Op-Ed by Fate Mayor, David Billings: Campaign Season Reality Check – Property Taxes and Transparency

Op-Ed by Fate Mayor, David Billings: Campaign Season Reality Check – Property Taxes and Transparency

Fate, TX (April 22, 2025) – Campaign season is winding down—thankfully—and we are now seeing the usual wave of campaign promises being made, often without much explanation about how those promises would actually be achieved. A common theme? Candidates pledging to “increase transparency” and “reduce property taxes.” Both are great ideas. However, anyone who has […]

Op-Ed by Fate Mayor, David Billings: Texas Legislature and the erosion of local decision-making – Part 6

Op-Ed by Fate Mayor, David Billings: Texas Legislature and the erosion of local decision-making – Part 6

Fate, TX (April 15, 2025) – As I sit through many committee hearings, I recently heard a State Representative on the Texas Land & Resource Committee say, “Government is incredibly slow, and private industry is generally faster.” Why does that quote matter? Great question. Now that we’ve reached mid-April in the 89th Legislative Session, it’s […]

Op-Ed by Fate Mayor, David Billings: Texas Legislature and the erosion of local decision-making – Part 2

Op-Ed by Fate Mayor, David Billings: Texas Legislature and the erosion of local decision-making – Part 2

Fate, TX (February 21, 2025) – Rockwall County Days: Making a Difference in Austin. Each year, the Rockwall County Chamber hosts Rockwall County Days at the Texas State Capitol, a vital opportunity for our elected officials, business leaders, and chamber leadership to engage directly with state lawmakers on issues affecting our communities.  This year was […]

Op-Ed by Fate Mayor, David Billings: Real Conservative Governance – City of Fate

Op-Ed by Fate Mayor, David Billings: Real Conservative Governance – City of Fate

Fate, TX (February 18, 2025) – On February 6, 2025, I signed the City of Fate DPS bond issuance ordinance, officially approving the issuance of the voter-approved bond to support our Department of Public Safety. First, let’s recap the facts. 62% of Fate voters approved the bond, demonstrating strong community support. The City of Fate […]

Op-Ed by Fate Mayor, David Billings: Texas Legislature and the erosion of local decision making – Part 1

Op-Ed by Fate Mayor, David Billings: Texas Legislature and the erosion of local decision making – Part 1

Fate, TX (February 11, 2025) – Over the past several legislative sessions, the Texas Legislature has steadily chipped away at the ability of cities and counties to govern themselves. As we head into the 89th session, one of the most pressing issues remains the continued preemption of local decision-making – an intentional shift of power from […]

Open letter to the City of Fate residents from Mayor David Billings

Open letter to the City of Fate residents from Mayor David Billings

Fate, TX (January 3, 2025) – Happy New Year! We are blessed to live in an extraordinary city, and I am honored to serve you as Mayor. Our steadfast commitment to a conservative approach to city governance has been the cornerstone of our success. By focusing on fiscal responsibility, limited government, and empowering local decision-making, […]

As Fate Would Have It: Fate Mayor David Billings launches new podcast

Hosted by Good Government host David Martin and Co-Host Mayor David Billings  ROCKWALL, TX (Oct. 28, 2024) Fate Mayor David Billings is excited to announce the launch of a new podcast, As Fate Would Have It, hosted by Good Government host David Martin and Co-Host Mayor David Billings. This engaging new series will provide residents […]

New Year’s Message: Open letter to City of Fate residents from Mayor David Billings

New Year’s Message: Open letter to City of Fate residents from Mayor David Billings

FATE, TX (Jan. 2, 2024) Happy New Year! We live in an extraordinary city, and I am grateful to serve as the Mayor of this great community. Our growth and the implementation of our unique economic development strategy continue to define us. Our city boasts a robust team that consistently demonstrates an esprit de corps […]

Rockwall Rotary features panel discussion with local veterans, mayors of Rockwall, McLendon-Chisholm and Fate

Rockwall Rotary features panel discussion with local veterans, mayors of Rockwall, McLendon-Chisholm and Fate

Rockwall, TX (November 10, 2023) – Veteran service often carries over into the public and private sector after uniforms are carefully pressed and put away. This strong call to serve can be innate but also developed during military service. That in mind, the Rockwall Rotary featured three local veterans, also Mayors, at this week’s meeting. […]

Open Letter to City of Fate residents by Mayor David Billings

Open Letter to City of Fate residents by Mayor David Billings

FATE, TX (Dec. 31, 2022) Happy New Year! We live in an extraordinary city in extraordinary times.  We continued our rapid growth and the implementation of our unique economic development strategy. We have been recognized throughout the State of Texas for our innovative approach to creating a wonderful place to live, work, and play. My […]