I am excited to share that I have officially filed my candidacy for Mayor of the City of McLendon-Chisholm. With a firm commitment to providing the necessary leadership to steer our City in the right direction, I am confident in my ability to meet the desires of our residents and uphold the values that make our community exceptional. It is my unwavering dedication to serving you, the people, that drives me forward in this campaign.

As your potential Mayor, I pledge to continue identifying and addressing the needs of our City. Through innovative programs and thoughtful evaluation of municipal services, I will ensure that we remain aligned with the desires outlined in our Comprehensive Plan. Building upon the groundwork laid in 2021, I aim to lead with integrity, transparency, and a steadfast focus on fulfilling the action items crucial to managing our City’s growth and prosperity.

Throughout my tenure as a Council Member, I have championed initiatives aimed at securing our City’s future. From spearheading efforts to seek permission with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to serve our area to manage our own water system to fostering partnerships with local stakeholders. I have actively worked towards our collective vision for McLendon-Chisholm. My record speaks to my ability to facilitate meaningful dialogue, engage with diverse perspectives, and drive tangible results for our community.

True leadership is rooted in service, not power. It is about inspiring others, fostering trust, and above all, listening with humility and empathy. I have dedicated myself to serving our community wholeheartedly, and it is through this commitment that I have earned your trust and support. Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead and ensure a prosperous future for all.

Preserving the quality of life we cherish in McLendon-Chisholm requires proactive measures and responsible governance. By managing our own public utilities and implementing sound policies, we can manage growth in a sustainable manner while safeguarding our infrastructure and essential services. From enhancing our developer and builder applications to refining our zoning regulations, I am committed to fostering a community that thrives while preserving its unique character and charm.

Our City is more than just a place to live – it is a close-knit community defined by its warmth, hospitality, and shared values. From the breathtaking sunsets to the camaraderie of our neighbors, McLendon-Chisholm is a place we are proud to call home. Together, we celebrate our first responders, honor our veterans, and embrace the spirit of volunteerism that enriches our lives and enhances our sense of belonging.

As McLendon-Chisholm continues to evolve, it is imperative that our policies and development reflect the desires and aspirations of our residents. From expanding dining options to attracting new retail establishments, I am committed to shaping our City in accordance with your vision for a vibrant and family-friendly community. With determination and perseverance, we can build a future that honors our past while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow.

It would be my greatest honor to continue serving and representing you as Mayor of the City of McLendon-Chisholm. As we approach the upcoming election, I humbly ask for your support and trust. Together, let us embark on this journey towards a brighter future for our beloved City.

Your vote is your voice.

Early voting will take place from
Monday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 30, 2024, and
Election Day is Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 7 am to 7 pm.

Meet Adrienne

IMG_6615_balkum_family_sv_pond — Photo Credit: Picture Perfect Photography

My journey began off the Texas Gulf Coast, in the busy deepwater port town of Texas City, where hurricanes were as much a part of life as the Texas sun. After graduating from Texas City High School and diving into the world of graphics and marketing at Bradford Business School in Houston, I embarked on a professional adventure that took me from the halls of the Houston Chronicle, retail package design to the fast paced world of web marketing where I managed a small office.

For over a decade, I navigated the dynamic landscape of marketing, working with clients in the oil and gas industry and orchestrating technical conferences across the globe. From the rugged landscapes of Australia, lush forest of Malaysia to the historic streets of Italy, I immersed myself in discussions on industry best practices and safety regulations, all the while honing my skills as a communicator and collaborator.

On January 1, 2010 I moved to Rockwall and networked with a variety of people. But life had more in store for me than just professional pursuits. In a twist of fate, a church woman’s prison ministry trip to Gatesville, Texas, led me to my soulmate, Jason, whose passion for worship and community service mirrored my own. Together, we embarked on a journey of faith and service, volunteering in church ministries and reaching out to those in need with compassion and love.

Jason and I have been married for 11 years. We moved to McLendon-Chisholm on February 13, 2015 to Sonoma Verde.

Fast forward to today, and I find myself rooted in the community of McLendon-Chisholm, alongside my husband Jason and our three incredible children, Corban, Genevieve, and Nicolette. As active members of Lakeshore Church, we find joy in serving others and building meaningful connections within our community.

As a seasoned content marketer, I’ve enjoyed working with local businesses and share the stories that make our community unique. Through blogs, printed articles, and video reels, I strive to spark conversations and to encourage others to try their services.

But my commitment to community doesn’t stop there. Whether it was coordinating volunteer committees for our HOA or spearheaded initiatives to address city-related issues, I’ve been dedicated to making a positive impact wherever I go. From securing funding for essential fire protection services to advocating for infrastructure improvements, I believe in rolling up my sleeves and getting things done for the betterment of our community.

