Candidates in the race for the Southlake Mayor and Place 2 seats

Meet the candidates who have applied for positions in the City of Southlake’s leadership.

Election day is May 9.

Mayor

Council members Laura Hill and Carolyn Morris have filed for the Mayor’s seat.

Hill said she is running because she believes she’s the right person to lead Southlake.

“We need a very strong leader to take us forward for next three years,” she said.

If she becomes Mayor, she wants to ensure the city’s infrastructure catches up to its quick-paced development, ensure the best developers are placed in the city’s remaining land and invest more in open space. She plans to get residents involved earlier with potential developments, and begin planning for the city’s remaining pieces of developable land before private interests make proposals.

Morris said she is is a candidate because she was involved in the planning for the city’s future and wants to see that through.

“We do have plans, and we know where we’re going,” she said. “I want to stay involved.”

Morris said she served on every committee that created the city’s 2030 plan and will continue to listen to businesses and residents to keep Southlake the premiere city that it is. She will continue to focus on improving traffic flow in the city, and she wants to take another look at the city’s land use plan.

Place 2

Former Planning and Zoning Commission member Shawn McCaskill and former councilwoman Pamela Muller have filed for Place 2.

McCaskill said as a councilman he will continue the record he made as a Planning and Zoning member in working for low-density, high-quality commercial and residential developments.

“I am in favor, and have voted to adhere to, the principal that the developments have to be the best quality, above the minimum standards,” he said. “Those actions speak louder than any words.”

In addition to development, McCaskill said voters can expect him to focus on maintaining conservative funding, increasing cash reserves, increased financial and logistical support for Carroll school district including improved safety.

Former councilwoman Pamela Muller said she believes her experience makes her the best choice to lead Southlake’s future.

“I’m the most qualified to understand all the issues and the most likely to help put in a plan to slow down and control growth,” she said. “I’m the most knowledgeable on all our ordinances and plans and budget.”

Muller said she will focus on lower density housing, controlled growth, traffic, reducing the tax burden on residents and working with the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to reduce airplane noise over the city.

Place 5

John Huffman is unopposed for the Place 5 council seat, for which the term expires in May 2016.

This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 9:26 AM with the headline "Candidates in the race for the Southlake Mayor and Place 2 seats."