| Candidates agree on need to end erosion Bird, Supinski running for council's Place 1 04/13/2001 By Katherine Morales / The Dallas Morning News Charlie Bird and Betty Supinski will face off in the May 5 election for Place 1 on the Farmers Branch City Council. Both are longtime residents of the city and have extensive backgrounds in volunteer work.
Incumbent Mr. Bird said he wants to continue his service to the community and resolve major issues, including DART expansion and erosion problems at Farmers Branch Creek.
Ms. Supinski said she wants to revitalize community interest in city government and protect the way of life residents in Farmers Branch enjoy.
"I am a 23-year resident of Farmers Branch, and I have found it difficult to get any information from the city. I've had people asking me for years to run, and the more I've studied, the more I've discovered that every advisory board member is appointed by the council and have served for years," Ms. Supinski said.
"This is why I'm in favor of term limits."
Mr. Bird, who is not in favor of term limits, said the voters decide term limits. "If they are unhappy, they vote for someone else," he said. "That is a term limit."
Ms. Supinski said the number of people communicating with city officials has dwindled because people feel their opinions and voices do not count. She said she also wants a solution to the erosion problems.
"I know that we have to structure the use of city funds, but If we let all of these people's homes go to waste and wash away, this is not watching out for the community," Ms. Supinski said.
"I think the only reason the city is having forums about this now is because it is election time. Let's not pay more money for more written reports; let's strive to make corrections."
Mr. Bird agreed that he would like to see some resolution to the erosion issue, but he contends the city cannot spend taxpayers' money on private property unless the city contributed to the problem.
Mr. Bird said he hopes the forums will provide city officials and the council with the direction they need to get something accomplished.
He also said he wants to see DART rail in the city no later than 2008.
"We need to expand the library and finish the recreation center, and we need the revitalization of Branch Crossing," Mr. Bird said. "For DART, 2008 needs to be the final date – it can't be pushed back any further that that."
Ms. Supinski said she doesn't want residents to be surprised by council action and said they need to feel that they can be a part of the decision-making process.
"From the time we moved here in 1977, I felt strongly that we had a council interested in keeping our city 'a city in a park,'" she said. "I know we have to have commercial growth, and I know our city will grow more, but we need to protect our neighborhoods and get people interested."
Mr. Bird said he was a representative for all the residents of Farmers Branch and said he is proud of the work he has accomplished.
"I do stand on my record, which I think is very satisfactory," he said.
Staff writer Katherine Morales can be reached at 972-418-9999, ext. 2005, and at .
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