Q&A with mayoral candidate Lonn Reisman.

Lonn Reisman in front of the Erath County Courthouse.

Q: Having served some time on Stephenville City Council, what are some projects within the city you have personally worked on to successfully move forward or bring to a vote? 

A: My overall desire is for the betterment of the City I love.

If I had one singular passion, I am deeply committed to my role as chairperson of the Parks and Leisure Committee.

My 36-year career provided me with direct experience in athletic facility development and management.

I am confident I can offer significant input. I am looking forward to learning more and contributing my related talents to the other leisure areas of the assignment: specifically, the Library and the Senior Center.

I have to say that I am enthusiastic about all the aspects of City Service.

During my time as council member, the Council has accomplished capital improvements such as the Dispatch Center, Harbin Street Improvements, Long Street Improvements, Water Well Field Expansion, and completion of two new storage tanks. Also, construction has begun on a third.

Q: Stephenville has seen a significant increase in economic development in recent years. As mayor, what do you anticipate your role will be in furtherance of economic development within the city?

A:  I can recruit! I can promote Stephenville!

We should continue to recruit industry being mindful of the need for industrial variety.

I want to encourage well-planned residential development within the city limits.

Q: What do you see as the primary challenges facing the city over the next 5-10 years and what steps should be taken in your first term to address those challenges?

A: Five to 10-year challenges: Since 1890, every US Census has shown population growth in Stephenville.

Stephenville is going to continue to grow. The question is how.

We must meet the needs of all our residents through planned and managed growth - that includes public safety, streets, water/sewer, recreation.

Additionally, we must encourage commercial growth, the availability of medical care, medical facilities, and affordable, desirable housing to serve that growth.

Q: Both candidates have issued statements that parks and recreation will be an important part of their work. What areas do you propose need the most improvement and how do you intend to balance services to children, families and senior citizens?

A: When thinking about recreational needs, consider the median age of a Stephenville resident is 26. Half are older, and half is younger.

The demand for services will naturally be around the median age. Most of the services we offer can be utilized in some way by all ages.

Available services should be balanced among all the age groups without favor.

(Most improvement needed: Jaycee Park?)

Q: What educational and career experience in your background make you uniquely qualified to serve in this elected capacity?

A: Education background: Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University, Master of Science and Education from Arkansas State University.

I have spent my entire career serving as a teacher, a coach, or an administrator.

Career Experience: As a former Vice President/Athletic Director, I was responsible for multimillion dollar budgets. Budgets were always balanced and all our athletic audits passed.

I have extensive experience in the management of public funds. I understand the importance of conforming to laws and regulations.

I have always followed the rules I was given. I never had even one major NCAA infraction over my 36-year career.

As a leader, I knew I must function as a role model for the thousands of student athletes and hundreds of employees that I oversaw in my career.