When I’m not immersed in community projects or spending time with my family, you can find me indulging in some of life’s simple pleasures – painting house portraits in water color, baking banana bread, and savoring my favorite dishes like Zanata’s Roasted Halibut or Manny’s Shrimp Tacos.

In everything I do, I strive to lead with integrity, compassion, and a deep-seated commitment to serving others. Together, let’s build a brighter future for McLendon-Chisholm, one story, one project, and one heartfelt connection at a time.

Issues

💧 LEADERSHIP. My approach is centered on proactive identification of the City’s needs, ensure efficiency and effectiveness of municipal services. Committed to following through with the action items outlined in the 2021 Comprehensive Plan to stay on track for sustainable growth and development.

💧 PUBLIC UTILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE. One of my top priorities is for our City to manage their own public utilities, particularly a water system and to ensure the delivery of high-quality water services to residents. By managing our own water system, we can also exercise greater control over future development, ensuring that it aligns with our City’s vision and infrastructure needs. Additionally, I am dedicated to implementing robust billing administration processes with a focus on quality customer service, ensuring transparency and accountability in all utility-related matters.

💧 STRATEGIC PLANNING. Strategic planning is essential for guiding our City’s growth in a sustainable and responsible manner. I am committed to contracting with experienced facilitators to assist in crucial areas such as Land Use & Open Spaces, Community Design, Commercial Corridor Development, Economic Development initiatives, Historic Preservation efforts, Transportation planning, Public Safety enhancements, and Utility Infrastructure improvements. By engaging in comprehensive strategic planning, we can ensure that McLendon-Chisholm continues to thrive while preserving its unique character and quality of life for current and future generations.

💧 CITY LEGISLATION. Cities represent the level of government closest to the people. They bear primary responsibility for the provision of capital infrastructure and for ensuring citizens’ health and safety. Hope to join the coalition of Texas Mayors and City Council Members to support our City’s resolutions for bills to be introduced when the State Legislators go back into session in 2025.

Local Civic Credits

✅ Voted in 2018 for the Veterans Memorial Site at City Hall property.

✅ April 2018 SAFER Grant awarded to the newly formed McLendon-Chisholm Fire Rescue Department in August 2018. In addition to helping provide benefits for those first responders and retirement. Balkum worked with TxDOT for an in-kind replacement that will provide monies for an architect, engineering and construction of a new fire station located on FM 550 on City Hall property. Replacing the original Fire Station 1 located on S. Hwy 205 that was listed as one of the 9 structures to be removed in the S. Hwy 205 expansion. Monies awarded was $4.3 million dollars.

✅ Initiated City Staff Annual Reviews in 2017; 2023.

✅ Advocated for Rosini Winery.

✅ Supported the 2021 Resolution directing the City Administrator to file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas for various reprehensible actions by RCH Water Supply causing a danger to the health, safety and welfare of citizens of McLendon-Chisholm.

✅ Approved City wide Photo Contest “Why Is McLendon-Chisholm A Great Place To Live?”

✅ Voted in 2018 to establish an escrow account for an early bond redemption. As of September 30, 2023, the funds in this escrow account were $238,546 and are expected to be applied against debt principal for constructing the City Hall.

✅ April 2018 hired a Fire Chief (Jim Simmons).

✅ Initiated Animal Control Services 2018.

✅ Initiated City Events Committee in 2023.

✅ 2023 and 2024 authored multiple proclamations recognizing special events, organizations and personal achievements of honorable judges, residents and community advocates.

✅ Serves on the Rockwall ISD Facilities Bond Committee 2023.

✅ Serves as Mayor Pro Tem of the City of McLendon-Chisholm.

✅ Signed the 2023 petition for customers wanting to add a choice on the RCH WSC election ballot to transfer assets to the City or to Aqua Texas.

✅ Authorized to negotiate with providers operation, maintenance and bill services for water related services.

✅ Initiated the inaugural 2017 Sonoma Verde HOA Freedom Fireworks Show.

✅ 2017 Construction Noise Ordinance from Monday – Saturday 7am to 7pm and No holidays.

✅ 2017 Initiated Broadcasting McLendon-Chisholm City Council Meetings.

✅ 2023 Author of the City of McLendon-Chisholm’s TML Resolution Relating to Local Water Supply Corporations providing adequate delivery of water and/or meet the infrastructure requirements to keep up with water demand.

✅ 2024 initiated for City Planner to add language on Preliminary Plat Applications to meet the Checklist for developers must be able to provide a water plan and Council approved unanimously.

✅ 2018 established by Ordinance McLendon-Chisholm Fire Rescue.

✅ Serves on the Rockwall County Strategic Planning Committee 2050.