Megan Shoemaker (Place 3)

What inspired you to run for Place 3 on the Coppell City Council?

I made the decision to run for Coppell City Council Place 3 because I believe our town’s potential is limitless and that our people deserve the best care. Health, safety and quality of life are the pillars of our City’s mission statement.  I want to ensure that our town has access to mental health and greater family services as we continue to get through the effects of COVID-19 together. Coppell is a blessed community but we aren’t immune to the issues of mental health struggles, substance abuse and domestic violence which have increased in the last year of the pandemic. We are collectively living through a historic event and trauma together. I want to make sure no one is left behind in the aftermath. 

My wife and I planted our roots in Coppell because we value its diversity and promise. I would be honored to serve in the next generation of local leadership. I have witnessed what the community can do for each other through the good deeds offered on social media during the pandemic and the outpouring of love I have received since I announced I was running. I believe our town can continue to improve upon our inclusivity as well as developing relationships and conversations with the youth in our city.  Utilizing their talent will help us get ready to invest for the city we need tomorrow.

What experiences prepared you for the role of Place 3?

As a Child Protection Caseworker for five plus years, I am constantly leading and intervening with others. My daily work is keeping families together and helping children thrive. I’ve trained countless caseworkers in how to work with children and families to help them access the necessary resources for success. I work collaboratively with legal partners, community members and others to benefit the families I work with every day. I know how to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and how to utilize resources to come up with the most appropriate plan for meeting the family’s needs.

What are the biggest issues currently facing Coppell?

I believe there are two big issues currently facing Coppell. The first is we need to make Coppell more attractive to young entrepreneurs and professionals. Inclusivity is key for Coppell to keep up with the changing needs of our community. Young people are looking for places to live that allow them to support local and live green. Coppell’s Vision 2040 recognizes that many young people are choosing to live in apartment communities in nearby cities, instead of Coppell. 

The second is public health. Coppell and surrounding communities have been hurt by both shootings and family violence. The pandemic has greatly impacted all communities and specifically in the form of mental health. Among adults, pre-COVID, 1 in 5 adults experienced mental health, now due to COVID, the numbers have doubled and 40.9% have struggled with mental health or substance issues. 

What are your plans to address these concerns?

In regard to making Coppell more attractive to young entrepreneurs and professionals, I would engage in ongoing conversations with professionals and young people regarding what would incentivize them to settle down and build their businesses in Coppell. I believe in having these conversations, I can go to Council with the requests and continue to develop Coppell. Coppell’s future will only get brighter if we invest in retaining the talents and perspectives of our young people today. 

I would address public health, specifically mental health through the funds that are available from the 2021 American Rescue Plan. The legislation includes funds exclusively reserved for local government and public health. Current estimates show that Coppell could receive $9 million of new money from the 2021 law, half of which would be paid in 2022. We need to reclaim every dollar available. Texans often pay more taxes into the federal government than they receive services for and I want to ensure that Coppellians are getting the owed resources from the taxes we are already paying. 

How would you describe Coppell to a stranger?

Coppell is ever changing and it is for the better. We are moving towards being an inclusive town that represents the needs of everyone, but specifically those who typically feel unheard. We can provide the absolute best schools within the DFW area and have beautiful parks that allow for our community to come together. We are a smaller town which allows for both a small town feel with easy access to metropolitan areas such as Dallas.