Tuesday, December 10, 2024
The Gatesville City Council swore in two new city council members at a regular meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14 at City Hall.
Following a canvass of the votes and declaration of the results from the Nov. 5 election, the oath was administered to the two incoming city council members, Jon Salter and Kalinda Westbrook, as well as re-elected Councilmember Joe Patterson and Mayor Gary Chumley. The council also recognized outgoing members Barbara Burrow and John Westbrook.
Kalinda Westbrook won the race for Ward 2, Place 6, with 1,811 votes against Willie Joe Taylor, who received 856 votes. She will assume the seat of departing Councilmember John Westbrook, her husband.
Encouraged to run for the seat by her husband, Kalinda Westbrook said she is honored by the election win.
“I'm really excited. We've been in the community for 42 years, so I know a lot of the people here and a lot about the way we do things,” she said. “It’s great to be involved in the goings on. This is a great community, and we do wonderful things.”
She adds that she looks forward to bringing her experience in the school finance business to the council.
“The budgeting and the financing, all of that is very similar, the grants and guidelines and things,” she said. “I have kind of a comfort level there that other people might not have.”
Salter ran uncontested with 2,630 votes for the spot of Ward 1, Place 2, replacing outgoing Councilmember Burrow.
“I just think it's a good honor to serve your community, to give back to your community,” Salter said. “I’ve always been one that gives back so I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully, I can help out in any way possible.”
Patterson was re-appointed to Ward 2, Place 4 after running uncontested with 2,640 votes.
“My decision to seek re-appointment stems from a sense of responsibility to do my part to preserve and improve the town where I was raised,” he said. “It has been rewarding and humbling to serve on the council, and I look forward to doing my part to help Gatesville survive and thrive, like it has done for 170 years.”
He said his goals for Gatesville are to increase housing supply, attract and incentivize job creators, and to address longstanding infrastructure issues.
“I believe Gatesville is in a good spot to not only address immediate needs, but to think long-term about what Gatesville will become in the next several decades,” he said. “We have several factors that make me feel optimistic about our future: good schools, access to quality healthcare, high-speed internet finally coming, excellent city staff, and a solid financial position.”
“I encourage others to share their hopes, views, and thoughts and to get involved in the process,” he adds.
The three council members and the mayor were sworn in by City Secretary Wendy Cole. Chumley received 1,823 votes in his race for the office of Gatesville mayor against Leo Corona who received 1,172 votes.
The city council also appointed a new mayor pro-tem, Councilmember Greg Casey. The spot was previously held by Councilmember Meredith Rainer. The purpose of the role is to perform the duties of the mayor in his absence.
The newly appointed mayor pro-tem term will last until next year’s election in November.
