Jordan Villarreal and Kevin Roden shed light on state and city issues on the November ballot.
Vicki Baker
Elections are typically about candidates running for a specific office and to determine who will represent us. But elections are also a chance for our voices to be heard in another way—a way which will guide our city and state into the future. The RR Democratic Club invited guest speakers Kevin Roden and Jordan Villarreal to its September membership meeting to break down two such elections scheduled for Nov. 7, 2023.
The Denton City Council voted to call a $309 million bond election addressing streets, drainage, parks, public safety, affordable housing, a new active adult center, a new South Branch Library, and City Hall West renovation. Kevin Roden, chair of the Special Citizens Bond Advisory Committee, was one of a group of 40 community members charged with evaluating and prioritizing needed city projects. Members met seven times during a two-month period in the Summer of 2023, culminating in the eight propositions up for citywide consideration.
Also, the biennial exercise in democratic decision-making where voters decide the fate of amendments to the Texas Constitution took place on Nov. 7. Jordan Villarreal, District Director of Texas House District 70, offered insight into each of the 14 proposed amendments.
Voting together with neighbors, family, and friends ensures that our shared values and issues are prioritized; that we play a key role in choosing where funding and resources will go. The more we vote, the more powerful our voices become, and the likelier the issues that are important to us will be heard.
Keeping us, as voters, informed and educated on issues affecting our community, state, and country is key to the RR Democratic Club. Come join us on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the clubhouse. For more information, visit our website, www.rrdemocraticclub.com, or contact [email protected].