Elect Tommy Baril
newbie
Posts: 22
Reg: 11-16-11
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 11-16-11 10:38 PM - Post#142322
Howdy!
My name is Tommy Baril and I am a candidate for the City Council Place 6 position that was recently vacated - and will be filled in an election in the next few weeks. I am seeking this position because serving my community is in my DNA. I’m seeking to represent the city to ensure we continue to have a great place to work and live while maintaining fiscal responsibility and accountability.
I have a proven record as a goal-oriented, results driven leader and a proven record as a public servant. Specifically, I am a Senior Defense Analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), where I serve as the analyst-in-charge of engagements evaluating national security programs. I have received multiple awards, including GAO's Community Service Award, GAO's Meritorious Service Award, and GAO's defense team's Managing Director Award.
I have a proven record of serving the community. I have served in various capacities, such as serving the homeless in Dallas, serving as a leader and volunteer in Boy Scouts units and the Southern Sky district, serving as a member of Allen Community Emergency Response Team, and coaching youth through the Allen Sports Association. Over the summer, I led the effort that resulted in four new scouting units within Allen.
If elected, my three main priorities are:
* Maintain smart and sustainable economic growth to ensure Allen remains competitive and a great place to do business, work and live;
* Maintain strong accountability and fiscal responsibility so that the city can achieve the strategic goals and objectives articulated in the city's strategic plan; and
*Pro-actively engage with Allen to prepare the city and its residents for the challenges of the future.
I am a proud Christian, husband, father, Eagle Scout, and Texas Aggie.
Please vote on the dates listed below and elect me because serving the community is in my DNA.
For more information, please 'Like' me at www.facebook.com/ElectTommy.
See you at the polls on Nov 28 - Dec 9 or on Tuesday, December 13th.
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy
Pol Adv Thomas E Baril, Jr.
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Elect Tommy Baril
newbie
Posts: 22
Reg: 11-16-11
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 11-18-11 01:46 AM - Post#142351
In response to Elect Tommy Baril
Q: What do I mean when I state that one of my priorities is to ‘Maintain smart and sustainable economic growth while continuing to make Allen a great place to live and work’?
A: The key words for the first half of this priority are: maintain, smart and sustainable, and economic growth.
To address the first part of the priority, I think it is important to recognize the current city council team – along with the cast of characters that support them in different capacities – are doing a great job at creating an environment that promotes smart and sustainable growth. This is why I use the term “maintain”.
For some examples of smart and sustainable growth, I would recommend that you read the city’s 2010 Annual Report, which can be downloaded at the city’s Living in Allen site http://www.cityofallen.org/living_here/. You could also find great examples at the city’s Doing Business site at http://www.cityofallen.org/doing_business/ and the Allen Economic Development Corporation’s site at http://www.allentx.com/.
Continue to share this posting as well as my facebook site, www.facebook.com/ElectTommy with your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even strangers who want to learn more about Allen and the upcoming elections on November 28-December 9th (Early Elections) and Tuesday, December 13th (Election Day). Tell them to 'Like' the site so that they can keep receiving the news.
See you at the polls.
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy |
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rw
member
Posts: 427
Reg: 10-11-01
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11-18-11 06:19 AM - Post#142352
In response to Elect Tommy Baril
Q: What do I mean when I state that one of my priorities is to ‘Maintain smart and sustainable economic growth while continuing to make Allen a great place to live and work’?
A: The key words for the first half of this priority are: maintain, smart and sustainable, and economic growth.
Pure genius!
I respect your desire to serve...but you sound like you are reading from a script...it seems canned.
Here is what I'd like to know:
How long have you lived in Allen, do your kids go to Allen schools, if things are going well here, what differentiates you from the others running for this seat...if the goal is to maintain what we have?
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V-Girl
enthusiast
Posts: 2707
Loc: Allen, TX, US
Reg: 07-12-01
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11-18-11 07:54 AM - Post#142353
In response to rw
I don't care if his kids go to Allen schools. But my kids are homeschooled so we're a minority.
Crazy doesn't even begin to cover it. 
