Unfortunately, The “Times” coverage of Teague candidates for this year’s City Aldermen election will not be as comprehensive as we had planned, as only two were in attendance for last week’s Candidates Forum hosted by Teague Chamber of Commerce.
Answering questions from voters were incumbent Jamie West, who had been appointed as Alderman Place IV just three months ago, and candidate Sara Trevino for Alderman Place II.
Emcee Roy Vasquez informed attendees that candidate Asa Scott Adami (for Alderman Place V) was unable to attend due to a family situation.
The morning prior to the event, candidate Bridgett Gauntt (for Alderman Place IV) announced on social media her decision not to attend the Chamber’s candidate forum:
“I truly feel that this forum will not be an unbiased one,” said her post. “Instead, maybe this would be a good time for the other three candidates to be asked questions and hear concerns from the citizens, like we were able to do during our Town Hall.”
A Town Hall had been held on March 20th for candidates Bridgett Gaunt, former Alderman Jerry Ballew (for Place II), and Timothy Campbell (for Place V). Freestone County Times did not attend as we did not learn of the event until after it had passed.
In the last several days, both sets of candidates have held in-person “Meet & Greet” events to allow voters an opportunity to get to know their stance on the issues.
Facebook users can also learn more about this year’s Teague candidates by visiting the following pages:
—Teague Team for Responsible Government
Here are a few things we learned about candidates Jamie West and Sara Trevino during last week’s forum:
Trevino over 15 years assisting with education and over 4 years of municipality work, both with the City of Belton and the City of Teague. She is passionate about the small town she lives in and wants to help with the city’s growth.
West is a Family Nurse Practitioner in the community, and owner of West Healthcare Services LLC, making her familiar with developing budgets and supervising employees. Her vision is for everyone to come together as a community to improve the City of Teague.
When asked about the most pressing issues currently faced by the City of Teague, incumbent Alderwoman West was quick to talk about the City’s infrastructure.
“It’s been like this for as long as I can remember,” she said. “So, it’s not going to be fixed overnight either.” Although grants are a viable option, according to West, fixing and updating Teague’s infrastructure will take time and money.
While Candidate Trevino agreed that infrastructure is a vital issue, “We also need something for our kids.”
Ideas for improvements to the City Park was discussed by both candidates.
When asked about specific things that the candidates could address these issues in their first 30 to 90 days, the discussion turned to hiring and retaining city employees. “Turnover has been a huge issue,” said West.
During the Q&A session with audience members, citizen Lovie Whyte spoke of the need for activities for the youth to keep them out of trouble.
“I can say I am with you on that,” said Trevino.
In closing remarks, Jamie West addressed some of the issues brought up by opposing candidates, referencing City Ordinance, and pointing out decisions made by a previous Board of Alderman that included approving votes from former Alderman Jerry Ballew.
Early Voting began Monday and continues 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 24th – Friday, April 28th; and on Monday, May 1st and Tuesday, May 2nd at Teague City Hall.
Election Day is Saturday, May 6th with polls open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. City of Teague voters (Teague #5 and Teague #9) will cast their ballots at Teague City Hall, 105 S. 4th Ave.
On the ballot for the City of Teague includes the following:
–Place II: Jerry Ballew and Sara Trevino
–Place IV: Jamie West and Bridget Gauntt
–Place V: Timothy Campbell and Asa Scott Adami
GO VOTE!
