Q&A with Heath Mayor Lorne Liechty

Heath Mayor Lorne Liechty

For the past 26 years, Lorne Liechty and his wife Mary have made Heath their home. After 34 years of marriage, they have four children and five grandchildren.

“We’re blessed to have Mary’s parents live with us. Most of our brothers and sisters – and lots of cousins, nieces and nephews – live in the Heath/Rockwall area, too,” he said.

Blue Ribbon News thanks Mayor Liechty for graciously sharing a little bit about his background and why he’s so passionate about making Heath the best suburban community in the metroplex.

Where were you born?

I was born in Rugby, North Dakota – the geographical center of North America. I grew up on a farm.

Your alma mater?

Jamestown High School (1973); Oral Roberts University (BA, 1977); University of Notre Dame (JD, MBA, 1981)

Occupation?

Founding partner and attorney at Liechty & McGinnis, LLP.

Clubs and organizations you’re involved in?

Chairman o f the Board at Rockwall County Helping Hands; Elder at Lakeshore Church; Board of Directors at Heritage Christian Academy.

Most unusual job you’ve ever held?

Working on a custom combining crew for four summers. But the job that made me realize I wanted to get a good education was working on the line at a frozen bread factory during my senior year.

As Mayor, what’s the craziest thing you’ve been asked to do:

So far nothing too crazy. The most enjoyable thing I was able to do was introduce the State Champion Heath Hawks Baseball Team at a rally after our 4th of July parade.

What are the top three things on your to-do list that you’d like to accomplish as Mayor?

Improve streets and other infrastructure; bring a first class retail/mixed use development to Heath; keep taxes low.

Hobbies?

Motorcycle riding, snow skiing, and hunting. 

Favorite sports teams?

Notre Dame Fighting Irish. We regularly attend Rangers and Mavericks games.

Tell us something others may be surprised to learn about you.

My son, Lorne Christopher, and I rode our Harleys to Alaska and back in 2001. I once water skied the entire boundaries of Lake Ray Hubbard south of I-30. I have a private pilot’s license. 

Who/what inspires you?

I have been blessed to meet and work with so many wonderful people. My father was my greatest influence. He was a man of great compassion and unwaivering honesty. Oral Roberts was a positive influence on my life and my religious beliefs. I am also grateful to Roger Staubach for giving me a chance to represent him and the Staubach Company; I am inspired by his commitment to high integrity and honesty in everything he does. 

With the holidays upon us, what do you look forward to the most?

Three things are especially enjoyable for me at Christmas:  Christmas Eve church service; Heath’s Christmas tree lighting; and Christmas parties with friends.

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