parkwood Boulevard. $19 million was approved for the Fire department which has allowed us to construct and equip two new fire stations; expand central station to include a larger facility with more bays and a safety town which will provide hands-on education programs for kids; acquire additional land for additional stations; new training facility; specialized vehicles; and upgrade of early warning system. The 2006 bond election provided more funds for the fire and police departments.

One of the biggest concerns I hear from residents is increased crime. I will continue to push for education programs to help prevent crime. Unfortunately, much of the petty crime we have is what I call crimes of opportunity - open garage doors, unlocked doors, and valuables left in plain sight in parked vehicles. I will also continue to push for more neighborhood patrols as a deterrent against crime. Another area is to increase our block captains and neighborhood watch program. This is our community and we must work together to keep it safe!