Early Voting for three City Council seats is now open at Blanco City Hall during their regular business hours. Election Day is May 10, and will be held in the Byars Building on the Square from 7 am to 7pm. You must have a valid photo ID in order to vote.
Here is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID: Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS, Texas personal identification card issued by DPS, Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS, United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph, United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph, or a United States passport.
Blanco City Council Election uses a multi-member plurality voting system. “The plurality voting system is a single-winner voting system often used to elect executive officers or to elect members of a legislative assembly which is based on single-member constituencies. This voting method is also used in multi-member constituencies in what is referred to as an exhaustive counting system where one member is elected at a time and the process repeated until the number of vacancies is filled.” - www.princeton.edu
Blanco County News gave each candidate the opportunity to answer a few questions on their views and reasons for running. Answers are listed in order received.
Jim Raby
What is Blanco's largest need/weakness, and how would you see it fulfilled/fixed?
I believe the biggest weakness our city has at this point is leadership. I hope that my knowledge and work ethic can help to bring this to our city council. Six years of service in the United States Marine Corps and 15 years of owning successful business’s has prepared me for the task at hand.
What strength would you see the City of Blanco utilize better/differently?
I would like to see the City of Blanco use of their Public Works department more wisely. My main concern as it sits today is our water supply and the lines that deliver it to our residents.
Why are you the best candidate to sit on Blanco's City Council?
I feel that I am the best candidate because I genuinely care about the City of Blanco and how it grows. I want to see it grow but I want to see it grow in the right way without losing who we are. I want all citizens to be treated fairly and equally without any personal agendas affecting them and I will work hard to make sure this happens.
Martin Sauceda
What is Blanco's largest need/weakness, and how would you see it fulfilled/fixed?
I think our biggest need is to make sure our water and sewer plants can adequately handle our current requirements and have the capacity for future growth. There are several things in the works that will ensure we will be positioned to handle the load for several years.
What strength would you see the City of Blanco utilize better/differently?
I think the fact that we are less than an hour away from two major cities, is a strength that could utilized better. The success of several of the events hosted in Blanco shows that we are a great destination to visit. We need to continue to support these events and help find other ways to get people to stop and visit Blanco as they are traveling through.
Why are you the best candidate to sit on Blanco's City Council?
I believe I work well with the Mayor and the rest of City Council. I always try to get input from members of the community when decisions need to be made. We have made many improvements to the city since I’ve been on Council, including the new Police Department building and the renovations to City Hall. I hope we will continue to work together to make more improvements to the city and tackle any new issues that may come our way.
Al Turner
There are many problems facing our city right now. In my opinion the greatest is the sewer plant and the need to bring it up to date and meet the numerous requirements the State has placed upon the City. I don't have all the answers. I may not be the best candidate for the job but, I am willing to give it my best.
Bobby McClung
What is Blanco's largest need/weakness, and how would you see it fulfilled/fixed?
The city is facing the need for upgrades to its water and waste water infrastructure. These issues have been on the table for some time and have been discussed at length. I am encouraged that over the last three years the Council has taken steps to educate themselves as to the operation of these systems and what options may present themselves, but it is now time to determine a firm path forward and proceed with adequate improvements.
These improvements cannot happen overnight and will take a variety of steps over several years. It is important to finalize a plan and move forward now so we can meet the needs of a growing Blanco five or more years down the road.
What strength would you see the City of Blanco utilize better/differently?
Blanco has an historic Texas town square that attracts folks to Blanco for sightseeing and special events. What is often less obvious is the value that the square plays in attracting new businesses and new residents to our community. The intrinsic benefits of a vital and energized town square supporting commerce and family activity in Downtown Blanco cannot be overstated.
There has been a great deal of interest and energy expended by our citizens to improve the streets and walkways around the square through initiatives such as the Visionaries in Preservation and most recently the work done by the City sanctioned Streetscape Committee. The City could do a better job of embracing these efforts and in keeping revitalization on the square and along Main Street a higher priority.
Why are you the best candidate to sit on Blanco's City Council?
Having been involved in local Government and the issues confronting the Blanco community since 1994 makes me a well qualified candidate to serve on the City Council. However, Blanco has been blessed by having many qualified and competent citizens interested in supporting our community. The other candidates on the upcoming ballot are also each uniquely qualified to serve Blanco and deserve your support.
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