Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Murphy City Council Member, Place 3

3-year term, elected citywide. Must be at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, a qualified voter, and a resident of the city. The City Council establishes city policy through ordinances and resolutions.

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  • Candidate picture

    Andrew Chase
    (N)

  • Candidate picture

    Debbie Ison
    (N)

Biographical Information

Motivation: Why do you want to serve as mayor or city council member, and how have you worked with different stakeholders, such as businesses, community organizations, and residents?

Changes: What changes do you expect in the city in the next few years and how would you plan for them?

Transportation: Do the current transportation options in the city enable residents to get where they need to go? If not, what improvements would you support?

Infrastructure: Besides transportation, what are the most urgent infrastructure projects in the city, and how would you get them done?

Affordability: What changes, if any, are needed to make the city more affordable for its residents?

Finance: What is your plan for managing the city budget and addressing fiscal challenges?

Land Use: What is your vision for land use in the city, including businesses and housing?

Collaboration: How will you work with county and state government and regional organizations to address the city’s needs?

Other Issues: What other important issues are facing the city council, and how would you address them?

My high school motto wears “Men for others.” I have always taken that to heart. This world is in desperate need of help from all levels of society. I try to do what I can.
The city has been very attractive to many people. We need to not only attract a variety of beliefs and cultures in as welcome a manner as possible.
Because we are out of the scope of DART we must explore other local private options for connections to that system while also exploring future connections as well.
Pedestrian safety and convenience should be our primary concern. Our sidewalk situation is clearly showing its age. It must be addressed.
We have a program to promote new business here. We should have a similar one for residents. Maybe coupons for local business or transportation.
There are several ways that our citizens can stay informed about city actions. This should not be cause for citizen lack of information. The budget should always be a result of citizen input and council action.
We are clearly a landlocked city. We should encourage the largest amount of variety in the “Corridor.” The few sections of land still not developed MIGHT need to be considered for higher density use.
We have tried to work work with adjacent cities and county comm, it should begin here.0
The mix of cultural groups into the city has been important. The improvement of our infrastructure is important.
Education University of North Texas
Campaign Email dison2@hotmail.com
Campaign Phone 214-914-2789
I want to serve on City Council because I care deeply about the long‑term health and stability of our community. After more than two decades in Murphy, I’ve seen firsthand how strong infrastructure, responsible budgeting, and well‑supported first responders form the foundation of a safe and thriving city. These aren’t abstract policy points—they’re the everyday essentials that keep our neighborhoods functioning and our families protected. Most of all, I’m running because I believe in service. I’ve spent years investing in this community, and I’m ready to put that experience to work in a way that helps Murphy stay strong, responsive, and well‑prepared for the future.
Murphy is at an important moment. As surrounding communities continue to grow, we must plan thoughtfully and proactively to protect our quality of life. I want to bring a steady, practical voice to the council—one that focuses on maintaining what we’ve built, preparing for what’s ahead, and ensuring that tax dollars are used wisely and transparently.
Murphy is primarily a drive‑dependent community, and while our road network gets residents where they need to go, we know there are areas that need improvement. School‑related congestion, aging roads, and regional traffic all impact daily travel. We don’t have public transit options within the city, so maintaining safe, reliable roadways is essential. To strengthen transportation in Murphy, I would support: - Investing in road maintenance and resurfacing so our streets stay safe and functional as they age. - Improving traffic flow around schools through better timing, signage, and coordination with the district. - Enhancing pedestrian and bike safety with sidewalk repairs, ADA upgrades, and improved lighting.
Aging cities don’t fall behind all at once—they fall behind slowly, in the everyday systems people rely on. When you look at what truly needs attention, a few categories rise to the top: - Prioritize maintenance before crisis — aging streets, drainage, and utilities need consistent investment to prevent costly failures. - Modernize essential facilities — police, fire, and municipal buildings must keep pace with today’s equipment, technology, and safety standards.
Keeping Murphy affordable starts with protecting the long‑term financial stability of the city so we don’t place unnecessary burdens on homeowners. That means: - Prioritizing essential spending—focusing tax dollars on core services like infrastructure, public safety, and utilities rather than taking on new, non‑essential projects. - Strengthening the commercial tax base through thoughtful, compatible development that brings in revenue and reduces reliance on residential property taxes. - Pursuing grants and regional partnerships to fund infrastructure and public safety improvements without shifting the cost to residents. - Maintaining city facilities proactively so we avoid expensive emergency repairs that strain the budget.
We must focus on essentials first — prioritize core services like infrastructure, public safety, and utilities before taking on new spending. Plan long‑term, not year‑to‑year — use multi‑year budgeting and forecasting to anticipate needs, avoid surprises, and prevent deferred maintenance from becoming expensive emergencies. Be transparent and data‑driven — make decisions based on real costs, usage trends, and community priorities so residents understand how and why funds are allocated.
Prioritize compatible, community‑focused development that aligns with the new Master Plan, Murphy’s small‑city feel and supports long‑term stability. Protect residential neighborhoods by ensuring new projects respect traffic patterns, safety, and the scale of surrounding areas. Encourage strategic commercial development that strengthens our tax base, reduces the burden on homeowners, and brings needed services without overwhelming our roads or public safety resources. Preserve open space and parks where possible, recognizing their value to families, property values, and community identity. Plan proactively for regional growth so Murphy remains prepared—not reactive—as surrounding cities expand and development pressures increase.
My goal is to build strong relationships with county and state leaders, so Murphy has a seat at the table when decisions affecting our region are made. Collaboration starts with communication and consistent engagement. We must coordinate on regional growth and development so that projects in surrounding cities don’t overwhelm Murphy’s roads, emergency services, or utilities. Regional issues require regional solutions.

Murphy is nearly built out, which means the next chapter is about: - Redeveloping aging commercial areas - Protecting neighborhood character - Ensuring new projects don’t strain city services Thoughtful land use decisions will shape Murphy’s future.