Slechta set for his next chapter in Grapevine as city councilman

GRAPEVINE Paul Slechta, owner of Panda Embroidery and a longtime contributor to Grapevine’s reputation as a top tourism site in North Texas, will be sworn in at the Jan. 5 City Council meeting as the its newest member

Slechta handily won a runoff race Dec. 8 to fill the Place 1 unexpired term of the late Mayor Pro Tem C. Shane Wilbanks.

Slechta and Christian Ross faced off after both were the top two vote-getters in a Nov. 3 election to fill the post held by Wilbanks, who was reelected this year to a three-year term on the council and died Aug. 21 in his sleep at home. Defeated in the first election were Lee Derr and Marc Blum.

Slechta, owner of Panda Embroidery, said that his family’s business legacy in Grapevine would be an asset.

“As a member of the City Council, I promise to be a strong and independent voice for the people of Grapevine, keep Grapevine fiscally responsible and responsive to all citizen’s needs and preserve Grapevine’s heritage while continuing to retain and attract quality businesses that add value to our community,” Slechta said.

Slechta has long been an omnipresent fixture in city activities, including participation with the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau, Grapevine Rotary Club and local chapter of AMBUCS.

The City Council canvassed the results on Dec. 16.

The Star-Telegram asked Slechta about his new post.

Why did you seek the City Council position?

I felt like this was the next step in my continued involvement in the community. I had been giving some thought to running for council at some point, but it had to be the right time both personally and professionally. I wouldn’t have been able to give 100 percent to the position if I didn’t have the support of my family as well as the people I work with.

What are some issues facing Grapevine?

That’s a tough one because I don’t currently see any large issues that Grapevine is facing. I guess if anything it would have to be the fact that the city is getting closer to build out. It very important to be careful with what commercial land we have left and make sure that we are attracting the right businesses to come into our community that will add value to our community.

What are some of your goals for the city?

My goal is to just help keep Grapevine going in the right direction. My plan is to reach out to each department and board/commission to better understand how they function, what their needs are and what I can do to help them to be more efficient and successful.

What have you learned in your previous experience that will help you during your time on the City Council?

I have been involved in a lot of areas within the community and I think I have a good idea of how things work. I served on the Grapevine Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Board for 12 years and served as the chairman for three of those years. I have served on the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for almost seven years and I am currently the chairman for 2015.

What was your platform and why do you think it was so successful?

My platform was pretty simple. I wanted to be a strong independent voice for the people of Grapevine, I want to keep Grapevine fiscally responsible and responsive to all citizen’s needs. I want to preserve Grapevine’s heritage while continuing to retain and attract quality businesses that add value to our community. I felt that Grapevine residents for the most part are very happy with the city and were looking for a candidate that wasn’t interested in making wholesale changes. Don’t get me wrong. There are things we need to be tweaked, but I would put Grapevine’s quality of life up against any other city our size.

Why do you think the voters overwhelmingly supported you?

I would have to say it was my community involvement over the last 25 years. People have gotten to know me and my family over the years whether through my business or my community involvement.

What makes Grapevine unique?

It’s the diverse business community along with our historic downtown area that to me set us apart. How many cities our size can claim to have a Historic Downtown area like ours with numerous locally owned restaurants, retail shops and wine tasting rooms, while also being home to companies like Grapevine Mills mall, The Gaylord Texan, etc? It’s also the residents of Grapevine! We don’t just live here, we get involved here.

As a longtime resident, what do you think could be improved in the city?

Our downtown area has become so popular that I feel parking has become a big issue. I am not sure whether we need to look at a parking structure or more surface parking with better signage informing visitors of parking lot locations.

Could you provide family background, such as parents and their connection to Panda Embroidery and any other immediate family?

I am married to my wife Tiffany. We have two children, our daughter Katelyn is a freshman at the University of North Texas and our son Tucker is a sophomore in High School at Southlake Carroll. I graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor of arts in Political Science. My dad Dennis started Panda Embroidery in 1987 and I joined the company in 1990. I grew up in Pilot Mountain, N.C.

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 3:12 PM with the headline "Slechta set for his next chapter in Grapevine as city councilman."