Tommy Hiebert: The Returning Candidate

SAN ANGELO, TX – Tommy Hiebert has been a part of the San Angelo community for nearly 60 years and once again he answers the call to serve his community as a city council candidate. The former city council member returns after 21 years of absence, in what promises to be a very new city council makeup this cycle. Hiebert wishes to bring his experience and his love for the city to bring about  positive change for the community.

“I might be able to contribute something based on my past experience on the council,” Hiebert said.

The Abilene native moved to San Angelo in 1957. Hiebert attended local elementary and high schools before beginning his undergraduate studies at  Angelo State University (ASU). Hiebert attended ASU for two years before transferring to Texas A&M in College Station. After completing his college career, Hiebert returned home to San Angelo and has since served the community with his insurance company for years.

Hiebert began his career in city politics when he was elected to represent SMD 5 from 1990 to 1996. After his six year term, he decided to take a step back and allow others to bring their ideas to local government. Even though he retired from City Council, Hiebert has maintained an active presence in the community by serving on several committees such as the Planning Commission, the City of San Angelo Development Corporation Board and finally as an alternate on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

During his time as city council member Hiebert remembers two of what he considers to be his biggest accomplishments. One, which he is very proud of, is forming part of the committee that worked to ensure that Goodfellow Air Force Base was removed from the closure list in the early 90’s. Having the base close would have been “devastating for this community” said Hiebert.

He also considers helping establish the Nighttime Curfew Ordinance that makes it unlawful for minors to willingly be in a public place after curfew. The curfew runs Monday through Thursday 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., and on weekends, midnight to 6 a.m. It also prohibits parents or guardians to knowingly permit a minor to be in a public place or owners of establishments to knowingly allow a minor to remain on the premises of the establishment during curfew hours. According to the San Angelo police, the curfew has deterred minors from engaging in certain behaviors. Council reviews and votes to renew the ordinance every three years and has done so since 1996.

SMD 1 is very diverse and encompasses several communities that have very different needs. The problems that affect areas such as Glenmore, Bentwood and a portion of Southland differ from those of the residents found in Capital Heights and Lake Nasworthy.

One of the biggest issues several district 1's communities face are flooding and drainage problems. Flooding not only impacts the residents living in district 1 but the San Angelo community as a whole in times of rain. Hiebert plans on working on a solution and also understands that the Lake Nasworthy area is a “a big economic driver in the community."

Hiebert knows that one of the most important factors that defines the success of a City Council, depends upon individual members ability to work together. For him it is crucial to “build relationships with other council members and learn to trust and respect each other.” This is especially important in a job where “the learning curve can be steep” and where a "single councilman or woman cannot create change by themselves.

“As important as the district is, it seems to me from my previous experience that many if the issues the council deals with affect the community as a whole as much as they so any [single] district.” Hiebert said.

He considers San Angelo a place where “people are friendly, take care of each another and have a sense of community.” His vision for the city is to not only help his district, but to have the entire community prosper. Having his constituents trust him is crucial for Hiebert, and he plans to work everyday to ensure to keep that promise.

“We are all proud of San Angelo. We all know there are some things that could be made better and I will strive to use common sense to be reasonable and fair on each issue. I look forward to working with the folks of SMD 1 and the entire community to make our community a better place in which to live.”

Hiebert is running in a crowded race for the SMD 1 council seat that was vacated earlier this year by Bill Richardson after several controversial Facebook posts. Richardson has filed to run against Hiebert for the SMD 1 seat he gave up in February. Other candidates filing for SMD1 are Anna Bartosh and Darrin Fentress. 

Early voting is 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Keyes building downtown through Tuesday. Election Day is May 6.