By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
PRINCETON — Sharad Ramani, a candidate for Princeton City Council Place 4, is running on a platform centered on financial oversight, infrastructure planning, and managing the city’s rapid growth, pointing to his background in procurement and large-scale budget management.
Sharad, who has more than 30 years of experience in procurement and strategic operations, said that experience shapes how he evaluates government decisions.
“In my career, I’ve managed complex budgets and high-value contracts where every dollar had to be justified and every vendor held accountable,” Sharad said. “I don’t just look at the total cost; I look at the ‘fine print’ and the long-term value.”
He said he applies that same approach to city finances, viewing the budget “not as a vague document, but as a series of strategic investments.”
“I know how to spot inefficiencies and ensure that when the City spends money, the residents are getting the absolute best return on their investment,” he said.
Decision to Run and Local Involvement
Sharad said his decision to run followed a year of attending and participating in Princeton City Council meetings, where he believes additional oversight is needed.
“My decision was driven by a full year of active participation in our current council meetings,” he said. “I saw an opportunity to further strengthen the current council by adding a layer of analytical rigor to our collective decision-making.”
He pointed to his advocacy on wastewater billing as a turning point.
“I realized that one resident’s voice can make a difference—but a voice on the council can ensure these common-sense solutions happen faster,” he said.
Growth, Development, and Economic Balance
A central theme of Sharad’s campaign is how Princeton is managing growth, particularly the balance between residential expansion and infrastructure readiness.
“Smart growth means infrastructure must keep pace with rooftops,” he said. “It means ensuring our roads, water, and public safety are ready before the next 500 homes are occupied.”
He also argues the city has not kept pace with commercial development.
“We’ve become a ‘bedroom community’ where people live here but spend their tax dollars in neighboring cities for shopping and dining,” Sharad said.
That imbalance, he said, places more of the financial burden on homeowners.
“Currently, our homeowners carry too much of the financial burden,” he said, adding that expanding the commercial tax base could help offset that pressure.
At the same time, Sharad credited the city for attracting families.
“The city has done a great job of making Princeton an attractive place for families, which is why we are growing so fast,” he said, noting commercial growth has not kept pace.
Approach to Budgeting and Spending
Sharad said his approach to city finances centers on long-term value and measurable outcomes.
“I would treat every major spending request like a corporate capital expenditure,” he said. “What is the ROI? What are the long-term maintenance costs? Are there cheaper, more modern alternatives?”
He also pointed to what he sees as an opportunity to improve how the city tracks projects and spending.
“I believe we can improve by moving toward data-driven budgeting,” he said, suggesting more consistent tracking of infrastructure projects and vendor performance.
“A key part of this oversight is ensuring the progress of major infrastructure projects is tracked and communicated to the public on a regular basis,” he added.
“This isn’t about looking for mistakes; it’s about providing guidance to our professional staff… When residents have a clear view of the city’s financial health and project status, it builds a stronger foundation of trust between the community and City Hall,” he said.
Oversight and Role of Council
Sharad said he views the council’s role as active oversight rather than automatic approval of staff recommendations.
“I will meticulously review the supporting documents provided by city staff to ensure the data supports the spend before I cast a vote,” he said.
“If a staff proposal doesn’t have enough data or doesn’t seem like the best deal for the taxpayers, I will ask for more information or a better alternative.”
He said that approach is intended to strengthen, not challenge, city staff.
“Much like a corporate Board of Directors, I believe the Council’s role is to offer diverse expertise that supports the management team,” he said.
Transparency and Communication
On transparency, Sharad focused on accessibility and communication rather than changes to formal processes.
“Transparency is more than just having documents online; it’s about making that information understandable and accessible to the average busy family,” he said.
He said he would support additional public engagement, including town hall-style meetings outside regular council sessions.
“Transparency isn’t just a PDF on a website; it’s an open door and a seat at the table,” he said.
Resident Concerns and Priorities
Sharad said the concerns he hears most often from residents center on infrastructure and quality of life.
“Residents are frustrated by traffic congestion and want to see our road improvements stay ahead of new residential construction,” he said.
He also pointed to demand for more local services.
“People are tired of driving to neighboring cities for dining, medical services, and shopping,” he said.
Public safety staffing, he added, remains a priority as the city grows.
Positioning and Closing Message
Sharad’s campaign focuses on financial oversight and operational approach, rather than drawing sharp contrasts with current city leadership or outlining specific past decisions he would have handled differently.
“Voters should choose me because I offer a unique combination of 30 years of professional leadership and a proven record of local advocacy,” he said.
If elected, he said his initial focus would be on working with staff and council members to keep projects on track.
“Practical progress in a growing city like Princeton doesn’t happen overnight—it requires steady, professional oversight and teamwork,” he said.
Editor’s Note:
This article is part of TX3DNews’ election coverage and is based on responses provided by Sharad Ramani. Publication of this article does not constitute an endorsement. TX3DNews invites all candidates to participate in this coverage or submit a candidate profile for publication at TX3DNews.com/elections.