Early Voting for School Board and City Council elections starts next week, held April 20 – 28, 2026 (with the exception of Tuesday, April 21, which will be closed for the San Jacinto Day state holiday).
Election Day is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026 with polls open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In preparation for these elections, The ‘Times’ sent out questionnaires to all candidates and sent text and emails notifying each that they would be receiving the questions.
Fairfield ISD
2 At-Large Trustee positions.
Both incumbents Kevin Benedict & John Fryer, and Keith Whitaker have filed for candidacy.
–Kevin Benedict: Kevin is a single man whose niece and nephews play a very meaningful and important part of his life. He is a life-time resident of Fairfield who is self employed and owner of The Benedict Group. He previously served as the CFO and later President/CEO of Nasco Data Systems, Inc., before returning home to Fairfield to invest in and serve his community.
Kevin is a long-standing Fairfield ISD school board member who brings a strong understanding of Texas public school finance and the challenges districts face in providing an exceptional education within limited and often uncertain resources. He feels this experience allows him to make decisions grounded in fiscal responsibility and focused on student outcomes.
“I am committed to ensuring all students have meaningful opportunities to succeed through college, career, or lifelong learning, while maintaining accountability and long-term focus for our district and community,” he says.
Kevin feels that FISD has excelled over the past year through the collaboration and strength of its Board of Trustees, which brings together diverse backgrounds and strong community connections, allowing them to make informed, student-focused decisions that keep student success at the center of their work.
“We have worked together to establish a clear district vision and align our policies and budget to support it, while maintaining responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources and disciplined financial decision-making,” he explains. “A key accomplishment this year was developing and presenting a bond package to address long-term facility needs, including a new high school and campus improvements, which was approved by our community. This work, along with strong strategic planning, positions Fairfield ISD for continued success.”
As for what he would like to see improved, he says, “Expanding Career and Technology Education (CTE) opportunities for students is a top priority for me. I am committed to increasing pathways for students pursuing industry-based certifications and workforce training that provide real-world skills and direct connections to high-demand careers. While I strongly support college preparatory pathways, I also believe CTE must be equally valued as a respected option for all students. In my role as Board President, I am working – and will continue to work – to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, expand certification opportunities, and align district resources with workforce needs. Investing in these programs helps students succeed while also supporting a stronger local workforce and economy.”
Kevin believes that the most pressing issue faced by the district is funding – specifically navigating Texas public school finance while meeting the growing needs of students and staff. Rising costs, increasing expectations without corresponding funding, and limited state funding require them to be strategic and disciplined in how they allocate resources.
“To address this, we must remain focused on responsible stewardship, advocate for a state school funding system that better reflects today’s needs, and prioritize investments that most directly impact student outcomes, while also strengthening partnerships with our community and local industry to expand opportunities without overburdening district resources,” he says. “Through sound financial management and strategic planning, we can continue providing a high-quality education for all students in Fairfield ISD.”
He goes on to say, “I am proud to call Fairfield home and deeply value the people and community that have helped shaped who I am today. Serving as a Trustee and as Board President has been an honor and a responsibility that I take very seriously. My focus has always been – and will continue to be – on making collective decisions that are in the best interest of our students, our staff, and our community. I believe in thoughtful leadership, fiscal responsibility, and maintaining a clear vision for the future of Fairfield ISD.
Kevin concludes, saying, “I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving and working alongside our board and community to build on the progress we’ve made, the opportunities and blessings that are ahead of us and ensure a strong future for our school and students.”
–John Fryer: John is a lifelong resident of Fairfield. He and his wife of 54 years, Cindy, have two daughters who both graduated from FISD, and four grandchildren, two of which graduated from FISD.
The qualifications he brings to the School Board are the knowledge of school finance along with school operations.
Looking over the past year, John feels that the school board has excelled in is having a successful bond election to build a new high school as well as modifications at the other campuses. “We also incorporated more CTE classes offered to the students,” he says.
One thing he would like to see improved is to have highly qualified and certified teachers. “To see this accomplished we need to encourage our students to go into the education field and come back and invest in FISD as a certified teacher,” he says.
