Rick Stopfer: Running for Irving's District 8 Council Seat. The following Bio is taken from Mr. Stopfer's website:
"My 20 years of service to the City of Irving uniquely qualify me for this office. I have been instrumental in advocating for and securing state and federal funding for critical transportation projects, managing the on-time and on-budget delivery of the DART light rail line; pursuing agreements that will secure long-term water resources and generate revenue for the city; and supporting increased investments in economic development initiatives that have brought new jobs and revenues to our city."
- Leading efforts on the funding and implementation of critical transportation projects, including the DART light rail line (the first phase of which will open this July), SH 183 reconstruction, Irving Blvd. corridor enhancements, and the Irving Diamond Exchange (SH 183/SH114/Loop 12 intersection).
- Advocating for enhanced economic development initiatives in partnership with the chamber, which resulted in 26 economic development "wins," creating 1,974 new jobs, 2,940 retained jobs, and $97 million in taxable investment.
- Planning for meeting future water demands by encouraging and supporting conservation and by pursuing new water sources in Texas and Oklahoma that will both meet our community's needs and help generate additional revenues for the city.
- Supporting public safety initiatives that have contributed to Irving's lowest crime rate on record (the crime rate decreased by 12 percent in 2011, the 7th straight year of decline).
- Helping create a vital, educated workforce by supporting Irving's broad range of educational institutions, including charter schools, trade schools, community colleges and four-year colleges and universities.
- Developing strong neighborhoods through supporting new neighborhood associations, redeveloping and revitalizing mature neighborhoods, and attracting new communities of single-family homes in areas such as Las Colinas, Emerald Valley, and Graff Farms.
Rick Stopfer has served on the City Council since 1998. He is the chairman to the Transportation and Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the Communications Committee and the Planning and Development Committee. He is also the council liaison to the Housing and Human Services Board and the alternate council liaison to the Museum Advisory Board and Coppell ISD. Mr. Stopfer serves as the council liaison to the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition, TEX 21 and the Regional Transportation Council. He also serves as the alternate council liaison for the DFW Board, Irving Flood Control District, Section 3, and National League of Cities.
