News Update
Plano Mayor Pro Tem prepares to begin term on NCTCOG board
By Kaitlin Pennell, Staff writer
Plano Mayor Pro Tem Lissa Smith was appointed to the 2012-2013 North Central Texas Council of Governments Executive Board during its 46th annual meeting on June 15.
Smith, a longtime Plano resident and member of the Plano City Council, has been a part of numerous civic and community organizations, such as the North Texas Commission, the Collin County Transportation Bond Committee, Hope's Door, the Plano Rotary and the Collin County Community College Foundation Board of Directors.
As a new executive board member, Smith hopes to be able to bring something valuable to the table from her experience, and is looking forward to being on the board.
"It's important to have experience, and I think my experience in working with the Plano City Council, the senator's office and the regional transportation board will help a lot," Smith said. "I think it's a great thing for Plano to be in this regional dialogue as well, since the board consists of members from all over the region."
Smith added she's looking forward to be able to learn more about the issues regarding Plano and other nearby areas.
Plano Mayor Phil Dyer praised Smith's appointment to the board.
"She is absolutely the best person to represent the city of Plano in [the NCTCOG]," Dyer said. "She is very knowledgeable in the area, familiar with some of our key issues and has set up great connections with others involved in improving our community."
The NCTCOG Executive Board is a body of 13 locally elected representatives from various cities around North Texas, including Denton, Allen, Dallas, Lancaster, Joshua, Sachse, Fort Worth, Plano and Arlington. The board makes the new policies for all activities under the NCTCOG, and is led by Executive Director Mike Eastland.
The primary goal for the organization is to ensure the residents of North Texas have sound regional progression, such as improved transportation, air quality, planning for company construction and expansion, emergency evacuations, water and medical resources, and also to strengthen the local government.
Dyer said having these selected representatives work together on various projects with common goals and aspirations is beneficial to all residents throughout the region.
"By having it set up this way, we can accomplish our goals more efficiently and effectively," Dyer said.
Smith was also recognized as one of the "21 Leaders for the 21st Century" by the Collin County Business Press, selected as an inaugural member of the North Texas Commission's Leadership North Texas for class 2009-2010 and received the 2011 Collin County League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Civic Award.
"It's always a positive to be recognized by your peers for your hard work in the community," Smith said. "It's a great honor."
The board meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from January through October, and on the third Thursday of the month during the November and December months. The community can reach out to their representatives to voice their concerns or suggestions regarding local issues.
Smith, a longtime Plano resident and member of the Plano City Council, has been a part of numerous civic and community organizations, such as the North Texas Commission, the Collin County Transportation Bond Committee, Hope's Door, the Plano Rotary and the Collin County Community College Foundation Board of Directors.
As a new executive board member, Smith hopes to be able to bring something valuable to the table from her experience, and is looking forward to being on the board.
"It's important to have experience, and I think my experience in working with the Plano City Council, the senator's office and the regional transportation board will help a lot," Smith said. "I think it's a great thing for Plano to be in this regional dialogue as well, since the board consists of members from all over the region."
Smith added she's looking forward to be able to learn more about the issues regarding Plano and other nearby areas.
Plano Mayor Phil Dyer praised Smith's appointment to the board.
"She is absolutely the best person to represent the city of Plano in [the NCTCOG]," Dyer said. "She is very knowledgeable in the area, familiar with some of our key issues and has set up great connections with others involved in improving our community."
The NCTCOG Executive Board is a body of 13 locally elected representatives from various cities around North Texas, including Denton, Allen, Dallas, Lancaster, Joshua, Sachse, Fort Worth, Plano and Arlington. The board makes the new policies for all activities under the NCTCOG, and is led by Executive Director Mike Eastland.
The primary goal for the organization is to ensure the residents of North Texas have sound regional progression, such as improved transportation, air quality, planning for company construction and expansion, emergency evacuations, water and medical resources, and also to strengthen the local government.
Dyer said having these selected representatives work together on various projects with common goals and aspirations is beneficial to all residents throughout the region.
"By having it set up this way, we can accomplish our goals more efficiently and effectively," Dyer said.
Smith was also recognized as one of the "21 Leaders for the 21st Century" by the Collin County Business Press, selected as an inaugural member of the North Texas Commission's Leadership North Texas for class 2009-2010 and received the 2011 Collin County League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Civic Award.
"It's always a positive to be recognized by your peers for your hard work in the community," Smith said. "It's a great honor."
The board meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from January through October, and on the third Thursday of the month during the November and December months. The community can reach out to their representatives to voice their concerns or suggestions regarding local issues.
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