John explains, “the most pressing issue facing the school district is the number of children in our district. We need to encourage the leaders of our community to bring businesses in to increase the jobs and create opportunities for families to raise their children in our district.”
He concludes, saying, “I enjoy bettering the district by serving on the school board.”
–Keith Whitaker: Though originally from Abilene, Texas, Keith has been a long-time resident of Fairfield. He and wife of 53 years, Kim, have both served Fairfield ISD in several capacities of the years.
Currently, Keith is retired from FISD and serves as an adjunct professor of English at Navarro College.
He has served as a classroom teacher from the junior high level to the high school level and to the collegiate level; athletic coach from junior high level to the high school level to the division one NCAA level (males); high school level to the division one NCAA level (females) and AAU girls for several summers; assistant principal at Fairfield High School on four separate occasions; director of student services on three different instances at Fairfield ISD managing 252 employees including overseeing transportation, technology, maintenance, housekeeping, etc.
Keith feels that the school board excelled in passing the bond to build a new addition to the high school and renovating the existing three campuses: elementary, intermediate, and junior high schools.
When asked what he would like to see improved and what he would do as a member of the board to see it accomplished, he explained, “The most advantageous teaching asset is a classroom teacher in a face-to-face setting. It is critical that such an asset feel valued by all of his or her administrators, not just on his or her campus, but central office as well; teachers are obviously human being and are more likely to excel as employees when they feel valued. With this in mind, I will endeavor to make sure that each campus is adequately and fully staffed; I know for a fact, for example, that the high school was four teaching positions short this past year; I teach on that campus part-time as the dual credit English teacher (my 53rd year in education).”
He goes on to say, “Unbeknownst to some, it is an incorrect assumption that we have campuses that are overstaffed; this can be misconstrued when looking at class sections’ sizes. In one instance about which I am personally aware, one section in the computer science arena housed three classes in one forty-five-minute period: Computer Science 1 (6 students); Computer Science 2 (5 students); and study hall (3 students). On paper, in this instance it might seem that class sizes are small at the high school with a need to consider reducing staff numbers when in fact 14 students were in the same classroom – thus an erroneous assumption. Wouldn’t it be grand to have teachers wanting to come to Fairfield ISD again instead of the District having to search for qualified teachers in teaching areas in which there are shortages statewide? Finally, some board members do endeavor to support and value teachers, and those people are greatly appreciated by staff members.”
Keith explains that he ran for school board this time because, “I love children and want to see if I can be helpful to Fairfield ISD which I truly love; the other gentlemen running for this school board as far as I know are good men; I wish them no disrespect. I do not have an agenda other than I have always tried to put the true needs of children first. It is imperative that the District recognize that other neighboring school districts are looking to employ good teachers and encourage them to move to their districts; Fairfield ISD needs to retain these good educators with financial incentives and great working environments. Additionally, I feel a great responsibility in spending money that is not my own (taxpayers); I will endeavor to spend others’ money wisely; finally, I truly believe that my running for this honored position is in God’s Hands. If He and Fairfield choose to put me in a school board position, I will see His Will in all decision-making.”
City of Fairfield
3 Positions: Mayor, Place 1, & Place 2.
Running for Mayor are Bobby Nichols and Michael Daniels, Sr.; Place 1 candidates are Roger Keeton and Bill Freeman; and Place 2 candidates are Kenny Hughes and Toni Abram.
–Bobby Nichols (Interim Mayor): Though originally from Hearne, Texas, Bobby now resides in Fairfield with his wife Lisa. Together they have three children and nine grandchildren.
Bobby is retired after serving 41 years at Nucor Steel in Jewett, Texas. The last years employed there, he was the lead person for the Quality Department where he assisted with the management of two quality labs and 12 employees and equipment. He was also lead auditor for Nucor’s ISO 9001 Quality Management System and one of the original members of that team.
He has served as a member of City Council for seven years and as Interim Mayor since February of 2025.
“This past year, the city was able to resurface 10 streets, has hired a new public works director and police chief, and added a K-9 unit to the Police Department,” he says. “However, the city still has a lot of work to do on infrastructure, sewer, water, and streets. I will work closely with city staff to secure funding to make the improvements the city needs.”
