Dear Sunnyvale Neighbors,

Two years ago I was privileged to be elected by the citizens of Sunnyvale to serve on the Town Council. Much has transpired within our Town since that time.

Then, the two hottest topics facing the Town were Highway 190 and Stoney Creek, the largest residential development in the Town’s history.

Today, the Stoney Creek development is taking shape, with roads and infrastructure in place and homes being constructed.

Although certainly not settled, Highway 190 is, for the present, out of the Town’s hands as TxDot conducts environmental impact studies on alternative routes.

As I said then, Sunnyvale was poised on the threshold of significant growth in both the residential and commercial sectors. Today we are seeing this come to fruition.

The number of planned and platted residential home sites is at an all time high, including new phases of Homestead, Stone Canyon, and Stoney Creek developments.

We have a brand new CVS pharmacy at the intersection of Beltline and Town East, with additional development being planned along the Beltline corridor.

The area along Collins Road (SH 352) south of Highway 80 is coming to life with service station/ convenience store, restaurant, coffee shop, and other retail operations.

Not only are retail businesses developing at that location, but also construction has begun on a state of the art, 75 bed hospital which will immensely benefit our Town. In addition to these commercial “hot spots” of activity there has been business growth along Hwy. 80 and in Sunnyvale’s industrial parks.

Several of the Town’s longstanding commercial and industrial enterprises (Marazzi Tile and Daniel Steel, to name a couple) are upgrading, improving, and expanding their operations and facilities.

I am proud to have been a participant in the processes that enabled these projects to be realized.

While the recent growth that Sunnyvale has experienced is impressive, more is proposed and in process.

This is particularly true in the business and commercial sector. As noted above, a great deal of attention has been generated for the entire Beltline corridor. This could mean much needed retail and services for the Town.

Likewise, there is real interest in significant retail development at the intersection of Hwy. 80 and Collins Road.

This is an exciting time for our town, but one that requires diligence and hard work on the part of the Town staff, the various boards and commissions, and especially the Town Council.

As has always been the case, the Town needs to insure that the quantity of growth, both residential and commercial, is occurring at a pace that enables the Town to administer that growth and to create and maintain the infrastructure to support it.

Besides managing the rate of growth, we must insure that the quality of that growth is in keeping with the Town’s goals and standards. In doing so, we will keep Sunnyvale the kind of community that attracted most of us here in the first place, and we can continue to make Sunnyvale a very special place to live.

I have decided to seek another term on the Town Council because I believe there are still many important tasks to be addressed, and I would like to see some of the projects currently in progress through to completion.

As a citizen of Sunnyvale I am very much aware of what a unique Town this is. Because I want to see Sunnyvale stay a special place, I take my role as a Councilman very seriously.

I believe it is imperative to thoroughly understand the issues that the Council must address. I make a pointed effort to look at all sides of the topic and to understand both the short and long term implications of a decision.

As always, Sunnyvale is not at a loss for opinions, and there is plenty of political rhetoric on most issues. A difference of opinion accompanied by robust discussion and open debate is healthy for any decision making process.  What must be avoided is allowing these differing opinions to degenerate into innuendoes, accusations, and rampant rumors. Disagreement does not equate to disrespect.

Serving as mayor pro tem during my term on the Town Council, I have tried to create an environment that encourages open communication, discussion from all perspectives, and respect for all viewpoints on issues considered by the Council.

I will continue to work for openness and fairness in the deliberation of all issues that come before the Town, and to work toward the elimination of the divisiveness that too often seems to arise around heated topics.

This advertisement, like my entire campaign, is being paid for by myself. I accepted no campaign contributions in my previous campaign nor will I in this one. Although I have received campaign contribution checks, for which I am very gratified, none was ever cashed. I want to ensure there is no question with respect to any issue, about where my loyalties lie.

I am honored to have the trust of all those who support me, but I am obligated to no individual or group. My only obligation is to the Town and all of its citizens.

Through this letter, I am attempting to share my vision with every citizen of the Town. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my perspectives and your concerns with you, your neighbors, your homeowner’s association, your church or community group. Please feel free to call me at (214) 755-5770.

In seeking to retain my Council seat, I am not running against any other candidate. Therefore, you will not be seeing my campaign signs dotting the landscape during this election season. But, your vote for me is extremely important! Without it, I cannot succeed in my quest for reelection.

Your vote matters!  Even though this election may not have the burning issues of previous elections, please take the time to vote.

Early voting is April 28 through May 6, and election day is Saturday, May 10.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you over the past two years. I would very much appreciate your support in the upcoming election.

David Byrd