Silvius will not seek third term

Shawnna Silvius, Mayor of the City of Red Oak for the past four years, has announced that she will not seek re-election at the conclusion of her current term.
Over the past four years, Silvius said she has served the community with dedication and vision, leading the city through significant progress despite unforeseen challenges.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished together as a strong mayor, council, and staff team,” said Silvius. “From housing development to infrastructure improvements, strategic planning, and downtown revitalization, we have built a strong foundation for Red Oak’s continued growth.”
Silvius highlighted some of the key accomplishments during her tenure as mayor.
• Housing growth: Expanded housing opportunities with a new subdivision of 33 townhomes under construction and 26 more planned, ensured the completion of the adaptive reuse of the 25-unit 1917 Lofts, completed a rural housing study, and strengthened the rental inspection program.
• Neighborhood revitalization: Removed 25 nuisance and dilapidated properties, opening space for redevelopment and improving the community’s appearance.
• Grants and investment: Secured a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant along with multiple state and federal awards.
• Infrastructure and technology: Completed water and wastewater studies, implemented city-wide GIS mapping, and expanded residential fiber optic broadband access to soon complete countywide coverage.
• Planning and strategy: Finalized the City’s Comprehensive Plan and launched annual council strategic planning to guide priorities.
• Downtown flood mitigation: Advanced downtown revitalization through a new downtown assessment and re-engaged flood mitigation and levee planning.
• City operations: Increased staff salaries, invested in critical equipment for all departments, advanced cross-department team building, introduced regular performance reviews, and launched a modern city operations software system.
Silvius also expressed confidence in Red Oak’s future leadership, highlighting her support for Tim Fridolph, whom she appointed to serve two years as her Mayor Pro Tem and who is now running to succeed her.
“In the time I’ve come to know Tim, I am certain he will lead with transparency, integrity, and dedication,” commented Silvius. “He cares deeply about our residents and will continue building trust while guiding Red Oak forward.”
With her recent career transition and a desire to pursue higher-level political aspirations, Silvius believes this is the right time to step aside, while pledging to remain fully committed during the remainder of her term.
“I hope Red Oak will continue to embrace change, progress, and the reinvestment that has been necessary to advance our positioning and growth,” stated Silvius.