We recommend in the race for Frisco City Council, Place 1

The race for the Place 1 seat in the Frisco City Council is an echo of the city’s mayoral contest last year. It pits a more optimistic assessment of Frisco’s growth against one that is more skeptical of the city’s direction.

Incumbent John Keating, a longtime council member and an ally of Mayor Jeff Cheney, faces a challenge from Mark Piland, the city’s former fire chief. Piland ran against Cheney last spring and lost. We hope voters will return Keating to his seat.

Frisco continues to be the talk of North Texas, with other cities wishing they could replicate its wins. The credit goes in large part to city managers and council members who have been intentional and assertive about creating desirable neighborhoods and attracting business to Frisco. Keating, 60, said the city has had great success with its economic development strategy, and he pushes back against criticism that the council is picking winners and losers just for the sake of bringing in business. He said the city offers incentives selectively and based on performance.

We also found it noteworthy that Keating makes a point of celebrating Frisco’s diversity on his campaign website. In our interview, he talked about the importance of embracing “diversity of thought and action” instead of fixating on people’s political leanings or background.

Piland, 64, said he was urged to run by residents who feel they are not being heard by the council. For example, he cited discontent with the Universal theme park, which he said is “the right project” but in the wrong spot. Piland also argues that the city should stop issuing incentives to commercial developments. We think that stance is shortsighted.

Keating and Piland also disagree on two propositions that would grant civil service protections and collective bargaining to Frisco firefighters. Keating opposes the measures, noting that Frisco has made sure firefighters and police are well compensated, while Piland supports the propositions.

Last year, we noted our concern about news that Piland had been forced to retire in 2022 because of the handling of a mayday report. He disputes that he altered the report to remove unflattering information.

Piland would bring a less constructive tone to the council, and in our view, he fails to make a strong enough argument for why he should be elected over Keating. Voters should pick the incumbent.

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