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Dave Richardson is running against incumbent Ron Garland for the District 4 Georgetown City Council seat in the May 3 election.
Meet the candidates
Garland was first elected to serve on City Council in 2022 after running unopposed, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
Richardson told Community Impact his experience in politics, government, law enforcement and business ownership qualifies him for the District 4 seat.
What you need to know
Georgetown City Council consists of seven council members, each elected from single-member districts and serving for three-year terms, according to the city charter. Council members must live within the districts they represent.
District 4 is located south of Hwy. 195 and includes portions of Sun City, according to the city’s website. Residents can view a full district map here.
Early voting runs from April 22- 29, and residents have until April 3 to register to vote. Voting locations and the sample ballot will be available on Williamson County’s website.
Candidates were asked to keep responses to 50 words or less, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
* indicates incumbent
If elected, what are your top priorities for the city of Georgetown?
Preserving the historical authenticity of downtown Georgetown, increasing necessary public safety resources resulting from growth, ensuring future water supply and wastewater requirements are adequately met, expanding building inspection efforts, creating a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit to protect citizens and roadways, and bringing a metro station/additional public transportation to Georgetown.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
Over 25 years of involvement in political campaigns and municipal government work, over 12 years of law enforcement education and service, over 25 years of business ownership in construction, chairman of a municipal transportation committee that worked with government officials on public transportation initiatives, chairman of numerous charitable fundraising events.
What do you see as the city’s greatest obstacle, and what are your plans to tackle it?
The city’s rapid growth. I plan to provide a fresh view and ideas for prioritizing development related initiatives such as public safety, utility requirements, construction/development plans, building inspections, protecting natural resources (regional aquifers) and air quality, while maintaining fiscal oversight and responsibility to protect the investment of each resident.
What is something you want Georgetown residents to know about you?
I have resided and been involved in communities that have experienced rapid growth similar to Georgetown. I am pragmatic, commonsensical, and analytical. I am not afraid to ask questions, challenge the status quo, and make tough choices. I would consider it an honor to serve the residents of Georgetown.
If elected, what are your top priorities for the city of Georgetown?
Managing the growth of the city and maintaining the small-town charm. Serving with a mayor and city manager and an excellent city council to meet the needs of citizens in the areas of public safety (fire and police), with the county and TxDOT to see streets and roads are developed.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
My career in the nonprofit sector of working with cities, boards, commissions, and knowing how to listen and solve problems. My lifelong desire to serve others—in this case, the citizens of Georgetown. Service on the property and grounds and finance committees in Sun City provides significant background to Georgetown’s needs.
What do you see as the city’s greatest obstacle, and what are your plans to tackle it?
Though not identifying it as an obstacle, I believe the most important task at hand is securing enough water for our future needs. This is a task being tackled by our mayor, city council, staff and water utility advisory board, of which I serve as chair.
What is something you want Georgetown residents to know about you?
I am an Eagle Scout, guided by the Scout Oath and law. These guiding principles established my character and values. These words have led me well in strategic planning, problem solving, leadership skills and communication. My commitment is to see that Georgetown is a great place to live, work, play.
