Dalhart Welcomes Former FFA State President as New Mayor

A hearty congratulation goes out to new Dalhart Mayor Kurtis Thomas. It was standing room only Tuesday night at the Dalhart City Council as Kurtis took the reins from Mayor Kevin Caddell, who after serving as mayor for the past eight years decided not to run for re-election. What’s more impressive is Kurtis won 60 percent of the vote in a heated three-way race. That’s an accomplishment anyone who has ever even considered running for public office can appreciate.

Kurtis, originally from Pasadena, Texas, served as Texas FFA State President from 2001-

2002. During that time he traveled more than 60,000 miles across Texas speaking to high school students, large companies and organizations about agricultural diversity.

Following his year of service to FFA, Kurtis went on to attend Texas A&M University where he was selected for the Agricultural and Natural Resource Policy Internship Program in Washington, D.C. He graduated A&M Summa Cum Laude and has gone on to serve as on the Dalhart city council, the Bi-County Livestock Show Board of Directors and continues to volunteer with local 4-H and FFA programs.     

Public service is a privilege. Though still a young man, Kurtis has dedicated himself to that privilege and I am confident he will be guided by the values and principles he learned from FFA as he serves the people of Dalhart.

It’s inspiring to see how FFA is really shaping the young leaders in our state. Kurtis, just like Casey Hogan, who I recently congratulated for joining the Stephenville City Council, are not shying away from the call to public service but embracing the challenges and joys of working with local governments to create policies that will keep bringing jobs and prosperity to our great state. It can be hard work, but well worth the effort.

Best wishes to you, Kurtis as you make your mark in Dalhart. I am sure this is just the beginning of much more success.