This is a primer for anyone trying to orient themselves into Denton political life for the first time – find your district, your council person, voting information, and practical steps on how to go about getting involved in this town.

Kevin Roden – Originally done last February – updated on 01.04.11

The Composition of the Council
The Denton City Council is composed of the Mayor, 4 Council seats representing the 4 voting districts and 2 at-large Council seats for a total of 7 Council members. Terms are 2 years in length and each of the 7 members of the City Council can serve up to a maximum of 3 consecutive terms.

That means that there are three positions which are voted on by ALL of us, regardless of where you live: the mayor and the two at large seats. Those people currently are Mayor Mark Burroughs, Pete Kamp (At Large Place 5 and Mayor Pro Tem), and James King (At Large Place 6).

There is also someone who represents your specific council district, so you need to figure out which district you are a part of (this is determined by where you live – at least where you live as reflected on your voter registration card). Here’s how you can figure that out.

What District are you in?

DISTRICT 1
• Boundaries: north of I-35E to University Drive, East of Bernard and N. Locust to Mockingbird, Audra and Mayhill Road
• Click here to see a map of District 1

DISTRICT 2
• Boundaries: north of I-35E and University Drive, East of Mockingbird, Audra, and Mayhill Road
• Click here to see a map of District 2

DISTRICT 3
• Boundaries: north of Jim Christal Road, Scripture, Prairie, and Eagle to Bernard, West of N. Locust
• Click here to see a map of District 3

DISTRICT 4
• Boundaries: south of Jim Christal Road, Scripture, Prairie, Eagle to Bernard, and I-35E
• Click here to see a map of District 1

Now, take them out for coffee!
Now that you know which district you are a part of, look here on the city website to find your representative. Give them a call or send them an email to say hi – take them out for coffee and offer to help out in any way in your district – volunteer to be a part of a city board or commission – do something and get involved!!

Voting Information
Not yet registered to vote, or not registered in Denton? Deadline for registering for the May 14th 2011 Denton City Council election is April 14, 2011.  Change all that by going here and getting it done.  Or just holler at me, I’m now an official deputy registrar and can help you get it done.