Bobby feels that the most pressing issue facing the city is the major drainage issue on South Bateman Street which prevents repair of the road surface. “We also have several streets in need of a complete rebuild,” he explains.
He concludes by saying, “Fairfield is home to Lisa and myself; we enjoy the small-town atmosphere. It is such a safe and inviting town, the citizens are friendly and welcoming. The community involvement is great during the fair and city sponsored events organized by the Chamber of Commerce. It has been an honor to serve as your mayor, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the next two years.”
–Mike Daniels (Mayor Candidate): Michael is a lifelong resident of Fairfield, with deep roots in the community he seeks to serve.
He has been married for 36 years to his wife, Navlet Daniels, and is a proud father of two children—Michael Wayne Daniels, Jr. and Fruncheska Daniels Jenkins—as well as a foster parent to Abigail Deonte and Chasity Cribbs. He is also a grandfather of four.
Michael serves as Pastor of TruVine Doxa Center and has an extensive background in public service. He previously served as a City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem, and also served as a County Commissioner for four years, where he managed and worked with a million-dollar budget. Through these roles, he has gained valuable experience in city and county budgeting, municipal operations, and addressing the concerns of Fairfield citizens.
“I am running for Mayor of Fairfield, Texas, because I believe in strengthening our city through leadership, accountability, and service to our people,” he explains.
Michael says that his key priorities and concerns include:
1. Strengthening City Leadership and Administration – “I believe it is essential to have a strong City Administrator working closely with the Mayor to develop budgets, set agendas, and implement programs that support both city employees and the community.” He feels this can be accomplished by improved communication between leadership and City Council, ensuring informed and wise decision-making, and establishing clear goals and direction for city operations.
2. Supporting and Valuing City Employees – “Our city employees are the backbone of Fairfield, and they deserve to be valued and supported.” This can be accomplished by ensuring timely and fair employee evaluations, providing consistent, merit-based raises, setting clear performance goals and expectations, and promoting a culture of appreciation and accountability.
3. Improving Infrastructure and Roads – “Some of our roads have gone without proper attention for decades, and it is time we address these long-standing issues.” This things can be accomplished by prioritizing repair and maintenance of aging roads, developing long-term infrastructure improvement plans, and investing in the safety and accessibility of our streets.
4. Encouraging Economic Growth and Business Development – “We must create an environment where businesses can thrive without placing unnecessary burdens on our citizens.” To accomplish this, we must reduce excessive restrictions and costs for new businesses, attract new companies to Fairfield, support local entrepreneurs, and expand the tax base to reduce the financial burden on residents.
5. Transparency and Communication in Government – “It is important that our City Council members are fully informed and equipped to make the best decisions for our community.” He feels the city needs to ensure accurate and timely information is shared, strengthen collaboration between the Mayor, City Administrator, and staff, and promote transparency in all city matters.
Michael concludes by saying, “I am committed to serving the people of Fairfield with integrity, experience, and a vision for a stronger future. Together, we can build a city that supports its employees, improves its infrastructure, and welcomes growth—without placing unnecessary burdens on its citizens.”
–Roger Keeton (Place 1 Candidate): Roger McDaniel Keeton, known as Roger, is originally from Drakesboro, Kentucky, but he is a long-time resident of Fairfield, who is single with no children.
Roger is a Liberty University Graduate School student, currently studying for a master’s degree in history. He is only 15 credits away from graduation. He also has 97 credits towards a bachelor’s degree.
Roger is a former member of the Fairfield City Council, serving from 2023-2025.
He feels that the city did a great job this year in approving pay raises for city employees. “I think that is something that was long overdue from even my time on the council,” he explains.
Roger would like to see the city bring in a movie theater, so citizens don’t have to travel as far as Corsicana just to see a movie. “I know that the Fairfield Economic Development Corporation has to make that recommendation, but I intend to use my influence to get them to do it,” he says.
He also states that, “The city has got to solve the problem of how to integrate the City Administrator into the leadership position of Fairfield without disruption to the powers of Mayor and City Councilmen.”
Roger concludes by saying, “I sincerely hope and intend to graduate from Liberty in the fall of this year around August so that I can fully utilize all of my academic skills for the betterment of Fairfield.”
