City of Center Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Announces New At-Large Council Member

CENTER, Texas (August 12, 2011) – The City of Center City Council has announced that they have filled the vacant council seat by now-Mayor David Chadwick. “The Council voted at its regular meeting on August 8, 2011, to appoint Leigh Porterfield to the position of At-Large Council Member,” explained Mayor Chadwick. “Leigh has lived in Center all of her life and comes from a family that has distinguished itself in service to the City.”

The Council seat was vacated when Mayor Pro-Tem Chadwick decided to run for the vacant Mayor’s position. Following an uncontested election, his Council seat became vacant. The City of Center is divided into four Council districts with one Council member elected from each district. The Council also has two At-Large Council positions that are elected city-wide. And, the Council also has the position of Mayor, which brings the total number of Council seats to seven. The composition of the Center City Council is established with the City’s Home Rule Charter, which was adopted in 1984. Due to the timing of the unexpired term, the vacancy had to be appointed rather than be filled by a special election.

Mrs. Porterfield is a Center native and graduate of Center High School. She graduated from SFA University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Sciences and spent 20 years working as an architectural designer drawing blueprints for homes and businesses in the region. She is currently an Independent Landman and is a member of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen.

Mrs. Porterfield continues a legacy of service to the City of Center. Her Great-Great Grandfather, W.P. Wilson donated half of the land to create the City of Center. Her Great Grandfather, John C. Rogers, served as state representative. Her Grandfather Dr. Y.W. Rogers served as Mayor of Center and Fire Chief. Her father Dr. John C. Rogers served the community through his dental practice and other involvements.

Mrs. Porterfield is the current chair of the Shelby County Republican Party. She helped organize the original Shelby County War on Drugs, the first “Shelby County Day” during the Texas Legislative session, and the Enviro-Kids mural project in downtown Center.

She and her family attend Holly Springs Baptist Church where she serves on the Women of Hope leadership team, Praise Team, and teaches Sunday School and other classes. Mrs. Porterfield and her husband, Clint, have two adult sons Peyton and Phillip.

Chadwick continued by saying that, “the Council deliberated long and hard as to who would be a good fit with the other Council members, bring additional talents to the Council, and work to help move the City forward.”

City of Center
617 Tenaha Street
Center, Texas 75935
Jim Gibson
936/598-2941