CANDIDATES FORUM ON 05-29-2007:
VRead story below
VRead story below
During the candidates forum, one of the questions asked was what is being done about the recent rash of foreclosures. I promised
to place information about North Central Texas Housing Finance Corporation and its Mortgage Credit Certificate program here.
Click the link below.
North Central Texas Housing Finance Corporation MCC program.
READ THE, "TODAY NEWS PAPERS" ARTICLE ABOUT THE CANDIDATE'S FORUM
to place information about North Central Texas Housing Finance Corporation and its Mortgage Credit Certificate program here.
Click the link below.
North Central Texas Housing Finance Corporation MCC program.
READ THE, "TODAY NEWS PAPERS" ARTICLE ABOUT THE CANDIDATE'S FORUM
Cedar Hill » News Questions turn personal at forum part 2
By LOYD BRUMFIELD
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 8:53 AM CDT
News Editor
Though it was a forum between two candidates running for a seat on the Cedar Hill City Council, schools were the main topic of concern - along with the sexual orientation of one of the candidates.
Place 5 incumbent Makia Epie and challenger Jason Russell addressed the issues at a forum held May 29 at the Cedar Hill Recreation Center and sponsored by the Kingswood Homeowners Association
and the High Pointe Public Improvement District.
The two candidates will face each other in a June 16 runoff election. Epie received the most votes of four candidates running for Place 5 in the May 12 election, but it wasn't enough to avoid a runoff
with Russell, who finished second by 14 votes over current Cedar Hill School Board member Valerie Banks.
Wirt Stoney Jackson finished fourth in the race.
The Cedar Hill School District received a healthy dose of criticism from the audience despite the fact that neither Epie nor Russell, as city council members, would have a say in setting the district's
policies.
Epie passionately defended CHISD and said parents should look to themselves first when investigating why their children's education doesn't measure up.
“Before we criticize others, let's look in the mirror and say, ‘What am I doing to educate my child?'” said Epie, a 12-year member of the city council.
Audience members brought up several CHISD-related topics, including a perceived lack of communication between the city and school board - particularly under a former superintendent, it was alleged -
the lack of available birth control in Cedar Hill schools and too great of an “acceptance” for homosexuality in the district.
The question of acceptance for gays and lesbians was directed at Russell, an eight-year resident of Cedar Hill, a longtime civic volunteer and an openly gay man.
One woman said her children wouldn't attend schools where gay students were “too forward” and wondered how Russell reconciled his orientation with his Christian beliefs.
“Different parts of the Bible say different things and have different interpretations,” said Russell, who staunchly defended himself. “About 10 years ago I had a conversation with my Lord and that's
something no one can take away from me or can be taken away from anyone else.”
Russell said diversity was part of what makes Cedar Hill special and all of its residents should stand up against hate.
“Certain religious leaders in this community like to spread hate, and that's something we don't need,” Russell said, not mentioning names.
At least one Dallas minister who lives in Cedar Hill circulated a letter before the May 12 election stating Russell would be unfit to hold office.
Epie did not comment on concerns about gay issues but stuck to the topic of the school district and what he has accomplished in his years on the city council.
“The Cedar Hill Independent School District is my heart. I carry it wherever I go because of what it's done for my family,” he said, adding that he has six children who have graduated from Cedar Hill
schools.
“We went to the school board and asked them to congratulate the teachers because they are doing a great job. Having said that, the first problem lies with us, the parents. I don't want our teachers to be
babysitters.”
Russell said he had heard reports of a lack of communication between the city and schools, but he believes those problems are a thing of the past with the hiring of new Superintendent Horace Williams.
Epie said he did not know of any personal battles between former superintendents and any member of the city council.
“Yes, we had many battles over the (under construction) government center, but you're supposed to do that,” Epie said, referring to the new structure that will house city and school district offices and the
police department. “But you leave it there.”
