From Insurance Agent to 3-Term Mayor: How One Wife's Challenge Transformed an Entire Texas City
- Catherine Huckaby
- Jul 1, 2024
- 10 min read

Some spouses encourage hobbies; Courtney Paschall encouraged her husband toward his calling.
When she suggested that Paul attend the Weatherford Citizens University program, she made him a deal he could not refuse:
"Go just once, and if you don't like it, I won't ask you to go again."
Little did either of them know that this gentle push would set in motion a remarkable transformation—not just for him, but for an entire community.
That single evening changed everything. The program, designed to educate residents about different city departments, opened his eyes to something unexpected.
"I realized that this city is not a small operation. It's very intricate, organized, and strategic in what they're trying to do and accomplish. I fell in love with that program!"
What started as spousal encouragement evolved into genuine fascination, then active involvement, and elected leadership. Today, Paul is serving his third term as mayor of Weatherford, Texas, a growing city that has become a model for thoughtful local governance and community engagement.
Your Vote and Participation Matters More at City Hall
When he moved to Weatherford over twenty years ago as an independent insurance agent with a young family, his goals were straightforward—find a good place to raise his children and build his business. What happened instead became a masterclass in how ordinary citizens can create extraordinary change through authentic civic engagement.
While federal legislators debate national policy in Washington, local officials like Paul are making decisions that directly affect your daily public safety, infrastructure, parks, water quality, and economic development. As he puts it,
"I tell voters and citizens you can have more impact by voting and participating in a local election or local process than you can in a state or national election because your vote means more locally."
This is not just theoretical. The city of Weatherford operates twelve different boards and commissions where citizens can volunteer to serve, and "over 90% of the recommendations they make will be adopted by our council." This statistic reveals something important about local democracy: when citizens engage thoughtfully and consistently, their voices really do shape policies and community direction.
Located in Parker County as part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, Weatherford offers a unique blend of small-town character with access to metropolitan resources. As the county seat, it serves as the central hub for governmental activities, making effective local leadership even more crucial for the thousands of residents who call this community home. It is a role that Paul, the city council and other city leadership take seriously.
"God Gave You a Gift"—The Conversation That Changed Everything
Paul's journey from that first Citizens University meeting to the mayor's office did not happen overnight. The program led to appointments on various boards and commissions, where he learned the nuts and bolts of city governance. His progression from curious new neighbor to engaged volunteer, to elected official highlight how local leadership often develops organically when people discover their capacity to make a difference.
Even then, he recalls resisting calls to run for mayor—until he had another conversation with his wife."She finally asked me, 'Why would you not consider running for mayor?'" he recalls. "And I told her I thought I needed to focus on continuing to be a better father and husband and volunteer in our church. It got really quiet…and I knew what that meant."
His wife's response:
"I think you're making a mistake. She said, 'I think God has given you a gift to work with people, and you need to use it.'"
That gift now translates into what he calls "radical accessibility," as mayor. "My cell phone number is out there for everyone to call, and our council's the same way. Our city staff is accessible. How accessible am I? It happens every day at lunch. It happens at church. It happens when I'm in the restroom or inside the grocery store."
The openness of local government leaders and processes also create unique opportunities for meaningful dialogue. He observes that,
"Weatherford is still the size of community where we see the same people at the grocery store, as we see in the church and community activities."
This proximity breeds accountability and responsiveness that is impossible to achieve at higher levels of government.
The Strategy That Turned a Small Town into a Booming Community
Effective leaders understand a fundamental truth: you cannot fix everything at once. Success comes from identifying what matters most and executing with precision. Under Paul's leadership, Weatherford has concentrated on four essential areas that form the foundation of its thriving community.
"We are building a strong community and we're doing that with a focus on public safety, rapid transportation improvements, infrastructure—water and wastewater—and our parks and trail systems."
