When it comes to casting a ballot for your city’s leaders, what impacts your decisions? Do you vote for the person who you have researched and found to be the most qualified candidate? Do you research and vote for the candidate who most represents your beliefs and values? What about a candidate’s energy and charisma? Is that what wins your vote? Or is it the candidate who looks most professional, or whose name sounds most familiar, or whose name sounds the best to you? 

While some of the last few reasons may seem silly, let’s be honest, it’s true. We all find ourselves going into the voting booth, at times, not knowing much about the candidates who we are voting for to lead our city. 

My name is Gabriel Willis and I am a student at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. I also serve as a senator in our student government. As a senator, I represent my dorm building to the senate as well as the staff and faculty of our school. My job as a senator of the dorm building where I reside is to communicate with the university administration and to do my best to represent the students in my dorm. I would also like to represent the student body to the Longview City Council, which is why I decided to reach out to the Mayor and City Council and ask them questions which came directly from LeTourneau University students. 

The City of Longview operates under a Council-Mayor form of government. The City of Longview describes this as follows: “The City Council is comprised of a Mayor, who is elected at large, and six Council Members, one elected from each district. Council members do not have day-to-day administrative duties, but rather focus on big picture issues as the elected policymakers for the city. Council members also take feedback from the community, approve the budget and tax rate, adopt ordinances and resolutions, and establish goals and provide direction. The City Council is also responsible to supervise, monitor, and evaluate the performance of the City Manager, City Attorney, City Secretary, and Municipal Judge. Council members are elected to three-year terms with a limit of three full terms.” 

MAYOR ANDY MACK - CITY OF LONGVIEW

Mayor Andy Mack represents all of the City of Longview. He was elected in May of 2015 and his current term expires in May of 2021. Mayor Mack is eligible for one more term as Mayor of Longview. He has already declared his intention to run next year. Mack is a graduate of Longview High School, received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stephen F. Austin State University, a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry, and completed his surgical residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. He has been serving the citizens of Longview for many years as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. 

Before he was elected as Mayor of Longview, Mack served on the Longview City Council for District 4 from 1997 to 2005. District 4 is representative of Northeast Longview. Mack led the effort to pass the city-wide no-smoking ordinance and was instrumental in the creation of Lear Park. Mayor Mack, his wife, and their three children are very involved in the Longview community. 

A question on the City of Longview’s website asked Mayor Mack, “Why did you initially run for office / What do you hope to accomplish on the City Council?” Mayor Mack’s response was, as follows: “I ran for office because I thought I could make a difference in the community that I grew up in. I hope to leave Longview better than I found it.” 

In June of 2015 Mayor Andy Mack found himself in hot water with a number of his constituents when he signed the LGBT Pride Month Proclamation. The controversial proclamation ended with the statement, “I, Andy Mack, by the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Longview, Texas do hereby proclaim June 2015 as LGBT Pride Month in Longview.” Mayor Andy Mack defended his action by stating, “I am not advocating for anyone or anything. This does not coincide with my personal beliefs. It does not, but everyone has a right to assemble in an orderly manner. They have the right to express themselves. I don’t get to pick and choose as the mayor who I represent and who I don’t represent.” Councilwoman Snoddy chose to read the LGBT Pride Month proclamation on behalf of the City of Longview at Longview’s 2nd annual LGBTQ Pride Festival. 

By the end of the month Mayor Andy Mack found himself signing another proclamation, this time supporting traditional marriage. The proclamation ended with the statement, “I, Andy Mack, by the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Longview, Texas do hereby proclaim August 2015 as Celebrate Traditional Marriage Month in Longview.” Mayor Mack said, “So long as the proclamation doesn’t have profanity, or violate any city ordinance, we will sign them.” 

According to the City of Longview website, “The Mayor presides at council meetings, serves as spokesperson for the community and facilitates communication and understanding between elected and appointed officials. The Mayor also assists the council in setting goals and in advocating policy decisions, and serves as a key representative in intergovernmental relations. Along with the City Council, the Mayor is responsible for soliciting citizen views to form policies and interpret them to the public. The Mayor is elected at large, meaning all Longview citizens have an opportunity to vote for the candidate of choice. Longview utilizes the council-manager form of government, and the Mayor is a volunteer position that does not have day-to-day administrative duties.”

Mayor Andy Mack was unable to take my call, but was willing to reply to my questions via email. He replied to my e-mail on a Saturday night in October at 9:08 PM. This is proof that Mayors do work on the weekends!

WILLIS: What is an important part of your role as the Mayor of Longview to you? 

