A special election has been called to fill Place 6. The term expires in May 2020.
Christopher Archer
Experience: Carroll ISD board president, Bob Jones Nature Center board of directors
Website: www.archer4southlake.com
Top priorities: strengthening the relationship between the district and council, fiscal conservativeness
Stephen Luhrs
Experience: Carroll Leadership Academy for Supporting Success
Website: www.stephenluhrs4southlake.com
Top priorities: property taxes, traffic, retail and commerce development, Carroll ISD’s legacy
Shauna Newman
Experience: Carroll ISD volunteer, Congregation Beth Israel volunteer
Website: www.shaunaforsouthlake.com
Top priorities: traffic, green spaces and parks, commercial growth and local control
Why are you running for council?
Archer: What inspired me to run for City Council was my desire and commitment to continue to give back to a community that has been so good to me and my family. I saw the opportunity to serve on City Council as a way to broaden the scope of my involvement beyond that of just Carroll ISD; however, [it] also gives me the ability to continue to work with CISD and continue the strong relationship between the city and the school district.
Luhrs: I have always had a desire to serve for the community I live in. The opportunity had never presented itself as we had to move a few times, and the last community we lived in was unincorporated so there was no city council or elected position offered. Southlake offers the chance to be involved on a municipal level, and with the open place on Council it just felt like the right time.
Newman: In the 13 years that my family and I have lived in Southlake, I have spent many hours working at the grass-roots level to help our school district and community maintain and improve its quality of life. The residents have inspired me with their dedication to making this community an incredible place to live and work. Continuing to work with the people of this city and applying the skills I have developed
would be a privilege.
What would you do to help alleviate traffic concerns in highly congested areas?
Archer: Obviously traffic and mobility is a major concern for Southlake as we, as well as our surrounding cities, grow and expand. It is an area which requires ongoing evaluation and, unfortunately, I do not believe has an easy answer. I do know that during my discussions and meetings with city staff, it is on the top of the priority list for the city manager and mayor.
Luhrs: I think that we have multiple opportunities to improve the traffic situation in Southlake. I feel that we could improve the ability to navigate Southlake by other means than cars. A start would be to have proper bike lanes along Southlake Boulevard/[FM] 1709 as well as sidewalks and crosswalks on the streets off of 1709. In initiating these changes we would alleviate quite a bit of congestion with parents transporting kids to and from all the time. I would also like to bring some sort of public transportation.
Newman: Acknowledgment that a certain segment of increased traffic is not in our local control is critical to consideration of future projects. Thoughtful consideration and planning must include: protection of our local roads, residential neighborhoods and school properties as our primary goal against the inevitable increased traffic produced by a surge in the daytime population to our city as well as rising numbers of people coming to Southlake as an entertainment destination.
What makes you qualified for this position?
Archer: I am the best candidate because of my proven leadership and experience. I am the only candidate who has truly been involved in all aspects of our city and community. The experience and leadership I have shown as president of the Carroll ISD school board will be invaluable as I take the next step to serve on City Council.
Luhrs: I bring a fresh perspective to Southlake utilizing my experiences living in other communities. It is this perspective that allows me to have a new take on both current and old issues that Southlake is enduring. I believe my experience as an entrepreneur and in building companies is beneficial to helping to build and better a city like Southlake.
Newman: I have spent the last 13 years rolling up my sleeves to help our school district and community maintain and improve its quality of daily life. The path to my candidacy is nontraditional, perhaps unconventional. Working in the trenches for so many Southlake organizations with other community members has given me the opportunity to listen to, and learn about, their concerns, perspectives and visions for Southlake.
