SHADY SHORES — A slew of new registered voters, thanks in part to last year’s contentious presidential election, could have a ripple effect on the town’s first mayoral race since 2005.

MAYORAL RACE

Jerry Williams

Jerry Williams

Age: 60

Born in: Dallas

Education: associate’s degree in history and English, Dallas Baptist University, 1968; bachelor’s of history and English, Texas A&M University- Commerce, 1970

Experience: teacher, 1970-73; estimator, 1974-81; manufacturing representative, 1981-90; sports writer, 1985-90; teacher, 1990-97; estimator and contract negotiator, Concord Industries, 1997-present; Shady Shores Town Council, 2006-present.

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Olive Stephens

Olive Stephens

Age: 92

Born in: Clayton

Education: diploma, Marshall High School, 1933; business courses, Texas Woman’s University, 1950s.

Experience: manufacturer of ceramic molds, 1957-1980s; Shady Shores Town Council, 1963-72; mayor, 1972-present.

First elected mayor in 1973, Olive Stephens, 92, is seeking her 19th term. Her challenger, Jerry Williams, 60, a Town Council member, hopes to capitalize on the new voter energy and convince this town of 2,400 to make a change.

Williams said he knows that it will take courage for voters to consider his candidacy, since many residents value the quiet, rural lifestyle in Shady Shores and consider Stephens’ leadership a known quality. He values the quiet, too, he said, having been familiar with the area since he was a boy.

“I want to ease the minds of citizens who are concerned about the status quo,” Williams said. “You’re not going to see any wholesale changes in the actual infrastructure of the town.”

Williams said he respects the commitment Stephens has given over the years, but believes the new focus, energy and vision that come with new leadership can better address some of the lingering problems with roads, enforcement of town ordinances and communication problems with residents.

“There are issues that come with a long-term mayor,” Williams said. “If a citizen has an issue, they should be able to expect a response in a timely manner.”

Stephens handily defeated her last opponent, Elizabeth Nugent, with more than 66 percent of the vote in 2005.

She agreed it was important that voters have a choice, but she is concerned that people will become complacent if they think her re-election is a foregone conclusion.

“The most important thing is that everyone comes out to vote,” Stephens said.

Keeping the quiet lifestyle doesn’t come from local government, but with neighborhood potlucks and similar events that help everyone be congenial, Stephens said.

She sometimes goes to the events, but, she said, she isn’t sure how the town can foster them.

However, with infrastructure, Stephens said her experienced eyes keep small problems from getting big. She said she notices road damage, for example, before most people complain about it.

She said she’s aware that being in the office for a long time makes it easier to criticize.

“But new people come by Town Hall all the time just to say hello,” Stephens said. “They say, ‘I’ve heard so much about you,’ so they must have gotten that from someone.”

PEGGY HEINKEL-WOLFE can be reached at 940-566-6881. Her e-mail address is pheinkel-wolfe@dentonrc.com .