Name: Dr. D. Wayne Shuffield

Current profession: Minister

Political Party: Republican

Elected office sought: Midlothian City Council Place 6

Previous political experience: My journey in public service in Midlothian spans over two decades since becoming a resident nearly twenty-four years ago. I have served:

• As founding Board of Directors member for Midlothian Education Foundation (3 yrs)
• Three terms on the Midlothian Independent School District Board of Trustees (9 yrs)
• Midlothian Economic Development Board of Directors (7yrs)
• Methodist Midlothian Medical Center Advisory Board (4 yrs)
• Methodist Midlothian Medical Center Community Council (1 yr)

Family: I am a second-generation minister. My wife, Becky, and I met in college and will celebrate our forty-second anniversary in June. She is a retired Teacher and Librarian after twenty-two years of service with MISD. Our daughter and only child, Amy Brown, is a graduate of MHS and serves as Theatre teacher at HHS. She and her husband, Jeffrey Brown, have two sons, Bennett, age 4, and Elliott, age 1.

Questions:

Why are you seeking this office?

I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for the collective achievements Midlothian leaders have accomplished through the years. Working together, all the great citizens of Midlothian have made significant strides in enhancing the fabric of our community, laying the groundwork for continued progress and prosperity. However, as we stand at the threshold of unprecedented growth, I am keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Drawing upon my extensive years of service, I bring to the table a proven track record of unwavering commitment and steadfast leadership along with a deep community pride. I wish to apply my years of experience, learning and leadership to and for the city I have called home for almost a quarter of a Century.

What distinguishes you from other candidates for this office?

My experiences, both in vocational ministry and in voluntary public service, have endowed me with a unique perspective, providing me with an invaluable edge over those who may lack the depth of experience and dedication that I embody. I firmly believe that the strength of Midlothian lies in our collective spirit and determination. Together, we possess the power to shape a future that is bright and prosperous for generations to come. Governance demands working together, uniting in commonalities, striving to understand before being understood (in the words of Stephen Covey), and balancing hometown living with quality growth for the present and for a brighter future.

What do you consider the key issues of this election?

This election is about the future and the identity of Midlothian. With a population exceeding forty-one thousand, Midlothian is on the cusp of expansion. Yet with this growth comes a solemn responsibility to ensure that it is managed thoughtfully and sustainably. Leadership decisions made today determine our tomorrow. Visionary leadership and united team effort are key to comprehensive endurability for balancing hometown living with quality growth, empowering community business to prosper, and providing for the well-being of the citizens of Midlothian.

What are the greatest challenges facing the city and how do you plan to address those challenges, if elected?

It is imperative that we prioritize initiatives that foster a sense of collaboration and consideration for the overall well-being of our community as opposed to allowing the needs of a few to outweigh the needs of the community at large. To navigate the complexities of growth, security, and needs of every household, we must do so with careful consideration, strategically planning our actions to maximize benefits for all residents. Additionally, together, we must (1) discover and implement opportunities for clean proactive industrial and manufacturing expansion that can lessen tax burdens on households, (2) support our local businesses to thrive and prosper, and (3) provide opportunities for a community where our children flourish, our seniors find care and compassion, and our working men and women have the comfort of small town living while faced with the challenges of an ever-growing population.

What do you most want to make sure voters know about you?

I pledge to continue advocating for policies that serve the best interests and for the well-being of our whole community. I embark on this journey, having no personal or hidden agendas, to work purposefully to unite in our shared vision for the best future of Midlothian.