Pickett to end 18-year run as mayor

LIBERTY — Mayor Carl Pickett has announced he will not seek re-election at the end of his term this May, ending his 18-year run as the longest-serving leader in Liberty history.

The Pickett name has been a part of the Liberty landscape since the 1850s, and they have long been a part of the city’s history.

“Maybe we’ve been here too long,” said Pickett, “but I’ve lived here all my life and have thoroughly enjoyed being a resident of Liberty and Liberty County.”

Brad Pickett, Carl’s father, also served as mayor of Liberty from 1938 to 1942.

Pickett first ran for mayor in 2006, where he proudly served nine consecutive terms.

“I don’t want to take credit for any of the projects or goals the city has accomplished,” said Pickett. “It’s a joint effort from myself, council, city staff, and the community.”

Pickett has also served on the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency board since 2009 and currently serves as their president.

The power agency serves the cities of Liberty, Livingston and Jasper Pickett is proud to have invested time and money into the Liberty’s electrical system.

“We operate our own system locally, and we put money into the system to improve it to make sure we could provide an efficient service at a low cost to the people,” Pickett said.

Along with the city’s electrical system, Pickett highlighted the advancements made in city services during his tenure.

Regarding how he ran the city, Pickett always felt the need to let people voice their opinions and to be civil.

“I’ve been on the losing end of many votes, but so be it. Just because we don’t agree or see eye to eye doesn’t mean you are my enemy,” Pickett said.

Pickett hopes to see certain traits from his successor.

“I hope whoever is elected continues to use a sense of reasoning. Don’t let politics govern your decisions,” Pickett said.

With plans to settle down eventually after leaving his law practice, Pickett wants to spend the rest of his days with his family and wife, for whom he expressed appreciation and love.

“My wife Laura, she’s given me a lot of support and patience, and for that, I’m very grateful,” Pickett said.

As for the legacy he leaves behind, Pickett remains modest and hopes that he lived life on his terms and, in the process, left a positive blueprint for future leaders.

“I hope I’ve set an example for how things can be done, but I don’t claim any particular legacy. That’s for people to decide. I lived my life the way I wanted to, and that’s my own personal legacy.”