–Bill Freeman (Place 1 Candidate): Though originally from Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Bill currently resides in Fairfield with his wife. He has four children, three stepchildren, and nine grandchildren.
Bill serves as the Area Supervisor for SONIC and has been in management for the past 37 years.
He feels that the city, over the past year, has excelled at bringing the community together, and working towards bringing Fairfield to a better living.
One thing he would like to see improved is the city streets.
The most pressing issue he feels the city is facing is the concerns of Fairfield citizens. He believes that the best approach is to listen to their concerns and to explain the steps that need to be taken to see to those needs.
“I am a hard-working person, and I will work hard for the town of Fairfield,” he concludes.
–Kenny Hughes (Place 2 Candidate): Kenny is a life-long resident of Fairfield. He and his wife Nicole have two daughters, Olivia Hughes Carlisle and Avi Hughes.
Kenny is employed as the accountant for DHMG in Fairfield.
He feels he brings proven leadership and a deep commitment to the community. “I served nine years on the City Council and seven years as Mayor of Fairfield, giving me hands-on experience with the challenges and opportunities our city faces. As a lifelong Fairfield native, I understand the unique needs of our rural community and the importance of protecting our values while planning responsibly for the future. My experience, local knowledge, and dedication will help ensure that Fairfield continues to grow in a way that benefits all of our residents.”
Kenny explains that Fairfield is located on the I-45 corridor and is seeing real progress. “Our industrial park is expanding, making our marketplace a prime location for regional shipping and industrial needs, creating more jobs. Our parks and public spaces continue to improve. Our priority must be responsible local growth that strengthens jobs, infrastructure, and quality of life — without burdening families and businesses with new fees or taxes. We can plan smart, invest strategically, and partner with the private sector to grow from within while preserving the community we love,” he says.
He feels that one of the most pressing issues facing the City of Fairfield is housing availability and affordability. “Many residents and working families are finding it increasingly difficult to find suitable housing within the community. To address this, the city should partner with responsible builders and developers to make it easier and more affordable to build housing. By streamlining permitting, reducing unnecessary barriers, and encouraging efficient development, Fairfield can increase the supply of suitable homes while maintaining the quality and character of the community,” he explains.
Kenny concludes by saying, “Many people have asked why I stepped down as Mayor last year and am now seeking to serve on the City Council. After my cancer diagnosis and the journey through treatment and remission, I was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. At that time, I felt I could not give our wonderful city the energy and attention it truly deserved. Today, I am grateful to say I am stronger than ever. That experience gave me a renewed appreciation for community, service, and the people who make our town so special. I’m ready to once again serve and represent the town I love so very much.”
–Toni Abram (Place 2 Candidate): Toni is a lifelong resident of Fairfield. She is single with four children and serves as Inside Sales Manager for Publishing Concepts Inc.
When asked what qualifications and skills she would bring to City Council, she explains, “I bring a heart for people, a strong connection to this community, and proven leadership rooted in service. As a mother of four, I understand firsthand the importance of safe streets, strong schools, and meaningful opportunities for our youth. My involvement in community events has allowed me to build relationships, listen closely, and stay connected to what truly matters to the citizens of Fairfield.”
She continues saying, “In my leadership experience, I’ve learned how to bring people together, communicate effectively, and stay focused on solutions. I’m not afraid to ask tough questions or challenge the status quo when something isn’t working; but I also believe real progress comes from collaboration and accountability. I will lead with transparency, intention, and a commitment to serve the entire community. My goal is to make sure every voice is heard and that the decisions we make reflect the needs and values of the people of Fairfield.”
Over the last 12 months, she believes that the City Council has made progress in areas such as infrastructure, particularly with the addition of new highway exits that support growth and accessibility in our community. She believes those types of improvements are important as our city continues to develop.
“At the same time, I believe there is an opportunity for us to grow even stronger as a council. At times, our city has felt divided, and there has been more of a “me” mindset than a “we” mindset. When that happens, it can slow down the kind of meaningful progress our citizens are looking for. While there have been visible improvements, many residents—including myself—are still waiting to see that same level of progress reflected in our neighborhoods and everyday quality of life. That tells me there is still important work to be done. Moving forward, I believe our greatest opportunity is to come together, focus on shared goals, and ensure that decisions are made with the entire community in mind. When we shift from division to collaboration, we put ourselves in a much stronger position to truly serve the people of Fairfield.”