Another audience member said a lack of available birth control in schools has led to several pregnancies “thanks to our Bible-toting Christians who said we couldn't have birth control.”
“The former superintendent made some errors, but it wasn't just him,” the questioner continued.
“It takes two people to have a dialogue, and there were certain city council members who didn't like him.”
The same questioner also voiced concerns about gay issues.
“I'm the same person I am every day,” Russell said. “I get to represent the city the best way I know how. I'm also battling a select few who say what I am doing is wrong.”
Russell is a member of First United Methodist Church and said he has the support of its pastor, Van Lazaroff, and his wife.
“I am going to do the best I can to represent everybody in the community, not just people who are straight, gay, or black or blue,” Russell said.
By LOYD BRUMFIELD
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 8:53 AM CDT
News Editor
Though it was a forum between two candidates running for a seat on the Cedar Hill City Council, schools were the main topic of concern - along with the sexual orientation of one of the candidates.
Place 5 incumbent Makia Epie and challenger Jason Russell addressed the issues at a forum held May 29 at the Cedar Hill Recreation Center and sponsored by the Kingswood Homeowners Association
and the High Pointe Public Improvement District.
The two candidates will face each other in a June 16 runoff election. Epie received the most votes of four candidates running for Place 5 in the May 12 election, but it wasn't enough to avoid a runoff
with Russell, who finished second by 14 votes over current Cedar Hill School Board member Valerie Banks.
Wirt Stoney Jackson finished fourth in the race.
The Cedar Hill School District received a healthy dose of criticism from the audience despite the fact that neither Epie nor Russell, as city council members, would have a say in setting the district's
policies.
Epie passionately defended CHISD and said parents should look to themselves first when investigating why their children's education doesn't measure up.
“Before we criticize others, let's look in the mirror and say, ‘What am I doing to educate my child?'” said Epie, a 12-year member of the city council.
Audience members brought up several CHISD-related topics, including a perceived lack of communication between the city and school board - particularly under a former superintendent, it was alleged -
the lack of available birth control in Cedar Hill schools and too great of an “acceptance” for homosexuality in the district.
The question of acceptance for gays and lesbians was directed at Russell, an eight-year resident of Cedar Hill, a longtime civic volunteer and an openly gay man.
One woman said her children wouldn't attend schools where gay students were “too forward” and wondered how Russell reconciled his orientation with his Christian beliefs.
“Different parts of the Bible say different things and have different interpretations,” said Russell, who staunchly defended himself. “About 10 years ago I had a conversation with my Lord and that's
something no one can take away from me or can be taken away from anyone else.”
Russell said diversity was part of what makes Cedar Hill special and all of its residents should stand up against hate.
“Certain religious leaders in this community like to spread hate, and that's something we don't need,” Russell said, not mentioning names.
At least one Dallas minister who lives in Cedar Hill circulated a letter before the May 12 election stating Russell would be unfit to hold office.
Epie did not comment on concerns about gay issues but stuck to the topic of the school district and what he has accomplished in his years on the city council.
“The Cedar Hill Independent School District is my heart. I carry it wherever I go because of what it's done for my family,” he said, adding that he has six children who have graduated from Cedar Hill
schools.
“We went to the school board and asked them to congratulate the teachers because they are doing a great job. Having said that, the first problem lies with us, the parents. I don't want our teachers to be
babysitters.”
Russell said he had heard reports of a lack of communication between the city and schools, but he believes those problems are a thing of the past with the hiring of new Superintendent Horace Williams.
Epie said he did not know of any personal battles between former superintendents and any member of the city council.
“Yes, we had many battles over the (under construction) government center, but you're supposed to do that,” Epie said, referring to the new structure that will house city and school district offices and the
police department. “But you leave it there.”
Another audience member said a lack of available birth control in schools has led to several pregnancies “thanks to our Bible-toting Christians who said we couldn't have birth control.”
