Leon Tate For Mayor

In the summer of 1986, I left my hometown of Anthonyville via West Memphis, Arkansas and moved to Dallas, Texas with a dream: to break the cycle of poverty within my immediate family and become the first high school graduate in my family. I worked two jobs: Burger King and Big John's Burger both owned by veteran entrepreneurs while attending Thomas Jefferson High School during my senior year. 

Weeks later my living arrangement shifted, I was homeless for nearly a month living on the streets in Dallas with no family. A property manager at Castle Plaza on Almazan Drive saw my determination, took a chance and rented to a teenager so I could continue going to high school to meet my goal of graduating - A kind act I could never repay...

With no source of transportation, I would miss my graduation, but the owner of Big John Burgers paid a coworker to pick me up from home, take me to my high school graduation and immediately bring me back home - A kind Act I could never repay...

Having great grades, the owners of Burger King ( Al and Sandy) offered to send me to college; to later manage their restaurants - A kind offer...

In June 1987, I graduated with pride and purpose — and six weeks later, I quit my jobs to answer the call to serve my country by enlisting in the United States Navy. 

Once again, Big John closed his restaurant during peak hours to show his appreciate for my determined work ethic and celebrate my departure.  A Kind Act, I could never repay.

Over the next 22 years, with my core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, I served my country with integrity across the globe — from Yokosuka, Japan and Sigonella, Italy to Mombasa, Africa and Perth, Australia — gaining a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and the shared dignity of all people. 

My naval career includes 13 years of forward-deployed assignments in Sigonella, Yokosuka, and Okinawa, and combat service aboard the USS Curts and USS Oldendorf during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I later led explosive logistics for joint forces in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and returned as an instructor in advanced Explosive Warshot Torpedo and Tomahawk missile systems.

I was twice named Sailor of the Year and earned 21 service medals and ribbons, including the Navy Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, NATO Medal, and multiple Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals. 

Enlisting and Re-enlisting multiple times, raising my right-hand to take the Oath of Office by placing sworn duty and honor above selfish ambition is a central pillar of my belief system. Contributing a small part to something bigger than myself is a humbling, challenging and rewarding feeling; very symbolic to taking the Oath of Office as Mayor...

In March 2009, I retired as a decorated Navy Chief Petty Officer and combat veteran while living in Okinawa, Japan. Then I moved to Glenn Heights, Texas with my 12-year-old daughter.

While serving, I remained committed to education — earning degrees in marine systems technology, business administration, and business management, followed by a master’s in human relations (with honors) from OU and an MBA.

In 2010, I was elected to the Glenn Heights City Council. Later, I served two terms as Mayor, leading with integrity, open - transparency, fiscal stewardship, and a deep commitment to citizen engagement. In 2018, I was illegally removed from council as Mayor by 4 colluding City Council members.

Today, and since 2012, I have continued to serve the public as the Dallas District Office Consumer Complaint Coordinator with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Dallas for the states of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

In 2008 I became a proud first-time homeowner and resident of Gateway Estates. In 2021, when the Federal Reserve Fund was at the lowest in US 249 years history; I purchased two additional properties in Glenn Heights, now owning all three properties debt-free.

I am a devoted single father of two daughters. My oldest resides in Florida and my youngest lives in Houston with my six-year-old grandson. I’ve been a single parent since 2000, following the passing of her mother to cancer when she was three years old — a journey that deepened my faith in God, resilience, compassion and empathy for others.

I believe that leadership is not about titles. Last year I ran for city council and lost; for me — it’s about service.   

I am career public servant: Military, 22 years US Navy - Federal, 13 years US Food and Drug Administration - City; 2 years Glenn Heights City Councilman, 6 years Mayor.                                                       

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by SERVICE… You only need a Heart full of Grace and a Soul generated by Love.”

I’m running for Mayor of Glenn Heights because our city deserves citizen-first governance leadership rooted in open and responsive transparency, sound fiduciary stewardship, and critical thinking with high ethical standards for proper budget oversight. Governance that addresses citizen's concerns and current city affairs in real time at the dais in City Hall.

It is paramount to have a proven leader with acute business acumen skills representing and negotiating the city's best interest - to protect the value of our homes and keep the cost of government in check.