Laura McGrath is campaigning for City Commissioner of Ward 4 against Bryan Fisher in the May 1 City Election.
McGrath has always had a passion for politics and serving the various political capacities and felt City politics would be the natural next step.
“I’ve been pretty involved in many political things since I graduated high school,” McGrath said. “It’s been something I’ve been very interested in and passionate about. At this point I’ve only been serving in groups like the Top O’ Texas Republican Women’s, election judge (since 2014), etc. I’ve been doing these little things that are serving the community. This felt like the next thing.”
McGrath added that if she had the values and passion for it, she shouldn’t point to someone and do it, she should do it herself.
“I’ve always believed that the citizen should be involved in the process,” McGrath said. “Our republic and democracy is set up for the citizens to be involved. Not saying, we haven’t had it, but that I should put my money where my mouth is and do it.”
McGrath mentioned she attended a Patriot Academy program training young people how to be involved in the political process as soon as they are eligible to vote.
“It was very realistic,” McGrath said. “We ran the Texas House Floor, attended committee meetings and when you’re not doing that, you’re attending lectures about what it means to be a citizen and have principles.”
McGrath’s principles are limited government, individual responsibility and the free market.
“These are the things that made our country great and set us apart from the rest of the world,” McGrath said. “That’s what I believe in. I don’t have an answer for everything, but these are the principles I think most people agree with and if you agree, then that’s great, I’m your girl.”
McGrath has heard a lot of people talk about “clean up Pampa” as one of the major issues facing the community.
“I’ve attended the forums throughout (many elections) and heard the speeches and that’s one of the topics,” McGrath said. “I absolutely agree with that, but you have to wonder: why hasn’t that happened? I don’t have the answer, but I assume it’s a budget thing. I’m interested in finding a solution that gets the citizens involved.
“No ordinance (is going to fix the issue). But at the end of the day, we the individuals need to take responsibility for our homes and our neighbors. If your neighborhood looks terrible, get to know your neighbors and help them clean it up.”
McGrath worked at the Coffee Shop right out of high school and said she learned her love of serving from that experience.
“I liked to help make people’s lives better and make experiences enjoyable,” McGrath said. “Whether it’s getting coffee or lunch, I enjoyed that.”
McGrath worked as an election judge and was recently a children’s pastor at Trinity Fellowship Church.
“I loved working with kids and serving the kids and in-turn serving the families,” McGrath said. “I loved the volunteers on my team and serving them. It was a great mutual relationship.”
Today, McGrath works for Curtis Service Co. doing administrative work.
McGrath said the Pampa Economic Development Corporation seems to have a new vision and direction that is encouraging.
“I would love to see the new ideas they have about bringing new businesses to Pampa,” McGrath said. “I understand new business is necessary, but our whole town is made up of small businesses.
“It’s citizens that had a vision and created their business and employed people. I see that they are all necessary, unlike the narrative created last year that some jobs aren’t essential. They are all providing somebody with a wage and living.”
McGrath added that using the EDC is important to the growth of Pampa, but not to forget the individual, small businesses creating the growth, as well.
As for community service, McGrath was a VIPS (Volunteer in Public School) through Pampa ISD where she helped with Lunch with Dignitaries through Altrusa/Top O’ Texas Republican Women’s, Precinct Chairman for Gray County Republican Party, volunteer/attend Trinity Fellowship.
McGrath doesn’t have any children and isn’t married so she added time isn’t an issue.
“There’s lots of people who would like to or would want to and have the right heart to do it,” McGrath said. “But they just can’t because it’s a lot to commit to. But I have all of the time in the world. I’m 29, not married and don’t have kids. I feel like it’s almost my responsibility to do it if I have the freedom to do it.”
McGrath has grown up in Pampa her entire life and most of her family is from the Pampa area.
Early voting in this election begins on April 19 through April 27 and will be held at the Pampa ISD administration building. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on April 26-27 when voting will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is a city-wide election and citizens can vote for all of the candidates, not just the ones in their ward.
