Adams-Wilks re-files for seat
By Lori Mellinger Bullard Banner News

Teresa Adams-Wilks isn't a woman who does things half way. Two years into her service to the Bullard City Council, she's found out that once placed in the public eye - more work comes. But that's not stopping her from filing again for her council seat.

And she wasn't someone with too much time on her hands in the first place - as a business owner, parent and wife.

Adams-Wilks put a lot of thought into running for her council seat two years ago, and she's done the same this time since filing for re-election last week.

"It's been an exciting two years," she said. "It's been challenging and timeconsuming - but the benefits I've reaped far outweigh the energy spent."

It plays right into Teresa's forte - organization.

"I'm a highly organized person," she said. And that's proved true as she was instrumental in putting together the city's budget this year and now taking on the responsibility as chair of the board of directors for the Bullard Chamber of Commerce.

Adams-Wilks remembers when people said Bullard was a great place to be from but not to be in. She disagrees with anyone who would say it today.

The growth and Bullard's future are the reasons she said she filed for a city council seat back in 2006.

There are three at-large seats up in this election. Those currently filled by Lindsey Bradley, Stacey Thompson and Adams- Wilks - all of whom have filed to run again.

Adams-Wilks said that while she had entertained the notion of council service, she never put serious thought into it until she began to be inundated with people asking her to serve two years ago.

"I came to work one morning and the woman who keeps my daughter said she thought I ought to do it," Adams-Wilks said. "Then my staff came in and said the same thing.

"They read about the open seats in the newspaper and thought this would be a good fit for me."

Still, she wasn't completely convinced until she talked to her husband and prayed about it.

It wasn't a decision, she said, she took lightly.

"I've always felt the desire to serve," she said. "But I know the city council is a big commitment one I wouldn't feel comfortable about seeking unless I could give it the attention the citizens of Bullard deserve.

"I have a great staff I can depend on, and that frees up a lot of my time."

Adams-Wilks knows this is both and exciting and important time in the city's future.

"The growth is so exciting,' she said. "It's great to watch, and I've enjoyed being instrumental in healthy growth while still being responsive to our citizens."

This, she said, is the true essence of city government.

"We have a duty and a responsibility to make long-range decisions to benefit our constituents - both present and future, and maintain Bullard's reputation for professionalism and good decision making," she said.

When she came into it, she wanted to be instrumental in planning for future needs as the city continues to change.

She took some of her cues, she said, from the current council, but has also been able to find her niche.

"These are very dedicated people I work with," she said. "And I want to continue that: the dedication and the hard work to keep and expand on the qualities that are bringing people to our town."

Having been hands-on in the budgeting process this fiscal year, she's aware of the challenges that already exist and lie ahead for the city.

"More housing developments and the growth explosion mean the city's already overburdened infrastructure updates are crucial," Adams-Wilks said.

"I'm proud to have been part of the council that was able to finance our elevated water storage tank, be on the brink of providing top-notch water service to our citizens and deal with the overburdened sewer system.

She said being a Bullard business owner gives her a unique perspective.

"I come in contact with so many citizens every day," she said. "I know their concerns, and I know what it takes to run a successful business. I think both those areas of knowledge can aid the city's future."

She also, fellow council members said, has the ability to make tough decisions. She is, they said, able to look at a given issue - weigh the pros and cons - and vote accordingly.

She said she feels a close connection to her community, but then she knew Bullard way before it became the hot spot on the East Texas map.

Adams-Wilks grew up here and attended Bullard schools from kindergarten to graduation.

"I remember what Bullard was like," she said. "It's almost hard to imagine how far we've come in such a short time. I've seen it explode."

Adams-Wilks took over the local Farmer's Insurance branch from her father, who, she said, felt re-called to ministry. She is the daughter of Bill and Joan Adams.

Still the bottom line for her is home.

"This is an incredible town with incredible people -- many of whom I call friends," she said. "I have a big heart and an incredible desire to give back to the citizens and the city that has given so much to me.s

Adams-Wilks is married to husband Elza.

She has two older daughters, Jennifer and Natalie, and she and Elza have a toddler Kyleigh.

She said she's called Bullard home all but seven years of her life.

She's been a chamber of commerce member since the group's inception - spending last year spearheading the city's annual Red, White and Blue festival.

She's also a member of the Tyler Area Builders Association and the Better Business Bureau.

She and her family are members of Calvary Baptist Church in Tyler.