Candidate Name: Inna Dietrich
Occupation: Physical Therapist, Property Manager, Cloud Computing Business Owner
How long have you lived in Southlake?
"Of course, I didn’t always live in Texas. I was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, back when it was still part of the former Soviet Union. Due to religious persecution, my family and I immigrated to the United States in 1975. I was raised in Philadelphia, known to many as the birthplace of America, with a strong appreciation for democracy and good government. I proudly received my Bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. We moved to Southlake in 2012."
What originally brought you to town?
"My husband’s job relocated us to the DFW area in 2012 and we chose Southlake for the quality of the schools and the small-town atmosphere of the community. About two years ago, my husband Jim and I started our own cloud services business which will allow us to stay in Southlake."
What inspired you to run for this position?
"We don’t become excellent through one-off actions. Excellence is a habit; it’s in what we accomplish and how we live, every single day. I’m running for City Council because I believe that Southlake is a city of excellence, and I’m willing to do the innovative work required to fuel that excellence, amidst ongoing growth and expansion."
What in your background prepared you for this responsibility? What do you hope to bring to this role?
"I am a “do-er”, by that, I mean I get things done. I have a wealth of experience in civic leadership roles dating back to my college days at Penn State University. Southlake has many outstanding plans for the city, such as the Southlake 2035 Southlake Comprehensive Plan that lays out future plans for the city, including sidewalks, as well as a City Sustainability Master Plan. However, for all the diligent work that has gone into these detailed plans, much of the work remains undone. I will make it my mission to achievable and measurable outcomes to these plans so residents can be sure the work will get done."
What makes you different from other candidates?
"Despite the proximity to the DFW Metroplex, Southlake is still a small town. Many of the same people have served on appointed boards for many years. Then they take a break, serve for an elected office and go back to an appointed position. I will bring a fresh and independent voice to the city council."
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected into your desired position?
"I want to start making headway on the plans detailed by the city in order to provide better pedestrian safety and improved sustainability."
What else do you want people to know about you?
"As my husband, three daughters and friends will tell you, I like to get things done. I see tremendous work planned for this city, and I want to carry us through to implementation. While I wholeheartedly believe in engaged listening and open dialogue, I also believe in committed action. If we say we’re going to do things for the good of our city, I will do everything in my power to make them happen."