The Garland City Council District 5 race in May required a runoff between candidates Margaret Lucht and Jon Dehn. The runoff election was Saturday, June 18, and Lucht won the council seat.
According to https://www.dallascountyvotes.org/election-results-and-maps/election-results/, 431 votes were cast, 273 were in favor of Lucht and 158 for Dehn.
Below are a few of the questions sent to her before the May election by The Garland Texan. Her answers reflect her past experiences in community service as well as her hopes for District 5.
Why do you want to serve on the Garland City Council?
District 5 requires a leader who will fight for economic development, increased safety measures, and the completion of 2019 Bond Program initiatives. I want to be that voice for our community. I have a passion for service, and I am dedicated to making District 5 a safer, more enjoyable place to live.
What experience/background qualifies you to serve on council?
I attended Williams Elementary, Sam Houston Middle School, and graduated from South Garland High School. I am a homeowner and have lived in District 5 for 37 years. I currently work for a small business in District 5. I also operated a successful small business and understand the challenges business owners in this district face. I served on the Parks and Recreation Board for five years. I advocated for park improvements, connectivity through trails and renovations of neglected facilities. I also worked with the Parks Department and Bond Committee to develop projects and assess the budget for the 2019 Bond Program. As a Plan Commissioner, I studied Garland Code, zoning ordinances and the Envision Garland Plan. I know how crucial planning and zoning decisions are to economic development. Through my years of service, I am experienced with participation in city government operations and evaluating budgets.
What are the few top changes that you feel need to be made in your district?
Safety: Citywide violent crime is down, but District 5 has seen an increase in gun related incidents and property theft.
Access: District 5 needs quality restaurants, shopping, grocery stores and employment opportunities. The District 5 industrial area requires local, regional and international connectivity.
Bond Program: Garland residents funded a $423 million bond program, and I want to see the 2019 bond projects completed on time and on budget.
How will you involve your constituents in your decision-making?
My constituents will have phone, email and face-to-face access to me. I encourage communication and my policymaking decisions will be guided by their opinions and needs. Our form of government places constituents in the top tier by giving them electorate control, and I will ensure their voices are heard.