“The former superintendent made some errors, but it wasn't just him,” the questioner continued.
“It takes two people to have a dialogue, and there were certain city council members who didn't like him.”
The same questioner also voiced concerns about gay issues.
“I'm the same person I am every day,” Russell said. “I get to represent the city the best way I know how. I'm also battling a select few who say what I am doing is wrong.”
Russell is a member of First United Methodist Church and said he has the support of its pastor, Van Lazaroff, and his wife.
“I am going to do the best I can to represent everybody in the community, not just people who are straight, gay, or black or blue,” Russell said.
Cedar Hill » News Questions turn personal at forum
By LOYD BRUMFIELD
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 8:53 AM CDT
News Editor
While issues about a candidate's personal life took up a lot of discussion time at the May 29 city council runoff election forum, issues that will actually affect the city were also addressed.
The Kingswood Homeowners Association and High Pointe Public Improvement District sponsored the event, featuring Place 5 candidates Jason Russell and incumbent Makia Epie.
Both candidates were asked about the problem of increased foreclosures in Cedar Hill.
“Home ownership is a dream for everybody, and adjustable-rate mortgages in and of themselves are not evil,” Epie said, adding that he works for an organization that works to help more people become
homeowners without predatory lending practices.
“(Adjustable-rate mortgages) have helped a lot of people get into homes, and it is possible to refinance, but it doesn't happen like that for everybody.”
Epie said there is “clear and convincing evidence” that predatory lending is taking place, not just in Cedar Hill, but everywhere.
Epie said the council has had workshops and meetings about foreclosures and people getting cheated out of their homes, and an ordinance is on the way that would require builders to register with the
city and would hold them to certain standards.
If they abandon projects halfway through construction or don't deal with homebuyers in an honest fashion, those builders would not be allowed to do business in Cedar Hill again.
Russell said the number of foreclosed homes in Cedar Hill is at an all-time high.
“We've had a lot of these homes built that are what you call starter homes that make it easier for people to get into homes,” he said. “But a lot of these builders aren't looking out for them, they're looking to
pocket that next million dollars and then they get out.”
In addition, the rising cost of living - higher gas and utility prices, for example - has put an extra burden on homeowners, along with adjustable-rate mortgages.
For those reasons and others, Russell said he favored an end to new starter-home construction in Cedar Hill and said there are plenty of existing homes for people to buy.
“I see several starter homes going up and it makes me crazy because I see several in my area that are in foreclosure,” he said.
Epie said he would never call for anything that would make it harder for people to move to Cedar Hill or own a home.
Both candidates were asked how they would bring more corporate jobs to Cedar Hill.
“Our new Economic Development director has marching orders for her ears to reach beyond Cedar Hill,” Epie said. “I'm going to rely on our new EDC director and the contacts I have developed, and I
never hesitate to use them.”
Epie also said Cedar Hill is very selective about the businesses it brings here.
“We've had to turn down some industries (coming to Cedar Hill Industrial Park) if they don't fit our idea of promoting a clean, healthy environment.”
Russell said luring corporations is going to be challenge for Cedar Hill.
“We've got an industrial park that sits barren. There's a lot of nice land and a new TXDOT office and that's nice, but in my opinion you aren't going to get many businesses here if the city and school
district can't work out some problems.”
Moderator Jan Lovell asked both candidates why someone who just moved to Cedar Hill should vote for them.
Russell said that although both candidates had similar views on many issues, there were differences, such as their positions on starter homes.
“Cedar Hill is already one of the most affordable places to live,” he said. “When you look at what you have to pay in Frisco and Plano, it's relatively easy to own a home here.”
Russell also said he believes in term limits - which Epie opposes - but said he agreed with three-year terms for each council member.
“You aren't supposed to make a career out of politics,” he said. “After six years, you aren't going to see me (on the council). You follow the people's will, and then you move on.”
Epie said his stay on the council did not amount to a career.