Will work for shoes!  |
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5538
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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11-18-11 02:20 PM - Post#142370
In response to V-Girl
I can't say enough good things about Tommy, everyone. He'd be a great asset to the council, IMO.
I've known Tommy for a number of years. His wife and mine met after they had started attending St. Jude, and Tommy and I met through them and other channels within the parish. Despite the fact that he is an aggie, I have the utmost respect for the man. He's a dedicated father, husband, worker, friend, and citizen. What he says is genuine ... never someone else's rehashed thoughts. He is an excellent communicator, leader, and listener.
You'd be hard pressed to find a more honest person to represent this city.
Hook 'em, Tommy!
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Elect Tommy Baril
newbie
Posts: 22
Reg: 11-16-11
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11-18-11 04:32 PM - Post#142377
In response to rw
rw,
Howdy! Thank you for your candid response about my post. I agree that electronic communication can hide the sincerity of one's comments, which can be both good and bad. As such, I am not certain that I can say any one thing specifically via this posting that would have you realize that I am a sincere person. As such, I would like to invite you (and whomever else might be interested) in sitting down together and chatting about Allen, Eagle football, DART, or whatever you would like to talk about. I believe that by the end of the conversation you will find that whether we agree about every topic or not that I am someone whom you could trust that my words reflect my thoughts.
Again, I sincerely appreciate that you were willing to ask me about my sincerity than just presume that I wasn't. Please let me know when you and I can get together at Starbucks, the Allen library, or wherever.
You can also follow me if you 'Like' me at www.facebook.com/ElectTommy.
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy |
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Elect Tommy Baril
newbie
Posts: 22
Reg: 11-16-11
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11-18-11 04:35 PM - Post#142378
In response to Al C
Al C,
Thank you for your kind words. I am very blessed to have a friend like you and your wife - even though you root for the wrong team. :)
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy
'Like' me at www.facebook.com/ElectTommy.
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy |
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Elect Tommy Baril
newbie
Posts: 22
Reg: 11-16-11
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11-18-11 04:38 PM - Post#142379
In response to V-Girl
V-Girl,
I don't know who you are. However, I like the "shoe thing." Do I dare ask how/where/why that got started? :)
Regardless, thank you for your support.
See you at the polls on Nov 28 - DeC 9 or on Tuesday, December 13th.
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy
'Like' me at www.facebook.com/ElectTommy.
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy |
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mgrayar
enthusiast
Posts: 3164
Reg: 09-25-09
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11-18-11 04:39 PM - Post#142380
In response to Elect Tommy Baril
Good news is, you both lost to my Tigers this year. M-I-Z!!!!!
Learn more about Cystic Fibrosis and how you can help at:
http://www.cff.org
Everyone can make a difference! |
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Elect Tommy Baril
newbie
Posts: 22
Reg: 11-16-11
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11-18-11 05:49 PM - Post#142385
In response to mgrayar
I guess that means you owe me one. Cast a vote for me and we'll call it even. ;) Seriously, congratulations on a hard-fought win! Best of luck on the rest of the season.
See you at the polls on Nov 28 - Dec 9 or on Tuesday, December 13th.
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy
Oh yeah - Pol Adv by Tommy Baril.
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy |
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V-Girl
enthusiast
Posts: 2707
Loc: Allen, TX, US
Reg: 07-12-01
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11-18-11 07:22 PM - Post#142393
In response to Elect Tommy Baril
V-Girl,
I don't know who you are. However, I like the "shoe thing." Do I dare ask how/where/why that got started? :)
When I joined this board, I had two toddlers/preschoolers and was supporting the family while my hubby was getting his MD & PhD. Tough road. I rewarded myself with shoes! I have quite the collection now. Most aren't worn much since I'm now a SAHM who homeschools middle schoolers & a 4 year old boy. ha ha!
I did find you on fb through some friends. :)
Crazy doesn't even begin to cover it.
Will work for shoes! |
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r75002
enthusiast
Posts: 421
Reg: 06-03-06
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11-19-11 02:20 AM - Post#142398
In response to V-Girl
Is there going to be, or was there a candidate forum?
