LAST CALL for May Ballot
Anyone wishing to be included on the upcoming May ballot must have their papers filed with
the City of Garland’s Secretary by February 17. The City Council seats open for election or
reelection are: Districts 3,6, 7, & 8. The position of mayor is also open to challengers who may
wish to replace Mayor Douglas Athas.
The term length for council members and the mayoral position are two years. Council
members and the mayor are limited to three terms, or six years, before term limits require that
they step down. Applicants must live in the district they are applying for at least 6 months.
Mayor Douglas Athas is completing his second term and will have two more years to serve,
unless a challenger wins the election. As of today, there is one challenger for Mayor’s
position.
District 3 has been represented on the Council by Stephen W. Stanley Jr, who is apparently
planning to step down after completing two terms.
District 6 has been represented by Lori Barnett Dodson, who has completed 3 terms on the
Council and is not eligible for re election.
District 7 is represented by Scott LeMay, who is running for a third term.
District 8 has been represented by Jim Cahill, who who is stepping
down after serving three
terms, due to term limits.
The five posts listed above are open to challengers who may wish to be on the May ballot. A
map clearly outlining the districts can be found on the City of Garland’s website. A City
Council Representative is elected to serve his or her constituency. It is important to know who
that person is and how to contact that individual. Those who step forward to serve are paid a
stipend in monetary form, but receive an in depth education on the inner workings of city
government. They are also in a position to benefit their districts and improve the lives of their
constituents.
Nancy Ghirla
Email: [email protected]
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