MAYOR MACK: That no matter what, I remember that I was elected to represent ALL citizens of Longview; even those that do not agree with me.  I was not elected to enforce or enact my opinion, but the desires of the citizens of Longview.

WILLIS: Do you pertain to a particular faith or denomination, and if so, how does that impact the way you lead as the Mayor of Longview?

MAYOR MACK: I am a Christian and that impacts everything in my life - including serving as Mayor.  I begin every day with a quiet time and prayer. I welcome the prayers of others to help me with leadership, discernment and judgment. 

WILLIS: What is your personal stance on abortion?

MAYOR MACK: I try not to let my personal stance on anything come into play in my Mayorship.  However, as a Christian I believe in the sanctity of life - even within the womb.  

WILLIS: What is something you’d like to say to the LeTourneau University Student Body?

MAYOR MACK: Thank you for choosing Longview as your home.  I hope that you will get involved here and will fall so in love with Longview that you stay here upon your graduation and continue making our community a better place.

COUNCILMAN ED MOORE - DISTRICT 1 

Councilman Ed Moore represents District 1 for the City of Longview. District 1 is representative of West Longview. He was elected in May of 2015 and his current term expires in May 2021; he is eligible to run for a third and final term. Moore has been a resident of Longview since 1980. Moore has a Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Texas and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas. He served for over three years in the Navy and is a Vietnam Veteran. Moore has been married to his wife for over 45 years and they have two children, who are both graduates of Pine Tree High School. 

A question on the City of Longview’s website asked Councilman Moore, “Why did you initially run for office / What do you hope to accomplish on the City Council?” Councilman Moore’s response was, as follows: “Being retired, I had the necessary time available to devote to adequately representing my district and the City. I also felt my background in city management and finance would allow me to be an effective council member right away. Any accomplishments are not mine alone but are the accomplishments of the seven of us on the Council. I am most proud of the overwhelming success of our bond election, leading the task force bringing food trucks into our community and the Council providing competitive compensation to all our employees. Going forward, I want to see our bond projects completed expeditiously and within budget.”

Councilman Moore replied to my e-mail promptly and scheduled a phone call with me on a Wednesday morning in August.

WILLIS: LeTourneau University students are wondering if they can attend city council meetings or if they are still exclusively online due to the precautions related to the coronavirus?

COUNCILMAN MOORE: Yes, you can attend, but for the foreseeable future it will be done remotely. It will likely be in-person when the governor releases his disaster mandate. 

WILLIS: Do you pertain to a particular faith or denomination, and if so, how does that impact the way you lead as a city councilman?

COUNCILMAN ED MOORE: Yes, I’m a methodist. I attend First United Methodist Church downtown. The fact that I’m a Methodist in and of itself doesn’t impact what I do or say on the council, the fact that I am a Christian does in that I always try to see a viewpoint from all sides. I try to think of the teachings of Jesus every time I take a position on something.

WILLIS: What is your personal stance on abortion?

COUNCILMAN ED MOORE: My personal stance is freedom of choice.

WILLIS: Does that include a woman’s right to choose an abortion?

COUNCILMAN ED MOORE: Yes, it does.

(At the time of the publication of this article the City of Longview’s website was still advertising their City Council meetings as virtual meetings. According to the City of Longview’s website, “Due to the health and safety concerns related to the Coronavirus COVID-19, several City of Longview public meetings are being held virtually utilizing video conferencing tools like GoToWebinar. Officials will participate via audio only, but the broadcast will also include visual screens for informational purposes.”) 

COUNCILWOMAN NONA SNODDY - DISTRICT 2 

Councilwoman Nona Snoddy represents District 2 for the City of Longview. District 2 is representative of Southwest Longview. She was elected in May of 2015 and her current term expires in May 2021. Like Councilman Moore, she too is eligible to run for a third and final term. Snoddy was born and raised in Longview’s District  2. After graduating from Longview High School in 1978, Snoddy went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Sociology from East Texas State University (now known as Texas A&M University at Commerce) in Commerce, Texas. Snoddy and her husband have been married for over 35 years and have two daughters. Snoddy is a teacher at Longview Independent School District and is an active member at Parkview Baptist Church in Longview, Texas. 

A question on the City of Longview’s website asked Councilwoman Snoddy, “Why did you initially run for office / What do you hope to accomplish on the City Council?” Councilman Snoddy’s response was, as follows: “I ran for office because I was asked initially, but most importantly led by God. I hope and pray to accomplish a bond across and throughout the city that reflects unity and love.”

