Longest-serving mayor of Liberty steps down after 18 years

In a historic moment for the City of Liberty, Mayor Carl Pickett, the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history, officially stepped down on Tuesday, May 14. During a reception held in his honor at the Liberty Center adjacent to Liberty City Hall, Mayor Pickett expressed his gratitude toward the community, reflecting on his 18 years in office.

“It has been both a privilege and an honor to represent the City of Liberty,” Mayor Pickett addressed the approximately 150 attendees and family members. “I hope my service has helped to foster a spirit of cooperation and collaboration at all levels of city activities.”

Acknowledging the crucial role of public service, Mayor Pickett emphasized the city’s obligation to its constituents.

“Our constituents and customers greatly depend on us for many of the basic necessities of life, so let us always deliver those necessities in a courteous, professional, and cost-conscious manner,” he said.

Mayor Pickett extended his deep gratitude and respect to the dedicated employees of the City of Liberty. He also thanked the numerous council members who had supported him during his tenure.

Reflecting on his goals as a leader, Mayor Pickett stressed the significance of creating space at the table for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

“My main objectives have always been to create an atmosphere of inclusivity and harmony, while at the same time allowing all viewpoints to be heard and considered. For your patience and understanding, I thank you,” he said.

As a lifelong resident of Liberty, Mayor Pickett expressed his genuine affection for the community and its residents.

“This city has been so good to me and my family – the support and kindness that you have shown to me and my family will never be forgotten. I hope the service I have rendered as an elected official has been marked by a sincere feeling of wanting to make positive contributions to this place in the world I call home,” he said.

Opting not to seek reelection, Mayor Pickett affirmed his departure with a sense of pride and fulfillment.

“All of you have helped make my time as mayor a truly rewarding and uplifting experience – a feeling that I will take with me as I continue my journey through life,” he said.

Among those at the reception was another Liberty icon – Bill Buchanan, owner of the now-defunct KSHN 99.9 FM radio. Buchanan reported on the happenings in Liberty for many years of Pickett’s time as mayor.

“I’ve always been a big admirer of his and I am reminded every time I think about him ending this thing after 18 years, and becoming the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history, about how it all started,” said Buchanan.

Buchanan reminisced about a significant event at the City Hall 18 years ago when he went to check who had registered to run for mayor. Prior to that pivotal day, only one candidate had signed up. However, just before the deadline, Pickett also registered, causing a last-minute surprise.

“I was informed by someone at the City that a person had arrived just before the deadline and pointed towards someone walking across the street. From that distance, I couldn’t tell who it was. As I approached, I called out, ‘Carl,’ and he turned around and asked me, ‘What have I done, Bill?’ He had a terror-stricken look on his face,” Buchanan recollected with a chuckle.

Buchanan said the new mayor, John Hebert Jr., has a significant challenge in succeeding Pickett.

“John is a completely different individual, but he will manage well. Nevertheless, Carl has undoubtedly left big footsteps to be filled,” he said.

Of Pickett’s responsibilities as mayor, it could be argued that he most enjoyed serving on the board for the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency. While he is no longer mayor, the City intends to keep Pickett as its representative on the SRMPA board of which he is currently president. Serving with Pickett at various times is Bruce Mintz, a Liberty attorney and executive director for SRMPA. The City of Liberty and the cities of Jasper and Livingston make up the three-member SRMPA, which is a municipal power agency that supplies wholesale electrical energy to the three cities.

Mintz said Pickett is a true public servant who does not have a private agenda.

“Carl has always been a leader. He brings forth ideas that are beneficial for the communities. He always gives everyone a chance to speak. In this day and age, where we’ve got party politics and people pushing their own agendas, Carl has always been a true public servant,” Mintz said.

Billy Tidwell, the now-retired former police chief for the City of Liberty, who now lives in the Tomball area with his wife, Diane, was among the guests at the reception. Tidwell served two stints as the city’s police chief for a combined 25-plus years.

“Carl, as a mayor, was very much involved with employees and in city operations. He is always about quality of life and what is best for everybody. I worked with him on several things and his main concern has always been to see that the people of the community get taken care of and treated fairly, and to see that everybody got along,” Tidwell said. “Working with him was just a treat because it was like family. I don’t know what he plans to do now, but he definitely has done his part for Liberty.”