Richmond Mayor Evalyn Wendt Moore
By Patti Parish-Kaminski | Photos by Nesossi Studios –
“Richmond is more than just a place we call home,” said Mayor Evalyn Wendt Moore, who completed the term of her late husband, Hilmar G. Moore, and has announced her desire to continue leading the City of Richmond as mayor. “Richmond has become a place where each of us and our neighbors can peacefully raise our families, open and grow businesses and receive first class, premiere city services. This was Hilmar’s legacy, it is my legacy, and most importantly, it is the legacy of every resident of our great town.”
A sixth generation cattle rancher, World War II veteran, businessman and native Texan, Hilmar G. Moore led Richmond with a “no nonsense, hands-off” approach, and during his 63-year tenure as mayor, the town and residents he cared so deeply about grew to nearly 10,000. The late Mayor Moore was dedicated to service and community, a passion that is shared by his closest confidante for the past 28 years, the current mayor of Richmond: Mayor Evalyn Wendt Moore.
“Hilmar strived to make Richmond a better place to live, work and raise families,” said Mayor Moore, who is committed to continuing the level of secure, stable, conservative management demonstrated by her late husband. “For nearly thirty years, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to help our city thrive. I know what it will take to attract new business and create good-paying jobs for our Richmond.”
Destined for Growth and Prosperity
Evalyn Wendt Moore being sworn in as Richmond Mayor by Fort Bend Commissioner
Richard Morrison on December 17, 2012.
During Mayor Moore’s year and a half tenure leading the City of Richmond, she has done just that. With a focus on both preserving, as well as preparing Richmond for a bright, economically sound future, the City of Richmond passed a new City Charter under Mayor Moore’s leadership that will encourage a more favorable business climate in Richmond. What does that climate mean? Economic growth for the city and its residents. “The new City Charter will result in the arrival of more local businesses and an increase in prosperity for those businesses already here,” explained Mayor Moore. “This new charter strengthens our business climate to grow and attract more good-paying jobs to our community.”
Richmond’s previous charter was outdated for the projected growth of the area. Issued from the Republic of Texas in 1837, the old City Charter provided that Richmond’s annexation rights were under home rule. That means that the City did not have annexation powers; groups had to petition to be a part of Richmond. “Under the old City Charter, the City of Richmond consisted of 4.2 square miles,” explained Mayor Moore. “There were many areas around the City in our extraterritorial jurisdiction that we would have liked to annex but were restricted from doing so. Now, with the new charter, this ability has been granted to us, and we have already begun to grow through strategic annexations in those areas. There are approximately 42 square miles available for annexation by Richmond, and we are now selectively growing and will continue to do so. The future is very exciting for Richmond.”
Another benefit of the new City Charter is a further reduction of the tax burden on Richmond residents. The favorable business environment created by the City Charter will assist businesses with their growth, development and contributions to the community. “By attracting more businesses, along with the success of our current businesses, we should be able to reduce taxes letting our families keep more of what they earn while boosting our local economy. We also now have Planning and Zoning capabilities, which will further strengthen our business and residential environment.”
Preparing for the Future – Honoring the Past
According to Mayor Moore, one of the greatest challenges facing Richmond’s future is ensuring a long-term, sustainable water supply. “Water is a critical issue that I will continue to work on in partnership with the other mayors in the county,” said Mayor Moore. “It is a priority for me, and I will ensure that Richmond becomes compliant with the Subsidence District mandate to reduce ground water pumpage by 30 percent by 2016 and by 60 percent in 2025.”
Mayor Moore believes in planning and preparation for the community that she has called home for over 35 years. “I am dedicated to Richmond’s future and the way we thoughtfully manage it toward even greater prosperity. Richmond is my home, and it is my family’s home. I believe it is the greatest city in the Lone Star State, and I am committed to keeping its future – and its heritage – alive and well.”
Mayor Moore’s commitment to community stems from her deep family roots in Fort Bend. Her maternal grandfather, the late Hunter P. Harris, was a Fort Bend County Judge. His tenure followed directly after Hilmar’s father’s term as County Judge. Her parents, Billie Harris Wendt and the late Jack Wendt, have been active civic and business leaders in the community for over 60 years.
“I am so proud of the wonderful job that Evalyn is doing leading our City,” said Billie Harris Wendt, proud mother and Richmond resident. “There is still much to do to keep our Richmond moving forward, and I know that in Evalyn’s capable hands, our Richmond will continue to grow and prosper while protecting our peaceful lifestyle and heritage.”
As the City’s first female mayor, Mayor Moore hit the ground running in her new role. Her first meeting was literally the day she was sworn into office on December 17, 2012, and she hasn’t stopped since. During brief remarks after being sworn in by Fort Bend County Commissioner Richard Morrison, she gave tribute to her late husband and his vision for Richmond. “Hilmar’s vision for our City was pretty simple,” she said. “He said many times that Houston is Houston, but due to farsighted mayors like himself, Richmond is a nice place to live.”
And, under the new Mayor Moore’s leadership and guidance, maintaining – and growing – that quality of life and philosophy continues with common-sense, conservative leadership. Leadership that would make the former Mayor Moore proud.
Leaders Support Mayor Evalyn Wendt Moore
Billie Harris Wendt and Evalyn Wendt Moore at Moore’s campaign kick-off.
From former mayors to Richmond residents to lifelong friends, Mayor Moore has made an impact during her brief tenure as Richmond mayor.
Former Rosenberg Mayor and Businessman Joe M. Gurecky
“The future of Fort Bend is filled with possibilities of growth and economic prosperity, and these possibilities require planning, preparation and thoughtful leadership,” said Joe M. Gurecky, former Rosenberg mayor and businessman. “Evalyn Moore understands what is needed to secure the future of Richmond, and she works cooperatively and effectively with other Fort Bend leaders to ensure that Richmond will be prepared for future growth. As mayor, I always considered the City of Richmond as our ‘Sister City,’ and we worked together as municipal partners. I have seen Mayor Moore continue this legacy of leadership in her tenure.”
Richmond Resident and Chairman of the Brazos River Authority Dave Scott
“Evalyn Moore is a person who gets the job done, has a good work ethic and makes wise decisions,” said Dave Scott, Richmond resident and chairman of the Brazos River Authority. “She’s done a tremendous job for the City of Richmond, and we look forward to her continued leadership.”
Lifelong Friend and Community Philanthropist Donna Kay Tucker
“I’ve known Evalyn Wendt Moore since junior high; we graduated from Lamar High School in 1962,” said lifelong friend and community philanthropist Donna Kay Tucker. “She is a smart business woman, and what I admire most about her character is her kindness toward others. She leads by example. I know an elderly couple in Richmond who was being harassed by a neighbor. I called Evalyn and shared with her a brief report of what was happening to these Richmond citizens. Evalyn called the couple right away, visited with them, and they have not been harassed a single time since then. Evalyn even sent them a Christmas card. That’s how Evalyn operates. She believes in doing the right thing and standing up for what’s right. She loves the City of Richmond, and she treats everyone with respect and dignity.”
The election for Richmond Mayor is scheduled for Saturday, May 10th. Early voting begins April 28th and ends May 6th. All voting will be held at the City of Richmond Water Maintenance Facility, located at 110 North 8th Street, and election day voting is scheduled from 7 am to 7 pm.