Today we’d like to introduce you to Layni Cade
Hi Layni, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got started politically because of my mom. She was always very involved in local elections and she started my interest in local government. In 2014, I started attending Pearland city council meetings due to something happening in my neighborhood that I didn’t like—I decided to “get involved”. I first took an active role in my neighborhood. Then I applied and was appointed by city council to the Pearland Parks and Beautification Board in February 2016. After serving there for two years, I was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission in February 2018. I served as a commissioner for four years, with one year as Madame Chair. I served in these areas first, attending council meetings too, so I could learn how the city worked. I knew I wanted to run for city council, but I wanted experience and knowledge first so I could do a good job.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I love Pearland and I had a passion to serve the residents! This is where we live, we raised our family here and I want it to stay a wonderful place to live. I thought my experience would make me the best candidate and it would just be this beautiful time to run for council!. It was not. The election itself was a constant struggle! There were 4 of us running for the same position, and it was a contentious election ending in a runoff. I can’t describe the stress that not only I suffered, but my family also had to endure during that time. I am still so glad everyday that I ran, but the pathway here was difficult. Now I’m up for re-election and praying for a smooth road to 3 more years. I have some things I really want to get done!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a virtual teacher. I’ve been an online teacher since 2008. I work for the largest public school in Texas and my students are all over the state. I won Best of the Best Educator in Houston in 2021 and I take great pride in being an educator. I have been a teacher for 28 years and I specialized in teaching Texas History for many years. For the last few years I have also helped my friend Julie Waguespack, the founder of the Old Pearland Farmers Market. She had a great idea for this community farmers market and I help her with that each month. It has really grown and become something amazing!
I think something that sets me apart—for better or worse—is my inability to let something go when I believe it is wrong. This year I changed roles at my job even though I have such a love of teaching Texas History. I am now working with 12th grade students as an advisor, making sure they are prepared to graduate. I switched due to some changes with the curriculum that I felt were wrong and ultimately intolerable—I changed jobs rather than teach using (what I considered to be) bad curriculum. Someone said I’m too “emotional”. I like the word passionate better. I’m passionate about the things that are important to me.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I attend a weekly Bible study with a group of ladies that I’ve been part of for over 20 years. That’s the most constant book in my life. I also teach for and am a part of an ACTS (Alcohol Chemical Treatment Series) class at my church. This class and the people I work with there are very important to me. I’m a recovering alcoholic, I’ve been sober for 28 years, and because of what God did for me I need to give back in some way.
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