I have worked in many campaigns over the years and was a candidate for public office twice--but I didn't win! :) Never has an election been more important for the future of Mesquite. I am going to try to really explain here why I believe it is so important that we elect Gary Ward to be our next city councilman.
We face unparalleled times economically and socially. Our city's life blood, retail, is not what it once was when people were spending and times were good. We work and labor continuously to bring in manufacturing and companies who will bring in revenue and jobs--but like the rest of America--companies are not investing a lot these days. Although nationally, I think we are slowly turning a corner. Pockets of our city's youth lack guidance and the mentoring they need to not just be successful, but to not become a drain on our community. Section 8 housing has put a real burden on neighborhoods. (Not all section 8 residents, but enough are not working to be contributing citizens to make things tough). We have a wonderful police department that requires the highest standards of its officers--and they are doing great work--but crime is such that they surely have their work cut out for them. Our neighborhoods need strong and efficient crime watch programs back in place to partner with the police. We have out of state slum landlords who don't take care of their properties or don't hold their tenants accountable. And these slumlords give a bad name to many of our local business owners who own rental properties who do play by the rules.
These are but a few of the many opportunities and challenges our city faces. Never has their been a time when strong leadership, experience and a track record of accomplishments for the community been more paramount than now!
I have heard a handful of very well meaning friends say they want to see more youth on the city council. I value that statement. When I was 19, my best friend ran for city council and I mangaged his campaign. When I was 29, I ran for a seat in the Texas Legislature. No one better appreciates such statements as me. However, while youthful vigor and energy are important--even youthful city council candidates need to have at least some civic involvement and leadership experience. When I ran for State Representative, I had served on the City Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Mesquite Inc., was active in the Chamber of Commerce, served on a PTA board and managed a multi-million dollar business. I was young, but I had a track record of doing what I said I would do. Youth and new blood is wonderful! But we don't just turn the keys to city hall over to someone who happens to be young and one day just decides they want to be a councilman!
Leaders need to have been tested. Leaders need to have done something productive and useful for the community besides just having made money. Leaders need to have a track record of being consistent and steadfast. We need to know something about their record, what they stand for, how they might conduct themselves as an elected official.
I don't doubt that Brian Hutcheson is a well meaning young man. But the challenges Mesquite faces requires MUCH more than some good intentions and a fresh face. The only civic involvement or track record Mr. Hutcheson has--was a fairly recent appointment to the Mesquite Board of Adjustment--a very important decision making board that affects things like carport extensions and such. Mr. Hutcheson attended one meeting--and then resigned?
There are other legitimate concerns about Mr. Hutcheson that have been raised such as a Texas Driver's License that reflects a City of Dallas address? But honestly, my greatest concern is simply--what has he done and what record do we have to look at?
Gary Ward, whether you like him or not personally--has given and served his nation and our city faithfully for over 40 years! When his nation called him to go serve in a very unpopular and painful war in Vietnam, Gary did not hesitate to go serve. And serve he did as a Combat Engineer with the 101st Airborne Division. Gary saw friends lose their lives and struggled because he did not have the skills to help them stay alive. He vowed then that one day he would do work that allowed him to help save people's lives. So when he came home, after doing some construction work for a short period, he went to work for the Mesquite Fire Department. And for almost 37 years Gary rode ambulances and fire engines and dealt with every kind of difficult and unimaginable situation we can imagine--all to protect Mesquite families and save lives. He certainly did not do it for the money. For many years, both our firefighters and police officers had to work second jobs just to take care of their families. Gary's hard work to bring about better working standards and pay for our public safety employees has changed all that today.
In the 1990s, Gary served a term on the MISD Board of Trustees. Some of his fellow trustees and some staff who were opposed to Gary then politically. The first few years I was involved in local politics, I was opposed to Gary politically and there were some hard fought battles. But what I learned back then and what some of those school leaders learned--was that whether you agree with Gary or not--you really can't question that he is passionate about doing what is right for the people of Mesquite. Today, myself and some of those retired school trustees and staff are working hard to elect Gary--because we know he cares deeply about Mesquite and that even if we sometimes disagree with him--we can dialogue with him and have a discussion about what is best--and often compromise and unite to do what needs to be done! Gary is supported by five former Mesquite Mayors--most of whom at one time or another was in a heated battle politically with Gary in the old days. But all of them like me, know there is no better man to have in your corner and who you can work with to get needed things done for Mesquite. Mesquite has no better man to be in our corner than Gary Ward!
Gary is accessible and open to the people. I hosted three different events for Gary recently--where average voters could just ask him any questions they have--including some tough questions--and Gary not only answered their questions--but he really listened to them and took their ideas and suggestions about how to better our community! WE NEED LEADERS WHO WILL ACTUALLY LISTEN TO US!
You don't have time to read all the many accomplishments I could list of what Gary has done to benefit Mesquite over the last 30 plus years. But I encourage you to ask questions. Look at his record. Look into your heart and see who really has shown their love for our great city and who decided recently they'd like to be elected to public office. Gary could have easily jumped into the fun and relaxed life of retirement--he certainly had earned it. But instead, he loves our city and is willing to go back to work again--FOR FREE! He has had his name dragged through the mud over and over--had awful lies and cruel things said about him. He has endured things most of us would never want to have to go through--for a job that doesn't pay a salary. But he is still standing, fighting for a better tomorrow for our city. Lets honor his service and his love for Mesquite--and elect Gary Ward our next city councilman!
Bruce Archer
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