Deb talks about strategic planning

Deb Shinder released a video today in which she talked about her great experience serving on Rockwall County's Strategic Planning Committee for most of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, attending numerous meetings and public forums and working with representatives from the county, other Rockwall County cities, other entities (schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations), and interested citizens.  

Deb announced that one of her first initiatives as mayor would be to come to the council with a proposal to appoint a committee to review and revise the City of Rowlett's strategic plan. It was adopted prior to the pandemic and Deb said, "The world has changed since then, and our city has changed." 

You can view the video on the Deb for Rowlett Mayor Facebook page. 

Deb releases a new "short shots" video: The Great Political Divide

Rockwall County Strategic Plan will be presented next week

After a year of hard work by many different people and numerous workshops and community forums, Baker Tilly consultants and the Rockwall County Strategic Plan Committee will be presenting the final draft of the Rockwall County Strategic Plan 2050 to the Commissioners' Court on Tuesday, March 11. Deb was asked to speak at that meeting and represent Rowlett, which is one of the ten cities that lie partially or wholly in Rockwall County.  The Commissioners' Court meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m.

The population of the County was 131,307 as of July, 2023, with a 5.13 percent annual growth rate. By adopting a strategic plan that looks forward for the next twenty-five years, Rockwall County will become one of only a handful of Texas counties to do. This initiative was led by Precinct 2 County Commissioner Dana Macalik.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration is coming soon

As Kermit the Frog used to say, it's not easy being green. But on March 14th from 6:00-9:00 p.m., we'll "wear green and be seen" as part of Rowlett's Culture Roulette series of themed events. This is a day for celebrating the life and memory of Ireland's patron saint and the heritage and culture of our Irish American citizens. There will be live music, crafts and activities, and delicious food from local vendors to enjoy at this family-friendly gathering downtown on the Green (where else?).

Rowlett Mardi Gras Night was a ton of fun!

On Friday evening, the City of Rowlett held its Mardi Gras celebration at the Rowlett Community Centre. This wasn't a campaign event, but many of the candidates who have filed to run in the May 3 election were on hand. There was a crawfish boil, a cakewalk, live music, games and items for sale or giveaway - along with some colorful clothing and lots and lots of beads. Food trucks in the parking lot provided refreshments, and we had beautiful weather and a great turnout. Kudos to city staff for a successful event!

Special Election for Mayor: Drawing for Place on the Ballot

The filing deadline for the special election for mayor will close on March 3 at 5:00 p.m. Immediately following, at 5:05 p.m., the City Secretary will hold a drawing for place on the ballot in that race. The order of filing determines the order to draw.  Deb Shinder filed her application on February 5 and Jeff Winget filed on February 11. The drawing is expected to be broadcast via live video on the City of Rowlett TX Facebook page. 

Meeting with state legislators in Austin

Four members of the city council, along with representatives from the Rowlett Chamber and Leadership Rowlett, took a quick two-day trip to Austin this week to meet with state legislators and advocate for Rowlett's legislative agenda. Deb believes building relationships at the regional and state levels is an important part of being an elected official, and something she will continue as mayor. 

She says, "Thank you to state senator Bob Hall, representatives Angie Chen Button and Rhetta Bowers, PUC Director Mike Hoke, Adriana Cruz from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and Speaker Burrows for taking the time out of this busy session to meet with us. The laws enacted by the state impact the city and its citizens, both directly and indirectly, and bringing our concerns to those who make the laws can benefit us all." 

Last night's Rowlett Chamber gala was a big success

It was great to see so many Rowlett residents and businesspeople come together last night to recognize and celebrate the winners of the annual awards. The theme was Mardi Gras and there were silent and live auctions, good food catered by Ferah Tex-Med, a cash bar, DJ and music, and plenty of time for meeting and mingling with great people. Councilmembers and candidates, city management and department heads, school district reps, Chamber board, ambassadors, and members, and others were in attendance and a good time was had by all. 

Council Candidates' Ballot Places Drawn

Seven candidates filed applications and qualified for a place on the ballot in the general election, which will be held on May 3rd. Council places 2, 4, and 6 are up for election. A drawing was held to determine the order of names on the ballot. Video of the drawing is available on the city's Facebook page. Results are as follows:

* Incumbent

The drawing for ballot place in the special election for mayor will take place after the close of the filing window on March 3. 

Representing Rowlett in Austin

What happens in Austin doesn't stay in Austin. The decisions made by our state legislators impact us throughout all of Texas and have a big impact on individual citizens. on businesses, and on municipal governments. Cities don't operate in a vacuum, so it's important for local elected officials to represent the interests of their constituents at the state Capitol. 

Deb will be traveling to Austin next week and meeting with state representatives to advocate for issues that benefit our city and citizens. As a member of Rowlett's government affairs subcommittee, she helped create the city's legislative agenda for the 89th session and will carry that message to those who create the laws under which our city has to operate. 

