Spradley- City Council District 4
Born Texan in Freeport, Texas in 1968. in 1988 and married his beautiful high school sweetheart, Kristy, the very next day. They have now been married for 33 years. He joined the US Army in 1988 and left Texas. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Div. From 1988-1996, West Point New York, Hawaii, Alaska, Wisconsin and then returning to Texas after serving 27 years
, never giving up his Texas residency. Lawrence retired from the US Army as a Sergeant First Class E7 Army Engineer (disabled combat veteran) and moved to New Braunfels in July 2015. He has worked for the Alamo Council of Governments as the Alamo Reginal Transit (ART) Supervisor for this area and most recently Halliburton Oil Field Service Company in south San Antonio as Field Associate. Lawrence served on the Zoning Board of Adjustments (ZBA)and as a past board member for Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC). Lawrence has an Associate’s degree of Arts General Studies and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration. Lawrence and his wife have five sons, three of whom have followed in his footstep with the military. One served in the US Army Infantry and is now in college at Texas State, one served in Texas National Guard for 4 years and one is currently undergoing rigorous Special Forces Green Beret Training at Fort Bragg, NC. Lawrence & Kristy have 3 grandsons. With nothing but boys, they are hoping for a granddaughter soon. When asked why he chose New Braunfels as his final home, this is what Lawrence had to say:
“When I retired, we could have moved anywhere. We chose New Braunfels because as kids, both our families made the trip here to float the rivers. We have always loved this place. So why not New Braunfels? We could not think of any reason to not move here. I truly adore New Braunfels and call it the Shining City on the River. Most visitors think we are lucky to live here and I could not agree more. My only goal is to help make our home better!”
Lawrence was asked to outline his focus points for his district and the following are what he hopes to improve with the City for District 4:
Responsible Growth: There are some important issues facing our community in District 4 such as growth and we need to ensure responsible growth. Responsible growth is growing deliberately and taking into account accessible walking paths, bike trails, road upgrades, parks, and spaces for kids to be kids. New Braunfels growth has been rapid. Our district is very slow at keeping up. Many streets are sub-standard and resemble nothing more than a paved trail. There are no sidewalks and no new amenities. Additionally, growth and attraction of new business are essential, but within an acceptable constraint. I do not support another new truck stop so close to the other two. Money (Fiscal Accountability): My years in the Army have taught me to be very conservative with money. I will be looking at ways to pay for additional supplies or projects with limited funding. I think outside of the box for solutions that give 80% of higher acceptable results. I am positive looking into the details with each project, there will be a dollar saved here and a dollar saved there. When enough of the dollars are combined, maybe a new park bench could be bought, or something fixed or painted. I support a balanced budget approach to spending. Taxpayer’s money is exactly that. I will spend it wisely. Public Service: I will serve the community and our people with great pride and integrity. I will remain honest and fair in all city matters but remain loyal to those of whom I serve-The People in District 4. I have time on my side. I am happily retired from the US Army. We have an “at home” business, and I do not report to a boss or have deadlines to meet leaving time to pay particular attention to city business and District 4 issues. In the Army, Lawrence won Sergeant of the Year and the Sturgis Medal. These two awards signify excellence above and beyond typical peers. I will keep this excellence with my role in the Shining City on the River, our home, New Braunfels, Texas.