Three of the four candidates for Collinsville City Council met in a public forum Saturday where they answered questions and met the public. Chase Guidera, Jessica Orsburn, Tom Worsham and Brandon White are running in an at-large election to fill three vacant seats on the council. The top three vote-getters will be the winners.
Guidera, Orsburn and Worsham were on hand at Saturday’s forum. White did not attend. The forum took place at the Collinsville Community Center and was hosted by the civic organization Collinsville Get Out the Vote.
Before jumping into questions prepared by moderator Ken Kemp, each candidate was allowed three minutes to introduce themselves. Guidera is an incumbent on the council. He said he’s lived in Collinsville since 2015. He is a police officer in Celina and a Marine Corp veteran.
“I’m not a native son, but don’t let that fool you,” Guidera said. “We are invested in this community… I’d say my politics are 75% conservative and 25% libertarian. I believe in the least government as reasonably possible, but I do feel the city, EDC and IDC should work with businesses to promote growth.”
Likewise, Orsburn said she is not a Collinsville native, but she too is invested in the community. “I’ve been here for 13 or 14 years,” Orsburn said. “I remember what it was like when it was small. I work here, I live here, my kids go to school here… we are ingrained in the community.” Orsburn is a local realtor, a member of the Collinsville Planning and Zoning Board, the Park Association Board as well as the Comprehensive Planning Board.
“I am here to help with all I can… I just feel we just need somebody new… somebody with new perspectives… We need to keep our focus on faith, family and community. Growth is coming, nothing we can do about it, but I like the smalltown feel and want to help preserve that as best I can.”
Worsham is also an incumbent on the council. He is a Collinsville High School graduate, retired from the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office and is currently a municipal judge.
“I wasn’t born here, but my mother was,” Worsham said. “I’ve lived here most of my life… my mom and dad moved backed here in 1971. I’ve been here ever since.” Worsham said after retiring from law enforcement, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do but knew he wanted to continue in public service. “So, I ran for council, and I became a judge‚— trying to continue the service… All three of us (elected this cycle) will serve of comprehensive council as a team… We need your input. We need positive input. We need to know what we are doing right. At the same time, we need to know what we’re doing wrong.”
After introductions, candidates spent about an hour answering questions prepared by Kemp. When asked what the city has done well over the last few years, Orsburn said, “The town as a whole has come together more, as far as our city structure is concerned. City Hall has become one designated place you can go with issues. There are people in place in this community that will get the job done— the mayor, city workers— all address the concerns… they are here and on call.”
When asked what was considered ‘healthy growth,’ Worsham said, “Well, unhealthy growth is industrialization and rental growth— apartments. Healthy growth is managed growth. I want to develop growth that coincides with our values… We don’t want to lose our quality of life.”
Guidera echoed Worshams’s concerns about rentals. “We have a lot of rentals,” he said. “We are 43% rental properties. I am not against it (rental properties) if it’s done right. But what we don’t want to see is investors building houses and renting them out… Heavy renting leads to higher transient rates and less pride of ownership… Crime could go up… I just don’t want to see a concrete jungle.”
Kemp asked each candidate, if elected, what they would do to increase community involvement.
“Folks need to come to meetings,” Guidera said. “And volunteer. I am asking people to donate a year of their time… And let’s have quarterly meet and greets and talk about things… Talk to us, email us, come to my house… We are listening. We are your voice.” Orsburn agreed.
“I am happy to take questions,” she said. “Come to a council member… If I can’t help you, I’ll point you in the right direction… Come to me, come by my house, text me, Facebook (message) me.”
Worsham also said feedback is key. “I’m not hard to get ahold of,” he said. “Feel free to contact me with whatever you need… we need your input and activity. We need you… we can’t do it without you… step on up and talk to me.”
After more questions, candidates made closing statements. The crowd of about 20 onlookers was dismissed at 11 a.m.
Early voting in municipal elections gets underway Monday, April 22. Election Day is Saturday, May 4.
