The field for a Taylor City Council seat just narrowed after a candidate decided to resign from consideration in the May 4 election.
Nathan Walker will no longer run for the District 3 seat on the council. Walker was set to face Kelly Cmerek for the seat on council.
A five-year Army veteran, Walker said struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and autism were major factors in the decision to withdraw from the race.
“I was having a little too much anxiety,” Walker said. “I was having the physical symbols that said it was overstressing me, so in the interest of my health, I decided it was probably best to not continue.”
Even in the short time between filing and deciding to leave the race, Walker saw a different side of politics. “You see the city council and all the things they do, and the city staff, but you get a distant perspective of it,” Walker said. “As you run for office, you start to get a sort of view behind the curtain. It’s really fascinating.”
With an engineering background, Walker enjoyed the details and seeing how city staff and council work together.
Originally, Walker decided to run for council after studying urbanists such as Jane Jacobs and Strong Towns Media and learning the technical details of building a space. In addition, Walker said climate change and traffic safety contributed to the decision to run.
“I thought, maybe I could give it a shot. But, it turned out to be a little too much for me,” Walker said. “Even though I’m not able to contribute via city office, I still plan to make my voice heard on these topics.” The last day to register to vote is Thursday, April 4. Early voting begins April 22 and ends April 30. Election Day is Saturday May 4.
A candidate forum hosted by the Taylor Press and the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce will be held Tuesday, April 9.
Look for a voter’s guide in the Sunday, April 21 edition of the Taylor Press.
