Keller voter’s guide: Mayoral canidates on taxes, growth and roads
The May 2 Tarrant County general and special elections are around the corner with early voting beginning April 20..
Keller has three candidates vying for the mayor’s seat, Mayor Pro Tem Ross McMullin, former council member Tag Green and Edward Prem, a retired U.S. Army Colonel.
Who ever wins will replace Armin Mizani, who is running for the Senate District 98 seat after state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione didn’t seek reelection.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram sent candidate questionnaires to all three candidates. Their answers appear as they submitted them.
Ross McMullin
Age as of May 2, 2026: 40
Campaign website: https://rossforkeller.com/
Occupation: Attorney at McMullin Law Firm, PLLC
Education: Texas A&M University School of Law and Purdue University
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
I was first elected to Keller City Council in 2020 with more votes than any candidate for city office in Keller’s history. Soon thereafter, I was elected by my colleagues on city council to also serve as Mayor Pro Tem. I was then re-elected in 2023 with broad support.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
My passion for improving the community extends beyond my professional career and public service, as I also volunteer as a youth sports coach, at numerous community events, and at my kids’ local schools.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
Keller Firefighters and Keller Families
Why are you running for mayor, and why should people vote for you?
Taking Keller to the next level is an exciting challenge. It will require a Mayor who is well prepared, with a laser-focus on policy and results. From streets and public safety to youth sports and our system of trails—we should expect excellence for our community. Serving Keller is a unique privilege and we couldn’t be more excited about our work ahead.
What are Keller’s biggest challenges now and over the next term?
If elected, protecting taxpayers will be a primary mission of my administration.
While other government entities and politicians have collected more of your tax dollars on a year-to-year basis, we took on the fight of reforming the Tarrant Appraisal District. We know what every homeowner understands: our property tax system is broken and in need of reform.
This is also exactly why we took historic measures to actually reduce the city’s portion of your property tax bill. And during my first year on Keller City Council, I championed the single largest property tax cut effort in Keller’s history by setting the homestead exemption at 20%.
At the City level, we must continue to set the example by adopting fiscally conservative budgets. As Mayor, I will continue my efforts to champion pro-taxpayer policies at every level.
Keller residents have been vocal about partisan politics in city government. What three steps would you take to unite the community?
My focus will be on delivering excellent results for our community. For example, public safety is an issue every Keller resident cares about.
We must maintain the highest levels of public safety, and I remain as thankful as ever for the service and protection provided to our community by our first responders.
We have supported and passed a 33% pay increase just since being elected to serve on council, with a reduction in time for Keller’s firefighters to move up the pay scale. We are grateful that our residents continue to fund and support important safety equipment and vehicles for our first responders. These steps are critically important to maintain the safety and vitality of our community.
As Mayor, I intend to work directly with our residents, our firefighters, and our police officers to pass a sustainable plan that keeps Keller competitive and our budgets sustainable.
K-12 public school enrollment is declining. Should that be a concern?
Make no mistake, great schools make great communities.
Like many of you, my family moved to Keller for its world-class schools. From ensuring school safety through Keller’s campus patrol program, to championing a mentorship program for our youth, I am proud of our city council’s track record.
As Mayor, I will continue to advocate on behalf of our community. For example, I have continued to advocate that Shady Grove Elementary needs to remain open. Great school districts don’t close down great schools.
We must ensure that our students are well-educated, our parents are empowered, and our teachers are well supported, so that Keller schools remain excellent schools that we can be proud of.
What’s your definition of leadership, and what exactly makes you a good leader?
High expectations drives results, and that’s the leadership style I intend to bring as Mayor.
The reality is that being recognized as Keller’s most family-friendly City didn’t happen by chance. When we first took office in 2020, we lowered taxes, we celebrated Keller like never before–bringing Keller’s first fireworks show to Keller Town Hall. We voted for and opened Keller’s amazing Senior Center. And we immediately began our work to turn the Keller Sports Park into the premier youth sports destination in North Texas.
On the issues that matter most to our residents, I am so proud to say that we have delivered on our campaign promises every single step of the way.
Tag Green
Age as of May 2, 2026: 61
Campaign website: http://www.taggreen.com
Occupation: Business Owner / Broker
Education: Undergrad-Business, Grad work-Mgmt, Real Estate
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Yes. Keller City Council & Mayor, 5th Campaign
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
8+ Years City Council, Precinct Chairman, State Delegate, Volunteer, Election Clerk
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Not accepting donations for this round.
Why are you running for mayor, and why should people vote for you?
No one running is more qualified. With over 45 years business experience, 40 years at C-Level in private, public, INC 500, Fortune 500 companies, 10 years as Turnaround Engineer/Six Sigma, 8 years in municipal leadership, Chairman of FLUP Update, Chairman of Economic Development Board, Finance Committee, Keller Development Corp Board, Metroport Teen Court Advisory Board, and multiple years in volunteer leadership, there is no one better equipped to lead Keller through the challenges ahead. Lowering tax rate and increasing homestead exemption to state max. Standing for Property Owner Rights. Reducing governmental burden on residences and businesses. Improving our core services.
