What folks are saying about Dwayne Ariola’s decision not to run for mayor:
“Taylor and the Chamber appreciate all that Mayor Ariola has done for us. ... He and his wife, Marie, are such busy people. They travel, support community organizations, especially, Kiwanis and the American Legion, and have hosted more than one foreign exchange student in the past several years.”
— Tia Rae Stone, president and CEO of the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce
“I went to Taylor High School with (Ariola) and I do agree with a lot of stuff he did. He wasn’t trying to make Taylor a miniature Austin. He was bringing us back to our hometown roots. I disagreed with the corporate welfare our City Council hands out. I’m hoping our next mayor is more fiscally conservative.”
— Kent Kunze, business owner “Nine years is a long time to serve on the City Council, and I appreciate Dwayne’s decision to step away. ... There is never a perfect time to leave the dais, as there is always unfinished business you hope to see through. But with Taylor entering a new chapter in May through the direct election of its mayor, it’s understandable that Dwayne would see this as the right moment to step aside and make room for new energy and new voices.”
— Brandt Rydell,
former Taylor mayor
“In my lifetime, Taylor has come a long way. We had moved from the hate and divisiveness of the past. Or so I thought. ... (Ariola) has bought this town to a low point that I have never seen. As well as jeopardizing our relationships with key members of society and business partners. I am excited to move on from the hate and anger that his tenure has caused. Go Ducks.”
— Gerald Anderson, former District 1 councilman
“The city of Taylor is enormously proud of what we’ve accomplished under Mayor Ariola’s leadership. We respect his decision not to run and sincerely appreciate the time he’s given to serve the people of Taylor. We look forward to working over the next six months under his and the council’s leadership, and with the next mayor to continue our thoughtful growth and service improvement.”
— Brian LaBorde, Taylor city manager
