When George Purefoy became Frisco’s first city manager on Nov. 1, 1987, the city’s population was around 5,000 people. Back then, the Plantation Resort subdivision was under development and the proposed Frisco Jetport appeared poised for takeoff. </p
p>Fast forward more than 34 years to today when, after spending a decade growing faster than any other large city in the nation, Frisco is now home to around 215,000 residents. Although the jetport failed to materialize, other retail, residential, commercial developments and destinations ¬– including Stonebriar Centre, The Star, Toyota Stadium and the forthcoming PGA Frisco – did develop and flourish (many as part of public-private partnerships) under Purefoy’s watch, which is set to conclude this month with his retirement. </p
p>In celebration of a career that can only be described as remarkably successful, Frisco STYLE reached out to more than a dozen past and present city officials and other community leaders and asked them to share their thoughts on the impact Purefoy has had on the city – both personally and professionally – as well as the big shoes he’s leaving behind for Frisco’s second city manager, Wes Pierson, to fill. (Editor’s note: Responses were edited for length and clarity.)</p
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Pure Gratitude: A Tribute to Frisco’s City Manager George Purefoy
Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney</h3
Robert M. Warren </h3
p>Former Frisco Mayor (1989-1996) </p
p>“When the city of Frisco reached the population of 5,000, making it eligible to have a city manager, we sent out search parties and found George Purefoy at the city of Columbus, Texas. We interviewed him and found him to be just what the city needed. We hired him to be Frisco's first city manager, and, in retrospect, I have no doubt that was the best move Frisco has ever made. </p
p>George is one of the most honest, most caring and finest, men I have ever known – and in my 101 years, I have known a lot. He knows how to solve problems that confront the city and manages to do it in the least-obtrusive way. … Without George Purefoy, Frisco would not be the city it is today.”</p
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Kathy Seei </h3
p>Former Frisco Mayor (1996-2002)</p
p>“As Frisco’s first city manager, George successfully helped the city move from a small agricultural community into one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. He managed the growth with excellence while keeping the tax rates from becoming problematic for the property owners. As the community grew, he hired competent managers to join his team. As a tough negotiator, he was able to work with City Council to bring quality growth. … His legacy in Frisco is well-documented and I wish he and his family the best in his retirement years.” </p
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Maher Maso</h3
p>Former Frisco Mayor (2008-2017) </p
p>“`Behind the scenes’ – that phrase best describes the George Purefoy I know. No person has had a larger impact on Frisco – past, present and, I’m confident, in the future – than George. While most people see the projects as the pillars of success, I have had the honor of seeing the details of the man who was the foundation of the success. </p
p>While elected officials such as me were cutting the ribbons, George was standing behind a pillar somewhere not wanting to be visible, already having built the foundation. He would never ask for nor want the recognition, although it is well-deserved. He only cared about taking care of the taxpayer, protecting the families and treating his employees fairly. </p
p>My respect for George has only grown over the last 27 years and I am proud to call him a friend, a mentor and a good man! There is not enough room here to bring up the many projects we have worked on together and the challenges we have faced over the years: Exide, Grand Park, sport facilities, corporate relocations, Ebola scares, public safety and a long list of other subjects. </p
p>Throughout all the issues we faced in my tenure on city council and as mayor of Frisco, I am so thankful to have had George by my side and, most of the time, leading the way."</p
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Nell Lange</h3
p>Former Frisco Assistant City Manager </p
p>“I worked for several city managers during my career and George certainly stands out as the most visionary. It took us a short while to develop our working relationship, but I can remember him telling me to always say what I thought, not just what I thought he wanted to hear. He always made time to listen to concerns and was such a caring individual. I feel blessed to have worked for him for 20 years.”
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Ron Patterson </h3
p>Frisco Deputy City Manager </p
p>“I remember early in our time working together, George told me we really only need one rule when it comes to how we should manage: `Do the right thing.’ That has been a clear and consistent message from George the entire time I have known him. And he does not just say the words, but he actually lives it and manages by that rule. </p
p>George … has taught me so much about city management but also about being a good husband, a good father and about being a good person. He has been my boss, my mentor and my friend all this time. While he will hold your feet to the fire on getting the job done each day, he will never throw you under the bus. He is quick to push you to the front for the credit when things go well and just as quick to take the heat when things do not. I cannot thank him enough for all he has done for our city, our staff and for me.”</p
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Mack Borchardt </h3
p>Special Assistant to the Frisco City Manager </p
p>“While I can take no credit for hiring what I believe to be the best city manager serving anywhere for the last 34-plus years, I was given some insight into what city council saw in Mr. Purefoy. </p
p>Prior to his arrival, they told me they believed him to be honest, humble, smart and a hard worker who was well liked and respected by everyone they met in Columbus, Texas, where he was city manager. Additionally, several of them told me how impressed they were upon learning he took virtually every Friday afternoon off to spend time with his young daughter, Christal, who he adored. His devotion to (wife) Debra and Christal, and his commitment to his faith, may have been the most impressive things about George Purefoy in the eyes of those elected officials.</p
p> Real and visible growth began in Frisco soon after George’s arrival. I have always known George to make the decision he believed would best serve our citizens and he has always been supportive of Frisco’s staff. There is no doubt Frisco, my family and I have been truly blessed by George, Debra and Christal choosing to move from Columbus to Frisco.”
Henry Hill </h3
p>Frisco Deputy City Manager </p
p>“Reflecting on working for George over the years, I often thought of this passage in Psalms 127: `Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.’ George, in his roles as both the builder and the watchman, always sought God’s purpose and blessing in what was to be accomplished. That, to me, has been the foundation of his success and his lasting legacy in Frisco.”
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John Lettelleir </h3
p>Frisco Director of Development Services</p
p>"George’s influence has been instrumental to making Frisco what it is today. … George’s leadership attracted development that reduced the tax burden on residents. … George is humble and has routinely deflected accolades to others. City managers come and go in so many cities, but Frisco has been the beneficiary of George’s steadfast leadership and compelling vision of the future.”
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Richard Abernathy </h3
p>Frisco City Attorney (not pictured) </p
p>“Luckily for Frisco, George (among his many talents) was and is a master at seizing opportunity, expanding it, bringing together public and private partnerships to focus and support the plan, and then executing and building it – all the while giving credit to others. How often do you see a city manager do that? About as often as you see another Frisco. George and Debra, I love you and wish you all my best.”</p
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Tammy Meinershagen </h3
p>Frisco City Council Place 2</p
p>“I’ll never forget my first meeting with George Purefoy in 2014. I had been appointed to the Citizen Bond Committee to help determine the projects for the remaining 40 percent of Frisco, and I wanted to hear his perspective. As I walked in, George met me with a calm, gentle smile and said, `Hello Ms. Meinershagen. You may be surprised to know this, but I actually have always wanted to see an opera house built in Frisco.’ … George’s impact has shaped the Frisco I know and love. It will be an honor to continue his incredible legacy.”
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Shelley Holley </h3
p>Frisco Library Director </p
p>“While under his watch, Frisco has grown into one of the finest cities in America. There is no other way to say it: George Purefoy was the right man, at the right time and Frisco was the right place. We live in a thriving community in large measure because of George Purefoy’s vision, integrity, courage and leadership.”
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