It seems like we're barely past the November presidential election and here we are again at the start of another campaign season. Municipal elections in Addison are May 9th, with early voting from April 27th through May 5th. Today was the first day to file to run for office. Mayor Joe Chow has not yet filed but is expected to run for a third term. He will be challenged by Todd Meier who resigned from his Town Council seat to run.
In the Council race, 4 seats are open. Dennis Kraft's untimely death created one of the openings. Kimberly Lay was appointed to fill his unexpired term and is expected to run as the incumbent for that seat. Two current council members are barred from running due to term limits. They are Greg Hirsch and Jimmy Niemann. The other seat is the one vacated by Todd Meier. Rumor has it that Don Daseke may be appointed to fill that remaining 3 month term. Those reportedly vying for the 3 full-term seats are Mr. Daseke, Bianca Noble and Blake Clemens. Challengers for all positions have until March 9th to file to run.
Meier's press release announcing his candidacy for Addison Mayor:
TODD MEIER ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR ADDISON MAYOR
Businessman, civic leader, former council member
offers fresh perspective, new leadership for Addison
ADDISON -- (February 9, 2009) - Civic leader and businessman Todd Meier announced today his candidacy for Addison Mayor. Meier said he was running to bring a fresh perspective and strong leadership to
the town.
"We require a new style of leadership -- one that stresses vision, consensus-building and broad experience -- to keep Addison moving forward," Meier, a former member of the town council, said in a letter to Addison residents.
Meier said the town faces challenges from the national recession and its impact on the real estate market, property taxes and public services. He said the town's priorities should be on public safety, economic development, conservative fiscal management and increased government transparency.
"The things we love most about our town may change if we don't act now to preserve and protect them. Our town faces unprecedented financial and strategic challenges that require a fresh perspective on a broad scale," he said. "Our next Mayor needs leadership skills, business acumen and a heart for community service to guide our town through these challenging times."
Meier's career has been spent providing business and civic leadership in Addison and throughout the region. He has spent most of his life in and around Addison. He is a longtime homeowner in Addison and operates his private investment management business in Addison. He was formerly the president of the Rodger Meier Cadillac, Meier Infiniti and Meier Oldsmobile dealerships on LBJ Freeway.
Meier also previously served as an Assistant District Attorney and chief prosecutor for Dallas County, where he learned the importance of keeping communities safe by strongly supporting police, fire and public safety officers.
Meier is active in Addison civic affairs. He was vice chairman of the Addison Planning and Zoning Commission and serves as a board member of Metrocrest Social Services, where he is on the finance committee and volunteers in the food pantry. He graduated from the Town of Addison Citizen Academy and, in 2006, from Leadership Metrocrest. Todd was formerly the president of the Towne Lake of Addison Homeowner's Association. For several years, he volunteered at Anne Frank Elementary School and as a member of the board of trustees of Greenhill School, where he currently is on the investment committee.
Meier is also recognized for his significant community involvement throughout the Metroplex, having served as the tournament chairman of the HP Byron Nelson Championship, which benefits youth and family services in Dallas County, and as a board member of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau and State Fair of Texas, among other organizations. He has been active in helping lead local municipal and school bond campaigns.
Todd has two children. His son is a volunteer teacher in the Teach for America program and his daughter is a college student.
The election is May 9. Meier said he intends to run an open campaign with a focus on reaching out and listening to voters through neighborhood meetings and walks. For more information, visit meierforaddison.com.
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