What are Keller’s biggest challenges now and over the next term?
We have completed or near-completed numerous visionary goals: A new Keller Senior Center, Bates Street Park / Festival Street, Old Town Keller / Elm Street, a new world-class Keller Sports Park, award winning trails and parks, updating park equipment, adding 56 new restaurants, 112 new retail outlets - 628 new businesses in all - responding to input from our community. Achieving recognition as Texas’ Most Family Friendly City and One of Texas’ Safest Cities. We must now maintain these amenities in pristine condition, preserve safe streets & neighborhoods, provide highest quality of life with competitive compensation to our employees, address $100 million in infrastructure needs, take responsibility for state thoroughfares as we grow past 50,000, attract daytime population to keep our businesses in business, and more, all without increasing taxes. This is no small task. It requires a leader with real-world experience facing such huge challenges successfully.
Keller residents have been vocal about partisan politics in city government. What three steps would you take to unite the community?
1) Leaders must first model a renewed practice of civil discourse rather than following the example of Washington DC, Austin, or the media. Thomas Aquinas coined the principal of Questiones Disputate de Vertitate (disputing questions to reveal truth). Where disagreement doesn’t produce enemies but causes us to press-in to understand, then be understood in pursuit of what is true and best. 2) Invite our citizens to engage in this recaputuring the true meaning of what being neighbors. I propose regular Town Hall Meetings on topics and issues facing our city and citizens, deferring to others, considering others more important than ourselves. And 3) Cease seeking opportunities to put Keller in the news for political or personal gain. We can - we must - solve and reconcile our differences, determine what is best for our community and our residents without “big splashes”. Stick to the principles keeping our residents safe, improving quality of life, elevating families, working together.
K-12 public school enrollment is declining. Should that be a concern?.
Not only is enrollment declining, but the success of public education is at stake. Keller ISD has it’s own elected leadership. I have worked with Trustees and Administrators for over 10 years to achieve excellence and will continue to do so. But as we have seen, this can quickly change. So, “Yes”, it is a significant concern. One for which we must prepare for now. I have designed the skeletal plan to provide Keller students and households with unparalleled excellence in education and, if elected, will work with Council to flesh it out practically. If we never have to employ it, tremendous! It means our publics schools are thriving, but if we wait until it is needed before we prepare, we are foolish indeed
What’s your definition of leadership, and what exactly makes you a good leader?
The best definition of Leadership I have ever found is this: Leaders Pull Rather Than Push! Effective leaders identify, equip, and excite others to achieve, then empower them to do it. Leaders keep their eye on the horizon to provide guidance, discernment, and perspective. They see beyond next Friday and pursue wisdom to correct the course with all they have.
Ed Prem
Age as of May 2, 2026: 61
Campaign website: http://edforkeller.com
Occupation: US Army (ret)
Education: BS Computer Science, MS Computer Science, MS National Strategic Studies.
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
Besides 30 years of Army Service, HOA President for 5 years
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Read all about it in the Campaign Finance Report
Why are you running for mayor, and why should people vote for you?
My adult life has been dedicated to serving our country. Now, in retirement, I am eager to serve the City of Keller and its citizens. Voters should support my candidacy because I am committed to bringing transparent leadership to our community. Additionally, I have pledged not to seek higher office; I intend to serve selflessly and focus entirely on the needs of Keller rather than personal political advancement.
What are Keller’s biggest challenges now and over the next term?
Declining infrastructure and services have become big challenges to Keller. This is a by product of declining revenue in Keller. Budget projections have 3 million dollar shortfalls per year in the next 4 out of 5 years. Once Keller has 50,000 residents we will own the roads TexDot currently services. This is an additional budget shortfall currently not budgeted. We must plan and budget better in order to make Keller a safe, vibrant city of choice we are all proud to call home.
Keller residents have been vocal about partisan politics in city government. What three steps would you take to unite the community?
I have not engaged in the partisan politics of Keller. The demagoguery and vitriol only serve to divide our community. We are all neighbors and everyone deserves dignity and respect. I would not allow partisan politics to filter into our municipal government. To ensure open communication, I plan to hold weekly “coffee with the mayor” sessions where any citizen can voice concerns in a casual environment. My priority is to listen to the concerns of our citizens rather than dismiss them.
K-12 public school enrollment is declining. Should that be a concern?
Absolutely, declining enrollment effect funding for our schools.
What’s your definition of leadership, and what exactly makes you a good leader?
While many define leadership as influencing others to achieve a common goal, I believe it encompasses much more. To lead effectively, one must prioritize problem-solving and leading with values. As General Powell once noted, if people are not bringing their problems to you, you are no longer leading them.
To that end, earning trust is essential. I lead with the values instilled in me by the Army: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honesty, Integrity, and Personal Courage.
While many define leadership as influencing others to achieve a common goal, I believe it encompasses much more. To lead effectively, one must prioritize problem-solving and leading with values. As General Powell once noted, if people are not bringing their problems to you, you are no longer leading them.