Candidate Name: Elisha Rurka
Occupation: Dragon mom, wife and Southlake Cake Club Founder
How long have you lived in Southlake? What brought you to town?
My husband, Simon, and I moved to Southlake in 2010. Today, we’re proud parents to three energetic Dragon boys, all of whom attend Rockenbaugh Elementary. We chose Southlake for all of the same reasons you did — the strong sense of community, fantastic shops and restaurants and beautiful green spaces.
What inspired you to run for this position?
The Southlake of today did not arrive by accident but through the long-standing efforts of citizens at every level and the dedication of previous city councils. Today we are at a crossroads, and I will work hard to make sure the Southlake of tomorrow is even better than the city we love today.
What in your background has prepared you for this position?
The purpose of an elected city council is to make sure the wishes of the community are reflected in the way the city is run and the plans the city puts in place for growth and development. As part of its leadership responsibility, council sets the tone for the way that the city communicates with its residents, as well as showing our values to the wider world. The latter includes prospective future residents, businesses and employers. Through my career and educational background, I have cultivated a deep expertise in listening, communication and building strong partnerships. This background will enable me to deliver on the council’s role of listening and representing all residents while showing to the wider world all the wonderful things that Southlake has to offer.
What do you hope to bring to this role?
I will bring a fresh perspective and independent voice to local leadership. As your councilmember, I will apply my extensive experience in communications to foster unity and listen to all perspectives so we can work together to implement programs and policies to move Southlake forward. I will put in the work to make sure that, as a city, we are growing, improving and innovating, not merely relying on past excellence.
What do you hope to accomplish in this position?
I will work hard to support local businesses. This has been a challenging 12 months. I have seen amazing things from our residents, stepping up to help local businesses survive and thrive through the pandemic. I will continue to champion efforts to help our businesses prosper.
If elected, I will use my voice to ensure that Southlake develops in a thoughtful way. Any new development should pass a simple test: Does it make Southlake better? If the answer is yes, then we go ahead. If a new development does not add unique value to our businesses and residents, then we should rethink before proceeding.
Finally, I will help to unify our community by listening to all voices. I am committed to creating an environment where we can learn about and value our differences, discuss them with mutual respect and work together so that the Southlake experience lives up to its promise for all residents.
Why do you believe you will be successful in this position?
I believe it’s vital to bring in fresh perspectives to city council — people who don’t come up through traditional paths, but who are nevertheless intelligent, experienced, eager and willing to serve the community. I promise to work hard for all Southlake residents.
What are your top priorities if elected?
Thoughtful Development: Now more than ever, we need to be more intentional in the developments we approve so we can avoid another broken fountain or vacant office building. I’m ready to ask the tough questions.
Enhanced Green Spaces: I am committed to making our city’s treasured green space, parks and Bob Jones Nature Preserve more accessible and enjoyable for Southlake citizens, today and in the years to come.
Local Business Support: While the past year has been challenging for everyone, our local businesses have been hardest hit. I want to create better opportunities for supporting and promoting small business in our community to ensure a lasting, secure future in Southlake.
What actions do you believe are necessary to help unify the community?
We need to start the dialogue from a basis of agreement that we all love Southlake, that we all want the Southlake experience to be wonderful for every resident. We can build upon that foundation of agreement with leaders who will listen to and acknowledge the experiences of people of color in our community. Acknowledgment is not for the purpose of blame, but for the purpose of improvement. If we recognize our common ground as a starting point, then we can then move forward to implement solutions that satisfy all residents.
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
You can count on me to listen to you and represent your interests. I care deeply about Southlake and will work to make sure everyone feels welcome, respected and included. I also bake really delicious cakes, and I have found that cake always brings people together!
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.