Essential Framework

Rules, regulations, standards, governance - It’s enough to make one’s head spin. And yet, they

are all of what I refer to as the Framework that is essential for our city. Our Essential

Framework serves as the necessary guard rails in ensuring that development (whether

residential homes or businesses) is done properly.

Essential yes, but they need not be so cumbersome as to discourage growth. That’s why I like the term “guard rails.” They should serve as a guide to make sure developers are steered to the end-goal of compliance without the total frustration that many developers have had here in Rowlett. There should be more flexibility on the part of city government that would allow reasonable flexibility when going through the process of obtaining the necessary permits and certifications to do business or live in our city. I have spoken with a number of local business owners who have shared their “horror” stories regarding the exasperating hurdles they have had to jump over just to do business in our city. Please let me be clear here, I am not anti-rules or regulations when it comes to making sure we have good, common-sense compliance in Rowlett. Neither am I for opening up the flood gates and allowing any and all development to occur without good, solid-rules and regulations.

Whether it’s true or not, our city has a reputation or at least a perception for not being

“business friendly.” We all know the old adage regarding “perception.” It is true unless

otherwise proven wrong. While our City Manager has made great strides in driving out

inefficiencies, there remains work to do. We must have practical, logical standards for which a prospective business or developer must comply. Whether one likes or dislikes the idea that Rowlett is growing, the truth is we are. And, to meet the needs of that growth we must become a city that welcomes businesses (especially local). If not, we will hinder growth and encourage would-be businesses to take their business elsewhere.

So, I can hear you say, “Mike, what would you do differently?”

• And my answer to that question would be to continue what I have done since being

elected in 2022….

• I will continue to raise issues and concerns with the City Manager when I hear of, or I am

told directly about a problem that makes absolutely no sense.

• The second thing that must be a priority is to maintain complete transparency within

each department and to make sure we drastically improve communications to our

citizens. Each department must be more intentional in their efforts to make sure a

citizen, a business owner or a developer fully understands permitting process. Their

goals should always be that “over-communicating” is always better than “under-

communicating.”

• This isn’t just limited to developers and business owners. I am committed to keeping

government from overstepping its boundaries and infringing on citizen’s rights,

specifically citizen’s property rights. I am always on the lookout for old, outdated

ordinances that may have made some sense when they were written, but in reality, they

went too far with over regulation. Recent examples of this are with a citizen’s right to

construct a shed on their property or upgrading a chain link fence to wrought iron.

• I am a small government Conservative. I want our local government to serve the needs

of its citizens. I am okay with reasonable regulations, specifically safety related and to

prevent a citizen from infringing upon the rights of their neighbors. However,

government exists to provide essential services and to protect its citizens – not to

burden the people with bureaucratic over-regulation.

Mike4Rowlett