Grand Prairie News reached out to both candidates Dennis King and Frank Gonzalez to offer both candidates the opportunity to take part in this special election voter guide. Frank Gonzalez was the only candidate that took the time to respond to our request. Need help finding out where you vote click here
Name: Frank Gonzalez
Address: 623 Golf View Lane, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Phone: (972) 597-9800
Email: fgonzalez1069@gmail.com
Website: www.votefrankgonzalez.com
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/votefrankgonzalez
Occupation: CEO & Co-Founder
Education (Include all degrees): Bachelor of Science Electronics Engineering, Executive Coaching through the Halftime Institute, Member of Executive Connection
Highlights of past civic involvement:
- Served as an HOA Council Member in my community, Coronado Forest
- Volunteered in many local organizations as a coach with youth programs, including: Grand Prairie Youth Football Association, Boy’s Baseball Inc., Girls Softball Association, YMCA Basketball, Crossroads Girls Basketball, and First Baptist Upward Basketball Program
- Volunteered as a Boys Scouts Tiger Cub Den Leader
- Volunteered as the All-Pro Team Captain for Reagan Middle School, a family-first fatherhood program
- Volunteer at our Church by leading a Married Bible Study for over ten years
- Volunteer at Mission Arlington & Metroplex with annual holiday projects and on-going financial support
- Volunteer for Dallas Life Foundation to serve fellow citizens
- Board of Directors of Readers2Leaders. A non-profit organization that develops and grows the reading skills of underserved children 3 to 12 years of age, so that they can succeed in school, graduate, and live productive lives
How much have you raised for your campaign: $75
Who are your top 3 contributors?
– Frank Gonzalez
– Individual less than $50
– Individual less than $25
Have you ever been involved in any civil lawsuits or declared personal or professional bankruptcy? If so, please explain and include the outcome of the lawsuit or bankruptcy filing.
No, I have never been involved in any civil lawsuits or declared bankruptcy.
What is an example of how you led a team or group toward achieving an important goal?
One of the keys to running a successful team is leading and inspiring those who work with you to achieve the organizations’ goals and objectives. I believe that everything starts with leadership and you are only as good as your team. It is essential to have the right people with the right skills aligned and focused on a common goal at all times. A team needs to clearly understand how their efforts clearly contribute to the overall success of the goal. The team needs to be reminded of the organization’s purpose and why the organization exists.
In summary, everyone needs to understand the big picture. A leader needs to ensure the team has the right tools and resources to accomplish the goal. A leader delegates, but also investigates that you are on the right path. Leaders have on-going meetings to track performance, and finally leaders lead by example. It is important to be personable and accessible, as well as recognize and celebrate the team’s accomplishments and contributions.
Why are you running for this office, and why should voters choose you over your opponents?
I am running for GP City Council District 2 because I want to apply my talents and gifts to make a difference and serve the community where I live, work, and play.
My three-point long-term plan for the community consists of:
- Balanced & Smart Development that Preserves Our Small-town Feel
- Unwavering Support for our Heroes, our Law Enforcement, our Fire Fighters, and our First Responders
- Continued Citizen Involvement & Engagement
Length of residency in your city or town and, if applicable, in your council district 2?
I have lived in Grand Prairie District 2 for 25 years.
What skills do you have that make you best qualified for the position?
I have been a Grand Prairie resident for over 25 years. My wife and I have raised our three children in Grand Prairie and invested our time, talent, and treasure here in the community we call home.
- I have 30 years of Business & Leadership Experience
- I am the CEO and Co-founder of an award-winning successful technology company that has been in business for over 19 years. I am responsible for all facets of the business. I work closely with various customers and our executive leaders over our Sales, Customer Success, Finance, and Talent Management organizations to establish well defined strategic business objectives and develop meaningful competitive advantages.
- I understand the science and art of developing an effective strategy. I am well versed in organization design that consists of having a culture of inclusion and diversity, a well-defined strategy, having the right organizational structure, people, processes, and technology to work together to achieve our goals.
- The array of knowledge and experience that I bring as a leader in business and as a leader in our community is what makes me best qualified to serve District 2.
What would you do to attract businesses to Grand Prairie?
From a business perspective, I would start by asking what businesses are looking for in a city and would focus on what Grand Prairie has to offer. For example, I would highlight that although Grand Prairie is the 15th largest city in Texas it has maintained a small-town feel. It is centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth with easy access to Dallas Love Field and DFW Airport. Grand Prairie is considered one of the best cities to live in Texas. It has a very diverse and educated population. It has good public schools, housing, and excellent outdoor activities. Focusing on the regional advantage as well as offering economic incentives would be a great way to attract businesses.
Tell us what your thoughts are about public safety and crime in Grand Prairie?
Part 1 crimes (violent crimes) are down in Grand Prairie due to the overall remarkable efforts of our law enforcement, citizens, city council, and the city management working together. Our police department and first responders have been instrumental in providing dedicated and quality services to protect and serve Grand Prairie citizens. As a result of the pandemic, domestic violence is one of the crimes that is up across the country. Strengthening community partnerships, domestic violence training, and embracing policies to recognize and address this crime is essential to continue to move Grand Prairie forward together.
How will you make sure budgets/ income are reconciled with expenses?
First of all, I would like to commend our city officials (City Manager, Mayor, City Council, and all the City Staff) for developing a comprehensive annual city budget year after year. Grand Prairie continues to prosper due to the sound financial management and high standards in managing our city finances. To continue to maintain financial excellence, I believe it is imperative to continue to have comprehensive financial meetings to monitor the performance of actuals versus budget throughout the year, track expenses closely, and continually look for ways to gain efficiencies and reduce spending where necessary. I believe in being socially and fiscally responsible. I am confident that I can immediately use my private-sector experience and apply business principles, like understanding a profit & loss statement, to the art of running the City of Grand Prairie.
Your district is continually expanding. How will you balance land-use to most effectively support those living in the district?
I believe in having a well-balanced business and neighborhood development. I would work closely with the residents, the current boards, and commissions to set the right direction for Grand Prairie. I believe in having a mixed-use urban development that promotes and provides space for living, working, playing, and shopping all in one. I believe in well-balanced development that focuses on having parks and dedicated green spaces for recreation and relaxation as well as the growth that caters to all demographics of age and culture, to support residents in all stages of their life.
What would you like people to know about you?
I believe that everything starts with servant leadership. I believe in the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated. I believe the American Dream is still alive and thriving as I am a product of what is possible. I believe in the ideals of freedom, democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality. As a first-generation in the United States, I grew up working in the fields and know the value of hard work. I believe that a small group of committed citizens with a common goal can make a difference in people lives.
Our company vision of honoring our employees, serving our customers with integrity, and reaching out to the communities where we live, work, and play is very similar to what Grand Prairie stands for. We need to honor our citizens by involving them, serve them with the utmost integrity, and continue to nurture Grand Prairie. I am willing and ready to serve our community and move Grand Prairie forward together.
