One of my greatest pleasures being a Council member is the privilege of working with so many other Garland citizens that serve on the various boards, commissions, and committees within city government. I'm especially proud of the large number of District 1 residents that continue to give their time on behalf of their fellow residents.
 
Term limits set the maximum time that I can serve on the Council at six years. I'll have to run again next spring to reach six years but after that it will be someone else's turn (although it could happen sooner). The next representative could very well be someone from this list.
 
At the beginning of my first term, about half of the boards, commissions, and committees did not have anyone from District 1, particularly some of the more active panels. One of my goals has been to increase the number of District 1 residents serving the city. I felt, first, there were many, many individuals with incredible experience in professional careers that could be of service to the city and, second, it was important to always be building the leadership that the district and city will need in many areas as we move forward.
 
Almost every permanent board, commission, and committee has at least one person from District 1 and many have more. The exceptions are the Plumbing and Mechanical Code Board, the Lake Ray Hubbard Appeals Board, and the North Texas Municipal Water District Board. More people are serving from District 1 than any other district and more District 1 residents are serving than ever before.
 
This is the current list of District 1 residents serving. While many of the appointments are mine, Mayor Ron Jones and other Council members have also tapped District 1 residents to serve, for which I am extremely grateful.
 

Permanent Boards and Commissions

Revised Mar 23, 2010

 
For the South Area Tax Increment Finance District Board, District 1 is represented by Bill Swisher. Although Mr Swisher does not live in District 1, I wanted to appoint someone with extensive financial experience that was intimately familiar with the area. After all, the better the South Area does, the more it helps north Garland.
 
Other District 1 residents serving on other governmental bodies include:

• Keith Montgomery, GISD Board of Trustees
• Scott Luna, GISD Board of Trustees
• Robert Harris, GISD Board of Trustees

I've probably forgotten to mention others that I will be embarrassed to have missed. If so, let me know so I can make corrections. My apologies now.
 
UPDATE: Chris Luna was serving on the UAB but is now on the Dallas County Parkland Hospital Board of Managers and Jaime Ornelas has returned to the Community Multicultural Commission.