Former council member for the City of Levelland, Mary Engledow is seeking the mayoral position during the upcoming May 4th election.
Serving on the council for District B between May 2021 and May 2023, Engledow explained that while being a Levelland resident, she noticed the outrageous spending and contracts the city was entering into. At that time, Engledow decided to be involved and run for city council.
Following her service during her term, she feels that her time on the council has given her the valuable experience of negotiating contracts, managing a large budget and working with the citizens of the community.
Additionally, Engledow feels that her personal experience of being a property manager for over 20 years has aided her in gaining the necessary knowledge and expertise. During her time in property management, Engledow dealt with multi-million dollar budgets, interacting and negotiating with venders for needed services.
“These experiences have taught me to negotiate the best prices and the best quality work in addition to constantly being a good steward of every penny that was spent,” explained Engledow.
Hopeful to earn the vote of the community, Engledow explained that her goal is to inform the community members.
“We live in a time where people do not know who our mayor or council members are and even their functions,” said Engldow. “This is something I have voiced many times and will continue to work hard to get the information to the constituents.”
Adding that most individuals are not aware of how to get involved in committees, organizations or elected positions, Engledow has the goal of making those processes more known and what the groups and positions entail.
“By running for an elected office, I am teaching people how to get involved, even if that means it is just my children and grandchildren learning the process,” said Engledow.
If elected, Engledow will be looking to implement various ideas alongside the day-to-day responsibilities the mayor is already responsible for. One of those things is holding a town hall meeting once a month with the mayor at different locations throughout Levelland.
“This will allow citizens the opportunity to ask questions or even speak to the mayor about issues they might have,” said Engledow. “Additionally, my phone number will be available to every citizen as well as being able to call city hall to reach me.”
Engledow added that the level of involvement for herself as mayor will be depending on the situation at hand.
“Each issue will be handled on a case-by-case basis and the level that is needed for the mayor,” detailed Engledow. “I will be 100% committed and available to do my job as mayor.”
If elected for the position, Engledow’s first priority would be to cut spending. She provided an example of when the council purchased three vehicles and made the decision to add window tint, a grill guard and headache that was roughly $12,000.
“Some of our vehicles may need things such as that, but not everyone we purchase,” said Engledow. “The second example is the recent payment made to a billion-dollar company which was $15,000. I always want the mayor and council to be transparent with the citizens of Levelland, and not do these things behind closed doors.”