Up for election for the City of Teague this year is the Mayor, and Alderman Place 1 & 3 on the City Council.
Election is set for Saturday, May 7, 2022. Early Voting will be held beginning April 25th and ending May 3rd. For complete information concerning dates and poll locations, click here.
Candidates are:
–incumbent Mayor James Monks challenged by candidate David Huffman;
–Place 1 incumbent Alderman Jerry Ballew and opponent Garland Steed; and
–Place 3 incumbent Alderwoman Marilyn Michaud facing candidates Lois Ann Mims and Douglas Allen.
Candidates were asked the following:
1. What qualifications or special skills will you bring to Teague City Council?
–James Monks
I am currently in my 2nd term as Mayor. I have previously served on the council as an alderman and later as Mayor pro tem. I have lived in the Teague city limits consecutively for 22 years and believe that I understand the wants and needs of the community to maintain our town as a place we want to raise our families and future generations and leave them a place they will be proud to call their home.
–David Huffman
My involvement with work related experiences, education and collaboration: Graduate with Bachelor of Science and Masters Degrees from Sam Houston State University, past Texas House Legislative Aide State of Texas, TAP (Texas Agriculture Products) Representative for Texas Agriculture Commissioner John White for East Texas, Special Affairs Coordinator/ Representative Houston Lightning & Power (now NRG) for executive officers, and owner and originator of the Huffman Agency currently in Teague developed in 1979. Past President of South Texas Honey Corp. and currently President of the Tri-County Beekeepers Association of Freestone, Limestone, and Leon Counties. A member of the Texas Beekeepers Association and philanthropically currently involved in the Texas Masonic Lodge since 1975 (Boggy Lodge in Teague currently) and a past Assistant Governor and Lt. Governor for Rotary International District 5870 of which I joined in 1978 and a current member and Past President of Fairfield Rotary Club, and a Major Donor to Rotary International. A proud member of 1st Baptist Church and a choir member and married to Trish Huffman, my wife.
I have been a councilman for 3 terms for the City of Teague. I have been a successful businessman for 43 years and God willing, another 20 years. I am familiar with the problems as well as the possibilities our city can positively receive in upgrading the quality of life our citizens will receive while living in Teague if elected. And I have never forgot where I have come from over the years.
Serving as a past Health Director for the City of Pasadena has assisted me immensely prior to moving to Teague. Regarding city issues, elected officials should always maintain compassion and responsibility towards our citizenry as too how each passed city ordinance will effect its citizens. My connections with state-wide contacts over the State of Texas via my 35 years as a Rotarian has assisted me greatly and will help our city as well.
–Jerry Ballew
Teague is my home, and I have great pride for our city. My career as a registered professional engineer has given me an extensive background in project design and management. My working with multi-million dollar budgets and facilities has proven valuable when balancing resources with requirements in making long-term projections. While the position of Alderman isn’t necessarily a hands-on function, my experience will enable me to continue advising and making decisions in the best interest of Teague, both immediate and long term.
–Marilyn Michaud
Alderman – 2014-2019 and 2020-2022
2. Looking over the last 12 months, what has the City of Teague excelled in doing?
–James Monks
In the past 12 months, the city of Teague has continued in our efforts to maintain and improve our infrastructure by self funding projects and also receiving a grant for several projects. These funds have allowed us to improve water and sewer services to different areas of town, enabling us to provide a plentiful and high quality supply of water as well as a system to remove the waste water.
As these projects are completed, we will begin the visible projects such as street replacement and drainage improvements. I refer to the street projects as replacements as several of our streets are beyond the repair stages and will require a complete rebuild. Unfortunately the water/sewer projects will take time to complete, and need to be completed prior to any street work on those roads that contain our water system.
–David Huffman
Not being on council I could not elaborate…that would be the current administrations luxury. But I don’t see unnecessary lawsuits and excess fees and penalties directed to our citizens and potential new business as a means of moving our city forward.
–Jerry Ballew
The City of Teague has excelled in providing opportunities to enhance the community experience and involvement. Not only does the City maintain three public parks, but it also holds multiple venues for community involvement. “National Night Out” is an annual event promoting law enforcement. The Teague Public Library holds regular reading sessions for youngsters as well as a summer reading program. “Christmas in the Parks” has become a local attraction that draws area visitors throughout the holiday season. “Make Teague Beautiful” is another opportunity for residents to participate in making our city more attractive. The city is currently sponsoring a “Recycled Art Contest” for entries using recycled materials. Events of this nature support and strengthen our community.
–Marilyn Michaud
During the past 12 months with all cities everywhere having to work through pandemic conditions, we have stayed stable, money-wise and continue moving forward with projects setup for 2022. We have faced office closures and our share of Covid illness, but have been able to keep moving forward.
3. Name one thing you would like to see improved, and what you would do as an Alderman / Mayor to see it accomplished.
–James Monks
I would like to see more community involvement in the operation of the city thru their ideas, suggestions and support. As Mayor, the city staff and I strive to maintain a transparent day to day operation, while remaining in compliance with our state and federal laws as well as our city ordinances. We encourage attendance at our council meetings and public hearings. We will be opening a new city website that will allow users to link to pertinent information, council meeting agendas and minutes, reach all city departments and to report /create work requests for our public works department.
–David Huffman
I would personally see a schedule of toping roads and streets monthly in the City of Teague which was prevalent while I was on council as was done then with the current Public Works Director. Keeping the alley ways cleaned and usable (driveable) also a major issue. This is the top issue…Several other issues I will address if elected and will be addressed during the campaign.
–Jerry Ballew
The City is presently working to complete five-year infrastructure plans. My goal would be to increase these plans to include all areas of the city as a comprehensive master plan. Water, sewer, and streets are the most visible, but maintenance, fleet management, parks, library, and unused buildings are also important areas to consider in improving the overall city environment. Working with and providing the City Administrator and other Department Heads with adequate resources and support to accomplish this goal would be where my efforts would be directed.
–Marilyn Michaud
It would be helpful if citizens, instead of airing complaints on social media, would attend council meetings to learn and understand the reasons the council is taking the action they do to accomplish what is in best interest of City.
4. Anything else you would like voters to know?
–James Monks
During my terms as Mayor, I feel that we have made tremendous improvements for Teague. We have begun a fleet management plan to replace equipment and vehicles on a schedule, thus providing our employees with safe and reliable equipment while saving on high repair costs. We have had our engineers develop a long range prioritized plan for city wide repairs to streets, infrastructure and drainage systems. We are working to continue improvements to our parks while also having our park coordinator planning community activities thru the year. I appreciate every one’s support and would like the opportunity to continue serving as Mayor so that I, along with our city council can continue with these projects that will benefit each of us.
–David Huffman
I have always been a “Gladiator” and fighter for my city and its citizens. I will do the same as your next Mayor with a “common sensed” council willing to address the challenges…and with the right attitude towards its citizens.
–Jerry Ballew
Being an alderman takes a commitment to learn, participate, and lead. Decisions made by the City Council affect many people. Having a preconceived “agenda” only hinders and confuses otherwise legitimate decisions. Having an open and honest-minded approach is the way to achieve positive results. A vote for me is a vote for an objective and experienced representative on the Teague Board of Aldermen.
–Marilyn Michaud
Repeating – attend meetings – listen to agenda items and hear why the council handles them the way they think best for the City. Social media is not the answer. If your opinion is that the current council is not working in your best interest – there is an annual election – RUN for office!
