Although being involved in civic affairs for a period of years is not a specific requirement when people decide to run for the town council, it sure does help voters to view them as residents with a track record of concern for the community in which they live. Flower Mound Planning and Zoning Commissioner, Jean Levenick has been active for several years in various endeavors, all of which have made contributions to the social, educational and aesthetic environment. “I started my volunteer work in the schools,” Ms. Levenick said. When Liberty Elementary School opened in 2002, she sat on the first Executive PTA board as Historian. Since that time, she has continually volunteered in various PTA capacities.
 
“As my children got older, I began working with my Home Owner Association (HOA) in Wichita Creek Estates. In 2005, I became President of the HOA and was instrumental in obtaining bids, contractors, legal advice and insurance claims to repair the brick HOA property wall, a $190,000 problem that had been plaguing the neighborhood for a number of years. In addition, I performed all the duties associated with representing neighbors,” she said. Moreover, Ms. Levenick is a member of Women of Flower Mound (WOFM), the longest serving woman’s organization in town. “We engage in fundraising activities throughout the year to benefit various causes. Our main fundraiser is our annual Fashion Show, which coincidently is coming up this month on the 23rd.  We also volunteer for community activities such as the Easter Sunrise Service on the Mound, the Independence Day Children’s Parade and the Holiday Stroll,” she added. 

When you add to that résumé the fact that she’s involved with the town’s Citizen’s Fire Academy, Citizen’s Police Academy, the FM Fire Department Rehab Team and the FM Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), it’s fair to say that Ms. Levenick is primed for a run at elective office. Hence, she came to The News Connection office on Monday to announce her intention to campaign for place #4 on the Flower Mound Council, a seat currently held by Councilmember, Laurie Long. The 12 year resident of the town and her husband Mark, have 2 sons who are both Honor Roll students. “We came here looking for a community that could offer our family the unique combination of a friendly atmosphere and excellent schools. We were thrilled to find it in Flower Mound,” she said. The council candidate is in favor of controlled business growth because it helps take some of the tax burden off homeowners and also offers more local shopping, which keeps sales taxes in our own treasury. 

“I’m tired of hearing people say they’re going shopping in Southlake or some other city,” Levenick said. “I want them to say, ‘Let’s go to Flower Mound’ to shop.” She said she’s excited about the proposal for the new River Walk at Central Park project which will include a hospital, hotel, river walk, several retail stores and other amenities. Accompanying her on the interview was Sylvia Inboden, an active community volunteer, who has agreed to be the campaign manager for Ms. Levenick. “We already have several coffees set up for Jean,” said Ms. Inboden. “We also have a list of people who want to support her and put her signs in their yards.” At Monday night’s Council meeting, Ms. Long announced that she will not be running for reelection, citing more quality time with her family as the reason. Upon learning of Ms. Long’s decision, Jean Levenick said she is looking forward to debating anyone who might decide to run for the open seat.