Guest column: Communication and leadership

My opponent, Steve Lyda, freely admits he doesn’t interact and listen, in fact he brags about it. He doesn’t talk to landowners who would like to develop their property unless they present themselves to him in council chambers. Unfortunately, the same goes for the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce, local business owners and realtors. Mr. Lyda does not attend economic development team meetings where council hears about proposed developments and gives early feedback. During the town council meeting when Kroger requested to spend $14 million to enhance and upgrade their store on FM1171, he stated he must listen to and represent the residents he “trusts” and voted NO to Kroger’s request. It seems that if you’re not on Mr. Lyda’s most trusted list, he does not represent you. This is a strange approach to governing our Town and very different from my own. My approach is based on inclusion, listening, and open and honest communication.