The May 4 municipal elections are coming up next month and things are starting to heat up in the various races.
Perhaps the biggest decision Killeen voters will face on election day will be the choice for mayor.
Will incumbent Mayor Debbie Nash-King get re-elected to her third term? Could frequent council critic Mellisa Brown, a former councilwoman, pull an upset and take over as city’s mayor?
Or could political newcomer Rick Briggs, a retired Army officer often seen at community events wearing his trademark kilt, upset both of those political veterans?
Wrapping up the mayoral candidates is Patsy Bracey, a perennial candidate who has never won. Bracey, who did not respond to the Herald’s questions for this report, is often seen at council meetings and is known for making controversial statements over the years.
The Killeen Independent School District and the Killeen City Council also have seats up for grabs in the upcoming election. Look for more election coverage in the Sunday, April 21, edition of the Herald, when the newspaper will have full coverage of all local elections, including early-voting times and locations. Early voting begins April 22.
The Herald posed four questions to each of the Killeen mayoral candidates. They are listed in alphabetical order. Here is what they had to say.
Patsy Bracey
PATSY BRACEY
Mayoral candidate Patsy Bracey did not reply to the questions by deadline.
Rick Briggs
RICK BRIGGS
Herald: Please describe your educational and work background.
Briggs: Etymology. Words. Wirds. Wurds. Wyrds. “Be Prepared.” “De Oppresso Liber.” “Vir Quisque Vir.” “Seek a Life Useful.” “Success, Action, Purpose.” Two become one. “Warrior Thespian.” “Captain Actor.” Words, which illustrate my chosen life path, which might be considered diametrically opposed to many folks. Many people are becoming aware of the value of life experiences versus formal education. Me? Yes. A high school diploma. And? “Degrees” as in an Associate of Arts (AA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Creative Arts (BCA), Master of Arts in Education (M.Ed.). Plus, military schooling from Airborne to Civil Affairs to Psychological Operations.
Herald: What are your priorities if you’re elected mayor?
Briggs: “My priorities” are many of those same issues faced and voiced daily by the good people of Killeen: perceptions of “Fraud. Waste. Abuse. Graft. Corruption. Nepotism.” Since my second arrival in the Spring 2001 (first was Spring 1964); I noted a city with promises and opportunities. (Also, I use acronyms and mnemonics to educate and illuminate notable “challenges” found with many communities located near a major military installation.) First acronym: “I.P.R.” – Image. Perception. Reputation. Second acronym: “V.E.M.M.P.S.” – Values. Ethics. Manners. Morals. Principles. Scruples. Lastly, yet perhaps most importantly; “P.C.E.P.” – Protect. Children. Elders. Pets., coupled with “H.W.S.S.” – Health. Welfare. Safety. Security. The name Killeen comes from Frank Patrick Killeen, born in County Mayo, Ireland. Our area was part of a greater land grant to COL Robertson from Mexico, settled by immigrant Scots. And, today, in this 21st century, we find ourselves in a community wherein 89 languages are spoken. Killeen ISD publishes in four different languages (in addition to American and Spanish): Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean, German. Our Cultural foundation was set decades prior — today we need only showcase our ethnic diversity in a holistic manner as “We-the people” of Killeen can “ReClaim Killeen!”
Herald: How would you go about dealing with the perceived lack of decorum at City Council meetings?
Briggs: The “perceived lack of decorum at City Council Meetings” is, in fact, a videoed and universally broadcast reality via print and digital mediums. In keeping with the City of
Killeen Charter, Ordinances, Article III, Section 25; and as I have noted on my “SOCMED” (Social Media) platforms, will execute local LAW dictates. Concisely noted here: #1. Operate the gavel during meetings of the Council, #2. Serve as Head (Ambassador) of the City, #3. Recognized as the Head of the City by the Governor for purposes of military Law. Five words noted on my “campaign cards”: Soldier. Statesman. Scholar. Servant. Scouter. Hence, “Be. Know. Do.” and “Leading By Example” are expressions of “how would you go about dealing with” such concerns during meetings. Role modeling “Common Courtesy,” with “Mutual Respect” and principles noted in another acronym, “L.D.R.S.H.I.P.” – Loyalty. Duty. Respect. Selfless Service. Honor. Integrity. Personal Courage. Or, to those previous generations of Veterans who learned– “The Four Cs” – Candor. Commitment. Courage. Competence. (I would add Compassion.) There is only one Race, the Human Race, We- the people must adapt and overcome this Darkness which plagues our Planet, Nation, State, County, and community. “This. Is. Killeen!” Rise UP! (See I.P.R. above!)
Herald: Can you explain how you feel about duplexes being built in single-family Neighborhoods?
Briggs: Yes. I can. My “feelings” on the building of duplexes built is single-family neighborhoods would be driven by our Organic Constitutions (America and Texas) and those basic Human Rights as noted in the Original Bill of Rights; supported by the Rule of Law found within our Constitutional Republic. One more, “C.A.P.T._R.I.C.K.’s*” acronyms: “P.A.I.R.” – Personal. Accountability. Individual. Responsibility. From my early years, living in an Irish- centric single-family home in a small village in Southeastern Iowa, I have come to better appreciate that sacred space cultivated by one “Circle-Clan-Fam-Team-Tribe-Ohana” unit. The quality of lives nurtured in one’s place—a single-family home—supported by close friends and neighbors cannot be over emphasized. Families need space to live, laugh, love, and share experiences. Families must be able to plant their own “Victory Gardens,” share within neighborhoods, celebrate Cycles of the Seasons, and Honor their Ancestors based on their culture and ethnicities. Every person should be able to live in their own home, on a plot of land of their choosing, without being stacked beside or on-top of or below anyone else. Freedom. Choices.
