Sara Escobar

Evening Star

There will be a Municipal Election taking place on May 6, 2017 to elect a Mayor as well as Council members for place 3 and 4. The current Mayor of Harker Heights is held by Rob Robinson, who is not seeking another term. 63-year-old Spencer Smith is the only candidate for the Mayor’s race, which is a three-year term. Smith currently holds the spot for City Council Place 3, and with his filing for Mayor, three candidates have filed to take his place. Pat Christ, Jackeline Soriano Fountain, and Laurie Williamson McElhiney are the current nominees for the City Council Place 3.

John Reider has filed for City Council Place 4, who currently holds this position. Reider is running unopposed in this race, which is also a three-year term.

The City Council and the city of Harker Heights operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The elective council enacts local legislation, adopts budgets, determines policies and employs the City Manager, currently David Mitchell. Among other things, the City Council may establish ordinances, and regulations for health, safety and welfare for current and future inhabitants of the city. Departments as well as divisions, bureaus, advisory committees and offices may be created to promote efficient and effective operations.

The Mayor’s responsibilities primarily include the presence at council meetings, and acting as head of the city for ceremonial and military purposes. The Mayor does not have any veto power, but votes as a council member.

The Mayor and City Council serve a three-year term and are eligible to run for two consecutive three year terms. A one-year vacancy must be completed before members are eligible to run for another seat after the consecutive terms.

Early voting will begin April 24, at City Hall, located at 305 Miller’s Crossing. The voting times and location are as follows:

April 24, April 26, April 27, April 28, May 2 early voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Hall.

April 25, May 1 early voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Election day voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 6 at the Recreation Center, located at 307 Miller’s Crossing. For more information on this city’s municipal election, call 254 953 5600.