No Office, No Filter: Anthony Williams Talks Politics, Culture, and Brisket

Описание: Our guest on the Abilene People podcast is former Abilene mayor Anthony Williams, making his second visit to the digital studio. A former vice chairman of the Taylor County GOP, former city councilman, and former mayor of Abilene, Williams remains deeply respected in the community and is still sought out for his perspective on politics, culture, and life in Abilene.

In this conversation, Williams reflects on local politics, including the defeat of a longtime city councilman in last year’s election and the victory of Miguel Espinoza, a young newcomer to local office. He also addresses the question many listeners have asked, why his name has not surfaced for any of the current political openings, including Texas’ 19th Congressional District, with Congressman Jodey Arrington departing, or Texas House District 71, where Stan Lambert has announced he will not seek reelection. Those hoping to see Williams return to elected office may be disappointed, as he says it is not in his plans, at least “at this time,” a phrase he uses carefully.

The former mayor speaks candidly about national issues as well. He expresses deep disappointment with the current president, particularly in response to the recent sharing of a depiction of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as primates. Williams questions where gentility has gone and what that moment says about our culture. He also discusses the recent killings in Minneapolis and reflects on what he sees as a troubling erosion of the value of human life in America.

Williams does not shy away from immigration, either. He recounts his personal frustration with immigration policies under President Biden, particularly as Abilene was directly affected during his time as mayor, when immigrants with no local ties were flown into the city and left without support or coordination. At the same time, he questions whether the Trump Administration’s reaction to immigration has gone too far and urges a more measured, humane conversation.

The podcast both begins and ends on a lighter note, with Williams sharing his personal passion for smoking brisket. He offers practical strategies and techniques, freely sharing tips from experience. It makes for an unfettered, thoughtful, and wide-ranging conversation with former Mayor Anthony Williams, one that moves easily from local politics to national culture, and from serious reflection to backyard barbecue and dominoes.