The Cities of Fairfield and Wortham, as well as Wortham ISD will be having an election this year. Fairfield ISD will have a ballot for a special Bond Election.
Early Voting starts Tuesday, April 22nd and runs thru Tuesday, April 29th. Click here for dates, times, and poll locations.
Election Day is set for Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The City of Fairfield will have two races in this election cycle.
Place 3, previously held by current Mayor Bobby Nichols, is now open. There are three candidates vying for this spot. They include Rick Edgett, Marcus Mason, and William Freeman.
Place 4 Incumbent Roger Keeton will face off against candidate Josh Bayless.
Place 5 Incumbent Angela Oglesbee is unopposed.
All candidates were invited to participate in a questionnaire to help voters get to know them. A response was not received from Mr. Freeman.
1. What qualifications or special skills will you bring to the City Council?
Place 3
–Rick Edgett: I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and bring over 20 years of experience as a small business owner. I understand budgeting, accounting, payroll, and all aspects of running a successful business—including managing people and finances responsibly. I’ve worked with various committees and served as an Election Judge for Freestone County. I’ve been involved with organizations like Keep Texas Beautiful and have held leadership roles in the Boy Scouts of America, including Den Leader, Assistant Cub Master, Cub Master, and Treasurer.
I have also been certified in QuickBooks and have a strong grasp of budgeting and fiscal responsibility. I’m a hard worker, quick learner, and dedicated to listening to others and working as a team to get things done. I live frugally and understand how to stretch a dollar—an important quality for serving taxpayers. I’m ready to put my skills to work for the people of Fairfield.
–Marcus Mason: As a candidate for City Council, I bring a strong set of qualifications and skills tailored to community leadership and governance. My ability to analyze issues, communicate effectively, and collaborate with diverse groups ensures a well-rounded approach to problem-solving. With a commitment to civic engagement and a dedication to addressing local concerns, I also offer a proactive mindset and strategic decision-making to benefit the city.
Place 4
–Roger Keeton: I will bring two years of experience back to the council if reelected. I helped to pass two 4 and a half million-dollar budgets in in order to improve the city and maintain city services such as the fire and police departments.
–Josh Bayless: As a business owner and someone who manages 2 other businesses, I believe I would be able to help with looking into ways we could use our money wisely and in areas this town needs. A fresh set of eyes is always good.
Place 5
–Angela Oglesbee: I have lived and owned a business in Fairfield for 23 years. Being on the City Council has given me the opportunity to use some of the same business skills I have learned over the years to help make informed decisions for the city. This position demands time, dedication, and commitment. Using my resources, I prepare for each meeting, each committee, and each assigned task with the underlying thought of I am a citizen first and Council Member second. With this mindset, I strive to use strategic sound thinking and ideas to move Fairfield in a forward developing direction.
2. Looking over the past 12 months, what has the City excelled in doing?
Place 3
–Rick Edgett: Fairfield has done a great job creating events that bring our community together and showcase the best of our town. From BBQs and car shows to holiday parades, 5Ks, and seasonal celebrations, there’s been something for everyone. These events not only give our citizens fun things to do close to home, but they also attract visitors, which supports our local businesses and helps generate sales tax revenue that goes back into the city. It’s a great example of how community spirit and smart planning can benefit everyone.
–Marcus Mason: I believed the city has excelled in keeping the pay for city employees competitive and being able to retain good employees. As a Councilman, I would advocate for continuing this strong commitment to fair compensation while also exploring ways to enhance employee benefits, professional development, and workplace satisfaction. Ensuring a stable and motivated workforce directly contributes to the efficiency and quality of city services, reinforcing a thriving local government.
Place 4
–Roger Keeton: Looking over the last two years I feel that the city has excelled in bringing in new police officers and firemen to Fairfield.
–Josh Bayless: As far as projects, going in with the fair board and redoing the pig and steer barns was a pretty major deal and really made the fairgrounds look good. Cleaning up abandoned lots to make our town more attractive and a few road projects.
Place 5
–Angela Oglesbee: The city has excelled in several things over the past 12 months. The most obvious has been our partnership with several organizations to make improvements to our park at the Fairgrounds. The City partnered with the Freestone County Fair Association to provide funds and resources for the building and repurposing of two buildings over a two-year period. First, the new covered pig barn and show ring area, and now, this year, the new cattle barn. We partnered with Fairfield Economic Development to repurpose the old City Tennis Court area into the new City Basketball Court. This spring we partnered with the Girls Softball Association to purchase the new bleachers at the Rotary Sandlots Softball Fields.
We have been working on street repairs and much more work is needed in this area.
The City has a maintenance inventory of our streets, and we are trying to accomplish this task a little at a time. A couple of internal tasks have been completed, as well, in the past 12 months. These include the completion of the updated Personnel Manual and Police Department Manual. Each of these tasks required additional committee involvement between assigned Council Members and City Employees.
For citizens safety, we have hired more police officers. As a City we are close to having a fully staffed Police Department. This provides our citizens with 24-hour around-the-clock safety and at least 2 officers on duty at all times. We have worked with our volunteer Fire Department to make updates on our station and equipment.