When asked one thing she would like to see improved and how she would do that as a council member, she states, “One thing I would like to see improved in our community is the condition of our city streets. Too many of our roads are in need of repair, and that impacts everyone—from families getting their children to school safely to small businesses serving our community each day. As a leader, I believe in being both proactive and accountable. As a member of City Council, I would begin by listening to residents and identifying the most critical areas in need of attention. From there, I would work with city leadership to ensure we are prioritizing resources effectively, creating a clear plan, and following through. This isn’t just about fixing roads—it’s about building trust. Our community deserves to see progress, not just hear promises. I would be committed to keeping citizens informed, setting clear expectations, and making sure the work gets done in a way that reflects the pride we have in Fairfield.”
She goes on to say, “One of the most pressing issues facing our city is the lack of opportunities and safe spaces for our youth. This is not a new concern—it’s something I’ve seen since I was a child growing up here. Outside of the county fair and agricultural activities for a couple of weeks in the summer, or church events, there are very limited options for our young people to stay engaged and involved. I truly believe that when we don’t create positive outlets for our youth, we leave room for negative influences to take their place. That’s something we’ve seen over time, and it’s something we have the ability to change.”
Continuing, she says, “I would propose the development of a youth event center a safe, welcoming space where young people can gather, participate in activities, and be supported by volunteers and community mentors. This would not only give them something to be a part of, but also strengthen the future of our community as a whole. In addition, we must address the condition of our city streets. There are roads that are simply not drivable, and that impacts daily life for our residents. It’s time to move past excuses and focus on real, actionable solutions. While there are certainly other issues that need attention, these are two of the most immediate and impactful. I am committed to listening, taking action, and working alongside our community to create meaningful, lasting improvements for the citizens of Fairfield.”
In closing, she wants voters to know that she truly cares about this community and the people in it. “Fairfield isn’t just where I live, it’s home. It’s where I’m raising my children, and I am deeply invested in the future we are building together. As a mother, I see our city through the eyes of both a parent and a community member. I want safe streets, strong opportunities for our youth, and a local economy where small businesses can grow and thrive. But more than anything, I want every citizen to feel heard and represented. I am not running because I have all the answers; I am running because I am willing to listen, to learn, and to lead with integrity. I believe in working together to find solutions that move our city forward while preserving the small-town values we all appreciate. This campaign is about all of us. I am committed to being a voice for the entire community and making sure that what matters most to our citizens stays at the center of every decision.”
City of Teague
3 Positions: Mayor, Place 1 & Place 3.
Running for Mayor are Lois Ann Mims, Jack Hansel, and Timothy Campbell; for Place 1 is incumbent Ron Rasbeary, and for Place 3 are incumbent Rhonda Jones and Justin Wayne Johnson.
–Lois Ann Mims (Mayor Candidate): A Teague native, Lois Ann has three sons: Brendan Mims, Austin Christle and Corey Christle; and three grandchildren: Caileb Mims, Kehlunia Mims, and Amiyah Christle.
She has a bachelor’s in business and two master’s in business and is currently employed as a Residential Specialist (Behavior Tech).
Over the past 12 months, she feels the city has excelled at forming unity in the community.
What she would like to see improved are roads and businesses. She wants to look into what grants are available to the city for these matters.
“We need a strategy to improve out town and unity to keep looking for ideals to help our town,” she explains. “We are a loving community, and we should always look for ideas or proposals to build for our children, family and community.”
–Jack ‘Butch’ Hansel (Mayor Candidate): Originally from Indiana, Butch currently lives in Teague with his wife.
He has retired from the Air Force after 45 years of service. During his time in service, he oversaw several multimillion-dollar contracts.
Seeing as he is retired, he says he will be able to dedicate more time to the position of Mayor, should he be elected.
“As Mayor, I would like to see our roads improved,” he explains. “I will do a lot of research to see if there is state grant money that we could apply for.”
