As a busy mother to four homeschooled children, Natalie Genco never thought she’d involve herself in government affairs. Like many people, she doesn’t consider herself “political”. But everything changed in 2009 when the Mayor and other officials announced plans to open a train station near her home in Colleyville.
Genco did her research. She was in disbelief to learn that, according to the government’s own studies, the new train system wouldn’t ease roadway congestion, would destroy natural landscaping, would have no positive environmental impact—all at tremendous and ongoing taxpayer expense. Studies showed that few Colleyville residents would even use the line. In fact, the city planned on purchasing buses to bring in riders from other cities to boost ridership, all at taxpayer expense.
She soon realized the boondoggle was larger than her neighborhood station. Two Republicans—former State Rep. Vicki Truitt and former State Sen. John Carona—were sponsoring a county tax increase legislatively know as the “Local-Option Tax”. The bill would allow counties to levy new taxes, the same type of taxes Texans already pay to the state, in part to fund local “transit”. The City Council unanimously supported the tax and other diversions to non-road projects, as did Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley. She believed voters needed to know.
Joining with other concerned residents, Genco helped draft and push for passage of a city ordinance to stop the station. Now that she’s active and educated, she says it’s difficult to stop.
“I’ve met so many amazing and caring people … and I’m far better educated than I used to be”, said Genco. “In the past, I sometimes didn’t get involved when I didn’t understand the issue. Educating people helps them get involved. Once you have information, you have an obligation to pass it on … especially when you realize how much more progress still needs to be made!”
Genco’s inspiration came from a speech given at a Dallas political event by fundraiser Richard Viguerie. She remembers his call to action, “We’ve forgotten what conservatism really is, and unfortunately, many of us are getting it wrong … Often unsatisfied with the [status quo], we stand idly by waiting for the next leader to be elected … But you are the leader you’ve been waiting for.”
She decided to run for Republican precinct chairman after a friend told her that it’s the civic-duty for everyone to serve in public office, in some capacity. To Genco, voting is not enough—she hopes more Texans will once again consider it their duty to run for office.
“Texans will change the direction of our state when average citizens start stepping up to run for office and challenge career politicians who often forget who they were elected to represent,” said Genco. “Voters need more choices at the ballot box at every level of government…especially the state and local level.”
Originally from Illinois, she moved to North Texas with her husband over twenty years ago, eventually settling in Colleyville. Her oldest son received a full academic scholarship at Southern Methodist University, while her oldest daughter received a full academic scholarship at University of Texas-Dallas. She still homeschools her youngest son, who is twelve.
Genco earned her undergraduate degree in International Finance and Marketing from the University of Miami, Florida. She founded and served as President of The Carroll Medical Academy Boosters. She also founded and is currently President of The Grapevine High School Advanced Academic Booster Club. Her husband is an emergency medicine physician, and is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine.
As the vice president of programs for the Colleyville Garden Club, Genco enjoys organic gardening as well as raising chickens, other birds and goats; she is also a beekeeper.
Her affinity for nature inspired her to serve as both the chairwoman of the Colleyville Tree Board and on “Keep Colleyville Beautiful”. Genco’s currently working on a new project: a community garden for Colleyville. She’s also active in her local PTSA as V.P. of Programs and on The Council of PTSAs as Environmental Chair.
