Carroll Maxwell of Richardson, Texas has a love and appreciation for his country that serves as a constant motivation behind the unprecedented energy he devotes to preserving it. From serving on a presidential campaign to chairing a local Republican organization, his dedication to volunteer work is not only self-evident, but is a reminder of the influence an individual can have on the political process if you simply refuse to be a bystander.
“I believe that this is the greatest country ever known to man, and too many people have fought, suffered, and died to make this country what it is. None of us have the right to take it for granted.”
When it comes to politics, apathy and inaction is easy. Yet doing nothing is exactly what Maxwell is referring to when he talks about taking our freedoms for granted. His words come from experience and a lifetime of witnessing first-hand the impact personal actions can have in the political arena.
As a boy, his interest in the political process was sparked by the influence of his father and uncle, who spoke openly about politics and would bring the younger Maxwell along to county conventions. When he turned 21, the legal voting age at the time, Maxwell volunteered for Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidential campaign and cast his first ballot ever. He proceeded to participate in various republican rallies and demonstrations, marking what seemed to be the beginning of his “second” career – political activism.
Yet after marrying in 1956 and the birth of his three children, Maxwell’s efforts in politics temporarily subsided as he juggled a full time job and the children’s extracurricular activities. When the kids left for college, his time became more flexible, allowing him to return to political activism.
Maxwell volunteered for numerous campaigns, including George W. Bush’s gubernatorial campaign and John Cornyn’s campaign for Texas Attorney General, where he would block walk, phone bank, and organize rallies. He started attending Collin County TEA Party rallies in 2009 and eventually became a Precinct Chair and Caucus Chair for his House District.
Currently, Maxwell also volunteers during elections as an Election Clerk, Election Judge, and Greeter, and has served as a Delegate to the Texas GOP convention since 2010. In 2016, he was selected to serve as a delegate to the Republican National Convention as well as the President of the Collin County Conservative Republicans.
The list of activities is seemingly endless, but the true testament lies in the reasoning behind Maxwell’s commitments.
“I want to increase the awareness and active involvement in the political process of more of my fellow Americans. The average citizen does not realize that they are involved in the political process whether they want to be, or not. They believe there is little they can do to influence legislation, and that the people they elect will automatically do what is best for the country. We all ‘have a pen and a phone’ and we need to know how to use them.”
In addition to political hobbies, Maxwell is a member of the First United Methodist Church of McKinney and their Fellowship Sunday School Class, as well as the McKinney Kiwanis Club, and Sons of the American Revolution. He rings the bell every Christmas for the Salvation Army and for eight years served as an advocate for CASA of Collin County. He enjoys exercising, and, most of all, spending time with his children and grandchildren.
“My world,” Maxwell says, “is consumed by my faith, my family, my friends, and politics.”