“I do not get paid a dime for this job. I volunteer for it,” he said. “I'm not building a resume. I already have one of those. I had a good job that provided for my family but I left it because it took too much
time away from my family.”
Epie, a hearing officer on the Dallas County board of pardons and paroles, listed things he had a hand in bringing to reality while on the council, including shrinking water rates during his first year on the
council and moving the citizens forum portion of council meetings from the end of gatherings to the middle.
“I thought it was important that we hear what our citizens have to say,” he said.
Epie also said he is working with TXU Energy to provide significant rebates on utility bills for residents who buy energy efficient equipment for their homes and is pushing for EMS response times to be
reduced through a new fire station in Lake Ridge and by moving others around to more central locations.
The election is scheduled for June 16, and polling places will be at Bray Elementary and Belt Line Intermediate School.
Early voting at the CHISD Administration Building continues through June 12.
Let us know what you think about this story or topic. Once your comments are approved, they will appear on the site.
ME; P.O. Box 310. Cedar Hill, Tx. 75106 001-972-291-5100 ext 1011, city hall
WWW.MAKIAEPIE.COM - 001-469-454-2462, HOME
By LOYD BRUMFIELD
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 8:53 AM CDT
News Editor
While issues about a candidate's personal life took up a lot of discussion time at the May 29 city council runoff election forum, issues that will actually affect the city were also addressed.
The Kingswood Homeowners Association and High Pointe Public Improvement District sponsored the event, featuring Place 5 candidates Jason Russell and incumbent Makia Epie.
Both candidates were asked about the problem of increased foreclosures in Cedar Hill.
“Home ownership is a dream for everybody, and adjustable-rate mortgages in and of themselves are not evil,” Epie said, adding that he works for an organization that works to help more people become
homeowners without predatory lending practices.
“(Adjustable-rate mortgages) have helped a lot of people get into homes, and it is possible to refinance, but it doesn't happen like that for everybody.”
Epie said there is “clear and convincing evidence” that predatory lending is taking place, not just in Cedar Hill, but everywhere.
Epie said the council has had workshops and meetings about foreclosures and people getting cheated out of their homes, and an ordinance is on the way that would require builders to register with the
city and would hold them to certain standards.
If they abandon projects halfway through construction or don't deal with homebuyers in an honest fashion, those builders would not be allowed to do business in Cedar Hill again.
Russell said the number of foreclosed homes in Cedar Hill is at an all-time high.
“We've had a lot of these homes built that are what you call starter homes that make it easier for people to get into homes,” he said. “But a lot of these builders aren't looking out for them, they're looking to
pocket that next million dollars and then they get out.”
In addition, the rising cost of living - higher gas and utility prices, for example - has put an extra burden on homeowners, along with adjustable-rate mortgages.
For those reasons and others, Russell said he favored an end to new starter-home construction in Cedar Hill and said there are plenty of existing homes for people to buy.
“I see several starter homes going up and it makes me crazy because I see several in my area that are in foreclosure,” he said.
Epie said he would never call for anything that would make it harder for people to move to Cedar Hill or own a home.
Both candidates were asked how they would bring more corporate jobs to Cedar Hill.
“Our new Economic Development director has marching orders for her ears to reach beyond Cedar Hill,” Epie said. “I'm going to rely on our new EDC director and the contacts I have developed, and I
never hesitate to use them.”
Epie also said Cedar Hill is very selective about the businesses it brings here.
“We've had to turn down some industries (coming to Cedar Hill Industrial Park) if they don't fit our idea of promoting a clean, healthy environment.”
Russell said luring corporations is going to be challenge for Cedar Hill.
“We've got an industrial park that sits barren. There's a lot of nice land and a new TXDOT office and that's nice, but in my opinion you aren't going to get many businesses here if the city and school
district can't work out some problems.”
Moderator Jan Lovell asked both candidates why someone who just moved to Cedar Hill should vote for them.
