vOTE FOR MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL - EARLY VOTING NOW - ELECTION DAY IS SATURDAY MAY, 7
vOTE FOR MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL - EARLY VOTING NOW - ELECTION DAY IS SATURDAY MAY, 7
I became interested in participating in local government in high school, where I learned that the most impactful political changes affecting people's lives are local-level changes.
Running for the city council has always been a goal I've wanted to pursue. So here I am—ready to serve.
I'm a third-generation child of Ward 1. My parents l
I became interested in participating in local government in high school, where I learned that the most impactful political changes affecting people's lives are local-level changes.
Running for the city council has always been a goal I've wanted to pursue. So here I am—ready to serve.
I'm a third-generation child of Ward 1. My parents live here, many other family members live here, and my grandparents lived here when they were alive.
My lifelong experience as a resident of Ward 1 offers a focused view and deep-seated appreciation of a racially and ethnically diverse community ready to play a proactive role in Elgin's future.
I'm a graduate of Elgin High School, where after school and on weekends, I worked for Meyers Smokehouse located right here in Ward 1. Since—as an HEB employee for over a decade—I've recently been promoted to a management position.
With Elgin on the verge of historic growth and change, I believe all of our citizens need more opportunities to have their voices heard in an atmosphere of transparency and inclusivity currently lacking in our city's government, schools, and law enforcement.
And, while I'm passionate about serving all of Elgin, more than anything, I want to be a champion for the people of Ward 1 and the unique challenges, issues, and concerns affecting our lives. Because, in my opinion, Ward 1 doesn't get the attention it deserves.
As a city council member, I want to pursue all avenues of opportunity at local, state, and even federal levels to improve the educational and economic opportunities for anyone in Ward 1 who may qualify for grants, social services, and economic development opportunities.
If elected, my door and my mind will always be open to anyone interested in bettering the lives of our citizens.
Call or text me at 512-281-6668 or write to arthurgibson4ward1@gmail.com
I decided to run for the City Council seat in Ward 2 because I have a genuine desire to serve our community and help guide it to a bright future for everyone.
I'm a 20-year resident of Elgin, Texas (2 years in Ward 2) and co-owner of two small businesses in Elgin: The Clever Tiger Art Gallery and Jacks Coworking.
I'm on the Board of Dir
I decided to run for the City Council seat in Ward 2 because I have a genuine desire to serve our community and help guide it to a bright future for everyone.
I'm a 20-year resident of Elgin, Texas (2 years in Ward 2) and co-owner of two small businesses in Elgin: The Clever Tiger Art Gallery and Jacks Coworking.
I'm on the Board of Directors of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce and the Mary Christian Burleson Foundation. Also, a volunteer with the City of Elgin Main Street Board's Design Committee,
I have leadership experience in grocery, social services, retail, and non-profit management, a Bachelor's in Business Administration, and a Master's in Business Administration from St. Edward's University.
In my opinion, the biggest challenge we face is managing inevitable growth while maintaining the friendly, small-town atmosphere that's such a big part of our economy and reputation.
Balancing innovative growth policies with increasing infrastructure to meet our expanding population's needs demands the type of vision and creative leadership I'm passionate about delivering.
It also requires close working relationships between our citizens, the business community, local churches, and other organizations.
To reach our full potential, I see the need for increased communication and transparency to address the disconnects that currently exist in some relationships between city management, Ward 2 residents, and the Elgin community at large.
Focusing on recent events, I'd like to improve city/community networking during disasters by establishing a direct line of communication with hyper-local resources such as non-profits, large equipment operators, grocers, local farmers, small businesses, and more.
If you have questions or comments about issues you care deeply about or want to volunteer to help my campaign, please write to ash4elgin@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Ashley-Smith-for-City-Council-Ward-2-113089034210672
Hi! I'm Matt Callahan, candidate for Elgin City Council Ward 3.
I don't consider myself a politician—just a guy who really cares about Elgin, the people who live here, and issues that matter to all of us.
My life here in Elgin revolves around helping people.
My wife Jan and I opened TWFG Callahan Branch Insurance at 101 West Second Street
Hi! I'm Matt Callahan, candidate for Elgin City Council Ward 3.
I don't consider myself a politician—just a guy who really cares about Elgin, the people who live here, and issues that matter to all of us.
My life here in Elgin revolves around helping people.
My wife Jan and I opened TWFG Callahan Branch Insurance at 101 West Second Street here in Elgin 17 years ago. We're members of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce and accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A + Rating. I'm proud to say that most of our business comes from referrals from clients and friends. I'm also a Lions Club member volunteering as a director for our local thrift store at 108 North Main Street.
I'm running because I believe some City Council members function as a rubber-stamp for a city manager who wants things done his way without the level of transparency and participation we deserve. I aim to change that.
The good news? There's plenty of room for improvement. Here are a few examples.
The current Certificate of Obligation Bond Proposal would put the City of Elgin in debt up to $24 million. I'm all for funding critical infrastructure projects such as water treatment and roads. But, the City Council shouldn't be able to approve millions of dollars of debt obligations without allowing citizens to vote spending proposals up or down.
As an alumnus of EPD's Citizens Police Academy, I got to know many former Elgin Police Department officers—only to witness mass firings, and resignations as former Chief Patrick South gutted the department forcing over 80 years of policing experience out the door.
As a result, some excellent law enforcement officers are hesitant to apply to open positions at EPD because of its reputation for bullying and intimidation.
This may surprise you, but the City Council and the constituents they represent do not have the final say in selecting Elgin's next Chief of Police. According to the city charter, the city manager has sole authority to make that decision. Change the charter. Let the City Council decide.
Regardless, if elected, I'll do everything in my power to make sure our next Chief and our City Council are committed to improving the morale and culture of the EPD.
There are four new neighborhoods under construction in Ward 3. Lots of trucks, massive traffic. We need more sidewalks, safety issues near schools need immediate attention and, we need to work with TxDOT to remedy road issues and complaints plaguing us now.
I also think the City Council needs to collaborate with the Elgin Economic Development Corporation to attract a curated mix of new businesses to complement our city's unique personality and balance our booming residential growth.
My vision of making Elgin the best it can be is shared by many of my friends, neighbors, clients, and business associates.
Please feel free to contact me anytime. I sincerely value your input would appreciate your vote for me as a member of your Elgin City Council – Ward 3.
Call or text me at 512-285-7760 or write to mcallahan@twfg.com