Candidate for Odessa Mayor: William (Bill) F. Crossley

Age: 57

Employment/Business/Other Experience: Parts Sales Odessa Trading Co.

Community service: Over a span of 17 years, I was a volunteer fireman for Odessa and served as a First Responder on the ambulance for over 10 years. In 1997, I took on the responsibility of chairman, overseeing the beer garden at the annual Deutschesfest. I actively participated on the Odessa Chamber board for five years. Additionally, I have volunteered at the annual Desert 100 event. Another part of my community service has been supporting Odessa by assisting my children with their fundraising events throughout the years.

Family: After moving to Odessa, I met and married my wife, Christine Crossley. We've been together for nearly 30 years now. We're proud parents to three children: Easton, Kolby, and Kassidy. Kolby found his perfect match in Alyssa, who's now our wonderful daughter-in-law.

Question 1: What are your goals for your term and how will you implement them? Over the past six years, my goals have remained the same. I will continue enhancing Odessa's infrastructure, including water lines, roads, sewer plants, and water wells. To minimize the burden on residents, I strive to secure grants for these repairs and updates. Preserving Odessa's unique charm is another objective, ensuring it remains a clean and welcoming town. We've successfully revitalized multiple properties, and it's vital to continuously remind residents about the importance of mutual respect and being good neighbors. Together, we can uphold the spirit of our community and preserve the essence that everyone recognizes.

Question 2: What is your take on the mayor's role in City growth? How involved should they be? As the mayor, I am entrusted with the day-to-day operations of the town, overseeing employees, current projects, and addressing community concerns. Despite juggling this responsibility alongside my current job, I wholeheartedly dedicate myself to the role. To help our community grow, it's important for me to stay watchful and manage daily tasks while constantly seeking ways to improve in every area. I am dedicated to being involved with the community, addressing their needs, and actively working to improve our town, ensuring a brighter future for everyone.

Question 3: How will you promote transparency and communication within the Town?

I encourage community attendance at our council meetings, held on the second and fourth Mondays, as a valuable platform for voicing concerns and addressing issues. Open communication and accessibility are key, as I encourage visits, calls, or conversations at any time. Many residents already engage in meaningful discussions whenever they see me. To ensure public communication, we utilize many channels like our Facebook page, website, community center bulletin board, monthly city utility bills, and the post office bulletin board. Transparency is paramount, and I remain dedicated to frequent communication, striving to keep everyone well-informed about community matters.

Disclaimer: The above questions were to be answered by candidates in 100 words or less. We didn’t edit answers, other than to enforce the word limit. If candidates exceeded the 100-word limit, we only printed the first 100 words.