Russell said that although both candidates had similar views on many issues, there were differences, such as their positions on starter homes.
“Cedar Hill is already one of the most affordable places to live,” he said. “When you look at what you have to pay in Frisco and Plano, it's relatively easy to own a home here.”
Russell also said he believes in term limits - which Epie opposes - but said he agreed with three-year terms for each council member.
“You aren't supposed to make a career out of politics,” he said. “After six years, you aren't going to see me (on the council). You follow the people's will, and then you move on.”
Epie said his stay on the council did not amount to a career.
“I do not get paid a dime for this job. I volunteer for it,” he said. “I'm not building a resume. I already have one of those. I had a good job that provided for my family but I left it because it took too much
time away from my family.”
Epie, a hearing officer on the Dallas County board of pardons and paroles, listed things he had a hand in bringing to reality while on the council, including shrinking water rates during his first year on the
council and moving the citizens forum portion of council meetings from the end of gatherings to the middle.
“I thought it was important that we hear what our citizens have to say,” he said.
Epie also said he is working with TXU Energy to provide significant rebates on utility bills for residents who buy energy efficient equipment for their homes and is pushing for EMS response times to be
reduced through a new fire station in Lake Ridge and by moving others around to more central locations.
The election is scheduled for June 16, and polling places will be at Bray Elementary and Belt Line Intermediate School.
Early voting at the CHISD Administration Building continues through June 12.
Let us know what you think about this story or topic. Once your comments are approved, they will appear on the site.
ME; P.O. Box 310. Cedar Hill, Tx. 75106 001-972-291-5100 ext 1011, city hall
WWW.MAKIAEPIE.COM - 001-469-454-2462, HOME
Date: Wed, 6 Jun 2007 11:33:37 -0700
From: vbanks10@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: I support Makia Epie
To: makia@makiaepie.com
I am pleased to announce my support for councilmember Makia Epie, as he makes his run for re-election to the Cedar Hill City Council. As you all know, I was a candidate for the seat currently held by
Mr. Epie. My hard work and dedicated service on the school board provided me a unique experience to transition to the council. Although not successful, I do not regret the opportunity.
I would however, ask those that supported me in my efforts to please provide their support and VOTES for Mr. Epie. Currently, early voting is taking place at the Cedar Hill ISD Administration Building
located at 270 S. Hwy 67, and election day is June 16th.
It is my pleasure to continue to serve you and your children on the School Board. Please join me in supporting Mr. Epie in his efforts to be re-elected to the Cedar Hill City Council.
Respectfully,
Valerie L. Banks
FARMERS INSURANCE GROUP
Valerie Banks Ins. Agency
804 E. Belt Line Road, Ste. 102
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
469-523-2660 (ofc)
469-523-2665 (fax)
214-228-9651 (cell)
vbanks10@yahoo.com
From: vbanks10@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: I support Makia Epie
To: makia@makiaepie.com
I am pleased to announce my support for councilmember Makia Epie, as he makes his run for re-election to the Cedar Hill City Council. As you all know, I was a candidate for the seat currently held by
Mr. Epie. My hard work and dedicated service on the school board provided me a unique experience to transition to the council. Although not successful, I do not regret the opportunity.
I would however, ask those that supported me in my efforts to please provide their support and VOTES for Mr. Epie. Currently, early voting is taking place at the Cedar Hill ISD Administration Building
located at 270 S. Hwy 67, and election day is June 16th.
It is my pleasure to continue to serve you and your children on the School Board. Please join me in supporting Mr. Epie in his efforts to be re-elected to the Cedar Hill City Council.
Respectfully,
Valerie L. Banks
FARMERS INSURANCE GROUP
Valerie Banks Ins. Agency
804 E. Belt Line Road, Ste. 102
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
469-523-2660 (ofc)
469-523-2665 (fax)
214-228-9651 (cell)
vbanks10@yahoo.com