FROM THE EDITOR
Filing for May 3 races for local city councils and school boards opened Jan. 15 and, in Taylor, close 5 p.m. Feb. 14 — Valentine’s Day.
While it’s doubtful political rivals will be handing out chocolates and heart-shaped candies to each other, one can only hope their campaigns will remain civil and respectful.
That’s not a lot to wish for.
The last cycle of political races in this region for city halls got pretty nasty, with derogatory handbills showing up in mailboxes and social-media sites turning into invective-charged cesspools.
Candidates, let’s avoid all of that nonsense this campaign season.
National politics get nasty enough. No sense transferring that ugly vibe to our pleasant and generally tolerant towns here in eastern Williamson County.
Politics is a spectator sport, so for those of you keeping a close eye on the races, here are the spots up for grabs: On the Taylor City Council, open seats include District 1, currently held by Gerald Anderson, and District 4, represented by Robert Garcia.
According to the city website, Gregg Redden is the only candidate at this time to file for the Place 1 seat. In Place 4, the candidates tossing their hats into the ring include Heather Pacharzina Long, Gordon Pettey and Patrick V. Hatteling.
In Hutto, voters have chance to elect a mayor; the incumbent is Mike Snyder. Also in the running are City Council places 3 and 6, held by Randal Clark and Amberley Kolar, respectively.
The filing deadline in Hutto is Feb. 17.
Folks are also expected to jockey for the school boards.
On the ballot for the Taylor Independent School District board are places 3, 4 and 5, currently held by board Assistant Secretary Cheryl Carter, board President Marco Ortiz and Joseph Meller, respectively.
Just down U.S. 79, the Hutto Independent School District board also has three seats open. Board President Billie Logiudice, board Vice President Shannon Jacobs and Terrence Owens all have terms that are expiring.
So far, there is no official word yet on whether these councils or school-district trustees want to float bond issues or other propositions.
It’s cold and chilly now, but if today’s politics follow past trends, some of these races are sure to heat up.
Grab some popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show, but also don’t forget to vote on Election Day. It will be here sooner than you think.
Edwards is the executive editor of Granite Media Partners Inc., owners of the Taylor Press. Reach him at thomas. edwards@ granitemediapartners. com.
