Candidate Name: Randy Williamson
Occupation: Business executive
How long have you lived in Southlake? My wife Amy and I moved to Southlake in 2005 along with our four children. Southlake is home and we have been here 15 years.
What originally brought you to town? Having made numerous corporate relocations, the move to DFW was our final stop. It was important to us that we become invested in the community and that our kids were able to plug into their schools and make long-lasting relationships.
What inspired you to run for city council? Having served two previous terms on city council, from 2013 to 2019, I felt it was important that our residents have trusted, experienced leaders with proven decision-making ability and context when opportunities and challenges arise. City government is complex, and it takes a great deal of time to fully understand the array of decisions and oversight necessary to be an effective leader. I believe our residents place value on that leadership experience.
What in your background prepared you for this responsibility? I have served our residents in various roles throughout the last decade:
- Southlake City Council, Place 4 (2013-2019)
- Southlake Mayor Pro-Tem (2015-2019)
- President, Southlake Parks Development Corporation (2015-2019) Member (2013-2019)
- Commissioner, Southlake Planning and Zoning Commission (2011-2013)
- Parks and Recreation Board (2010-2011)
- Southlake School Safety Task Force (2019)
- Coach, referee and community volunteer
What do you hope to bring to this role? Proven experience and leadership are invaluable as a city councilmember. I have always appreciated the depth of knowledge and context that experienced councilmembers are able to provide.
Specifically, we must sustain Southlake’s quality: no high-density apartments. We must continue to provide property tax relief to residents. While on council, I voted six years in a row to lower taxes by increasing the homestead exemption. We must place a high priority on public safety and well-being, especially our children’s. And we must foster an environment that encourages strong, vibrant businesses in Southlake.
What makes you different from other candidates? Experience is what differentiates us. I have lived in Southlake for 15 years, and my opponent has lived here for two years. I’ve served our city in many capacities, including two terms on city council, two years on Southlake’s planning and zoning commission, president of the Southlake parks development corporation for four years and a member on that commission for a total of six years. I also served on the Southlake parks and recreation board and am very proud to have served on the Southlake school safety task force that provided additional funding for our school resource officers, as well as campus security. My opponent has not served on any city committees and has served on one school district committee. Outside of experience, we have a lot in common. My opponent is a fine man with a lovely family. I encourage him and all of our residents to stay engaged and come together as a community to keep Southlake a wonderful place to call home.
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected onto the council? I will provide strong leadership and experience in town hall. I will be accessible and always just an email or phone call away. I commit to ensuring only quality housing is approved in Southlake...no high-density apartments. I will provide detailed oversight to our annual budgeting process and ensure that your tax dollars are being wisely spent. I will continue to champion property tax relief, just as I did each of my previous six years as your city councilmember. I will stand behind our men and women serving bravely as police officers, school resource officers and firefighters in our Department of Public Safety. You and your children’s safety will be a focused priority. Finally, I will work closely with our chamber of commerce and business community to ensure that businesses who choose to call Southlake home will have every opportunity to thrive.
What else do you want people to know about you? I chose to begin serving the residents of Southlake over a decade ago. That same energy and desire to serve is what drives me to seek this elected position. Southlake is our home and our roots run deep in this community. It is where Amy and I have raised our four children, all Carroll Dragons. Our community has been blessed with great city leaders and I look forward to continuing a legacy of leadership, accountability and trust. I ask for your support and vote on November 3 for Southlake city council Place 6.