By Sondra Barr
As Mayor David Plyler’s term draws to a close, the people of Sherman are left to reflect on a tenure marked by significant achievements and a deep commitment to community service. Over his nine years as mayor, Plyler has overseen transformative projects that have not only modernized the city but also set it on a path toward a promising future. With a mix of humility and pride, Mayor Plyler looks back on his time in office, sharing his thoughts on what he considers his most significant accomplishments and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Visionary Leadership and Strategic Growth
When Plyler first took office in 2015, Sherman was a growing city with untapped potential. As the president of Plyler Construction, Plyler had already gained valuable insights into the importance of strategic planning and the challenges of fostering sustainable growth. While mayor, his leadership and vision have guided Sherman through a period of unprecedented development, culminating in the city’s designation as a “High-Tech Hub” by the federal government. This transformation was not accidental but the result of a carefully crafted strategy, informed by his construction background, aimed at attracting industry and fostering a business-friendly environment.
Plyler’s collaboration with City Manager Robby Hefton and other key city officials laid the groundwork for many of the projects that have come to define his tenure. “We had a shared vision for what Sherman could become,” Plyler says. “Our goal was to create a city that was not only welcoming to businesses but also a place where residents could thrive.”
One of the most significant accomplishments of Plyler’s time in office was the successful recruitment of Texas Instruments and GlobalWafers Co., two giants in the silicon chip industry, to Sherman. These companies’ combined $35 billion investment has put Sherman on the map as a major player in the tech industry. “Securing these investments was a team effort,” Plyler emphasizes. “Our city’s pro-business attitude, coupled with the support of the state and local community, made it possible.”
Infrastructure and Community Development
While the economic development of Sherman has been a cornerstone of Plyler’s legacy, his impact on the city’s infrastructure and community facilities is equally noteworthy. Recognizing the importance of modernizing city-owned properties, Plyler spearheaded several renovation projects, including updates to the library, parks, and the construction of a new police headquarters and fire station. These improvements have enhanced the quality of life for residents and ensured that Sherman is prepared for future growth.
“We were fortunate to have access to low-interest rates, which allowed us to finance these projects with bonds at very favorable terms,” Plyler explains. “This enabled us to make much-needed upgrades that had been neglected for decades.” These low-interest bonds became the financial backbone for a series of transformative infrastructure projects across Sherman. Under Plyler’s leadership, the city took this opportunity to renovate and modernize key public facilities, including the Sherman Public Library and several ancillary offices. The improvements didn’t stop there; the city also invested in community-focused amenities like the Pecan Grove athletic complex and updates to various neighborhood parks, ensuring these spaces could serve the community for years to come.
In addition to these enhancements, significant attention was given to public safety infrastructure. The city was able to construct a brand-new police headquarters, build a new fire station, and renovate and expand the central fire station. These projects were not just cosmetic updates; they were essential upgrades designed to meet the demands of a growing city and ensure that Sherman’s public safety facilities could adequately support its expanding population.
Infrastructure improvements also extended to Sherman’s water treatment and wastewater facilities. Understanding the critical role these utilities play in supporting both residential life and incoming industries, Plyler and his team prioritized the expansion of the water treatment and wastewater plants. These large-scale projects were fast-tracked due to the urgent need to prepare for the city’s rapid industrial growth, a necessity underscored by Sherman’s rising profile as a “High-Tech Hub.”
Among the infrastructure projects closest to Plyler’s heart is the ongoing upgrade of Highway 75. This project, which is set to be completed early next year, addresses long-standing safety concerns and will significantly improve traffic flow through the city. “Improving this highway was personal for me,” Plyler admits. “We had too many fatalities on that road, and I knew we had to make it safer for our citizens.”
The need for the Highway 75 upgrade was glaring. The highway, originally designed in the 1950s, had become inadequate for the modern-day traffic it was expected to handle. Unsafe entry and exit ramps, coupled with increasing traffic speeds and volumes, contributed to a rising number of accidents.
Plyler worked closely with the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Grayson County, and neighboring cities to make this crucial highway project a reality. Their combined efforts, along with local financial participation, helped move the project up the Texas Department of Transportation’s priority list, ensuring that Sherman’s concerns were addressed. In addition to Highway 75, other significant road improvements were undertaken, such as the widening of Loy Lake Road, West Travis Street, and Park Street on the southeast side of the city. These enhancements have already made a noticeable difference in traffic flow and congestion.
Through these infrastructure projects, Plyler has not only improved the city’s functionality but has also laid the groundwork for future growth. His approach has been one of foresight and responsibility, ensuring that Sherman is not just keeping up with its current demands but is well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Hot Summer Nights
Beyond the bricks and mortar, one of Plyler’s most beloved initiatives is the Hot Summer Nights concert series. For over 30 years, this event has brought the community together for free concerts at Kidd Key Park in downtown Sherman. Under Plyler’s leadership, Hot Summer Nights has grown in popularity, attracting world-famous acts like The Beach Boys and Don Felder. The 2024 season alone saw a turnout of 14,000 people for a single show.
“Hot Summer Nights has been a labor of love for me,” Plyler says with a smile. “It’s something that brings our community together, and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve with it. I hope that it continues to grow and evolve long after I’m gone.”
The success of Hot Summer Nights demonstrates Plyler’s ability to rally the community and secure the necessary funding to bring top-tier talent to Sherman. “We’ve been fortunate to have great sponsors and to use hotel/motel tax receipts to fund the series,” Plyler says. “It’s a great way to promote the city and provide entertainment for our residents.”
A Lasting Legacy
As Plyler prepares to step down as mayor, he reflects on the lessons he has learned and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. “Patience is truly a virtue,” he says, acknowledging the challenges that come with public service. “There were times when progress seemed slow, but looking back, I see how much we’ve accomplished.”
Plyler is quick to credit his success to the collaborative efforts of the city staff, the Sherman Economic Development Corporation, its president Kent Sharp, and the broader community. “None of this would have been possible without the support of so many dedicated individuals,” he says. “I was fortunate to be mayor at a time when we had the right people in the right places to make things happen.”
Looking ahead, Plyler remains committed to serving the Sherman community, albeit in a different capacity. While he has no immediate plans to run for higher office, he intends to stay involved in local affairs and continue contributing to the city’s growth. “I’m excited to see what the future holds for Sherman,” he says. “We’ve laid a strong foundation, and I believe the best is yet to come.”
As Sherman prepares to turn the page on Mayor Plyler’s tenure, the city reflects on the remarkable transformation it has undergone under his leadership. During his time in office, Sherman has evolved into a hub of innovation and growth, with safer streets, a stronger economy, and a more vibrant community. Plyler’s legacy is more than just progress; it’s a bold blueprint for the future—a future that will continue to thrive on the foundation he has so carefully laid.