Mellisa Brown
MELLISA BROWN
Herald: Please describe your educational and work background.
Brown: I am a former Killeen City Council member from Nov 2020 – May 2022. I grew up in Upstate NY. I was in foster care and aged out. When I graduated high school, I started college at Syracuse University. I met my husband during my freshman year and dropped out of the University after getting mmarried so I could move to CA where my husband was stationed. I finished my degree in Business Administration Legal Studies while working full time, having 2 children, and being an FRG leader for 3 years (2 deployments). I earned multiple awards from Ft Cavazos (Ft Hood). Now I am a community advocate and caretaker. See www.gotovote.online for more details.
Herald: What are your priorities if you’re elected mayor?
Brown: Fiscal responsibility, accountability and true transparency, and protecting our first amendment rights.
The mayor doesn’t get to vote on streets, fees, taxes, or any other issues. However, the mayor controls the trips they go on, answering questions, and running the meetings. I will work to make sure Killeen has a better partnership with nonprofits and other cities/the county. The County and KISD should never learn about a major decision by Killeen from a private citizen when it appears on the agenda.
I will vote publicly to break a tie as per our Charter. I will also help citizens be heard at council meetings as allowed by the Governing Standards.
The mayor also sits on KEDC and has a vote on where incentive money is spent. I will advocate for making sure all incentives go to businesses where citizens of Killeen qualify for the jobs being brought in.
Herald: How would you go about dealing with the perceived lack of decorum at City Council meetings?
Brown: I believe the issues with decorum are due to citizens getting frustrated by being cut off while they are addressing the council and seeing different treatment for different people.
I will allow everyone to speak without interruption to the extent of the law and apply the rules equally to everyone. If someone sounds like they are veering off topic, I will pause their time and allow them to justify a connection to the agenda.
The other issue I see is questions not being answered. I will ensure that all questions are answered to the best ability of the staff and/or council. The only differences between the April 2 and April 9 meetings were that the mayor didn’t cut anyone off on April 9 and there were no disruptions by the public during the April 9 meeting. This proves that when the mayor sets the tone of respect, the citizens will mirror it.
Herald: Can you explain how you feel about duplexes being built in single-family neighborhoods?
Brown: I have no problem with duplexes in single-family neighborhoods if that is the plan from the beginning. Bringing duplexes into existing single-family neighborhoods needs to be carefully thought about on a case-by-case basis. Unless there is a tie, the mayor wouldn’t have a vote in these situations, but I will always do my research on these items just in case a tie comes up.
Debbie Nash-King
DEBBIE NASH-KING
Herald: Please describe your educational and work background.
Nash-King: I earned my bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, where I served for four years. This experience, along with my academic pursuits- a master’s in human resources from Central Texas Tarleton State University and a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California- has shaped my understanding of leadership and the complexities of governance. Also, before my current role as a full-time mayor, I was employed with the Soldier for Life Transition Center team, a testament to my commitment to our veterans.
Herald: What are your priorities if you’re elected mayor?
Nash-King: The Killeen 2040 Moving Forward Plan is not just a plan but a bold commitment to our city’s future. It outlines my visionary priorities: safety, residents, infrastructure, economic growth, homelessness, and community partnership, all of which are integral to our city’s development. By focusing on these areas, we can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Killeen.
1. To retain qualified employees, first responders and city employees must have adequate resources, pay incentives, and benefits.
2. The completion of the Rosa Hereford Community Center/Senior Center. This renovated center will be a multigenerational space where we can come together to socialize, learn new skills, and serve our community.
3. Solid infrastructure that is sustainable and cost-effective for future growth is critical for the safety of residents and first responders.
4. It is vital for the city to continue recruiting businesses that offer high-paying jobs for Killeen residents and invest in small businesses in the downtown area and throughout the city.
5. Meeting the needs of our unsheltered population through our reunification program is paramount; therefore, the city must continue to partner with organizations to enhance their quality of life.
6. I will continue partnering with Fort Cavazos and other entities to provide the best services to Killeen residents, our soldiers, and their families.
Herald: How would you go about dealing with the perceived lack of decorum at City Council meetings?
Nash-King: As the mayor, you are responsible for efficiently running our city council meetings. This can be challenging because some individuals intentionally test the boundaries between freedom of speech and decorum. However, as mandated by the Open Meetings Act, the mayor’s job is to ensure speakers stay on the agenda, follow the law, and redirect any disruptive behavior with legal guidance.
Herald: Can you explain how you feel about duplexes being built in single-family Neighborhoods?
Nash-King: Development, whether a business or residential project, is crucial to Killeen’s future growth. Therefore, if a developer would like to build a duplex in a single-family neighborhood, it is critical to get input from the area’s residents, and the development should follow the city guidelines and the 2040 comprehensive plan.