Councilwoman Snoddy, perhaps more than any other member of the City Council, has often found herself at the forefront of causes greater than the City of Longview. In August this year Councilwoman Nona Snoddy was very outspoken about her desire to see a Confederate monument outside of the Gregg County courthouse removed. At a news conference organized by the group ‘This is US’ Councilwoman Snoddy spoke, “We’re standing here on the courthouse lawn today, and it’s a place where words like justice and equality should mean something. Today is not a moment. This is a movement for us.” Snoddy continued, “I do want to place emphasis on the fact that we’re not talking about destroying history. We’re just talking about putting it in a place where it would be more appropriate.” 

In August of 2018 Councilwoman Nona Snoddy spoke at a campaign rally in Longview where hundreds showed up in support of Democrat Beto O’Rourke in his U.S. Senate race against Senator Ted Cruz. Snoddy said at the gathering, “Today is about how we can help Beto get to Washington, D.C. and ensure that the voices of Texans are heard.” 

After Beto’s 2018 election loss, it did not lessen Snoddy’s love and support. When Beto chose to run for the Democratic Party 2020 Presidential nomination, Councilwoman Snoddy was not silent about her support of his candidacy. Serving as part of a delegation of the Democratic Women of East Texas, Snoddy and her friend Joyce Williams took a four and a half hour bus trip to a Beto rally at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. 

According to an article by The New Yorker, her friend Williams said, “We’re in a double red county, so we never had hope, and then we saw us within three percentage points. Now we’re waiting for a second chance, and this time we’ve got a game plan.” Snoddy said, “We knew.” “We’re on fire now,” responded Williams. “It can happen,” said Snoddy. “We saw some blood in the water,” said Williams.  “We’re circling.” responded Snoddy. 

Speaking of a speech that Beto gave at the rally, Williams shared, “I think that with the culture in the House of Representatives now, the culture’s young, energetic, bold, off the map, brazen. I said brazen. They need a leader, because they are absolutely . . . “ Snoddy chimed in, “Unafraid!” Snoddy continued, “Let me just go with this for a minute. We say God is not giving us the spirit of fear but the spirit of power, and that’s where we are right now. He gives us that hope that we all can be empowered to do the things we need to do, together.” 

Councilwoman Snoddy replied to my e-mail promptly and scheduled a phone call with me on a Wednesday afternoon in late August. 

WILLIS: What is an important part of your role as a city councilwoman to you? 

COUNCILWOMAN SNODDY: A voice of my constituents, get their concerns out there, and getting their voice to be heard by the city council.

WILLIS: Do you pertain to a particular faith or denomination, and if so, how does that impact the way you lead as a city councilwoman?

COUNCILWOMAN SNODDY: I’ve been a member of Parkview Baptist church my whole life, I am a Christian, I believe wholeheartedly in God. I think it pertains to my character as my position on the council. I hope that I’m making the right choices, I pray when we make decisions, and it is very important that as Christians we lead how God would want.

WILLIS: What is your personal stance on abortion?

COUNCILWOMAN SNODDY: That’s a tough question. My personal belief, I am against abortion, but I also believe that people have pro-choice, I don’t condone what others do. I don’t exactly know how to answer that politically Gabriel—if you asked me how to answer that as a politician, I’d just tell you that I’m not a politician. I’m just someone trying to serve and improve my city.

WILLIS: What is something you’d like to say to the LeTourneau University Student Body?

COUNCILWOMAN SNODDY: “I’m grateful. I think the university is amazing, and so is the diversity in the community, and the diverse population. I would encourage students to get involved locally and help improve the city, don’t just be stationary and get out there and get involved. A lot of students used to come to Parkview Baptist Church and get hot meals when we’d serve them, so come on back when we open up!”

COUNCILMAN WRAY WADE - DISTRICT 3

Councilman Wray Wade represents District 3 for the City of Longview. District 3 is representative of Southeast Longview. He was elected in February of 2018 and his current term expires in November 2020. Since Wade was elected to complete an unexpired term, he is on the November 3rd ballot for his first full term. Wade is the only city council member who is facing challengers to his seat. Challengers to his seat include Darrin Rudolph and Hank Guichelaar. Wade was raised in Longview’s District 3 and attended Longview Independent School District. 

Wade went on to receive his undergraduate degree from St. Martin’s University in Washington and earned a graduate degree from Oregon State University. After working 10 years as a Japanese interpreter living in New York City and Japan, he returned to Longview and has been involved in a variety of businesses including Wray Wade Enterprises, i20 Sports and Entertainment, and the Barber Institute of Texas. Wade’s council member profile can be found here. 

