Open Letter To Keller

A Letter to Keller

A Letter to Keller:

Keller is at an important moment, and I want to share why I’m stepping up.

I am not a politician. My background may look different than most, but it is grounded in work, service, and community. At my core, I am simply a member of this community who wants to help protect what makes Keller special.

I have lived in Keller for six years, and while I didn’t grow up here, I am a native Texan. My mom raised our family with strength and determination, teaching me resilience, hard work, and the importance of finishing what you start. My dad, a lifelong Texan, has lived across the Metroplex all of his life. Like many native Texans, I’ve watched him move further east over the years as growth continues to push outward.

It’s a story many families here understand. People who have deep roots in Texas want to hold on to their land, their communities, and the places that feel like home.

No matter where life took me, God eventually brought me back to Texas. This is home.

During the pandemic my family decided it was time for a change. Keller was our first choice. We researched everything we could and spoke with family who already lived here. The more we learned, the clearer it became.

Keller offered what we were looking for. Great schools, beautiful parks, strong public safety, and a small town feel with access to larger cities.

But more than anything, it felt like a place where community still mattered.

At the time, my husband had spent 17 years working in the emergency room, and I had been building businesses for nearly two decades while raising our children. Like many families in 2020, we were navigating a season of change.

We came here to rebuild our lives. Keller gave us something even greater…

Community.

My son and I were baptized at Life Church Keller. My daughter at Keystone church. I launched three businesses with my husband in the past six years. Many of the photos and video documenting Keller can be seen across social media.

Through Kickin’ It in Keller (our FB group) I connected with thousands of neighbors and heard countless stories about what makes this city special.

My son graduated from Keller High School, and my daughter now attends Keller Middle School. Our family is immersed in youth sports, the small business community, and everyday life here.

Along the way I’ve had the privilege of serving Keller in many ways. Through the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, the Greater Keller Women’s Club, and currently on the Economic Development Board. I’ve volunteered countless hours supporting local businesses, nonprofits, and community initiatives.

Two years in a row, my family organized Keller’s first Hispanic Heritage celebration, bringing together more than 1,000 residents. Our goal was simple. To create space for culture, connection, and community.

Keller is made up of incredible families, businesses, and stories. I am proud to say, we are one of them.

Connecting people is my mission.

I don’t just have a resume of things I’ve accomplished. I have a vision for what we can still accomplish together.

This race is not about my past as much as it’s about OUR future for generations to come. These are the decisions ahead after this election.

Keller has an incredible foundation and history. Many people have worked hard to build what we have today, and it’s clear this city is deeply loved.

That’s why we moved here.

But the reason we stay here is also the reason many residents are concerned about the future. Growth.

This election is about more than one seat. It is about how Keller responds to growth, how we protect the character of our community, and whether residents feel seen and heard in the decisions shaping our future.

Growth is happening quickly. While we cannot stop it, we can absolutely be thoughtful about how we manage it.

We must steward what we have well.

That means honoring the plans already in place while finding smart ways to grow without losing our character. Without sacrificing public safety and without losing the reasons families choose Keller in the first place.

I stand firmly with neighbors who want to preserve land and maintain low density areas where they still exist.

I stand firmly in ensuring that projects already funded by taxpayers are executed with clear vision and follow through.

I stand firmly in protecting our small town character, supporting local businesses, and ensuring our police, firefighters, and first responders remain equipped and supported as our city grows.

We need leadership that not only remembers the past but also has the vision and work ethic to execute for the future.

Leadership that shows up.

Leadership that participates in every conversation, even the difficult ones.

Leadership that stays connected to the people it represents.

Throughout my life, in business, as a mother, and as a community leader, I have always tried to do the same thing. Listen, find solutions, and believe in what is possible even when others say it’s difficult.

My work ethic is unwavering. My love for this community is evident. And my integrity is deeply rooted.

Keller is at a pivotal moment. With four of the seven City Council seats open, the decisions we make today will shape the future of our city for years to come.

My commitment is simple. To remain present, accessible, and engaged with the people who call Keller home.

Because ultimately, the future of Keller should be shaped by the people who call it home.

That is why I’m stepping up to serve with presence, integrity, and a deep commitment to this community.

Showing up matters. Representation matters. It is imperative that we honor Keller’s legacy while thoughtfully engaging in and helping decide what comes next.

Ashley Stone Hernandez

Candidate for Keller City Council Place 5