Butch sees the most pressing issues to the city as streets, budget, and water drainage. His plan is to work with the council and citizens of Teague, as well as to do intense research to see if there is money in the state budget to help smaller cities.”
He concludes by saying, “I am a Christian man and serve as a deacon at Corinth Baptist Church in Dew, Texas.”
–Timothy Campbell (Mayor Candidate): Timothy says, “I’ve been a sitting council member for the last 3 years. I’m currently in my second term. My best attribute as councilman has been, and will be if elected mayor, my focus on the people. In each vote I’ve cast I’ve considered the people of Teague at the very front of the issue. As mayor that will not only continue to be my primary focus, but it will also be the driving force behind my administration’s priorities.”
He feels that over the past 12 months, the city has done some good things. “We have started a program to replace homes that qualify for the HOME Grant, we have also started the process to clean up lots that are destroyed or inhabitable. Also, thanks to the hard work of department heads, city employees, and council members spending was reduced to create a budget surplus for the first time in years,” he says.
Timothy feels that the most pressing issue facing the city is “Obviously the infrastructure, which keeps our city from growing and developing. Paired with tough local economic regulations it’s very difficult for businesses to create meaningful growth and development. To solve these issues, I would like to work with city council, business owners, developers, and citizens to create a more efficient process to overcome our growing infrastructure deficit. This would include major investments in new water, sewer, and roads backed by grant writing and capital investment from the current capital holdings of the city.”
He concludes by saying, “I am a lifelong resident of Teague. I have so much love for this little piece of earth and the people that make it so amazing. I believe it’s time for the city leadership to dig into the playbook of the people. Be there for your neighbors and a little hospitality goes a long way. I envision our city employees to strive for excellent community services and to maintain at the forefront that the people we serve are the only reason we have our positions. Together we can create a community that works together for the best chance of success of our small city. I would love to earn your vote on May 2. If you have any questions or would like to know anything about my vision for the next 2 years please reach out 903-922-5932 is my cell text or call and leave a voice mail and I will get back to you!”
–Ron Rasbeary (Place 1 Incumbent): Ron stated that he was out of town and was not available to complete the questionnaire in time for press.
–Rhonda Jones (Place 3 Incumbent): Rhonda was born and raised on the east coast of South Carolina but has spent the past 50 years in Teague.
She was married to Thomas Jones for 35 years until his passing in December 2025; she has two sons, Shane Port and Nathan Jones, both Teague HS Graduates; and three grandchildren, two married, and one just completing Texas A&M. She is looking forward to having great grands.
Rhonda says that she is a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church and is retired after serving 25 years in local banking.
She has served two nonconsecutive terms as alderman between 2020-2026.
Over the past 12 months, she feels the city has excelled in having a “Balanced budget, updating city ordinances, enforcing code regulations, such as taking action on the abatement of several substandard buildings, approval for Texas Parks & Wildlife local grant for the 8th Ave. Park location. Projects to include ADA walking trails and Covered picnic tables/BBQ grills. We have also been approved for the HOME GRANT that will provide homeowner rehabilitation assistance to low-income households living in the worst conditions. Teague will pay $6,000.00 per home built or rehabilitated with no cost to applicant.”
As a member of the city council, she would like to see continued improvements of the streets, and removal of abandoned buildings/homes, as well as improvements on the city airport with additional hangers and a new fuel system. She believes these things would help bring business to the town.
She concludes by saying, “The most pressing issues seem to be the unsightly conditions of abandoned properties that are attracting unwanted individuals that could be a threat to our neighborhoods. If reelected, I will continue to work with our legal team to resolve these issues.”
–Justin Wayne Johnson (Place 3 Candidate): Justin is a native of Orange, Texas, but currently resides in Teague.
He and his wife recently celebrated 19 years of marriage. Together they have a 16-year-old son who is a junior at Teague High School.
Justin is an Engineering Project Coordinator at Nucor Steel Texas.
In his professional life, his job is to evaluate and address a variety of issues in a complex and dynamic environment. “Whether maintaining roadways, drainage, roofs, or new builds, the focus is always on providing a solution that is safe, provides the most value, and serves the Team for many years into the future,” he explains. “I believe I can bring that same attitude and mindset to my role on the Teague City Council.”