Like Councilwoman Snoddy, Councilman Wade also weighed in regarding his desire to see the Confederate monument outside of the Gregg County courthouse removed. Councilman Wade spoke against the monument saying, “The Confederate monument, in so many ways, represents that history that is so painful for people who look like me and people that I represent.” Wade also said that taxpayer dollars should not be used on public property to promote the Confederacy or anything that would divide the city. 

Unfortunately I was unable to get in contact with Councilman Wade. He never replied to my e-mail. In fact, I have sent him 6 emails and have not received a reply over the course of two months. I am currently attending LeTourneau University in Wade’s district, Longview District 3, so I really would have liked to hear back from him.

COUNCILWOMAN KRISTEN ISHIHARA - DISTRICT 4

Councilwoman Kristen Ishihara represents District 4 for the City of Longview. District 4 is representative of Northeast Longview. She was elected in May of 2014 and her current term expires in May 2023; she is now serving in her third and final term. Ishihara works as an attorney with the Ross & Shoalmire law firm where she specializes in elder law. Ishihara, her husband and their two children are members of Winterfield United Methodist Church in Longview, Texas. Ishihara’s council member profile can be found here. 

Councilwoman Ishihara replied to my e-mail promptly and scheduled a phone call with me on a Thursday evening in late August. She had to reschedule for the next Monday morning. 

WILLIS: What is an important part of your role as a city councilwoman to you? 

COUNCILWOMAN ISHIHARA: I think that one of the most important roles that you’d appreciate is helping connect people. As a councilperson a lot of our job is hearing from folks in our district or out of it with issues they’re having. If they have a pothole, speeding issue, or trash pile, they can contact us and put them in touch with the right city staff person or department to solve their issues.

WILLIS: Do you pertain to a particular faith or denomination, and if so, how does that impact the way you lead as a city councilwoman?

COUNCILWOMAN ISHIHARA: I am a Christian, my family attends Winterfield United Methodist Church. I think it pertains to my role because people are people, and I take my beliefs and faith wherever I go and however I serve. Our council meetings still have a prayer at the beginning, and sometimes we discuss faith as it pertains to particular issues. I think each council member would say their faith helps lead their decision making.

WILLIS: What is your personal stance on abortion?

COUNCILWOMAN ISHIHARA: That’s an interesting question. On abortion, I would consider myself to be personally a pro-choice person. Although of course with the city council, it’s not an issue that’s something we really have to discuss ever.

WILLIS: What is something you’d like to say to the LeTourneau University Student Body?

COUNCILWOMAN ISHIHARA: I hope that they can learn as much about our local community and become as involved as possible. That’s something I started in college, volunteering outside of campus, meals on wheels, big brothers big sisters. It’s a good time to stretch your comfort zone, learn, and become a responsible community member. It’s a good time to start looking for things you’re interested in or could participate in. Longview would greatly love to capture any students who want to stay longterm and give us feedback on how we can improve the city. We have a good partnership with LeTourneau and that’s mostly because of the students.

COUNCILMAN DAVID WRIGHT - DISTRICT 5

Councilman David Wright represents District 5 for the City of Longview. District 5 is representative of Northwest Longview. He was elected in May of 2015 and his current term expires in May 2022; he is eligible for a third and final term. Wright and his wife have been married for over 30 years, have three children, and have lived in Longview for the past 20 years. Wright is the owner of Texas Iron and Steel and a member at Grace Crossing United Methodist Church where he serves as their finance chairman. Wright’s city council member profile can be found here. 

Councilman Wright replied to my e-mail scheduling a phone call in August, but never called. Another call was scheduled in early September, but again he never called. A call was scheduled in mid-September to which we were finally able to conduct an interview.

WILLIS: What is an important part of your role as a city councilman to you? 

COUNCILMAN WRIGHT: I think probably one of the most important is being a liaison between the citizens and the city. A lot of the time it's a lot easier for me to get things done, they’re trying to get something fixed or worked on and they don’t know where to go. They call and get put off, but I can get directly in contact with the right people a lot easier, I don’t know if that’s the most important.

WILLIS: Do you pertain to a particular faith or denomination, and if so, how does that impact the way you lead as a city councilman?

COUNCILMAN WRIGHT: Well I’m a Methodist and, I don’t know, it helps with ethics and that’s the main thing. It instills ethics in you, and those carry over into everyday life, not just the city council.

WILLIS: What is your personal stance on abortion?

