Polls

What would give the financially troubled Vive Les Arts Theatre the best chance to succeed in the community?

You voted:

1. New leadership. A new board of directors will breathe life into the organization.

2. Financial director. VLA needs someone who can chart a sound financial path.

3. Theater partners. VLA should partner with another theater group to cut costs.

4. Public access. The theater should be opened to a variety of groups and activities.

5. Corporate sponsors. VLA must secure steady corporate funding to stay viable.

Do you agree with the Killeen City Council’s decision to authorize an extension for the city audit’s completion?

You voted:

1. Yes. It’s important that the auditors do a thorough job. This shouldn’t be rushed.

2. Yes. The auditors received a large submission of data that must be reviewed.

3. No. The extension was OK’d behind closed doors. This process lacks transparency.

4. No. The completion date keeps getting pushed back. Competency is an issue.

5. Unsure. It’s hard to say if the delay was warranted without knowing all the facts.

Do you think Killeen city officials should work to save the Vive Les Arts Theatre, which is scheduled to close next month?

You voted:

1. Yes. A community theater is vital to Killeen; officials should work to save it.

2. Yes. Funding should be given to keep it afloat pending a long-term solution.

3. No. There is no sense in trying to save it if the community doesn’t support it well.

4. No. The theater may be revived, but it shouldn’t be the city’s job to prop it up.

5. Unsure. It’s hard to say whether the city should interfere with a nonprofit’s plans.

Do you have confidence in the integrity of the ongoing audit into Killeen’s finances?

You voted:

1. Yes. The auditors are following a prescribed process and briefing the City Council.

2. Yes. Auditors asked for a delay to study new data; that shows their dedication.

3. No. Closed-door briefings with council and staff raise questions of transparency.

4. No. Auditors have had little to say publicly since May; that should be a red flag.

5. Unsure. Without knowing the auditors’ investigative process, it’s hard to say.

Do you agree with Killeen Councilman Steve Harris that the MUD agreement for Turnbo Ranch should be investigated?

You voted:

1. Yes. The contract was reportedly rushed to approval without all details given.

2. Yes. The city is on the hook for millions in infrastructure; it should be revisited.

3. No. The agreement was voted on and is in place. There’s no need to reconsider it.

4. No. Charges of collusion between city officials and the developer are unfounded.

5. Unsure. it’s hard to say without knowing if Mr. Harris has supporting evidence.

Do you think Killeen school district officials should consider data from the recent Children at Risk study in future policy decisions?

You voted:

1. Yes. The study echoed many of the concerns in the TEA’s accountability ratings.

2. Yes. While the methodology may be imperfect, it offers valuable perspective.

3. No. As with the TEA ratings, it’s impossible to quantify results with a letter grade.

4. No. The recent study lacks credibility, since it didn’t use state or federal criteria.

5. Unsure. It’s hard to say without fully understanding the research methods.

Do you think the audit firm hired by the city is doing a good job on its investigation into the city’s finances?

You voted:

1. Yes. The firm’s first report to the council indicated a solid investigative process.

2. Yes. The audit is on target for completion in early July, which is encouraging.

3. No. The latest audit briefing offered little information; that should be a red flag.

4. No. Auditors aren’t talking to ex-employees or going hard after documents.

5. Unsure. It’s hard to say how auditors are doing without seeing their paperwork.

Do you favor the Killeen school district’s proposal to spend $1 million for a new scoreboard at Leo Buckley Stadium?

You voted:

1. Yes. The current scoreboard is 10 years old; an updated model is needed.

2. Yes. The new scoreboard would pay for itself with higher advertising revenue.

3. No. There must be a cheaper option. $1 million is simply too much to spend.

4. No. Education expenditures should take precedence. This is a back-burner item.

5. Unsure. It’s hard to say whether the scoreboard is a good investment.

Do you favor a statewide cap on property appraisal increases for commercial property?

You voted:

1. Yes. State law caps homestead appraisal hikes; a commercial cap is needed.

2. Yes. A cap on commercial appraisals will bring predictability to land values.

3. No. Over time, it would create a gap between market values and appraisals.

4. No. Capping appraisal hikes would limit needed revenue in high-growth areas.

5. Unsure. It’s hard to say whether such a cap would be a workable option.

What is the biggest challenge facing the Killeen City Council and City Manager Ron Olson?

You voted:

1. Putting the city’s finances in order and identifying revenue sources.

2. Developing a plan to shore up the city’s infrastructure, especially in older areas.

3. Reducing the city’s crime rate, particularly in the area of violent crime.

4. Improving planning of the city’s residential and commercial developments.

5. Bringing more high-tech industry and better-paying jobs to the city.

6. Other.

Today's e-Edition

KDH Poll

What would give the financially troubled Vive Les Arts Theatre the best chance to succeed in the community?

You voted:

1. New leadership. A new board of directors will breathe life into the organization.

2. Financial director. VLA needs someone who can chart a sound financial path.

3. Theater partners. VLA should partner with another theater group to cut costs.

4. Public access. The theater should be opened to a variety of groups and activities.

5. Corporate sponsors. VLA must secure steady corporate funding to stay viable.

The original Galileans, loved by millions nationwide, will reunite in two concerts today to celebrate Pastor John and Linda Abbey’s ninth anniversary as pastors at Bethel Church, 4307 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd., Killeen.

Free dental care today for those without insurance

Jul 21, 2017

The Greater Killeen Free Clinic and its community partners will host “Day of Smiles,” a communitywide dental day, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. today for those 18 and older who do not have dental insurance.

3 blood drives planned

Jul 20, 2017

Carter Blood Care Center plans three blood drives in Killeen.

CTC course registration underway

Jul 18, 2017

Registration for fall 2017 semester classes at Central Texas College is now open. Returning students and new students who have completed the admissions and advising process and have a degree plan on file, may then register using the CTC WebAdvisor system on the school’s website. Registration…