Toni Arney

Rockwall is the smallest county in the state of Texas, yet it’s the 2nd wealthiest for median income! With a population of approximately 29,500 people in a 22.6 square mile radius, Rockwall has emerged from obscurity to be recognized as one of the best places to live according to Family Circle Magazine.

The Mayor of Rockwall is Bill Cecil and his commitment to Rockwall has been unprecedented. He takes pride in the people and the community that’s made Rockwall “the best city with a small town feel.” Cecil was elected mayor of Rockwall 5 years ago after serving on the City council. He’s originally from Norfolk, Virginia, retired from the Air Force Reserves after 39 years of service and the Department of Defense at Bell Helicopter. He accepted a position with E-Systems (now L3) in Greenville and moved his family to Rockwall based on the advice of a friend.

Since his move to Rockwall many years ago, Mayor Cecil has been an advocate for improving the quality of life in Rockwall. He serves on a number of subcommittees such as Chair of the Harbor Tax Incentive Board, Chair of the Rockwall County Emergency Services and Certification, involvement in the Women’s League, and the Arts and Preservation of Historic Downtown Rockwall.

In addition, Mayor Cecil has been focused on community improvement. He shared with me some exciting news about a new project called “Hill Above the Harbor”. This 65 acre mixed use development will be the “Entryway to Rockwall” with class “A” offices, single family condo’s, restaurants, and unique shopping (you can get more information regarding this planned development by contacting the City of Rockwall). The Mayor has been successful in securing transportation and road improvement dollars. As a result, new construction of John King Blvd. as an option for Hwy. 205 will begin March 2010 and will provide easy access for North and South Rockwall.

The benefits of living and working in Rockwall are many. Rockwall is known for luxury lakefront living, but it also has various economic levels of housing, a wide variety of restaurants, shopping, a winery, three state-of-the-art hospitals and one of the best school districts in the state. Mayor Cecil has accomplished many things during his term as Mayor and believes we all have a responsibility to give back to the community and improving the quality of life for everyone.