COUNCILMAN WRIGHT: Well, I wished we never needed abortions, but I do not feel like I can stand in the way of some 14-year-old girl who was raped and try to tell them what to do. Personally, I don’t like abortion. But I’m still not going to stand in the way of somebody who is in trouble if that’s their choice.

WILLIS: What is something you’d like to say to the LeTourneau University Student Body?

COUNCILMAN WRIGHT: The city of Longview appreciates everything you do. We have groups who come in and help clean people’s houses and work on their houses, clean up streets, we appreciate all that. Y’all bring a lot of youth and good ideas into the city and um you obviously bring a lot of money into the city. A lot of vitality and the way you pitch in help out the city.

COUNCILMAN STEVE PIRTLE - DISTRICT 6

Councilman Steve Pirtle represents District 6 for the City of Longview. District 6 is representative of Central Longview. He was elected in May of 2016 and his current term expires in May 2022; he is eligible for a third and final term. Pirtle is from Longview and graduated from Pine Tree High School. He and his wife have been married for over 45 years and they have one son. Councilman Pirtle is the owner of Steve Pirtle Construction and a member of Oakland Heights Baptist Church, Longview Greggton Rotary, and the East Texas Builders Association. 

A question on the City of Longview’s website asked Councilman Pirtle, “Why did you initially run for office / What do you hope to accomplish on the City Council?” Councilman Pirtle’s response was, as follows: “I have been involved for the last 20 plus years with various boards and wanted to move to the next level and be more involved with the decisions of our local government.” 

Unfortunately I was unable to get in contact with Councilman Pirtle. He never replied to my initial e-mail. In fact, I have sent him 3 emails and have not received a reply back. 

FIVE TAKE-AWAYS

After interviewing the Mayor of Longview and the majority of the Longview City Council I have walked away with five major take-aways.

Longview’s Mayor and City Council are Mostly Accessible

How easy is it for you to get in contact with the people who you have elected to office? If you had a concern in your community which you needed addressed how quick would they be at responding to your concerns? Would they take your concerns seriously? These are all questions which every person should ask as they cast their vote for their elected officials. 

Thankfully, from my experience here, I have found Longview’s Mayor and City Council to be mostly accessible. The Mayor responded and 4 of the 6 council members responded. This is highly encouraging. A government which does not listen to it’s people is no good government. And while I am disappointed that I was unable to get in touch with the council member who represents the district where I live, I am still thankful for the accessibility of the other council members.

A Majority of the Longview City Council Are Church Going Methodists 

Every city council member which I interviewed identified as a church going Methodist. This means, at least, four out of the six council members are Methodist which is clearly a Methodist majority. I found it extremely encouraging that Longview’s city leaders are open about their faith and see going to church as an important part of their life. 

Longview Council Members Are Willing To Discuss National Conversations Which Impact Longview Residents 

LGBTQ, traditional marriage, Confederate monuments, their personal faith, and even the issue of abortion. The Mayor and the Longview City Council have proven themselves to be a group of people who are willing to discuss national conversations which impact Longview residents. Regardless of whether or not you agree with their decisions or their answers, the fact that they are willing to discuss these issues and have these conversations with their constituents speaks volumes. 

Longview City Council Is A Majority Pro-Choice Council 

During Gregg County’s 2016 Presidential election 68.9% of voters cast their ballot for Donald J. Trump while 28.0% voted for Hillary Clinton. For many, one of the major issues of the 2016 election was the issue of abortion. Perhaps this is why I find it surprising that the majority of Longview’s city council identifies as pro-choice. Out of the four city council members I was able to interview, every single one of them responded with answers representing the pro-choice position. At least four of our six Longview City Council members are pro-choice.

Longview’s Mayor and Longview’s City Council Loves the City of Longview 

Regardless of whether we agree or disagree on the issues, one thing that I think can be said about the Mayor and the Longview City Council is that every single one of them loves the City of Longview. 

IN CONCLUSION

Citizens of Longview, be sure you do your part to get to know your city council. Get to know what they believe about the issues you care about which impact your community. If the differences are too much for you to, to the point that you feel like your leaders do not represent your beliefs and values, find a candidate for office that does represent your beliefs and values and vote that candidate into office. If there are no candidates running for that office then consider running for that office yourself. 

Know your city, know your leaders, and know why you cast your vote! 

Gabriel Willis is a political science student at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. He is from Sunnyvale just a few minutes away from Dallas, Texas, and is currently involved in local politics and multiple clubs and organizations on his campus including Pro-Life LeTourneau, Young Conservatives of Texas, and Student Senate.