11 compete in council elections

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

A changing of the guard is in order for the Lockhart City Council, as two long-time incumbents have decided to leave their seats at the end of this year, and several newcomers have thrown their hats into the political arena.

After serving on the Lockhart City Council for the better part of 20 years, District 2 council

man and Mayor Pro Tem Frank Estrada has decided to retire from political service, opting not to file for re-election on the city election ballot on Nov. 2.

Three hopefuls have stepped up in hopes of taking his place: John Castillo, Suzanna Olson and Vincent Ortiz.

District One will also see a change, with Councilman Kenny Roland opting to step down after 12 years of service. Juan Mendoza, Dyral Thomas and Kerry Gaddis each hope to fill Roland’s seat.

Five candidates will compete for the two Councilmember At Large positions. Incumbents Richard “Dick” Wieland and Paul Gomez seeking third and fourth terms, respectively. Additionally, Rick Womble, Angie Gonzales-Sanchez and Doug Shomette have filed for election. The two top vote-getters of the five will serve on the council.

An important election at a precarious time, the results of the election could bring about a shift in the majority of the council, with the guarantee of two new members, and the possibility of as many as four.

The remaining single-member districts, currently occupied by Lew White and Richard Banks, as well as the mayor’s seat, will open for election next year.

The City of Lockhart election will be held in conjunction with November’s general election. For information on the candidates and full coverage as the race progresses, watch future issues of the Lockhart Post-Register.