Chelsea L. McGowan
cmcgowan@weatherforddemocrat.com
James Hamilton knows coming into a city council with new ideas and a fresh outlook can sometimes lead to some tension. And the newly-elected Weatherford councilman thinks tension might be the best thing in the world for the leadership of a growing city.
“I think there will be a healthy tension on the council, and I think that’s a good thing,” Hamilton said the day before being sworn into office. “No one wants a bunch of ‘yes men’ representing them. There are a variety of folks in this community, and we’re elected to represent all those people. Each of the council members comes from somewhat different backgrounds, and I’m looking forward to working with each of them.”
Hamilton defeated long-time council member Clem Smith in the May 9 election, garnering 45.9 percent of the votes.
By day, Hamilton serves as a high school teacher in Millsap ISD. While his students enjoy their summer break, Hamilton said he intends to use his extra time to really get in touch with the Weatherford voters he wants to represent.
“During the campaign, I made two promises,” he said. “One was to listen to the concerns of the citizens, and the other was to actually have listening sessions. In June and July, I’ll be getting to work on those listening sessions. I will be making a point to be in every neighborhood in Weatherford. We’ll find a way to publicize it so everyone knows. Maybe we’ll have a block party. Maybe someone will open their home. But everyone will have the opportunity to tell me what’s important to them.”
Hamilton said he feels these listening sessions are an absolute priority, as they will give the citizens a more direct voice in their government.
“I want people to know I’m not going into this position with any agenda,” he said. “I just want to listen. I don’t think the city has done enough to listen to the heart of the community ... to hear where we want to go, and how we want to grow. This summer, I’m going to be around, and I hope people will take advantage of that.”
Comparing municipal finances to a home budget, Hamilton said the council should make it a priority to get its money’s worth when it comes to city services.
“There are so many issues that need to be addressed, but I think primarily, getting the city’s financial house in order is really important,” he said. “Like individual families, the city has not made the kind of interest income we’re used to, because of the economy. The coffers are not bare, by any means, but we need to find ways to take care of the city’s obligations and give our citizens the most bang for their buck.”
When it comes to directing city staff, Hamilton said he feels confident the current group is the right one to lead Weatherford into the future.
“I’m very, very pleased with our city staff,” he said. “Jerry Blaisdell is exactly who we need to manage us at this time. I’ve known all these council members, at least by reputation, for many years. I think each member of the city and staff bring different strengths to the table, and together, we can really do great things for this city.”
After the signs are down and the balloons deflated, Hamilton said he’s most determined to make sure his fellow Weatherford residents know his campaign promises weren’t empty.
“The city is facing some very big issues,” he said. “It’s easy, during a campaign, to say ‘I’ll do this’ or ‘I’ll do that,’” he said. “But now it’s time to get to work. It’s daunting, but I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and demonstrate the skills the people of Weatherford saw in me. I’m ready to make some differences.”
Local News
Hamilton to make listening his priority
- Local News
-
-
Ramp relocation could open Willow Park development
-
Planning that special day
More than 15 countries around the world to celebrate the art of love via Valentine’s Day.
In Weatherford and Parker County, several businesses, restaurants and venues will open their doors beginning this weekend to commemorate the holiday.
“We’ve already started taking reservations and business has been pretty steady,” Fish Creek owner Joseph Lane said. “It’s always busy around this time of year.” - Man arrested for indecent exposure in Hudson Oaks
- School: parent OK with paddling
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
-
Flooding at issue in other subdivisions
While much attention has been given to the Briarwood subdivision, located off of Santa Fe Drive in Weatherford, during the last two months storm water drainage issues have occurred in additional subdivisions and concerned homeowners. This has been an ongoing issue for many areas throughout the city.
- Child paddled, abuse at school not substantiated
-
Wildlife volunteers needed
Like any other mother, Donna Robinson has pictures of her “babies” on her phone.
“Let me show you,” she said eagerly. “I’ve got lots of pictures of the kids.”
She scrolls through the photos — there’s one of a squirrel with milk on its mouth after a feeding. Oh, there’s a cute one of two tiny possums looking over her shoulder as she feeds another “baby.” Aww, there’s the group of four raccoons named after the Beatles: Ringo, Paul, George and John.
Ok. She’s not your “ordinary” mom. -
Water woes on floodplain in Weatherford
When Wendy Walling purchased her home in the Briarwood subdivision off of Sante Fe Drive in the mid-1990s, her son could easily jump from one side of the small creek behind the home to the other.
“My son was in fourth grade (when we moved in) and he could actually jump across the creek,” Walling said.
By 2007, however, Walling said the width of the creek had begun to expand.
“(The creek) can hold water now and before it never could,” Walling said. - DPS: Motorcyclists didn't see slowing truck
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
