David Stewart said running for council is something he has thought about since he joined the Bullard Planning and Zoning Commission -- on which he is chairman -- and Bullard's Home Rule Charter Commission.

Stewart said the city needs to grow strategically, and he would like Bullard to develop a long range vision similar to the Tyler 21 plan, on which he served as chairman.

"We have unique ways that we can plan for today - and for the long-distance future," Stewart said. "We are charged with not just thinking about today, but 15 to 20 years into the future."

"All of the decisions we make now affect future generations," he said.

Stewart said one concern he has for Bullard is growth.

"The major source of revenue for the city is property taxes," he said. "That is okay, but we need to look at ways to diversify the city's income."

Stewart said he wants the city to work collectively with various people and entities -- including local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, developers, Bullard Independent School District, and The Brook Hill School -- and desires things to be done to market the right kind of businesses in Bullard, Stewart said.

According to Stewart, the city has three big attrac- tions -- the city's businesses, BISD and the Brook Hill School.

"We need to partner and find a way to grow strategically," Stewart said. "I would like to see the city develop a master plan. We already have some great ordinances in place, but we need to think about future land use."

Stewart said he also hopes to maintain a good working relationship with Texas Department of Transportation engineers.

"Bullard has three major roadways - all of which are controlled by TxDOT," Stewart said. 'We need open lines of constant communication with these engineers, so they know what Bullard needs.

Another major concern which plagues Bullard is the city's ETJ (Extra Territorial Jurisdiction).

"If we don't work with Tyler they are going to encapsulate us," Stewart said.

Stewart said, if given the opportunity to represent Bullard, he will be the type of councilman who listens to the needs of the people and addresses the matters brought to his attention.

"If that means sometimes being the voice of opposition, I am comfortable in that role," he said.

Stewart said Bullard in unique in the mixture of life-long residents and newcomers.

"We all have on commonality; we like where we live," he said.

In addition to his public roles, Stewart is a deacon at First Baptist Church of Tyler, South Campus. He also teaches Sunday School.

Stewart has been in the insurance business for more than 20 years.

He and Aimee, his wife of 19 years, have three sons, who all attend school in BISD.