This is not just a strategic checklist; it is a blueprint for community building that addresses both immediate needs and long-term growth. When families consider where to live, work, and invest, they are looking for exactly these fundamentals: safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, good transportation, and quality of life amenities. City leadership recognizes that getting these basics right helps create a ripple effect of positive growth throughout the community.
The approach extends beyond infrastructure to initiatives that strengthen the social fabric. The city's expanded parks and trails system, concert series, movie nights, and food truck events reflect a core belief that strong communities provide affordable opportunities for connection.
"I think as a city, if we can provide things to help protect the family unit and help moms be moms and dads be dads, that's one of the most important things we can do for public safety."
This foundation has attracted other opportunities, like emerging film industry partnerships. "The reason the film industry is here is because they like our values, our public safety, and city staff's ability to adapt," he notes. These collaborations are bringing both temporary employment and cultural vibrancy that enhances community pride.
The most visible success story has become the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. Over the past six years, three out of four quadrants have been transformed with underground utilities, new sidewalks, improved lighting, and enhanced accessibility. Rather than chasing trends, the city focuses on authentic local strengths-creating conditions where private investment could flourish.
"We have seen a magnificent increase in traffic flow and private dollar investment since we completed that project, and it has been a true home run."
The lesson is clear: when communities focus on fundamentals and execute consistently, extraordinary transformation becomes possible.
When Everyone Said "Defund," This Mayor Did the Opposite
Sometimes, the most impactful leaders are the ones willing to swim against the current. This mayor and council faced this test head-on when they needed to make a critical decision about public safety—right in the middle of widespread pressure calling for an opposite approach.
"There had been a movement across the nation to defund public safety and scale back their role in communities. Our council had been working on an expansion of public safety and the construction of a new public safety building. So, we went the opposite direction. We planted our feet in the ground, pivoted, and went right when the vast majority of the world was going left."
This decision was not about being a maverick but about staying true to what their community actually needed. Understanding that it would also require raising taxes by one cent, they did something that seems increasingly rare in politics: they respected citizens enough to share the complete picture.
"We explained to the community exactly where the dollars would be going. It was not just an increase to cover costs or expenses. Those conversations worked, and the community was extremely supportive."
Transparency builds trust, and trust creates the kind of partnership that makes ambitious projects possible.
The result proves that sometimes bucking trends lead to breakthrough outcomes. The new facility, built on the site of the city's original power plant, features bulletproof glass, advanced security systems, integrated emergency operations, and can withstand 140-mile-per-hour winds. But here is what really matters: this investment transformed how the city responds when residents need help most.
Paul personally witnessed the impact during a recent storm that put the new emergency operations center to the ultimate test.
"I sat in that room and watched all the directors and the executives working together interdepartmentally, to take care of our customers. In two hours, we went from having 11,000 electric clients without service to less than 60!"
That is the beauty when principled leadership meets strategic investment. When crisis strikes—literally or figuratively—cities are equipped to serve their neighbors precisely when and how they need it.
The Hidden Career Goldmine Right in Your Backyard
When you think about city jobs, you probably picture police and firefighters. Every time you flip a light switch or enjoy a well-maintained park, you are experiencing the work of local professionals who choose to serve their own community.
Weatherford employs four hundred people across departments most neighbors never consider. "We have communications, our own electric service, water, wastewater, transportation, and public works. We also have a huge park staff and a full-service library," he explains, plus animal control, sanitation, and other specialized roles.
The city’s commitment to in-house services rather than outsourcing creates stable local jobs and better service delivery. Their philosophy is simple:
"The dollars generated through taxes, fees, and sales tax aren't guaranteed if we don't deliver."
This creates a work environment where your success directly improves your neighbors' quality of life. Whether you are considering career changes or volunteer opportunities, Paul's advice is clear:
"Where you choose to live with your family—that's the community you need to be involved in. Whether you're serving on city council, a board, volunteering in your church, or coaching little league—service is service."
The difference between local and distant government? You maintain direct relationships with the people you serve and see immediate, meaningful results from the work you do.
