Lynette Scruggs
An Introduction
Moving back to Gainesville in 2024 has been a blessing to me and my husband, Mark. Reconnecting with friends and making new ones has been wonderful. After living in Dallas for approximately 17 years we moved to Gainesville the first time in 2010. We fell in love with a historic house, and found a community that welcomed us and also a place where one can get involved and serve in a variety of ways. When we work together we can truly make a difference in Gainesville!
Previous Board Appointments
Our first time living in Gainesville, I jumped in feet first and was appointed to multiple boards including: Butterfield Theatre, Frank Buck Zoo, Main Street Commission and Planning & Zoning, so I am familiar and experienced with serving in a variety of capacities. These board appointments are each unique and range from the arts to city oversight. I think the number of these appointments speaks to my ability to work within diverse groups and organizations. My willingness to serve and prioritize the time to do the required work is also important.
I was also involved in community service when we lived in Dallas, including the Dallas Junior League, Dallas Chapter of The American Red Cross, The Wilkinson Center, and Lakewood Service League.
Current Board Appointments
Fast forward to our move back to Gainesville in 2024. I am back on the Butterfield board and was appointed to the Building and Standards Commission for the city of Gainesville. I believe my past and current board work has prepared me to take the next steps to move into city government.
Ward 5 Observations
I see a community with deep roots and resilience. A history that generations before us have shared. Families, retirees, young professionals, single moms and widows, some who are struggling, and others who are striving to attain their goals.
Ward 5 is a place of diversity, different levels of income, different levels of community involvement, different levels of access. When neighbors from all walks of life coexist we can benefit from that experience since we are able to learn from each other. We need to expand on the positive aspects, promote dignity across socioeconomic groups, embrace shared responsibility for our ward, and be welcoming to all residents.
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We also need to be open and honest about our ward challenges and we can do that through the lens of working toward meaningful improvement. While we have an abundance of housing choices ranging from old to new and everything in between, we also have vacant lots and substandard structures that need to be addressed to make way for investment and redevelopment for quality, affordable housing, parks or other endeavors.
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We need to seek responsible developers who understand how to work with neighborhoods and long-time residents to help revitalize areas without displacing the families that currently live there. Redevelopment is not about moving people out but about providing housing options for people to move in! Growing our neighborhoods is important – responsible growth and investment can lift neighborhoods up!​ Resident led solutions are likely the best answer.
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We need to advocate for safe neighborhoods, streets that are free from blight, and enforce code violations to improve quality of life for all residents of Ward 5.
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Young Adult Involvement
The future of Gainesville is in our young leaders and we need their input. I want to mobilize the younger generations to become more active in civic involvement. We need to encourage being a registered voter. I would like to see more young adults show up and speak at City Council meetings. A young adult leaders civic group working for the benefit of Ward 5 would be a gift to our community. Young leaders are energetic! They bring a different perspective and innovative thinking. What does our youth want their city to be 5, 10, or 20 years from now?
S Gainesville Neighborhood Involvements
Promoting my community is something I love to do. When we first moved to Gainesville I was active in the neighborhood association. I chaired 2 of the historic home tours, chaired a garden, porch and pool tour, and organized the purchase of holiday luminaries to light up the neighborhood at Christmas. My husband and I were also supporters of local charities including Abigail's Arms, Frank Buck Zoo, The Boys & Girls Club of Cooke County, Butterfield Theatre and other non-profit organizations.
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I am now part of a group of volunteers who have restarted the Historic South Gainesville Neighborhood Association (HSGNA). I believe that strong neighborhood associations build stronger communities. I am currently the Neighborhood Engagement Chairman for the association and am working toward growing our membership and building engagement on the HSGNA Facebook page.
I led the "Park and Walk" initiative to help reduce traffic in S Gainesville during Halloween trick-or-treating. Over 200 drivers/families chose to park and walk in 2025 which provided a safer experience for visitors to our neighborhood! I plan to grow that effort along with other ideas with input from neighborhood residents. There is not a "one size fits all" solution to this so let's have a conversation - I have other ideas but all neighbors need to be heard on potential improvements to reducing traffic during Halloween.
On behalf of HSGNA, I applied for and received HOT funds from the City of Gainesville in order to build the historic home/buildings tour app. This tour will be available on one's phone, free to the user, and will utilize up to date technology. This will provide a unique experience to visitors who want to learn more about our historic homes, our history, the architecture, and it is also a way for Ward 5 to promote preservation.
Preservation
​I have a love for historic houses and historic neighborhoods. As an adult, I have never lived in a new house so that probably speaks volumes about my love for old houses. I don't strive for perfection in my renovations but work toward livability, preserving the past where possible, and with the hope that these houses will continue to stand the test of time and be here for generations to enjoy. We completed a renovation on S Denton St. when we first moved to Gainesville and are now in the process of another historic home renovation with plans to move in this spring, I am being optimistic!
Working Together
My website and Facebook page serve as a way for you to share information about yourself and what is important to you. I want to hear from Ward 5 residents.
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Part of my website is written from an aspirational standpoint of what could be and other parts focus on potential day to day needs. I've tried to amplify the positive and shine a light where there is need. An open dialogue is how we can work together and formulate plans to accomplish common goals.
Introduction Closing
I hope the above gives you some insight to who I am and my perspective. Please take the time to read through my website. While the focus and aspirations for Ward 5 are limitless based on resident's perspectives, I have drilled down to 4 categories: People, Preservation, Progress and Pride.
I think my past board positions have prepared me to do the work as a city council member. I have a positive and "can do" approach to situations. I'm an organizer, a planner, a hard worker with a willingness to learn, and a person who likes to connect with other like-minded people. I support collaboration over conflict and will serve our community's best interest with dedication and integrity.
I'm listening!
Lynette Scruggs
Candidate for City Council Ward 5
Education
Bachelors Degree in Psychology
Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies
Trained in AutoCAD drafting and space planning
Interior Design 2 year study​
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​Community service
​Gardening and growing cut flowers
Historic renovations and preservation
Painting and creative projects
Event planning
Community theatre
Cooking
Time spent with family and friends​
Time with our two Labradoodles, Hazel & Oliver
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Interests
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has
Margaret Mead, Cultural Anthropologist