Retired Police Lieutenant Announces City Council Bid

ABILENE, TX -- The Abilene City Council could have a new face next year as a new candidate throws his hat in the ring.

Councilmember Jack Rentz, who currently serves in Place 2, announced on Monday he will not seek a second term.

"I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy my time on the council until my term is up, However, I just have some other things that I would like to be doing at this time in my life," said Rentz. "Abilene has a good team of council members that work together for the benefit of the citizens of Abilene. We do not always agree on everything, which is good, but we seek to make our decisions based on what is best for Abilene."

Retired Abilene Police Department Lieutenant Lynn Beard announced he will be running for Place 2 on the city council in the May 2021 election.

Lt. Beard has been a part of the Abilene community for 36 years.

He graduated in 1990 from Wylie High School and attended Cisco College and Hardin Simmons University.

Beard served at the Abilene Police Department for 20 years.

During his time at APD, Lt. Beard served as a detective, police instructor, detective sergeant, background investigator, and internal affairs investigator. 

He was also a Certified Bomb Technician and Hazardous Materials Technician.

After retiring from the police department in 2018, Beard is now employed as General Manager of Abilene Aero.

"After serving our city as a law enforcement officer, I have a strong desire to continue serving our community in a different capacity", stated Beard. "Abilene is a wonderful city. I have witnessed the cohesiveness of Abilene's response to adversity time and again. We have a great place to worship, work, pursue happiness, and raise our families. I have a strong desire, in partnership with all Abilenians, doing everything possible, to continue making Abilene better yet for today, tomorrow, and beyond."