Reliable. Effective. Insightful.
Ritch Wheeler for Montgomery County Commissioner Precinct 3
Meet Ritch
Ritch Wheeler is no stranger to invoking change and making a lasting impact.
From his service in the Navy to his role as the former Mayor of Shenandoah, Ritch has dedicated his life to public service for those around him.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University after transferring from Norwich University, the oldest private military college. Embodying the core values of small-town America, Ritch’s path led him to the Navy before embarking on a successful business career. His dedication to service extends beyond his professional life and into his personal one, where he and his wife, Laura, have been longstanding residents of Montgomery County. They moved to Shenandoah with the goal of starting a family and swiftly became actively engaged in the community. Ritch’s involvement began as a member of the Civic Club and later extended to his service on the Planning and Zoning Committee.
Driven by a vision of a better future for his children and the entire community, Ritch became Mayor in 2016, where he served with distinction for the next six years. His leadership during his three terms was nothing short of extraordinary, marked by annual tax reductions, strengthened law enforcement presence, and the initiation of pivotal community projects. Notable accomplishments under his leadership include the establishment of three parks, the passing of special legislation for a Sports Arena/Convention Center, and ongoing improvements to critical infrastructure.
Now, Ritch is the President and Founder of Eagle Training Academy, specializing in leadership training, sales training, and executive coaching. Alongside his wife, Laura, they are proud parents of three children.
With Ritch Wheeler, Precinct 3 can look forward to a future guided by strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to the well-being and prosperity of all its residents.
Issues
Keeping the Community Resident Friendly
No more overpasses in our neighborhoods. As Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner, Ritch will safeguard the community against more future developments that are not resident-friendly. Recognizing the vital need to preserve the unique character and quality of life within the community, Ritch is committed to comprehensive planning and policies that prioritize the interests and well-being of residents. By listening to the residents, he will partner with them to protect the community against unwelcome development. Ritch will ensure that the community’s long-term prosperity and the residents’ best interests remain at the forefront of his vision for Precinct 3.
Eliminating Wasteful Spending
Ritch is committed to reducing excessive spending to maximize the value of taxpayer dollars. By eliminating waste and inefficient allocation of resources, Ritch intends to ensure that every tax dollar is stretched to its fullest potential. This approach not only lightens the burden on taxpayers but also allows for increased investments in critical public services, infrastructure improvements, and community development. Ritch’s dedication to financial accountability and transparency reflects his unwavering commitment to making Precinct 3 an even better place to live and work.
Improved Infrastructure
Ritch’s vision for Precinct 3 encompasses more than just efficient transportation; it extends to creating better roadways that can also address numerous other needs. He is committed to not only alleviating traffic congestion but also enhancing drainage and flood control through innovative infrastructure roadway improvements. This comprehensive approach not only improves daily commutes but also enhances the overall resilience and safety of our community, making it better equipped to withstand the challenges of nature.
Get Involved
To get critical updates and news about the campaign
"*" indicates required fields
Success as Mayor
During Ritch’s time as Mayor, Shenandoah saw many successes. Ritch Wheeler’s tenure as Mayor of Shenandoah was marked by a tireless commitment to the community, a focus on infrastructure, and an ability to steer the city through crises. His legacy is one of progress, prosperity, and a brighter future for Shenandoah and its residents.
Civic Engagement and Leadership Experience
- Shenandoah Planning and Zoning Commission (2013-2016): Serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission gave Ritch extensive knowledge of zoning and development. This experience laid the foundation for his understanding of land use and city planning.
- Shenandoah Municipal Development District Board of Directors (2016-2019): As President of the Board of Directors, Ritch gained valuable insights into major infrastructure projects and funding mechanisms, setting the stage for future projects aimed at enhancing the city’s infrastructure.
Crisis Management
- Effective Crisis Management: Ritch demonstrated strong leadership during challenging times, leading Shenandoah through multiple emergency situations, including: the 2016 Memorial Day Floods, Hurricane Harvey, two major winter freezes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. His response to COVID-19 involved frequent communication with local, state, and federal officials, as well as monitoring state government actions, adjusting policies, and making quick decisions to safeguard the community.
Infrastructure and Development
- Development Code Revisions: Ritch actively led in revising Shenandoah’s Integrated Development Code, which provided critical updates to zoning requirements and regulations. These revisions paved the way for redevelopment of aging properties, new commercial development, and improvements for residents.
- Major Infrastructure Projects: Ritch’s leadership was instrumental in bringing about various infrastructure projects:
- David Memorial Drive: He facilitated collaboration with state, county, and local officials to finalize plans for a complex roadway extension that spans three jurisdictions.
- Tamina Water/Sewer Project: Ritch worked with various stakeholders to bring state-of-the-art water and sewer services to an underserved freedmen’s town using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
- Research Forest/ I-45 Intersection Improvements: He initiated a project to improve traffic flow at a major intersection, benefiting multiple precincts.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements: Ritch secured funding for expanding and improving the city’s wastewater treatment plant, addressing the needs of a growing population.
Parks and Green Spaces
- Under Ritch’s leadership, the city added three parks:
- Toddler Park: A small pocket park designed for toddler-age children.
- Holly Hill Park: A natural-themed walking park with pathways and benches.
- Vision Pond Park: This project increased the capacity of an existing detention pond, added amenities, and included plans for a veterans’ monument, all while optimizing cost-efficiency.
Community Development and Legislation
- Community Development: Ritch played a pivotal role in recruiting and negotiating new development projects, such as Metro Park Square and Life Time Fitness, thereby promoting growth and economic development in the city.
- Special Legislation: He initiated special legislature in Austin, which granted the city the ability to build a Sports Arena/Convention Center and address infrastructure needs using Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds.
Citizen Initiatives and Business Engagement
- Lowered Taxes: Ritch consistently lowered the ad valorem tax rate each year, lightening the financial burden on Shenandoah residents.
- Enhanced Services: He provided free trash services to single-family residences and increased police presence and personnel without raising the tax rate, improving quality of life and safety for the community.
- Engagement with Businesses: Ritch successfully rebuilt Shenandoah’s reputation in the business community by increasing contractor participation in city projects and fostering a positive relationship with local businesses.
Building Strategic Partnerships and Personnel Development
- Strategic Partnerships: Ritch built strong relationships with elected officials, on the federal, state, county, and local level. He also established rapport with neighboring mayors and councilmembers, enhancing regional cooperation and mutual support.
- Mentoring and Personnel Development: Ritch championed the development of a strong leadership team and prioritized the professional development of city staff, ensuring that Shenandoah had a skilled and dedicated workforce for years to come.