Candidate Name: Amy Torres-Lepp
Occupation: Boutique title company owner
How long have you lived in Southlake? What brought you to town?
I have lived in Southlake for over 16 years. I was working for a Fortune 500 title company when my company promoted me and moved my family here in 2005. I wanted to live somewhere with great schools and a vibrant community where I would be somewhat central to all of DFW. From the minute I drove down Southlake Boulevard, I knew I loved Southlake and wanted to live here.
What inspired you to run for this position?
For more than 16 years, I’ve been proud to call Southlake my home. I have raised five amazing Dragons, offered my service to our community, launched a successful business and embraced the undeniable sense of community, involvement and belonging that’s unique to our city. I am running for city council because I know that I have the dedication, experience and integrity it takes to help lead our city.
Serving on the Planning & Zoning Commission was instrumental to my understanding of the city’s development, decision making and evaluation of zoning changes the commission recommends to the city council. As a commissioner, I gained a deeper understanding around how our community and lifestyle did not result from simple economic growth and development. Rather, our beloved city is the outcome of the dedication, commitment and countless hours of planning by current and former community leaders. As your next city councilwoman, I intend to continue the work of those leaders before me to keep Southlake what we know and love today while always fostering continuous improvement. I also know I can be an advocate for all residents and champion for our city, schools and community.
What in your background has prepared you for this position?
Most recently, I served on the Southlake Planning & Zoning Commission, which was instrumental in learning about our city’s development, decision-making process and evaluation of zoning changes submitted to the city council. My experience evaluating proposed changes and providing recommendations to city council has been invaluable. I am also a graduate of Leadership Southlake, the Southlake Citizens Academy and CISD’s CLASS program (Carroll Leadership Academy for Supporting Success). I am actively involved in the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, the Southlake Executive Forum as well as a supporter of numerous local charities including GRACE, Kids Matter International, Young Life, Metroport Meals on Wheels and the Joy Project.
What do you hope to bring to this role?
My experience, leadership skills and dedication to excellence coupled with my fiscally conservative values and ability to be an independent thinker will be the keys to my success on Southlake city council.
What do you hope to accomplish in this position?
I hope to leave Southlake a better place than it is today. I will always strive for continuous improvement while keeping Southlake the special place we all love. I would like to attract businesses and restaurants to town so that our residents stay here on the weekends and don’t travel to surrounding cities to spend their hard-earned money. Additionally, I would like to be a part of programs and community initiatives that foster open dialogue and encourage the community to come together and be stronger than ever.
Why do you believe you will be successful in this position?
First and foremost, I am fiscally responsible and conservative. I will spend taxpayer dollars wisely and conservatively. Additionally, I am a thoughtful, fair and logical leader who will listen and consider all sides prior to any decisions. I also believe I will represent all the residents in Southlake well and will operate with the continuous improvement philosophy at all times.
What are your top priorities if elected?
As your councilwoman, I will work hard to maintain Southlake’s vibrant community which includes continuing to attract, retain and support local businesses. I will also focus on economic recovery and reviving our community spirit while continuing to fight for lower property taxes and low-density housing.
What actions do you believe are necessary to help unify the community?
I believe it’s important for the city to continue to provide opportunities for the community to come together such as Celebrate Southlake, Dads and Brews and the Mayor’s Alliance for Unity and Culture, which will help promote healthy dialogue. I believe as leaders in the city, we should focus on initiatives that will bring the community together so that Southlake is a place where we can all be unique, have different experiences and perspectives and still come together as a unified city.
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
I love Southlake and am passionate about serving our residents, protecting and improving our way of life, supporting our businesses and strengthening our community. As a proven community leader and strong community advocate, I will bring the experience, dedication and integrity it takes to lead the city. I look forward to meeting as many of our residents as possible during this campaign and can be reached at TeamAmySouthlake@gmail.com or 214.803.2765. Please also visit my website at TeamAmySouthlake.com or my Facebook page at Facebook.com/TeamAmySouthlake to learn more about me and my campaign.
Each candidate in this race was provided the same questions. We are publishing their answers in their own words. The views expressed in these articles do not directly reflect those of Southlake Style.