Village of Salado voters will choose a Mayor from a field of three candidates.
Follows are brief introductions of each of the candidates, in their own words. Next week, begins a series of questions and answers with the candidates.
David Williams
My name is David Williams and I am running for Mayor of the Village of Salado, Texas. Like many living in this wonderful Village it took several years for my wife, Karen, and I to find and settle here. Salado is a special place and keeping it that way is important to me.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Arts degree from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. I served for 27 years in the United States Marine Corps and retired as a Colonel. I served 13 years in the Federal government in Program Management, plus 7 years working in the medical management field for the US Army and Baylor, Scott & White. I am currently full time retired.
I had the privilege of serving the citizens of Salado as your Alderman. It was a unique experience that opened my eyes to the challenges of keeping our citizens informed and engaged in municipal government. I started the Salado Citizen Academy in February of 2017 for the sole purpose of helping the citizens of Salado to better understand how a municipality works, encourage them to get involved, and to empower them to hold their elected officials accountable.
I am a Board Member of the Salado Historical Society; member of the Salado Lion’s Club; and Chairman of the Central Texas Marines (an organization that honors US Marines each year with a Birthday celebration breakfast).
In my free time I like to fly airplanes (and helicopters), attend local classic car shows, and enjoy meeting the people of Salado over coffee in one of our local venues.
I am thankful for the support from my lovely wife Karen, and my grown children Jennifer, Jason, Jessica, Julia, Ryan and Brandon.
Linda Reynolds
When I was a young wife and mother, my husband passed away. So I worked to pay off the mortgages on two houses and raise my daughter. Seven years ago I retired after teaching for 35 years, and moved to Salado to help my sister care for mom.
No one paid me to move to Salado, and I don’t believe we need to pay ANYONE ELSE to move here to live, or open a business. Developers need to be financially healthy partners, OR we do not need their business in Salado. Financially weak developers only leave disasters in their wake.
Today, I have no debt, except what I owe the IRS this April 17. As a fiscal conservative, I live by my 94 year old mom’s warning that HASTE MAKES WASTE. Financial decisions should not be made under pressure.
When I watched Skip and Dave, Fred, Frank and Mike agree to borrow 8.2 million at 7:00 AM one July 2015 morning, my head spun at the thousands in interest the village would pay before a shovelful of dirt was turned.
All my life, I have believed governments should be transparent, honest and debt free. Since the mayor does not vote at Board Meetings, I would love to write a weekly column informing village residents of the actions the Aldermen initiate.
Residents need to know when their tax dollars are spent, when Government is attempting to control lives, AND when the government is adding to the financial burden of those under 65.
As a teacher, I learned that students demand honesty, fairness and clear communication. Those are also the principles required of a Mayor.
Skip Blancett
Born: Waco. Graduated La Vega High School. Started work with my father, a cement finisher, at 10. At 16, worked after school, West Super Market. Three days after graduation, at 18, became pastor, Carlton-Lamkin UMC.
Attending Howard Payne University, Gayle Stubblefield, a TWA hostess, became my partner and best friend. Our 50th anniversary is this year.
College: Senior-year, Southern Methodist University (SMU) granted early permission to begin a Masters Degree in Theology. Pastoring 2-churches near Waxahachie and teaching High School English; the Masters Degree completed; the HPC Bachelors Degree was completed.
The Navy Chaplain Corps became a reality. Completing Chaplain’s School, our family flew to Guam, first assignment. Through the years, we lived in Great Lakes, San Diego, Norfolk, Newport, Camp Lejuene, Germany, and Washington, D.C. Was promoted: Navy Captain, 0-6, 16-years after enlisting.
The Navy offered Post Graduate School, SMU, and earned a Doctorate in 9-months: SMU History.
Our 22nd Navy year: the Bishop requested we return and accept Salado United Methodist Church, a tremendous church. Three months after moving, the Navy asked me to return to active duty as Chaplain of the Marine Corps. We declined.
Three-years later. The Bishop appointed me to Ft Worth, raise 6-million dollars to begin 20-new churches.
Upon completion, Bill Kinnison and I discussed working as an Education Services Division as a Guidance Counselor. Outstanding; Bill, a great supervisor.
Saturdays attended Saint Mary’s University and earned a second Masters in International Relations.
Five-years later. Bishop appointment: Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Killeen. A wonderful experience!
Five-years passed. Education Service Officer, Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, was offered. Eighteen months later: Chief, Counseling, Fort Hood.
Taught Masters Degree-level at Naval War College, Naval Chaplain School, and St Mary’s University.
God, Gayle, and our children are at life’s center.