On The Record: Mary Edwards

For this edition of On The Record, I spoke with Mary Edwards, SDEC Committeewoman for SD 10.

How did you get started in politics? Did you come to it in your youth or later on?

I come from a politically active family. The first campaign I remember taking part in was my father’s. He ran for County Attorney of Red River County, and at age three I discovered that pie suppers more than made up for having to be in “Sunday best dress” in the middle of the week and always having my “company” manners on. Volunteering led to my becoming a precinct chair over twenty years ago.

What was your personal progression from the role of activist to the role of Committeewoman for Senate District 10?

The progression seemed a natural one to me. I had served on all the County Party committees over the years and felt that I could make a difference serving on the State level. I had also made many friends over the years and knew that even on such a large committee as the SDEC, I would have natural alliances and my opinions would be treated with thought.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning Fort Worth?

Fort Worth is fortunate in the fact that it has had the space to expand, but that expansion has often been at the expense of the inner city. Expansion and growth can be good, but great cities look to their core and the people who live there for diversity and the mix that makes a city unique. Fort Worth is fortunate that many on our current City Council see this and are looking at ways to make the inner city living experience something that is wanted and desirable.

Do you have any ambition for higher office? Do you have plans to run for any other party office, or possibly even public office?

No, no ambition for higher office in the Party or otherwise.

Who are some of your political heroes?

I would have to say Lon Burnam who never compromises his core beliefs even when they are unpopular; I have also often thought of Martin Frost, who could very easily have retired, but chose to fight an uphill battle after the redistricting fiasco.

What would you say has been the single most defining moment in your political life?

I don’t think I have had it yet.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

Winning!

What advice would you give to young people just getting into politics?

Do anything! Show up on time and stay late; work at whatever you are given. You will be noticed and appreciated, and your name will be known.

What one thing would you say a political organization never has enough of?

Money.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in politics?

Perseverance. Don’t get mad and go home. Keep showing up; you will be noticed and heard.

Tell us a little bit about representing Senate District 10 for the Executive Committee, and what roles you fell like you fulfill, official or otherwise.

I am in my first year, and I feel like I am learning the ins and outs of how things work, but I am not alone, as many of my fellow SDEC members are new as well. We are bringing a fresh outlook and a will to do something different and make a difference. I have been fortunate to be assigned to the Grassroots Committee chaired by Marvin Sutton, and I feel that my experience will be a benefit to this committee. Networking is always important when dealing with large groups, and I try to use every available opportunity to make myself known. Marc House, Committeeman for SD 10, has been very helpful, and I hope that my time on the SDEC will be productive.