Bill Irwin, who sits on Place 2 of the Highland Village City Council, announced that he will run for mayor this May.

Irwin is seeking the seat currently held by Scott McDearmont, who was elected in 2010 and announced late last year that he will not seek re-election.

Irwin moved to Highland Village in 1988 and has logged a combined four years on city council since 2001, serving from 2001-03 and again since 2010.

He has was the founding chairman of the Highland Village Parks Foundation, served on the Highland Village Parks and Recreation Boards, the city’s Board of Ethics, as a board member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, chairman of the Boy Scout Executive Committee, on the steering committee of the United Way and on various coach/commissioner positions in Highland Village/Lewisville recreational leagues.

“Having served alongside nine different mayors I hope to bring an attribute I admired in each. These are: visionary, approachable, fiscal responsible, professional, knowledge of issues, perseverance, ethical, passionate and a builder of consensus,” said Irwin in a press release.

“I have learned clear communication is the key to success. Robust dialogue is good and requires a positive and constructive approach in offering feedback, with an open mind to receiving it. I hope this defines how I will approach the responsibilities of Mayor. We have achieved many successes; we still have a lot to accomplish.

“During my previous term on council (2001-2003) one goal was to lower the high turnover of City Staff. With initiatives put in place Highland Village has built a tremendous staff of experienced professionals. Maintaining this strong team is critical to our city’s success. While serving on the Parks Board many park and trail initiatives were envisioned, funded and achieved. With 2499 providing easier access to Pilot Knoll Park we have a tremendous opportunity to develop this property. We also need to finish the design and development of Double Tree Ranch and how we integrate this park into our overall parks system. At same time we need to stay engaged with the I-35E reconstruction and how it impacts our Copperas Corp property. With its close proximity to the new Highland Village rail station there needs to be a vision established how this area can be developed not only as a primary entrance to our city but an opportunity to further diversify our tax base with economic development. As a founding member city of DCTA we need to stay closely involved in how transportation options are developed and used. Just as important is how we support current businesses to allow them the greatest opportunity to succeed. Financially we are in good shape; we need to take necessary steps to remain so. A challenging list, but attainable.

“With a career focused in global quality I have learned it takes commitment, clear communications and teamwork to produce and maintain a quality product. We are truly blessed with the opportunities Highland Village has to offer, it’s a great place to call home. My wife, better known as Nurse Kay is the school nurse at Heritage Elementary and helps me keep in touch with the needs of younger families raising their children in Highland Village. A testimony to our city’s family lifestyle is the fact our son recently bought a home near Highland Village Elementary to raise his family. We need to make sure we maintain our property values, both for our current residents and those coming to invest after us.

“We are a unique city and I will be committed to keeping Highland Village a quality community of choice.”