TAYLOR CITY COUNCIL
Wants to preserve ‘small-town charm’
At a loss for words is how Heather Long describes her feelings after her election as Taylor’s new District 4 City Council member. Long was sworn in to her position Tuesday evening during a special-called council meeting at City Hall that also saw votes canvassed from the June 7 runoff.
Long defeated challenger Marie Bloemer in that contest.
“First and foremost, I was overwhelmed with love for my family and friends who stood by me throughout the campaign,” Long said. “I could never have done this without the unwavering support of Cody, my husband of 27 years, my daughter Graham and her husband David, their daughters Ophelia and Stella, and my daughter Holland. Their presence at my side that night meant everything.”
Long takes over from Robert Garcia, who chose not to seek reelection after serving three
terms.
She expressed her thanks to the voters, both for the runoff and in the general election May 3.
“I felt — and continue to feel — tremendous gratitude to the citizens of District 4,” she said. “The trust they placed in me through their overwhelming support in both elections humbles me deeply. I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I will work tirelessly to be the representative they deserve.”
The District 4 race originally drew four contenders –– Long, Bloemer, Shannon Quicksall and Gordon Pettey. Long secured 43% of the vote on May 3, while Bloemer had 29%, which prompted a runoff between the two since neither captured more than 50 percent of the ballots.
“My strategy during the runoff mirrored that of the general election: staying grounded and committed to meaningful connections with the residents of District 4,” Long said. “I took to the streets, knocking on doors and having heartfelt conversations with hundreds of neighbors about their hopes for our community and why I was running. I emphasized the value of having someone on the council who brings deep experience in construction and contracts — expertise I’ve built over many years.”
During the campaign, Long listed her professional experience as a contracts administrator.
In the runoff, Long’s campaign strategy paid off. She won 65% of the vote to claim the spot on the dais.
“Relief also washed over me as months of nonstop campaigning came to an end,” Long said. “The weight of uncertainty lifted, and I could finally exhale.”
Long was sworn in by U.S. Rep. John Carter.
She was “profoundly honored” that Carter administered her oath of office.
“He has a special place in my heart. After the tragic loss of my son, Cal, at the age of 5 from an undiagnosed disease, Congressman Carter believed in my resolve to help others facing similar struggles,” Long said. “He supported me in coauthoring legislation on this issue during two sessions of Congress. Having him swear me in felt deeply meaningful and full circle.”
Long addressed some of the issues that affect residents in her district.
“During my conversations with fellow residents, I heard a wide range of thoughtful concerns — many centered around the need to upgrade our aging infrastructure, repair our streets and ensure that property taxes and the overall cost of living remain affordable,” she said. “Just as importantly, there was a shared desire to preserve the small-town charm and character that make Taylor such a special place to call home.”
