P & Z Chairman Travis Ussery has filed to be a candidate in the District 3 special election on Jan. 17

Former Council members Bill Vitz and Kelly Davis endorse Ussery's bid for District 3 seat

By Brandi Hart
McKinneyUpdate.com editor

Created at 1:35 p.m. Dec. 11, 2008
Updated at 11 p.m. Dec. 15, 2008

Local accountant and Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Traivs Ussery has filed his paperwork with the city secretary's office to be a candidate in the Jan. 17 special election for council District 3.

Ussery has served for six years and also served on the McKinney Parks Board. He has served on numerous commissioners and boards for the last 18 years.

“I am a self-employed certified public accountant who works in downtown McKinney. I have maintained an office at the same general location since 1980.  My father before me opened an office in the downtown area in 1958.  Service to others before self was what he believed and what I have carried forward," Ussery said.

He said he will not engage in negative campaign tactics.

“While politics of recent memory seems to be about degradation and smears at the loudest volume possible, it is not something I believe in nor is it anything I will engage in,” Ussery said. “I believe the goal of public service should be to elevate quality of services provided by government at the least cost to the consuming public.”

Ussery said his goal of public service can be achieved by keeping the current property tax rate.

"Given the negative news that fills the airwaves regarding economic events and employment, it is imperative not to increase the cost of living in McKinney.  The majority of households are reassessing their priorities and the city should do the same. The word provident comes to mind or, more simply stated, recognizing basic citizen needs and making provision for these needs in the most economical manner," Ussery said.

He would also like to improve and maintain the city’s infrastructure in District 3, he said.

"While the term sounds like a painful dental procedure, the goal is anything but painful. Ideally, this means having sewer systems that are dependable and roads that are easily accessible.  The city has undertaken projects to upgrade the water and sewer systems in parts of the City and this should continue as resources allow," Ussery said.

He would also like McKinney's commercial base to expand as it is vital to McKinney’s future, Ussery said. 

"The addition of businesses that generate tax revenues, both property and sales, and offer employment opportunities improve the overall quality of life within the city. It is through these additional tax revenues amenities such as the performing and visual arts, libraries and parks can be enhanced and expanded," Ussery said.“Given the position I seek will only be one of seven, I alone can not promise these visions will be achieved.  I can, however, assure each resident of the District this is what I stand for,” Ussery said. “I answer only to the residents of the City, primarily District 3, and have no interests to serve other than the public good.”

Ussery has been endorsed by former District 3 Council member Bill Vitz and former Council member Kelly Davis.

Ussery will run against local court appointed special advocate Robert O'Donnell in the election.

As of noon on Monday, Dec. 15 Ussery was the only person who had turned in a packet to be a candidate other than O'Donnell. Filing for the Jan. 17 special election ends at 5 p.m. Dec. 17. For more information, call the city secretary's office at 972-547-7500.