Voters in Mansfield will choose their next mayor in less than a month, and the candidates recently met for a forum. Michael Evans is running for a second term. Julie Short, who currently serves on the Mansfield City Council, is challenging him.
The two said they respect each other and voted together 98% of the time, but they said Mansfield should plan for continued growth in the future.
The U.S. Census says Mansfield has grown from 56,368 people in 2010 to 78,542 in 2023.
"I do love this city," Short said during the forum. "I want to see it be the most successful, cohesive, unified city it can possibly be. I feel like we've lost some of that over the past few years."
"I want to continue to see Mansfield win," Evans said. "Number one: I want to make sure we continue to take care of you. Safety, that's important."
Evans said Mansfield has been rated "number one in regards to safest city in this area. In our time together, we were rated the best city to do business."
As the city grows, Short said Mansfield should focus on infrastructure.
"I want the government to take care of streets, water, sewer and our safety with fire and police," she said. "Parks are great to give us quality of life."
She said Mansfield might consider slowing down approval for new apartments to make sure the city can held increased traffic and demand for water. Evans said he called for a moratorium on new apartments in 2020, but 40% of the city's residents are renters, and the demand is growing.
"I promise you we are hyper-sensitive as it regards to multi-family," Evans said. "We hear it. We hear it everywhere."
Evans said occupancy rate of apartments is currently in the "high 90s."
Last year, Mansfield partnered with a developer to build a mixed-use project that will include a new city hall. The project will include homes, restaurants and shops; Stillwater Capital then sold
As Mansfield grows, Evans said he wants to make sure the city does not "lose her character."
"In order to do that, you've got to be intentional about gathering spaces," he said.
Short said she would focus on "quality growth," saying the government should focus on infrastruture like streets, water, sewer and public safety. She said public contracts should go to the company that can offer the best quality at the best price.
Evans said the two "have been able to work together. We've done some great things together," but he said he would work to protect public safety and invest in roads. He said Mansfield has lowered the property tax rate "every year I've been blessed to serve as mayor."
More information about Evans is available on his website. More information about Short is available on her website.
Early voting across the area starts April 22. Election day is May 3.
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