Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Morris
Hi Deborah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Our young family moved to Garland in 1985, but soon after settling into our modest home in Northlake Estates, we were shocked to learn that the lush greenbelt directly behind our neighborhood was about to be bulldozed. As a fledgling nonfiction writer, I knew how to do research–and quickly discovered that the wooded acreage recently donated to the city for use as parkland had been quietly “repurposed” to build a 6-lane divided highway less than 10′ behind our fences.
The next thing I knew, my neighbors elected me president of our neighborhood association and sent me off to (cliche) “fight city hall” for them. I successfully led the public effort to realign the highway onto nearby open space, saving both the greenbelt and millions in tax dollars–a solution the city engineer declared a “win-win”. Today, that mature greenbelt is part of Garland’s Rowlett Creek Preserve trail system.
That was my first exposure to city government. I had no idea that it might someday lead to me serving in a local government position!
Meanwhile my writing career was taking off, and I was building a reputation in the area of writing real-life rescue and survival stories for national magazines, and eventually for books. My young adult book series, Real Kids Real Adventures, was adapted as an Emmy-nominated Discovery Channel television series which aired in the U.S., Central and South America, the Caribbean Islands, Canada and Europe. I was excited that an idea born right here in Garland had ended up circling the globe!
In between child-rearing, writing, church and occasionally eating and sleeping, I served as a Dallas-Area Red Cross Disaster Team Leader and was recognized in 2000 as “Volunteer of the Year”. Between all the interviews I’d done with heroes and survivors, and also my local Disaster Team experience, I decided to pursue certification as a first responder. Later I served on the First Aid Team with the Christian Motorcyclist Association. (And yes, I rode a Harley for many years and many miles!)
Then, in 2017, I was once again asked to speak on behalf of hundreds of distressed Garland residents who felt they’d been ignored in an important decision and blindsided by their city representative. After first trying to quietly resolve the issue without success, I spearheaded the recall effort that resulted in the resignation of the council member. Afterward, despite my extreme reluctance–and because I couldn’t convince anyone else to do it!–I filed to run for the Garland City Council.
I was elected in 2018, and re-elected in 2020 and 2022 to represent District 2, the largest council district in the city which includes our historic Downtown. My previous years of experience as an interviewer and community leader made it easy for me to engage with both individuals and our local businesses, and it was especially helpful during our lengthy $25M Downtown Square renovation. I was honored to be chosen by my Council colleagues to serve as Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, then as Mayor Pro Tem.
I reached my term limits (max of three consecutive two-year terms) in May 2024, and formally announced last June that I’d be running for Mayor in 2025.
Many of the reasons I originally didn’t want to get into local government were valid: I still hate politics, control freaks, and “good old boy” (or girl) networks! But what I learned over my first year on council was a total game-changer; this was the biggest opportunity I’d ever had in my life to help more people in more significant ways. I could, in many cases, find solutions to problems, connect people to resources they needed, or champion programs or policies that could make a huge difference in their everyday lives. For me, that changed public service from a dutiful sacrifice to a joy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Leading a recall did, unfortunately, bring ongoing hostility from certain people. I truly wish it hadn’t been necessary.
As for more external challenges, during the 2019 tornado (which hit our house), the 2020 pandemic and the 2021 ice storm, I was able to act quickly to mobilize practical assistance like hot meals, hot showers, water deliveries and more, as well as providing ongoing communication to distressed residents. This was yet another instance where my background and history with disaster relief and communications seemed to have uniquely prepared me for the position.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I probably covered a lot of this in my first (overlong) bio, but my professional paying career was as a nonfiction writer and television producer. Along with being the credited Creator of the Real Kids Real Adventures TV series on the Discovery Channel, I also co-produced two reality-based TV movies: Dancing in the Dark”, a 1995 Lifetime Television Production, and Angel Flight Down, a 1996 ABC production.
As a writer I authored over 140 feature magazine articles and 15 books, including “Trapped in a Cave! A True Story” (Broadman & Holman); the “Real Kids, Real Adventures” book series (Putnam-Berkley); and “Teens 9-1-1” (HCI). My work was translated into as many as ten languages and featured in Reader’s Digest, Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, Outdoor Life, Guideposts, and other national and international publications.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’m not a big believer in “luck”, but I certainly am in God’s providence. That has played a huge role in my life, marriage, family, career, and everything else. I’m deeply grateful.
My husband and I married when I was 17 and he’d just turned 21. We’ve had a long and adventurous life together! He is my biggest fan and supporter, and I am his.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.morrisforgarland.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahmorrisgarland?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morrisforgarland/?_rdr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-morris-1724b317
Image Credits
Terry Morris (husband with me)
Three former Garland mayors, left to right (with me)
Mayor Ronald Jones
Mayor Jamie Ratliff
Mayor Bob Day
