Christopher Archer: Candidate for Southlake City Council Place 6

SouthlakebrStyle: What inspired you to run for CitybrCouncil?

Christopher Archer: What inspired me to run for CitybrCouncil was my desire and commitment to continue to give back to a communitybrthat has been so good to me and my family. I saw the opportunity to serve onbrCity Council as a way to broaden the scope of my involvement beyond that of justbrCISD, however, also give me the ability to continue to work with CISD andbrcontinue the strong relationship between the city and the school district. Ibrhave been a resident of Southlake since 1998 and have seen the many changesbrthat have occurred. I want to be part of our future as we continue be ranked asbra top city and school district.

SS:brIf elected, what are some of your top priorities?

Archer: Some of my top priorities will be tobrwork together with the current City Council and Mayor, who have made our Citybrsuch a desired destination for both families and businesses. I also will makebrit a priority to be the liaison between the City and CISD and see how we canbrcontinue to work together for the betterment of both. Also, work towardsbrpreserving Southlake’s plan for open space. I will work with City Staff,brcurrent Council and Mayor to ensure we work toward the 2030 Plan and beyond forbrthe future of Southlake and all citizens, while maintaining FiscallybrConservative Core Values. Finally, with this being a special election, I willbrbe prepared to jump right into the 2018 budget process having already met withbrall of the key members of City staff. 

SS:brWhat do you see as the biggest challenges facing Southlake? 

Archer: The biggest challenges for Southlakebrin my opinion will be mobility and property taxes. It will be vital for us tobrcontinue the work already begun to address traffic and transportation issues. Ibrbelieve that with my background and having previously served as President ofbrthe Texas Parking & Transportation Association, I will bring new and freshbrideas as we move forward. Also, I will support the increase of the Southlakebrhomestead exemption to 20 percent, which is the highest allowed in the state sobrthat we can continue to target city property tax savings to our homeownersbrwhile continuing to fight to do more. 

SS:brWhat is your vision for Southlake?

Archer: My vision for the future of Southlakebris bright! I believe that we have an excellent plan currently in place with thebr2030 Vision plan and excellent leadership from both the Mayor and CitybrManager. I believe that by working together with Mayor Hill and the council,brwe will expand upon that plan for future generations as our city and areabrcontinue to change and evolve. 

SS:brWhat makes you the best candidate?

Archer: I am the best candidate because of mybrproven leadership and experience. I am the only candidate who has truly beenbrinvolved in all aspects of our city and community. I am on the advisory boardbrfor the Carroll Education Foundation, and the experience and leadership I havebrshown as President of the Carroll ISD School Board will be invaluable as I takebrthe next step to serve on City Council. I possess a deep understanding of CISDbrbudgeting, which will be a huge advantage as Southlake deals with the statebrlegislature on reforming Robin Hood, the biggest portion our citizen’s taxbrbill.

In addition,brmy current role on the Bob Jones Nature Center Board of Directors provides mebrwith the experience necessary to understand and actively promote our parks andbropen spaces within Southlake. I have been honored to have been nominated thisbrYear as Citizen of the Year by the Southlake Chamber of Commerce and alsobrhaving been awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award last year with my wifebrStacey. We have enjoyed giving back to our community by serving as Co-Chairsbrfor the GRACE Gala and also the Bob Jones Nature Annual Fundraiser, NaturallybrSweet, over the past few years.  

I am alsobrhonored that for July, my company, Associated Time & Parking Controls, wasbrrecognized as Member of the Month by the Southlake Chamber of Commerce. Beingbrinvolved to me is a lifestyle choice and not just a political catchphrase. Ibrlook forward to continuing to serve the citizens and families of Southlake andbrappreciate your vote on September 9!