Rowlett Chamber and Visitors Center Annual Gala

This Friday, February 21, the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual gala event. Deb and Tom will be there, supporting our Chamber, so please come out and help us celebrate and honor all the special people and businesses in our city. 
You can find out more and register to attend via the Chamber website:
Rowlett, TX Our Calendar of Events

Deb Shinder for Mayor official campaign kickoff event was a big success

On Sunday afternoon, Deb's supporters filled the largest room at the Rowlett Community Centre to help kick off her campaign for mayor. Her campaign team did an amazing job of completely transforming the room into a campaign rally headquarters. This was Deb's first city-wide campaign event, and it went off beautifully, thanks to all those who gave their time, effort, and money to make it happen. 

The campaign kickoff was attended by current and former councilmembers, some current council candidates, community leaders, mayoral candidate from our sister city of Garland Deborah Morris, and Rowlett citizens and business owners who believe Deb is the best candidate to lead the Rowlett council during this time of transition and transformation. 

       

Deb said, "I am so humbled and honored by the love and support I've received, including from people I just met. I will do all I can to earn the trust that you have put in me by supporting me for mayor. I don't make a lot of campaign promises because I don't believe in making commitments I can't keep, but I can and will promise to always listen to your concerns and complaints and do my best to answer your questions and address the issues you care about, within my authority to do so."

This was the first event, but it won't be the last. Keep an eye on the Events page for upcoming neighborhood meet & mingles and the next city-wide event. 

Council candidates slate still not finalized

Friday, Feb. 14 was the deadline to file for a place on the ballot for the city council general election. However, there were some withdrawals and some last-minute applications that could not be verified before the weekend.

In another twist, a person can file to run as a declared write-in candidate, and the deadline for that is Tuesday, Feb. 18. A declared write-in means the person's name doesn't appear on the ballot, but votes for him/her will be counted if voters write the name in.

All this means we still don't know for sure exactly who's running. As of end of business day on Friday, Feb. 14, verified candidates for council include Marvin Gibbs for place 2, Mike Britton for place 4, and Pam Bell for place 6.  Chance Jobe was verified for place 2 but withdrew. David Smith was verified for place 6 but withdrew. There are still two applications pending verification and one application that was rejected and the rejection has been challenged.

There are still two verified candidates for the special election for mayor: myself and Jeff Winget. 

Credit Card donations now accepted

You can now use a credit card to donate to Deb's campaign. If you want to help out with the expenses involved in running for office, any donation - large or small - is greatly appreciated. Just go to the "Contribute" link in the top navigation bar.  If you can help in other ways (door-to-door campaigning, phone calls, distributing flyers, hosting neighborhood events, etc.), go to the "Volunteer" page in the bottom nav bar or email Deb at deb@deb-for-rowlett.com 

Council Candidates Update

One more candidate has officially filed to run for city council in the May 3, 2025 election. As of end of day on Tuesday, February 11, two candidates have filed to run in the special election for mayor, with two having filed for council place 2, one for place 4, and one for place 6 in the general election. The deadline to file in the general election is this Friday, February 14. The deadline to file in the special election is March 3. 

SPECIAL ELECTION FOR MAYOR
Debra Shinder
Jeff Winget

COUNCIL PLACE 2
Marvin Gibbs
Chance Jobe

COUNCIL PLACE 4
Mike Britton

COUNCIL PLACE 6
Pam Bell

Visit the Rowlett Elections website for daily updates. 

Five candidates have filed for council seats thus far

As of February 5, the day after the passage of the ordinances officially calling the Rowlett general and special elections in May, five candidates have filed applications and petitions and have qualified to run for office. Two candidates (including Deb) have filed for the mayor's seat, and one each for places 2, 4, and 6. Other people have picked up candidate packets but have not yet filed. The deadline to file for council is February 14 and the deadline to file for mayor is March 3.  You can see the updated lists each day here.

Deb Shinder files application to run for mayor

Following the passage of an ordinance at the February 4 regular meeting calling a special election on May 3 for the seat of mayor, the filing window opened on February 5. Deb Shinder has submitted her application to the city secretary and is awaiting verification of the petitions. The deadline to file for a place on the ballot in the special election is March 3. 

Filing for council seats 2, 4, and 6 in the May 3 general election opened on January 15 and the deadline is February 14. 

Council calls May 3 elections

At the regular council meeting on February 4, the council passed ordinances calling both the general and special elections for May 3, 2025. These were voted on as part of the twelve-item consent agenda, which, following a motion by Councilmember Britton and second by Councilmember Reaves, was approved by a vote of five to one (Councilmember Bowers voting "no"). 

Deb Shinder announces mayoral candidacy

Debra Shinder, currently Deputy Mayor Pro Tem in place 6 of the Rowlett City Council, has announced her intent to run for mayor in the election to be held on May 3, 2025.  Deb’s priorities as mayor will focus first on the essential functions of government that most impact citizens' quality of life, then on economic development to reduce the tax burden on residents.