City elections have come to a close, and the people of San Angelo let their voices be heard during the July 2nd election.
As of this morning, Lane Carter will be sworn in as the Single Member District 5 City Council Member at the regularly scheduled meeting held at the McNease Convention Center.
Carter said he is optimistic about his new position and gave his insight on what he hopes to accomplish.
“I want to get surveys started to get the opinions of those living in SMD 5, and also other districts regarding trash collection,” Carter said. He added that he wants to hold town hall meetings similar to the neighborhood chats Elizabeth Grindstaff held during her time on the council.
“I want to encourage more people in the community to come to these meetings so they can give their opinions," Carter said. “I will also continue to go door-to-door to speak with those who can’t attend the meetings.”
Carter noted that he hopes the gatherings will continue to bring the diverse opinions regarding this topic, as he witnessed at the trash forum last week.
Elizabeth Grindstaff provided some advice for Carter, and discussed the steps she would take when approaching the agenda for the city council.
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Above: Lane Carter smiles at friends and supporters while making remarks after being sworn in. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
“What I hope he does, with regards to trash, is help resolve the financial impact,” Grindstaff said. She said she also hopes her stance regarding trash won’t be forgotten considering how important it was for the constituents.
“[Carter] is going to have different opinions, thoughts, and interests on the council,” Grindstaff said. She said, however, the progress she made on these issues will be important to consider when answering the constituents' questions.
“We are working for the same group of people,” Grindstaff said. “I hope [Carter] will be vigilant in trying to get important questions form the campaign trail answered, especially the trash service and Republic's contract.”
Carter stated, “It’s going to be a tough time to satisfy everybody, but I will stay vigilant by improving the current contract with Republic," Carter said. “We want to find that middle ground where there will be some ease for the citizens regarding the trash collection.”
Carter also mentioned he will have interest in the placement of the “Lady in Blue” sculptures that will be brought towards the council for approval. He also wants to focus on the grant money that will go towards the construction of the City Auditorium project.
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Above: David Nowlin sits on the front row during Lane Carter's swearing in. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
A proposal Carter would like to bring to the council in an executive session is finding a way to show the City's support for the men and women who serve with local law enforcement. His main motivation for this project being the gunman who killed five officers and wounded seven in Dallas last Friday.
“I think [the community] needs to proclaim that [San Angelo] is supporting the local police for all that they do for our City, “Carter said.
At the city council meeting today, after accepting the oath of office give by Municipal Judge Allen Gilbert, Carter spoke.
“Wow. A year ago, it was just a dream, now it’s a reality. I’m humbled, honored and blessed to be able to serve the citizens of my district in San Angelo, and the City of San Angelo. There are a lot of people I need to thank. But first of all the Lord Jesus Christ…It was a long five months that this took. [I thank] all my friends and family in supporting me this entire way. And specifically Travis Griffith, Nate Delacruz,and Mr. David Nowlin tremendously for helping me out, walking the streets, and campaigning this entire time. And thank you all for your faith [you] put in me to do this duty. I’m very honored to do so and appreciate it. Thank you very much," Carter said.
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