Opinion: ‘If there’s anyone primed to serve as mayor of this great community, it’s David Baskett.’

Stephenville is special.

It offers much more than your average community its size, all while holding onto that close-knit feel of a true small town.

It boasts an incredibly popular university in Tarleton State, as well as a two-year school offering phenomenal CTE programs at Ranger College.

Businesses are gravitating here because they see the potential.

And when it comes to city government, it takes a special person to promote growth while preserving what makes Stephenville special.

I’d argue David Baskett is one such person.

Professionally, David works in a sector where he sees one of Stephenville’s greatest needs up close: housing.

The shortage here is no secret to anyone who lives or works in this community. He speaks of it regularly, understands the problem, and I believe he can help offer real solutions.

Even more importantly, David recognizes that public safety services are of the utmost importance. He’s said it outright, but he’s also proven it by helping procure the recent raises for our police and fire departments.

What makes Stephenville special is at jeopardy if we can’t keep it safe with fully staffed and adequately funded police and fire departments.

Those are essential.

David grew up here. He’s a sixth-generation resident of Erath County. He attends everything.

I’ve seen him at Foster’s Home events, SISD events, civic group gatherings, Chamber functions, public ceremonies, fundraisers of all sorts, and, of course, Tarleton events.

He sits right in front of me at church, while I sit in front of him at Yellow Jacket football games.

I think I know him pretty well. In fact, I’ve grown to love and appreciate David and his family over my 5-plus years living in Stephenville.

If there’s anyone primed to serve as mayor of this great community, it’s David Baskett.

Sincerely yours,

Douglas Young