Chad Patton is running for the Southlake City Council Place 3 seat, facing opposing candidate Inna Dietrich in the upcoming May 4 general election. He currently holds this seat on the City Council. Community Impact Newspaper sent Patton 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?

My wife and I have a vested interest in the future of Southlake. We are committed to raising our kids in the Carroll Independent School District and operating my business in this community. Preserving the quality of Southlake is critical to all who live and work here. Continuing to serve another three years alongside my colleagues on City Council is my humble way of giving back.

What experience—professionally or politically—do you have that would prepare you for this position?

Over the last 10 years I have served on our zoning board of adjustments, as vice chair of our parks board and the last three years as our Place 3 City Council member. Countless additional boards and committees including but are not limited to: the 2030 planning committee; the 2035 planning committee; the TIRZ board and the corridor planning committee.

What do you think is one of the biggest issues facing Southlake, and how do you plan to address it on the City Council?

With limited real estate remaining to develop, ensuring we protect landowner rights but governing with an eye on the impact of increased traffic, safety and community resources is critical. Southlake is such a special community; being able to maintain, yet evolve, is critical to ensure our citizens are able to benefit from our city’s quality development, safe parks, attractive retail and desirable residential neighborhoods. I plan on continuing to work closely with our award-winning staff to maximize our tax exemptions without sacrificing any of the quality our citizens expect. It goes without saying that maintaining a strong relationship with the leadership of CISD and its trustees is critical as well.

What else do you want voters to know about you?

My wife, Tracy, and I have been married for 23-plus years, and we have been proud residents of Southlake for the last 14 years. Our two children (sophomore, Sophie and fourth-grader, Grant) have both experienced every day of their education in the CISD system. I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the board of the Pro Players Foundation, Marriage 911 and Financial Hope with our church, Gateway Southlake. I have been either a head coach or an assistant coach in the Southlake Rec system for the last seven years in baseball, basketball and football (Under Armor Under the Lights). Professionally, I have a unique background as an executive in finance, an economic development background, a small-business owner for the last 12 years and previously as a health care executive.