Wilder ready for next chapter

Comedian Jim Carrey once said that life opens up opportunities and “you either take them or stay afraid of taking them.”

It’s safe to say that former Weatherford City Council member Heidi Wilder had no fear when she got her chance some 18 years ago.

Wilder had wanted to be on the Weatherford Utility Board but no spots were available. That is until then member Waymon Hamilton stepped aside and let her fill his unexpired term.

“That changed everything for me,” Wilder said. “I will be forever grateful for what [Waymon] did for me and I hope I made him proud every day.”

Three years after joining the Utility Board, Wilder ran for a seat on Weatherford City Council, and won.

“I would go to council meetings and I was moved by what it takes to have a seat and the effect it had on the citizens,” Wilder said. “I love the people and this city.”

The rest, as is commonly said, is history but after 360 council meetings and 204 Utility Board meetings, Wilder’s time on council and UB ended in May when she lost her Place 1 seat to Rod White by 87 votes.

Despite the loss, Wilder remained proud of what she accomplished and hoped her legacy would be one of servitude. 

“I always put the citizens first and did everything in my power to make sure that if they needed help, I provided them the answers or got them to the person who could,” she said. “I was deeply honored to serve this community.”

At the May 12 meeting, Wilder was recognized for her years of service. Matt Leppla, Director of Public Works, presented her with street signs adorning her name. Fire Chief Jonathan Peacock gave her a special fire department plaque and WPD Chief Jason Hayes gifted her a collage and message from the K-9 unit, something near and dear to Wilder’s heart. 

“I was deeply moved by that and it was unexpected,” she said.

At the meeting, and in an interview after, Wilder credited Hamilton, former council members Kevin Cleveland and Jeff Robinson – both of whom attended her last meeting – and former Mayor Dennis Hooks. 

“[Kevin and Jeff] were the best councilmen this city has seen and Dennis was the best mayor I ever worked with,” she said. “[Dennis] was calm under pressure and I truly admire all three of those men.”

As for what’s next for Wilder, she said she plans to enjoy traveling more and already has trips planned for July, August, September, and October in her travel trailer with her partner of 39 years, Terry. 

“The goal is to visit every national park in every state, eventually,” she said. “I can’t wait.”

An avid mountain biker, Wilder also said she will be doing more once she is healed from a recent knee surgery. Additionally, she will continue to work in her role at the Internal Revenue Service, where she has been for 39 years.

“I’m proud of my time serving the citizens of Weatherford, a community I care about and love, but I am also looking forward to the next chapter of my life,” Wilder said. “I’m blessed.”