Colleyville’s new city council receives warm welcome

A packed chamber was on hand to welcome three new members to the City Council on May 17 after three incumbents were ousted in a May election.

In the mayor’s race, incumbent David Kelly lost his bid for office to challenger Richard Newton. Tammy Nakamura took the Place 1 seat held by Carol Wollin. For the Place 2 seat, Bobby Lindamood defeated incumbent Chuck Mogged.

When the three were administered the oath of office, the crowd rose to its feet and shouted its approval, giving several standing ovations during the event. The new Council elected Councilman Chris Putnam as mayor pro tem in a unanimous vote.

Newton, a registered professional engineer and project management professional, is no newcomer to the city. He was elected to the Colleyville Council four times and elected mayor three times.

He addressed that, saying, “By the way, it’s been a long time since I sat in this chair so I hope I get it right. I may mess up tonight. Please forgive me if I do.”

He referenced his Put Citizens First campaign signs, saying that the message was chosen “for a reason” and that he meant it sincerely. Newton said he wants the Council chamber to be “a friendly place for you.”

Nakamura, a business owner, said being accessible to the public is important.

“Citizens are first,” Nakamura said. “Our telephone numbers are out there. Call at any time as long as you say something nice first before you start in.”

Lindamood, a self-employed demolition specialist, thanked the crowd repeatedly and said it was time for the Council and citizens to more forward.

“It’s because of the unity is why we are here right now,” he said. “Now it’s time to be unified across the whole city of Colleyville, to be pooled together as one unit, to be team players. So that means we’re going to have to have to reach our hands across the borders, across the fields to other friends and and pull them in.”

Getting emotional at the end of his speech, Lindamood said, “And let’s hug on each other and let’s love on each other and let’s put that back in here on City Council like we promised we would do. We’re going to do those things.”

After the three took the oath of office and several presentations were made, there was a reception with cake for family, friends and supporters.

Newton also thanked the three outgoing Council members, recognizing Kelly for 11 years of service, Wollin for nine years of service and Mogged for three years of service. The three were recognized in the pre-council meeting and were presented service awards.

This story was originally published May 24, 2016 at 12:25 PM with the headline "Colleyville’s new city council receives warm welcome."