Mr. Howell said his background as a small-business owner gives him sensitivity. He has lived on the east and west sides of Richardson since he moved to the city in 1959, and he says this gives him a good feel for the city, overall. He said that despite representing a district, he would make decisions with the entire city in mind. Candidates in four districts must live in the area they would represent. Three of the members are elected at-large.
Residents vote for candidates in all seven seats.
Mr. McKearin said he looks forward to the tremendous opportunities and challenges he would face if elected. Among these challenges, he said, are melding resident diversity and balancing traditional Richardson neighborhoods with large corporations that provide a large part of the tax base. Mr. Townsend, who works as a substitute teacher at the junior and senior high school levels several days a week, said he has the time and energy to commit to a council position.