8 Suggestions for Anyone Who Wants to Work in Their City
Based on his journey, Paul offers practical guidance for anyone considering a career in local government:
Start with Listening and Learning
"I was elected mayor six years ago and started with a lot of listening. I'm still listening." He recommends beginning with programs like citizens academies or attending city council meetings to understand how local government works.
Embrace Diverse Perspectives
"One thing I learned early in life is that the things that made our business better and my ability to serve others better was to have people around you who are different than me. The comfortable thing is to bring in people that think just like you do. But the thing that makes me better, stronger, and continue to grow, is bringing in people of all ages or who maybe think differently from me."
Maintain an Open Mind and Good Attitude
"I think the most important thing you need is a good attitude, an open mind, and the ability to work with others."
Get Hands-On Experience
"What I would tell young people or those trying to make a career change is to make sure that you have tried what you want to try to do for a career. Make sure you are on the pathway to get some training and exposure to that role."
Focus on Solutions, Not Problems
"I want to talk to people who want to talk about solutions and positive directions." He emphasizes the importance of constructive engagement over criticism without alternatives.
Remember It is About Service, Not Status
"Service is service. Yes, I am a mayor, but it is not my full-time job. How I serve my community is no different than what anybody else does."
Be Accessible and Authentic
"We treat the community with kindness and respect, and we welcome their comments, because number one, they're our customers. They're also our neighbors and our friends."
Have Courage for Tough Decisions
"You must have courage to hit the button. Nobody else has all the information and knowledge that the mayor, council, and city staff have. We're entrusted to the democratic process to make courageous decisions."
The Real Secret to Transforming Your Community (It is Simpler Than You Think)
Paul's journey from new neighbor to three-term mayor, teaches us something powerful: the most meaningful change happens through consistent, thoughtful service focused on practical improvements that genuinely enhance people's daily lives.
"When I'm no longer in this role, working with the people is what I'll remember the most. There are still so many great people in this world and in this community. And I get to see and hear from a lot of them every day. That really energizes me to develop the time to serve as the mayor."
That energy he describes is available to all of us. While national politics often feels divisive and disconnected, the real work of building stronger neighborhoods happens right where you live, when engaged citizens and responsive leaders collaborate on solutions that matter.
You do not need to run for mayor to make a difference. Whether that means attending your next city council meeting, joining a local board or commission, volunteering for a community project, or simply becoming a more informed neighbor—every contribution counts. The question is not whether you are qualified enough. It is whether you are willing to start where you are and serve how you can.
Resources and Organizations
Here are several resources for those interested in public service careers or civic engagement opportunities in Weatherford, Texas:
The City of Weatherford, Texas is a rapidly growing community of about 40,000, located thirty miles west of Fort Worth, known for its blend of small-town charm and proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The city provides a wide range of services, including its own electric utility, parks, and public safety, while maintaining a distinct identity and offering residents access to both rural and urban amenities.
Weatherford College is the oldest continuing public community college west of the Mississippi River, serving Parker and surrounding counties. The college offers a diverse range of academic programs, including associate and bachelor's degrees, workforce training, and personal enrichment, and is dedicated to fostering student success and community enrichment through affordable and accessible educational opportunities.
The Weatherford Workforce Center, part of Workforce Solutions North Central Texas, provides employment services, job search assistance, and workforce development programs to residents and employers. The center offers in-person and virtual support, hosts hiring events, and connects job seekers with opportunities throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, helping to strengthen the regional labor market.
The Weatherford Independent School District is a public school district serving over 8,000 students in grades PK-12, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement, college preparation, and extracurricular activities. The district is recognized for its above-average performance, diverse student body, and high graduation rate, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.
Parker County is a historic and growing county in north-central Texas, founded in 1856 and part of the Dallas Fort Worth metro area. With a population of around 148,000 and Weatherford as its county seat, it offers a blend of rural heritage and suburban amenities.
For more information about getting involved in your local community, contact your city's communications or community engagement department or visit your city's official website to learn about upcoming meetings, volunteer opportunities, and engagement programs.