Title
Discuss and consider action regarding the Texas Municipal League (TML) Board Director Election for Region 10.
Summary
TML has 15 regions, and each has a seat on the Board. Each TML member city is entitled to one vote, which vote must be cast by a majority vote of the city’s governing body. The officials listed on this ballot have been nominated to serve a two-year term on the TML Board of Directors Region 10. TML must receive the completed ballot no later than October 3, 2024.
Dr. Christopher Harvey, Mayor, Manor
Biography: I humbly submit this application for the Region 10 Regional Director position. I have lived in Region 10 all my life, being born and raised in Austin, now living in Manor. I am a graduate of Texas State University (Social Work), Concordia University at Austin (Master’s in Education Administration), and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Doctorate in Leadership in Education Administration). I am a leader in the field of Education. I am a man with Christian values and practices. I am a family man with a wife and three girls. My political affiliation is non-partisan. I value diversity, small business, and community. I believe that strong city leadership can change our country and the world. I have served my community on the Manot City Council since 2019. My colleagues in Region 10 will share that when I have had the floor, I didn’t promote Manor, but the region. My supporters in the Texas Legislature and US Congress will echo the sentiment. I am an advocate of regional planning. We’ve even embarked on a regional wastewater treatment plant and regional economic initiatives with Samsung, Tesla, Applied Materials, and the City of Austin. I have worked to build a relationship with Mayor Kirk Watson and we talk about regional employment, transportation needs (like US HWY 290, FM 973, and HWY 95). He is a supporter of regional planning. He called several Mayors to meet in Austin to answer the call of joining an association so that we can partner and build our area together. I shared this with my council
Jimmy Jenkins, Councilmember, Smithville
Biography: I am retired from American Airlines and returned home to Smithville in 2018. I was born in Wichita Falls and have been a tradesman all my life. After retirement, I wanted to keep my mind and body active. I started attending council meetings and ran for and was elected in 2023. Our small city is at the edge of the growth that is hitting Bastrop County, and over the next two to three years it will be at our doors. As a Smithville councilmember, I have been very active in TML, CARTPO, the Bastrop County Public Health Taskforce, and other related activities for the city. Managing our land use, working with officials to protect our city's ability to govern, and managing the city's infrastructure are top priorities. I have the privilege to be appointed to the 2024 TML Policy Summit. Working to protect our cities’ rights to govern and promoting good legislation with other TML members will be a privilege. I am a firm believer that working together with other cities and towns we can improve the lives of our constituents and make our cities better by the exchange of ideas and being good listeners. If I am chosen to serve, I will work hard for Region 10. Listening to ideas from member cities, promoting each other, and promoting ideas that the members put forth to TML leadership will be job one. Texas is a great place to live, raise a family, and to be from. Let's keep it that way. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Na’Cole Thompson, Mayor Pro Tem, Leander
Biography: Na'Cole Thompson's dedication to public service, combined with her extensive experience, education, and recommendation from TML Director Mayor Christine DeLisle, make her a strong candidate for the Texas Municipal League Region 10 director, where she aims to represent and advocate for her region's interests at the state level. Na'Cole’s active membership with the Texas Association of Black City Council Members, is a further testament to her advocacy for inclusive governance. As a native Austinite and notable figure, Na’Cole has proven herself to be a versatile leader with deep connections in her community. Currently serving her second term on the Leander City Council and as the mayor pro tem, she continues to demonstrate her commitment to her constituents. Na’Cole’s community involvement extends outside city limits as she serves on the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) General Assembly, where she contributes to regional strategies that benefit a wide range of communities. Additionally, Na'Cole serves as the board president of the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority, working closely with neighboring cities to ensure effective water resource management. On the Leander City Council, Na’Cole has been a proactive council liaison to the Leander Public Arts & Culture Commission, spearheading cultural enrichment through events such as the City's annual Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations. Lastly, as a small business owner, Na'Cole brings a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local enterprises. Her educational background includes an MBA from Florida Metropolitan University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Baylor University, supplemented by her graduation from the Women's Entrepreneurship Certificate Program at Cornell University and the LBJ Women's Campaign School.
Supporting documents attached:
Ballot 2024 Region 10
Recommended Action
Discuss and take appropriate action