Candidate Name: Kathy Talley
Occupation: Community leader and philanthropist
How long have you lived in Southlake? My husband and I have lived in Southlake for over 24 years, and we are proud to have raised three amazing Dragons while embracing the undeniable sense of community, involvement and belonging that is unique to our city.
What originally brought you to town? We were looking for a unique place to raise our family, one with a wonderful sense of community and great schools. We definitely hit the jackpot with all three in Southlake.
What inspired you to run for city council? I am running for Southlake City Council because I care deeply about the past, present and future of Southlake. I feel that my experience, leadership and the relationships I’ve formed put me in the best position to serve all of our residents.
What in your background prepared you for this responsibility? I have the leadership experience, integrity and commitment needed to serve the people of Southlake. My longtime service to the community and our school district has given me a broad perspective to be an advocate for all residents. There are many positions that I have been honored to serve in that impact and enhance Southlake and our schools, as well as many nonprofits that serve our area communities:
- Festival Event Chair, Art In The Square (current)
- Volunteer Chair, Art In The Square
- President, Southlake Women’s Club
- Annual School Supply Chair, Southlake Women’s Club
- Foundation Chair, Southlake Women’s Club
- Executive Board, National Charity League Southlake Chapter
- Co-Chair Fashion Show, National Charity League, Southlake Chapter
- Executive Board (Treasurer, Incoming Board Chair) Carroll Education Foundation
- Advisory Board, Carroll Education Foundation
- Culinary Celebration Event Chair, Carroll Education Foundation
- Board Member, Metroport Meals on Wheels (current)
- High School Educator for 10 years, State of Texas
What do you hope to bring to this role? I will continue to protect our land and way of life by saying no to high-density residential housing and continuing to preserve and provide open spaces for our residents.
I will provide a balanced, mindful approach to development including managing traffic flow through critical analyses of any new developments and exploration of new and unique methodologies. I will continue our focus on lowering taxes while attracting, retaining and sustaining local businesses and ensuring wise fiscal management.
I will continue caring for all our citizens and community by focusing on the emotional and physical well-being of our children, families and senior citizens. I will support our excellent Southlake Police and Fire personnel so they can continue in their mission to provide a safe environment for us to live, work and play.
I also think it is important to encourage civic engagement and diversity in arts, culture and people. We have so much to learn about one another and our city’s storied past. In doing so, we can move forward together in positive ways that continue to strengthen the bonds we have with one another.
What makes you different from other candidates? I bring over 24 years of leadership and philanthropic experience. Over that time, I have worked with not only city leaders, but with thousands of residents and I have forged lifelong friendships and relationships. I’ve also been integrally involved in many of our local philanthropies and understand firsthand how important it is to support their missions of hope for others.
Additionally, I have been a homeowner and taxpayer for over 24 years, owning two different homes in the city that I love. My life here is completely representative of what fellow residents are looking to keep going forward - the special sense of community and love for our city and our neighbors that transcends all boundaries.
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected onto the council? I want to continue the work with those currently on council and those from year’s past. I want to keep Southlake the special and unique place that drew me and my family here over 24 years ago. Growth management is of utmost importance and I feel that I am most qualified to understand what is important to my fellow residents.
Using the city’s 2035 Master Plan as a guide rule, I will continue to seek new and creative ways to reduce taxes, focus on low-density housing, smartly manage traffic flow and promote development opportunities that put our residents’ voices first.
What else do you want people to know about you? I am looking forward to meeting as many of our citizens as possible during this campaign and hearing their ideas and concerns. I am available at any time at TeamTalleySouthlake@gmail.com and 817.829.6472. Please also visit my Facebook page at Facebook.com/TeamTalleySouthlake.