San Angelo City Council Refines Police Chief Election Ballot Language

SAN ANGELO, TX – The San Angelo City Council on Tuesday morning re-enforced the language on the upcoming ballot for the elected vs appointed police chief election.

During the consent agenda, on Feb. 7, 2023, Council Member Karen Hesse-Smith pulled item N. The item read: Consider resolutions calling and ordering the May 6, 2023 elections, authorizing the execution of an agreement for Election Services with Tom Green County Elections Administration, and authorizing the City Manager to execute all related documents for: 1. a General Election for Single Member District Council Members 1, 3, and 5, and 2. a Special Election reviewing the Chief of Police provisions in the City Charter (Heather Stastny)

Hesse-Smith told the council that she had pulled the item because of the wording regarding the special election. On the ballot, one item states that if someone wanted to run for police chief in San Angelo they must be a Lieutenant for the SAPD. When the item was first brought to the council it was confirmed that this would leave the pool at 60 candidates.

Because of the qualifications being a Lieutenant that moves the pool from 60 candidates to eight.

The council discussed the issue in detail and ended up siding with Hesse-Smith. Now instead of Lieutenant the ballot will say Sergeant. This special election will take place on May 6, 2023. Early voting will take place two weeks prior.