Q&A with Vonya Hart, Candidate for Copperas Cove City Council Place 6
Bio
My upbringing began in Rhode Island and later New York. My mother raised my brother and I in subsidized/public housing. She valued education, working closely with my high school guidance counselor. Together, they helped me reach my goal of attending college. My family arrived in Cove by military assignment in 1998. I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, currently employed as a Military Family Life Counselor. At a very early age, I was always fascinated by human behavior and why people do what they do. I wanted to learn ways to empower people by maximizing their potential in all areas of their lives, no matter their circumstances. I’m dedicated to continuing that purpose. I have never run for or served in a public office; however, I serve my community in other areas. I decided to run for a seat on the city council to compliment the council in its direction of making decisions that affect the residents of Cove. I am the widow of a retired Army veteran. My late husband passed away in 2014, within seven years of his retirement. It was the community who provided me support in my new unexpected role as a single mom to three boys. My faith has been my foundation and the community has been the breath of that foundation. I am honored to possibly have the opportunity to pay it forward.
Campaign Social Media/Website:
VONYA HART FOR COPPERAS COVE CITY COUNCIL PLACE 6: https://www.facebook.com/HforCove/
What do you believe the City of Copperas Cove should do to enhance and improve the quality of life for residents, and how should the city fund these improvements?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Quality of Life is defined as: overall enjoyment of life: general well-being. Specifically, the degree to which a person or group is healthy, comfortable and able to enjoy the activities of daily living. I believe that our city needs to continue effective communication within those entities that can bring about positive outcomes for exactly that definition in Copperas Cove. A few questions cross my mind pertaining to the funding. How about existing budgets within the entities? I understand that there have been items approved. Also, If residents are willing to approve a dedicated sales tax for street maintenance/repair, how about for our Quality of Life? Residents need to look at these two areas very carefully to decide what is most important to them. Both taxes at the same time is too burdensome for our residents. Are we willing to research federal grants or is this research already in progress? Exploring community resources is always a welcomed idea as well. I believe concentration in these areas can bring about a plan in the direction that serves best for our city.
If elected to office, what initiative(s) would you set in motion to improve the city during your term of office?
I would continue to compliment the council’s efforts with the amendments of the city ordinances, which appear to be too restrictive. Specific initiatives to target growth and development, quality of life and community cohesiveness would carefully be considered when presented to the council by the community and entities’. I believe that these three areas collectively bring prosperity for our city.
Copperas Cove has been described by some as not being “business-friendly.” What are some solutions to remedy this perception?
As mentioned previously, I believe that the rules and regulations for businesses are too restrictive, so the amendment process that is occurring within the council right now is good. A city’s attractiveness is also a key component for bringing in businesses, so any efforts within that component may be helpful too.