FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch City Council has called the annual City election for Saturday, May 11 to elect City Council members. As the result of a lawsuit, the federal district court has ordered that City Council members must now be elected from five geographically drawn single member districts, replacing the at-large system of elections used in prior years. 

   The implementation of the single member district system will be staggered during the next three years to coincide with the current staggered terms of office.   

   In 2013, Districts 1 and 4 are up for election. Candidates filing for the District 1 seat are William Capener and Ana Reyes. In District 4, Kirk Connally will face incumbent David Koch. 

   Next year, District 2 plus the Mayor's seat will be chosen. Then, in 2015, representatives from Districts 3 and 5 will be elected. Current Council members will retain their positions until the end of their respective terms, at which time they have the option to run for re-election according to the district of their residence, if that district is up for election in that year. The Mayor will continue to be elected at-large and all members of the Council will serve three-year terms.

   District 1 generally covers the northwest end of the City while District 4 encompasses most of the southeast section of Farmers Branch. District 3 extends from the center of the City to the southwestern edge while Districts 2 and 5 are located in the northern central area of town. Detailed maps are available for inspection at any City facility or online at www.farmersbranch.info.

DALLAS ~ Indicative of an ongoing pattern of growth and expansion, Farmers Branch has garnered two finalists in the 2013 Dallas Business Journal's Best Real Estate Deals recognition program.

Mustang Station, now under construction.

   The Mustang Station master planned, mixed-use urban development is a finalist in the Best Mixed Use category. Situated along the DART Green line, just east of Interstate 35E, the project represents $22 million of transit oriented development and will feature a 257-unit luxury apartment community and more than 10,000 square feet of retail ready space in the initial phase of the project.

   "We have never had a downtown and this will change how we face Interstate 35E," said Farmers Branch Economic Development and Tourism Director John Land. "Mustang Station is creating a buzz in Farmers Branch."

   In the category of Best Land Deal is the Billingsley Company acquisition of 225 acres in Mercer Crossing, just west of Interstate 35E and north of LBJ freeway.

   "Henry and Lucy Billingsley are truly Dallas treasures and we are so fortunate to be working with them in Farmers Branch," Mr. Land added. "The projects they have proposed are both timely and needed and we look forward to a long and rewarding relationship."

Employee: Steve Murphy

Position: Captain, B Shift, Fire Station No. 1

Department: Fire Department

Years: 28 years

Background: Began my wonderful career with Farmers Branch in 1985 as a firefighter and paramedic. Through the years I have had the opportunity to work in all positions within the operations division alongside many outstanding firefighters and paramedics. Two years ago I was fortunate enough to acquire a position on Texas Task Force 2, a state USAR team, as a plans manager. My wife and I reside in Argyle and have 5 grown children and 7 grandchildren. On my days off I enjoy golf, family and travel. Recently I made a decision to go back to school and fulfill an item on my bucket list. Even though it is a little late in life, I have always wanted my degree. By summer I should have my Associates, and if all goes well, my Bachelors within the next year or so.

What I like most about working for Farmers Branch: If I were to put my finger on one thing of the many I have enjoyed about working in Farmers Branch, it would be the feeling of being a part of a well-oiled team, no matter what department you deal with. All seem to have very competent and friendly personnel with the goal of serving the citizens of Farmers Branch. 

   Volunteers are on hand at the Senior Center on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and at the Manske Library from 1 until 7 p.m. through April 16. The tax filing deadline is Monday, April 15.