Justin was excited to learn that a new grant was submitted and approved by Texas Parks and Wildlife to make improvements to the 8th Ave City Park. “It is important to me that our residents have safe places and activities to enjoy time with their families. I would be proud to bring whatever knowledge I can provide to help continue what the city has started.”
He goes on to say, “I would like to help create opportunities that will drive a restored sense of community and pride in our town. Continued efforts to help clean up our city, get our residents engaged with more events, and support local businesses.”
When asked what the most pressing issue faced by the city, he says, “To be perfectly honest, I don’t know what the city’s most pressing issue is. Teague certainly has its challenges, but there is so much good here too. I will never claim to have all the answers, but if given the opportunity to serve the community, I want to listen and learn what our issues are. I will always be open-minded, honest, and try to do what is best for Teague.”
He concludes by saying, “My wife was born and raised in Teague. Her pride and enthusiasm for Teague was evident from the day we met, 25 years ago. We lived in the Dallas area for many years before moving to Teague in 2020 to be closer to family. We have truly never been happier than we are in Teague, and I would be proud to help serve the community.”
City of Wortham
3 Positions at-Large.
Candidates include incumbent Michael Busby, Leonard Smith, Kelly Calame, and Rosie Keathley.
–Michael Busby (Incumbent): No response was received from this candidate.
–Leonard Ray Smith II (Candidate): Leonard is originally from Pheonix, AZ but currently resides in Wortham with his wife of 6 years and 4-year-old son.
He serves as a firefighter and paramedic.
Leonard brings a background in public services with strong communication skills and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Through my experience working with people in high-pressure situations, I’ve developed the ability to listen, make sound decisions, and act in the best interest of the community. I understand the importance of teamwork, leadership, and staying grounded in the needs of everyday citizens,” he explains.
He says that over the past year, the council has made progress in maintaining essential services and continuing operations during challenging times. He says, “Their efforts to keep the community functioning and address ongoing needs such as infrastructure, education and public safety, are appreciated and worth building upon.”
Leonard would like to see more transparency and communication with the public. “Too often, decisions feel disconnected from the people they affect. I would prioritize regular public updates, clearer communication, and more opportunities for community input. By creating open channels and holding leadership accountable, we can rebuild trust and ensure decisions reflect the will of the people.”
He feels that one of the most pressing issues the city faces is leadership overreach and lack of autonomy for key departments. He says that departments like police and utilities need the ability to operate effectively without unnecessary interference. “My approach would be to clearly define roles, support department leaders, and ensure oversight without micromanagement. This creates efficiency, improves morale, and leads to better service for the community.”
Leonard concludes by saying, “I’m not running for a title – I’m running to serve. I believe in accountability, common-sense leadership, and putting the community first. I will always be accessible, honest, and committed to doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy.”
–Kelly Calame (Candidate): Though originally from Navasota, Texas, Kelly currently resides in Wortham with her husband of 30 years and together they three kids.
She is a homemaker, previous manager, and marketing representative.
Kelly has previously served on Wortham City Council and feels that her previous experience will be an asset in moving forward for the citizens of the community that she feels so strongly about. “I have managed multimillion-dollar department with 26 employees; we created streamlined processing an efficient and balanced budget progress. We need to implement strong communication with our citizens and encourage citizens participation.”
She feels that the current council has been able to keep things operating but the city is at a time where it needs to build a long-term plan for the community.
“Communication with our citizens needs to improve, encourage more citizen participation,” she explains. “I would like to see a committee of citizens to aid in planning, needs and setting a plan for 5, 10, 20 years. Wortham is a great community and has a lot to offer anyone who would like to make Wortham their home. We as a community need to plan on how we accept that potential growth. As elected City officials, having citizen input is so important to our success. We should be open to hearing their thoughts and concerns. I would like for all stakeholders to be involved in a Citizen Committee, City Council, School Board, EDC, Chamber of Commerce, Business owners, if we can get all involved and set out a plan we can help their growth in our community.”
When asked what the most pressing issue faced by the city is, she explains that many council meetings are cancelled due to no quorum and therefore they can’t effectively lead the city when mandatory meetings are not being held.
