Community Impact Newspaper sent Bullock a series of questions about his candidacy. This article is part of ongoing May 4 election coverage and does not constitute an endorsement of the candidate. His written responses, edited for publication style, are below.
Why did you decide to run for this office?
I’m running because I love our city and want to serve. Colleyville has been a great place to live and raise our family. We have excellent schools, beautiful neighborhoods and warm-hearted people. I believe I have a combination of skills, experience and relationships in the community to be an effective council member.
What experience—professionally or politically—do you have that would prepare you for this position?
Professional experience: I have 40 years of business experience in information technology and accounting systems. I have started two successful IT consulting businesses. I believe that the key to a successful business is building relationships of trust and respect between employers, employees, customers, vendors and even competitors. Teaming beats competing. Another key is having an attitude of service and optimism. My goal is to find a creative, mutually beneficial solution that is fair to everyone. I will bring that attitude and experience to bear in serving on City Council.
Political experience: I worked on John McCain’s presidential campaign and ran for office two years ago. I have helped with campaigns of other candidates I support. I believe good candidates must listen, be open-minded and have the courage and mental dexterity to change their minds when they get new information.
What do you think is one of the biggest issues facing Colleyville, and how do you plan to address it on the City Council?
Business retention and economic development. As a City Council member, I will work to promote Colleyville as a forward-thinking city that embraces change, encourages diversity and works positively to promote business. Colleyville should be known as “the city of YES!”
What else do you want voters to know about you?
I have lived in Colleyville for 28 years. My wife Patty is a retired school teacher. Between us, we have five children and four grandchildren. I have a B.A. degree in economics from Texas A&M University. After graduating from A&M, I served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a minuteman nuclear missile officer. During my time in the Air Force, I earned an MBA from the University of North Dakota.
I am very connected to our schools. I have served on the board of the Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation for the past nine years, including two as board president. I was a booster for the [Grapevine High School] Belles, Fillies and band.
I have actively served in several nonprofit organizations, including the Colleyville Lions Club, the Colleyville Rotary Club (president), Colleyville Executive Organization (chairman) and North Texas Shield Foundation (board of directors). I am a member of the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce and Grapevine Chamber of Commerce. I served on the Colleyville Center Advisory Committee and completed Leadership Colleyville.
I play music as a volunteer at two assisted-living/memory care facilities. I believe it is important not to forget those who came before us. I am friends with people across the political and religious spectrum, not just folks who agree with me or worship as I do. I hope to bring people together in a spirit of community and cooperation.
More information about Bullock and his campaign can be found here.
