The SMD 4 Council Candidates' Mellow Campaign

Don Vardeman is not running for re-election for his seat as SMD 4 representative, leaving the council seat to Councilwoman Grindstaff’s physical left vacant. Soon one of two candidates will be filling that chair, Andrew Justis or Lucy Gonzales.

LIVE! attends every city council meeting, and at those meetings you will find both Gonzales and Justis in attendance. Justis is always seated on the front row, while Gonzales takes a seat at the back, quietly observing. Each mingles beforehand, mixing with city officials and constituents, indulging all they meet in conversation.  

Both Justis and Gonzales desire identical things for the City of San Angelo. Both are running a positive campaign, neither pointing fingers or mudslinging against their opponent, there’s nothing cutthroat about either one. While neither candidate has prior political experience, they both possess a genuine interest for the welfare of the city and its citizens.

 Both agree that the city streets need special attention, and that water issues must be addressed.  Both are concerned about transparency in governance, both believe town hall meetings are vital to give citizens an opportunity to share their concern and opinion. Both seem to be forthcoming and honest, too. When asked about issues they are uncertain about, both have been honest in their answers, admitting to not knowing a correct answer. When asked about the city budget for example, neither one claimed to have ideas on a proposal, both answered that they would have to research the topic more thoroughly before jumping to conculsions. One could say they that are both so agreeable, the council seat could be split between the two and shared.

Next week LIVE! will take a closer look at each city council candidate,  getting to know what sets them apart and makes each unique in their goal of civic service.