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Barry_Hubris
enthusiast
Posts: 170
Loc: Allen, TX, US
Reg: 09-30-00
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11-19-11 05:30 PM - Post#142411
In response to r75002
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch44lEwX6h0
Edited by Barry_Hubris on 11-19-11 05:31 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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texmomma
enthusiast
Posts: 483
Reg: 10-02-06
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11-19-11 08:39 PM - Post#142412
In response to Al C
Here's another person who can definitely vouch for Tommy. He is very sincere- sometimes it's hard to come across the right way in a forum like this. He's an involved father, a good friend, an involved citizen, and someone we would be privileged to have represent us on our City Council.
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5538
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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11-20-11 12:07 AM - Post#142416
In response to Barry_Hubris
Thanks for posting the video ... I had not seen that yet. Definitely some good candidates in this group.
Good job, Tommy!
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Elect Tommy Baril
newbie
Posts: 22
Reg: 11-16-11
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11-21-11 12:25 AM - Post#142445
In response to Al C
First, I would like to give a quick shout out to our Allen Eagle football team. Thank you for a great game yesterday afternoon and not quitting when things were going tough. Your perseverance through adversity is a model to all. While this year’s journey has come to an end, you continue to be great ambassadors to the city of Allen. Thank you! We look forward with great excitement to next year.
I would like to briefly discuss the second half of my first priority – “while continuing to make Allen a great place to live and work”. While Allen is a great city, I believe we have to remember that it is composed of individuals, families, and groups with different needs and desires. Specifically, there are some individuals and families who have decided and are blessed to be able to live in Allen. In making this decision, these individuals and families made the decision based on factors ranging from schools to city parks. As a member of City Council, I pledge to listen to and work with individuals and families who have made the decision to live here. The issues that make Allen a great place to live can be different than what makes it a great place to work. The needs and desires of businesses vary just as the needs and desires of individuals and families vary. Businesses, especially small businesses, are looking for opportunities to realize ideas and dreams. In doing so, they are considering factors, such as access to their markets, great infrastructure support, and availability of the right workforce mix. The City of Allen has a number of entities, such as the Allen Chamber of Commerce and the Allen Economic Development Corporation, to proactively identify and work towards addressing the desires and needs of businesses. As a result of these efforts, we have made Allen a great place to work – for both Allen and non-Allen residents. As a member of the City Council, I will work with these entities as well as individual businesses to identify new, creative, and pro-active efforts that we can take to attract and retain the right mix of businesses.
In looking back, I probably should have made it more clear that a third aspect would be to continue to make Allen a great place to “visit”. The reality is that Allen has become a place to visit – whether it is to spend time with family and friends, take advantage of the entertainment (e.g. Allen Americans), or the shopping and restaurants. For example, while enjoying the tree lighting at Watters Creek last night with my family, I had an opportunity to chat with others along the creek. In a short period of time, I met people who were enjoying the event from neighboring cities likes Plano, Richardson, McKinney, Murphy, and Frisco. I even met one couple who were visiting their daughter from Brazil. While one location on one evening cannot be used as a generalizable sample, I believe it does provide us a data point that we can be proud of. Further, I believe it is something that we should not lose focus of as we move forward in the years to come. Allen should continue to be a place where people want to visit – whether it is for a first date for couples, a “staycation” for families who might not have resources to travel far, or evening outs with friends. As long as we make smart and sustainable decisions, creating an environment that welcomes visitors to the city will positively impact our community both short-term (i.e. increased tax revenues) and long-term (i.e. those individuals may later decide to move to Allen or bring their business here.).
You can continue to follow me by ‘Like’ me at www.facebook.com/ElectTommy. Tell your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.
Remember – Elections are coming up in a few weeks. Voting starts in a little over one week – from November 28th to December 9th. Election day is Tuesday, December 13th.
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy |
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LovesAllen
newbie
Posts: 2
Reg: 11-20-11
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11-21-11 03:06 PM - Post#142466
In response to Elect Tommy Baril
Tommy, I plan on voting in the special election for Allen City Council, but need to learn more about the candidates before making a decision on who I'll vote for.
There was a great question asked of you in a recent post about what you consider smart and sustainable growth for Allen. You pointed the person to read about it in various online documents. I would like to hear the answer from you, not from city documents.
