Dorothy Allan

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share your background?

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I am a proud resident of Celina. I have immersed myself in the community as a volunteer and leader through collaborations with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the city.

I have been married for 26 years and am the mother of two Celina CHS graduates. As a small business owner since 2011, my background includes serving as a retail consultant, where I specialized in leveraging advanced analytics to drive savings and implement revenue and profit strategies for my clients.

Since 2021, I have been a licensed real estate agent affiliated with Keller Williams, focusing on Celina, Prosper, and Gunter. Earlier in my career, I earned a degree in commercial photography and worked in film and video production, specifically in the healthcare industry.

I am passionate about contributing to Celina’s future and look forward to gathering insights to better serve our vibrant and expanding community.
 

What inspired you to run for City Council in Celina?

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I love Celina and see its incredible potential. I deeply understand the importance of protecting the charm, values, and traditions that make our community special. Celina is in a critical stage of development, and my background in strategic planning positions me well to serve as a council member. I excel at taking disparate pieces of information—insights, qualitative and quantitative data—and creating a clear path that drives organizations toward their objectives while delivering value. I am committed to help guide Celina’s growth while preserving what keeps our great way of life protected.

 

What is your overall vision for the future of Celina?

My vision is to protect the attributes that make Celina truly unique—from our vibrant downtown square and community events to the connected way of life that residents, their friends, families, and visitors all enjoy. Fifty thousand people chose to make Celina their home because something here resonated with them, and I am committed to preserving that vision. By making sound decisions focused on public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life, I will work to maintain the strong sense of community, values, and traditions that define Celina and ensure they continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.  

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How do you plan to balance growth and development while preserving Celina’s small-town charm?

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It begins with listening and being a thorough fact-finder, and it ends with strong advocacy. This is our Celina—a community working together toward shared goals and an exceptional quality of life. I am passionate about engaging in meaningful discussions with community members, exchanging ideas, and collaborating on solutions. I believe in ensuring that we are always prepared to meet the needs of our growing city while preserving the values and sense of community that make Celina special.

 

What strategies would you implement to attract new businesses and create jobs in Celina?

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To attract new businesses and create jobs in Celina, we need to tell our story and invite potential stakeholders to experience firsthand what makes our community special. The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has a wealth of valuable data that can showcase Celina’s potential. Additionally, a strong and unified city council is essential to instill confidence in corporations considering Celina as their next home.

I view Celina’s landscape like a chessboard—strategically guiding businesses to the right locations based on their products and services is key to ensuring Celina’s long-term success.
 

How will you support local entrepreneurship and small businesses?

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I support local entrepreneurship and small businesses every day. My approach includes staying informed about available resources, such as city and state grants, community memberships, and social media marketing strategies. These tools are essential in helping small businesses recover costs and reduce the time it takes to reach profitability. By connecting entrepreneurs with these opportunities, I aim to foster a thriving business environment that supports sustainable growth and success in our community.

 

What are your priorities regarding infrastructure improvements in Celina?

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As Celina continues to grow, thoughtful infrastructure planning is essential to preserving the community we all love. My focus is on creating well-connected neighborhoods through road improvements that ease congestion and enhance safety, while ensuring our essential utilities—water, power, and wastewater systems—are prepared to support future growth.

I believe that walkable neighborhoods, bike lanes, and trails are more than conveniences; they reflect the connected, active lifestyle that makes Celina special. I am committed to supporting projects that enrich our quality of life while making our city welcoming for new businesses and visitors.

By taking a balanced, thoughtful approach to growth, we can ensure infrastructure improvements keep pace with development without placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers. Together, we can continue building a community that remains true to its values while embracing a bright future.
 

What steps would you take to ensure the safety and security of our community?

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I believe in a zero tolerance for crime approach. Criminals go where they are welcome and stay where they prosper. We must make sure criminals are not welcome in Celina!

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How do you plan to work with local law enforcement and community organizations to address public safety concerns?

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I plan to work closely with local law enforcement by supporting the resources and training they need to serve our growing population effectively. Additionally, I will engage with community organizations to promote safety initiatives, encourage open dialogue, and build trust between residents and first responders.
 

What are your plans for maintaining or increasing affordable housing options in Celina?

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Our responsibility is to review and vote on recommendations that align with the community’s needs. By investing in the right tools and resources, we can empower city staff to model outcomes effectively, allowing us to make well-informed decisions that benefit Celina.

Affordable housing solutions must be tailored to support sustainable growth while preserving the unique character and charm of our community. With accurate data and strategic modeling, we can evaluate options that make sense for Celina, ensuring that our decisions promote balanced development and maintain the high quality of life our residents value.
 

How will you ensure that new development projects align with the community’s needs?

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To ensure that new development projects align with the community’s needs, it’s essential to prioritize thoughtful planning, community engagement in making decisions.

Community input is also critical. I believe in maintaining open lines of communication with residents, listening to their feedback, and ensuring that their voices are considered in every decision. By fostering collaboration between developers and the community, we can guide responsible growth that enhances quality of life, supports local businesses, and preserves the values and traditions that make Celina unique.
 

How do you plan to manage the city’s budget while addressing both current needs and future growth?

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As a council member, I will prioritize fiscal responsibility by ensuring that every budget decision balances current needs with long-term growth. This means prioritizing services like public safety and infrastructure while supporting projects that drive sustainable economic development. By relying on data-driven insights and seeking community input, we can make smart, strategic investments that deliver value without overburdening taxpayers, securing Celina’s future while meeting the needs of today.

 

What specific areas do you believe require increased funding or reallocation of resources?

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Law enforcement and infrastructure.

 

How will you ensure that the voices of Celina residents are heard and reflected in decision-making processes?

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I will listen to the residents. Period. That’s my job.

 

What methods will you use to keep the community informed about City Council initiatives?

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I will keep the community informed by making myself as accessible as possible, including providing a dedicated mobile number for residents to reach me directly. I will encourage community involvement by maintaining open lines of communication, sharing updates on City Council initiatives, and being responsive to questions and feedback. Transparency and accessibility are key to building trust and ensuring residents stay informed and engaged in Celina’s growth and future.

 

How do you plan to promote environmental sustainability and enhance the quality of life in Celina?

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I am committed to protecting the environment and believe that is fundamental to protecting the great culture in Celina.

  

Are there specific green initiatives or projects you would support or introduce?

No.

 

What is the one message you’d like Celina voters to take away from your campaign?

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Dorothy loves Celina and Dorothy will listen to the residents.

 

How do you plan to work with fellow council members to achieve your goals?

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My approach to serving on the City Council is rooted in professionalism, respect, and collaboration. I believe that healthy debate and open dialogue are essential for making the best decisions for our city. By actively engaging with fellow council members, listening to their perspectives, and working together toward shared goals, I am confident we can achieve outcomes that reflect the needs and aspirations of all Celina residents.