Gorena to seek re-election

On Wednesday, Councilman John Gorena announced that he will seek a third term on the Lewisville City Council for Place 4.

"There are some changes that need to happen in the city. I feel that, as a conservative, there is not other representation on the council with that viewpoint," Gorena said. "There has to be people on the council who want to stop spending so much money. We should not be spending tax dollars on what should be private transactions. We have to get up and say something."

Gorena said there are several issues that need attention. He said one issue is that Lewisville needs to be more conservative about spending money.

"One example is how much we're spending on a consultant for the 2025 vision plan committee. We're spending $228,000 for a consultant, and that's too much," Gorena said. "We could be out of debt in eight to 10 years if we stopped spending and lowered our interest rate. Right now, 11 cents, or roughly 25 percent of tax, is dedicated to paying our debt. I believe we can be a pay as you go city."

Gorena said he and his fellow council members agree on most of the items that come before the council, but what sets him apart is his conservative views.

"Someone needs to call out the tax dollars we're spending on private transactions. I believe that some of the social services we do need to pay for because if didn't have them we would have to hire staff to do them, such as CASA, Denton County Children's Advocacy and Denton County Friends of the Family, to name some," Gorena said. "However, there are some agencies we are giving funds to that don't need it, such as giving CCA money to rebuild conference rooms. They're a great organization, but they don't need tax dollars. They have revenue streams from stores."

Gorena said another important issue to him is the effects of illegal immigration. He said it's a problem and that nobody wants to do anything about it.

"I think the president's plan will make Lewisville a whole lot worse," he said. "We're turning a blind eye to immigration, and we have become a sanctuary city. Not intentionally, but when you don't enforce the law people want to live here because they won't have any hassles."

Gorena said there is a ripple effect with illegal immigration with people driving without insurance, using hospitals as clinic and abusing well fare.

"A lot of them don't want to be citizens. The fact is that they're not citizens, and they shouldn't be here," Gorena said. "We have our own problems to fix. This is a huge issue."

Lewisville is short on police officers, Gorena said. He said the city needs to add at least five more patrol officers per shift. He said with four shifts that would equal 20 additional officers.

"We have about 90,000 residents plus visitors in this city," Gorena said. "I ride out with the officers, and its nonstop calls. I'll hear the officers asking for any assistance available all the time, and usually officers are on other calls. We have to address these issues."

Gorena said even though the sales tax increase for fire and police was approved, it will be back in 2016 to be approved by the voters. He said salaries should not be paid for from it.

"This should be used for those things that are needed such as equipment and vehicles," Gorena said. "I mentioned that at the first couple meetings, and then I didn't say anything again because I felt that I said my piece."

Gorena said Lewisville has a revitalization issue.

"I don't think the answer is giving private citizens tax money to upgrade," Gorena said. "If the government would stay out of private transactions, things would move a whole lot better and easier. The city needs to keep standards up, and if it needs to be deemed substandard do so, but otherwise stay out of it."

Gorena said another issue he has fought for is videotaping and airing workshop meetings.

"I've wanted to do that since 2010," Gorena said. "That's where the most discussion happens."

Gorena is running against former councilman Greg Tierney.

"What it comes down to it, I vote for certain things, and he votes against them. You're either going to have somebody who wants the things I want like less spending and doing something about illegal immigration, or you have someone who doesn't want to reign in spending," Gorena said. "The fact is he voted against doing anything about illegal immigration, and he voted for spending. His voting record is out there."

Gorena said while it is tough being the "only conservative" on the council, as long as residents keep voting him in, he'll keep fighting for conservative ideals.

"If we're going to change anything, I can't be the only one on the council who is conservative," Gorena said. "Until we clean up our town, it will be tougher to get the things we want. I feel alone sometimes because I'm trying to be frugal. We have to reign in spending, and we need to let people live their lives."

For information visit www.gorena.org.

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