My first question for you is what specific points do you consider to be smart growth for Allen? This could include a definition of what you consider "smart growth" to be, and then how you believe that should be applied to Allen.
Next, what do you consider as sustainable growth for Allen that you support? Again, this could include your definition of sustainable growth - just what does that mean to you - and how would you personally apply this to Allen if you were elected to City Council?
Thanks for your help in understanding your position on something you consider a top priority for the city of Allen.
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LovesAllen
newbie
Posts: 2
Reg: 11-20-11
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11-21-11 03:52 PM - Post#142471
In response to Barry_Hubris
Thanks for posting this video!! It was a great introduction to the candidates. I am already loving this forum!
Now I need to dig deeper to better learn their philosophies on governing and making decisions about what's best for Allen. I just found this forum yesterday. Any other suggestions on where to look?
I'd love to see them in a forum that provides for Q&A by the attendees.
Thanks again!
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Elect Tommy Baril
newbie
Posts: 22
Reg: 11-16-11
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11-22-11 12:45 AM - Post#142534
In response to LovesAllen
LovesAllen,
Great questions. Thank you for providing me the opportunity to address them. So, let’s discuss…
As you can appreciate, “smart growth” is not defined by any one aspect. Rather, it the result of a thought-provoking discussion within oneself and others who have a vested interest in the issue and/or action being considered. This could include members of the community, PTAs, City Council, Allen ISD, realtors, businesses, churches, and non-profits. I offer the following framework as a starting point for “smart growth.”
* Goal-oriented – will this action help the city achieve a goal, strategy, objective that is identified in the city’s strategic plan?
* Best-practices – has this action, or one similar to it, been identified by similar communities as something that enhanced the community?
* Lessons-learned – has this action, or one similar to it, been identified by similar communities as something that should not be repeated?
* Strategic thinking – is there indication and/or evidence that this action is what is needed to prime the pump for businesses, residential areas, visitors, etc?
* Pros and Cons – What will the Allen community gain from this action? At what cost? What are the immediate consequences of this action? What are the secondary and tertiary orders of effect?
* Capacity and saturation points – How much of this action can the city absorb and how close are we to those saturation points?
As an example of “strategic thinking,” Allen’s decision to invest in high power transmission lines positioned us to be an ideal location for data centers that need the capabilities that this infrastructure provides. Looking ahead, I would want to makes sure that the city has the “infrastructure” to support the increasing demand on mobile technology as more individuals work from their homes due to the changing dynamics of office footprints.
To me, sustainable growth is about making smart growth decisions but looking out over the mid- to long-term. After all, if we fall in love with Allen, we don’t want to feel like we have to move out 2-3 years later because the aspects that made it great back when we moved here are no longer here 2-3 years later. At the same time, it is also proactively monitoring the current environment and identifying residential, business, and visitor opportunities in areas that may not be fully utilized. For example, the city currently has a number of shopping complexes - including three grocery stores - that are vacant. I’d like to find creative solutions to fill those empty buildings and the small businesses that are often tied to those buildings. As some of you know, Stacy Furniture used this creative approach when it moved into the old K-Mart store.
I hope this answers your questions. Again, thank you for taking the time to ask me the questions. Please stay in touch.
Remember that early elections being NEXT week – Nov 28th to Dec 9th. Election Day is Tuesday, December 13th.
See you at the polls.
God Bless! Gig ‘em!
Tommy
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy |
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Elect Tommy Baril
newbie
Posts: 22
Reg: 11-16-11
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11-22-11 12:50 AM - Post#142535
In response to LovesAllen
LoveAllen,
As you may know, the City of Allen usually has its municipal elections in May. During those 'normal' election cycles, there are a number of venues where candidates have an opportunity to meet with those whom they will be representing. Unfortunately, there are limited opportunities in this special election because of the time constraints associated with it.
However, I have tried to make myself avaialble to Allenites through this site, through my email, and my Facebook site - www.facebook.com/ElectTommy. I have also met with a number of individuals and groups when possible in the week since I entered the race. Please do not hestitate to contact me if you have other questions that I can address.
God Bless! Gig 'em!
Tommy |
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