ROCKWALL, TX (Nov. 25, 2014) As I enter the last weeks as mayor of this great city, I want to thank residents for their trust and support and to thank City Council and city staff for their efforts in working together to make Rockwall the best hometown in Texas.
I can say will all honesty that every single member of this City Council is respected and listened to because of our respect for one another. We take our job seriously; we vote our conscience and our principles, and we listen to you. This council gives 100 percent, and I am amazed at their skills. They each utilize their individual education and experience, but they are not afraid of someone else’s ideas.
A good working relationship is of utmost importance because relationships matter, as does respect for one another. So, as mayor, I focused on building good relationships in working with others for the betterment of our city. Voters did their part by giving clear direction and sending a strong and well-balanced City Council to work together.
The staff is a big part of our success, and I can’t thank them enough for all they do for the council and for our city. Discipline and hard work are the culture at City Hall as is its top notch customer service.
I was elected as a council member in 2007. In doing a mental review of those years, I developed a list of some achievements that I believe made a difference and made Rockwall better. The first that came to mind was the financial climate of our city. There was no tax increase in four consecutive budgets and no cuts in services. In fact, for 2 out of 4 budgets, the tax rate was slightly lowered.
Public safety has always been a priority for the City Council. We were able to add positions to both Police and Fire Departments to ensure our residents are protected. I am proud of our downtown and the progress that has been made thanks to the voter approved $8.625 million renovation scheduled for completion in 2015. I predict it will be our Crown Jewel! I am so pleased that we were able to fund the renovation of Tuttle ball fields.
The city purchased a facility and renovated it for the Municipal Court to address a growing need and the Police Department expanded at their location. The city completed renovations at Fire Stations #1 and #2 to accommodate firefighters and drivers. I believe we achieved successful recruiting of volunteers. Well-rounded, respected people were appointed to the Rockwall Economic Development Board, the North Texas Municipal Water District and the Housing Development Corporation – important decisions – and I think we decided the right place for those volunteers.
Our city is blessed with great schools and outstanding civic organizations that are second to none – and the city has a good working relationship with both.
My resignation as mayor is effective Dec. 15. I will miss the job and the people, but I look forward with great hope that I can serve all the people of Rockwall as the next County Judge beginning in January. I plan to utilize what has worked here to ensure success there.
Thanks to all who have helped me so much. I could not have done it without you, and I look forward to working with you and the Commissioners Court. It’s unbelievable to me how passionate Rockwall folks are – a major reason this city is so great. My time on City Council is proof that good relationships foster success. I take on the new job believing in doing what I say I will do.
Change doesn’t scare nor worry me – and I love being busy! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and may God bless you all.
To share your good news and events, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
Please click here to LIKE our Facebook page, so we can reach more people with good news like this!
Rockwall Mayor’s Message: Respect for one another led us in right direction added by Editor on
View all posts by Editor →