A humble politician is a bit of an oxymoron. The nature of the game is selling yourself to the voters, after all. When it comes down to a campaign duel I certainly don't mind speaking out about who I am and what I want to do, but in the normal course of activities I'm just not the "let me tell you about myself" kind of guy. I prefer to let my actions speak for me.
So here we are in 2012 already and I'm completing my first term in office on the Joshua City Council. You may not be aware that I'm up for re-election since I haven't really mentioned it much. The reason for that is that I'm running unopposed. Most people say "oh, that's great" when I tell them and it certainly is in many respects. Most politicians take that as a message that they are doing a good job. Most politicians are completely narcissistic too. Of course I'd like to believe that I'm doing a good job, but here in Joshua over the last few years a contested race has been the exception instead of the rule so it could just be that candidate apathy has brought me to a sure win. For me though not having a challenger is a little embarrassing. I fought hard for my first campaign win and with that I knew that I was chosen by the voters. Now the voters have no choice and that goes against what I really believe in.
I did a phone interview earlier this week with the Joshua Star newspaper and was asked about my platform. I didn't have to think much about that, I know what I'm trying to accomplish. Even though the voters in Joshua don't have a choice for Council Place 4 this year they should still know who they're getting. Here's a little bit of what I'll be focusing on:
1. Joshua Station, Joshua's mixed-use development across the highway from the high school. Brookshire's will begin construction of their new grocery store probably in June of this year. That's a big deal. There is a possibility of an apartment complex and the city is beginning discussions with the YMCA to possibly run a community rec center there. The development has many retail, restaurant and office spaces that we're working hard to recruit tenants for that will compliment the city and fill the gaps that the citizens have requested. After getting alcohol sales passed in the city last fall things finally began to move.
2. Downtown redevelopment. We've progressed in the process to form a committee of downtown stakeholders to develop a set of standards for redevelopment in the overlay. I want to continue to work on attracting investors and developers that will share the vision of a vibrant downtown area that will attract people.
3. Highway 174 beautification. I'd like to see the city use it's economic development resources to assist new and existing businesses in improving the look of our most fruitful commercial corridor. First impressions go a long way and I'd like to people to be "wowed" when they come to Joshua. Eventually I'd like to see the center turn lane on 174 removed in much of the city and replaced with a landscaped, treed median.
4. County affairs. I will continue to attend Commissioners Court meetings twice monthly to stay current on county affairs that affect our city and provide a voice back to the court. Right now one of my top priorities is staying up on the installation of the county's new radio communications system for our first responders. Our police and firefighters need to have the confidence that wherever they are in the county when they key that mic they will be able to reach someone on the other end.
There's no shortage of things to do and as usual I'm always here to listen to your ideas and priorities. You can email me at AJ@ajmathieu.com or call 817-426-1641.
Vote May 12th!
A.J.
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