3. Name one thing you would like to see improved, and what you would do as Councilman to see it accomplished.
Place 3
–Rick Edgett: As I’ve gone door to door, the number one concern I keep hearing from folks is the condition of our roads. Fairfield residents want to see real progress in street maintenance, and I agree. We need to explore creative, cost-effective solutions to make this happen—whether it’s through partnerships, grants, or reallocating funds. Just as important, we need to keep citizens informed and involved. If elected,
I will push for better communication and transparency, so residents know what’s being done, when, and why.
–Marcus Mason: I would like to see a plan put in place going forward to better maintain city streets. As Councilman I would propose a plan to improve the maintenance of city streets, ensuring long term durability and safety for residents. This plan would involve prioritizing repairs, budget allocation, preventative maintenance, community involvement, and collaboration with contractors.
Place 4
–Roger Keeton: A better way for the council and or the mayor to bring in new businesses on its own.
–Josh Bayless: Roads. Some of our roads have been neglected for too long. See where we can improve on that and prioritize the ones needing to be fixed.
Place 5
–Angela Oglesbee: Improvement in housing options. Part of the Fairfield Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2023 addresses this issue. This is a multiple step process, and the council is exploring ways with Fairfield Economic Development to progress in this area.
4. What is the most pressing issue faced by the City and how do you propose to remedy the problem?
Place 3
–Rick Edgett: Fairfield needs more jobs and more places for people to live if we want our town to thrive. Many residents have told me that we need to grow—strategically—in order to keep our young people here and attract new families. Economic development is key, and that includes creating an environment where new businesses can open, and existing ones can grow. I will work with local leaders and developers to support smart growth and increase housing opportunities so people can live where they work and contribute to our community.
–Marcus Mason: Economic development, in my opinion, is a pressing issue for Fairfield. Supporting local businesses and attracting new investments to Fairfield is crucial for long-term growth and sustainability. Economic development in Fairfield is driven by a combination of local business support, workforce development, and strategic investments in infrastructure.
Place 4
–Roger Keeton: Many people have told me that they wanted a new store like an H.E.B in Fairfield, but unfortunately, I have to always tell them that is a chamber of commerce and Fairfield Industrial Department Center problem. So, I would like to have some way to do that on the council’s or the mayor’s own.
–Josh Bayless: With all the big projects going on in the area like FLG, Calpine, oil and gas, and prospects of solar farms, more and more people are coming into town. You can tell by the traffic alone that we are growing. These people need places to stay. Some type of housing development would be nice to see.
Place 5
–Angela Oglesbee: City Infrastructure. This includes streets and drainage problems. As mentioned earlier, streets are an issue and we have started tackling the problem, however, there are several streets we cannot address until we fix some drainage concerns. I do not want to waste taxpayer dollars fixing a street that will be washed away in several years because we did not address the drainage problem first. If we keep working on the street maintenance/repair plan and try to do a little on the drainage problems, too, things should start to improve.
5. Is there anything else you would like voters to know?
Place 3
–Rick Edgett: My wife and I are proud to call Fairfield home. We love this town and the people who make it special. I’m retired now and want to dedicate my time to serving the citizens of Fairfield. I believe in community, in hometown values, and in treating each other with respect. I want to help preserve what makes Fairfield great while working toward a brighter future. If elected, I promise to be accessible, to listen, and to promote transparency in city government. Let’s work together to keep Fairfield strong—for us and for generations to come.
–Marcus Mason: I am proud to call Freestone County my lifelong home, and for the past eight years, Fairfield has been where my family and I have built lasting connections. My wife, Kari, and I are blessed with four wonderful children, and raising them has strengthened my dedication to ensuring Fairfield continues to thrive. With 21 years of experience in public service as a Police Officer, I have had the privilege of serving and protecting our residents, fostering strong relationships built on trust, integrity, and commitment. Beyond my career, I believe in giving back to the community in meaningful ways. One of my greatest joys is volunteering as a coach for Girls Little Dribblers, where I have the opportunity to mentor young athletes, instill values of teamwork and perseverance, and help shape the next generation. Fairfield is more than just a place to live—it’s a community I deeply care about, and I am eager to continue working toward its future success.
Place 4
–Roger Keeton: I am currently attending Liberty University Graduate School and Undergraduate School online where I have 18 out of 36 credits for a master’s degree in history and 85 out of 120 credits for a second bachelor’s degree in history respectively and I hope that by this time next year in 2026, I will have both degrees.
–Josh Bayless: I am a 1998 graduate of Fairfield High School. I have been married to my Wife Maranda for 23 years, and we have a daughter, Landry who attends Tarleton State University. I have been on the Chamber of Commerce board for 12 years, serving as President 4 times. I am a member of the Fairfield Rotary Club and its current President. I am also a member of the Fairfield Masonic Lodge. I love this town and want only to watch it grow to its full potential, while conserving that small town feel.
Place 5
–Angela Oglesbee: I consider it an honor to serve the citizens of Fairfield. I have learned a great deal about municipal government and how to work with others that care for this city. Our city employees take pride in their work, and it shows. I am not here to micro-manage anyone as a Council Member, but to provide oversight and suggestions. I encourage citizens to attend at least one City Council meeting to see how the City Council operates and to gain knowledge of City matters. Take the opportunity to get to know your City Employees and City Council Members because we are all in this together.
Now that you know more about your candidates, get out there and vote!