She feels the city is in dire need of infrastructure, road repairs, and ordinance compliance, which will take work on part of city employees, council, the Mayor, and citizens.
“If I am elected, I will be at the meetings to represent the citizens, listen to all of the issues, try to have answers of where we are and how we can try to get there or at least know why something may not be happening as fast as our citizens would like. Communication is key and being open to listening and taking our citizens, who are our stakeholders, concern seriously and find the answers or fixes. I will work with the city employees to make sure our citizens are getting the best possible outcomes. I know the city employees want to do what’s best for the community and we need to all work together to obtain these goals.”
She goes on to say, “I have management experience and when previously on council I always researched the agenda items and checked to confirm we were following the statutory laws. If I had questions of process, I asked for explanations and made my votes based on information that was provided.”
Kelly concludes, saying, “My move to Wortham was in part because of my husband who is from here, I fell in love with Wortham because of its people. It is a great community and needs to be heard on their concerns and needs. We have a beautiful community . Its people are some of the best I have been around; we need to lean into that and ask for community involvement as to where they would like to see Wortham grow and what its future will look like. I ask for your vote in order to truly represent the community.”
–Rosie Keathley (Candidate): Rosie was born in Kerens, Texas; attended Coolidge and Wortham schools; and graduated from Wortham HS in 1966.
She and husband Andy have five children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Rosie is retired after 28 years as the Executive Director of Public housing; 8 years in Wortham, and 20 years in Mexia.
She feels that her people skills, budget knowledge, and common-sense approach make her a qualified candidate.
One thing she would like to see improved at the city is meeting attendance, accountability, and transparency. She says, “I will study, pray, and show up.”
Rosie feels that the most pressing issue faced by the city is the lack of unity and team spirit. “I would work with all the members to set goals for team building.”
She concludes, saying, “I love serving God and His people. He will always be my first priority, and I will always seek His wisdom for all that I say or do as a council member.”
City of Streetman
3 Positions: Mayor and both Commissioners.
Running for Mayor is Barbara Polk. Candidates for Commissioner are Krysta Buss, Belinda Owen, and Subrenna Turner.
–Barbara Polk (Mayor Candidate): Barbara is a lifetime resident of Streetman. She is single with two children – Antwuan Polk and Antwanise Jackson and two grandchildren – Antwuan Polk, Jr. and Maya Polk.
She is currently employed at the Mexia State Supported Living Center as a DSP-V and has been there for the past 47 years.
Barbara feels she brings strong management skills, motivation, and the ability to build a good cohesive team which can provide for all the citizens of Streetman. “I truly believe if you pray about it, God will prevail.”
Over the past year, the City of Streetman has gone through some major changes in leadership. “We hope to move forward for the betterment of Streetman,” she says.
Barbara would like to see better streets, the dilapidated houses torn down, and affordable housing and jobs to help the growth of the city.
When asked what she feels is the most pressing issue facing the city, she states, “I think having enough water to supply the city could become an issue. Honestly, I don’t have a remedy other than reaching out to other sources.”
She concludes, saying, “I’ve been a Commissioner for the City of Streetman for 10 years. I’m dedicated and a team player.”
–Krysta Buss (Commissioner Candidate): Krysta is originally from Hellertown, PA, but she, her husband, and three kids relocated to Streetman within the past couple of years.
She currently works as a dog trainer.
Krysta explains that while she has never been in a government position, she is confident that she can do an amazing job for Streetman.
She feels that the city is starting to make improvements in things that the citizens have asked for, such as online bill payment for water bills.
“I would like to see more community events and things for the children who are growing up here,” she says.
She feels that a pressing issue for the city is the large number of dogs that get dumped in the city limits. Krysta would like to hear from citizens what their concerns are so those can be worked on.
She concludes by saying, “I am passionate about anything I do. Part of that especially is getting everyone to come together. Coming from a small town, I want the kids to be able to make memories where they live, not 20-30 minutes or more away.”
–Belinda Owen (Commissioner Candidate): No response was received from this candidate.
–Subrenna Turner (Incumbent Commissioner): Subrenna stated that she had a family emergency out of state and would not be able to complete the questionnaire in time for press.
