Mineral Wells Area News

By Amy Bearden / Mineral Wells Area News

In a battle that has brewed for months, voters in Mineral Wells made it known at the polls they are on board with the current City Council by re-electing all incumbents and only recalling one councilman after an outside group attempted to thwart City decision makers in the May 4th election.

Mayor Regan Johnson will keep the gavel in her hand as she won her race by more than 300 votes over her challenger Ron Davis.

Johnson celebrated her victory and praised citizens for turning out to vote.

“Thank you, Mineral Wells, for standing up for water security and the future of this city. I am honored to serve you as Mayor. This was an intense election season. Thank you to the many volunteers who helped with all the things necessary to communicate, educate and remind citizens to vote,” stated Johnson.

In Ward 1, Councilman Jerell Tomlin beat his opponent Brian Sleeman by just 9 votes and also managed to survive his ward’s recal election.

Beth Watson will remain the voice of Ward 3 after she overwhelming beat out her opponent DB Thomas by close to 200 votes.

Also on the ballot were three current council members who became the target of a recall petition brought against them when a grassroots campaign located out of Gordon, organized block walking in each ward seeking signatures to force a special recall election of the councilmens’ seats because some disapproved of the recent 146% water bill hikes.

Councilman Carlos Maldonado of Ward 2 was on the ballot and overwhelmingly survived the recall election with 357 votes against and 193 votes for recall.

Maldonado thanked his family, friends and constituents after the election.

“Thank you, Citizens of Mineral Wells, especially those in Ward 2 for their confirmation of support on this special election. Continuing to serve the City of Mineral Wells to the best of my ability is my privilege,” he stated. “Let’s continue to work towards the goals of leaving our community better than we found it.”

Councilman Jerell Tomlin of Ward 1 also faced the same recall process and also prevailed with 200 votes against and 159 for his recall. Tomlin essentially won twice on Election Day.

The recall election in Ward 2 however, didn’t go in favor of longtime Councilman Doyle Light. His voters recalled his seat with 169 people for and 109 against his recall.

Light has served the City of Mineral Wells in many different capacities over the last four decades.

“I am disappointed in the election result for Ward 4, but elated for the City of Mineral Wells in the overall result. I have served this city and our area in some capacity or another for 40+ years & am confident the Lord will lead me to that next place of service. I think I may take a little breather 1st though,” stated Light. “I was honored to serve with this courageous council to begin the revitalization of the stagnant community we had become. Please continue to champion these great leaders as I will!”

Mayor Johnson lamented Light’s loss but thinks he will still be involved.

“Thank you to Doyle Light for your service. I know your service to this city will not end, just change. You have always been a servant to Mineral Wells. Having spent countless hours in meetings and discussions with you, I watched you serve your ward intensely and meticulously. You fought for your ward. You made a tough and unpopular decision for water security, but it was the right one. You served with excellence and you will be missed,” stated Johnson.

The City Council will meet on May 14th to canvass the vote and certify the election. Light’s Ward 4 seat will become vacant after that and will remain so until Council appoints an interim or someone wins the seat at the next election.

More Election Results

City of Mineral Wells – All City Charter amendments on the ballot were approved by voters which enables outdated language in the charter to be brought up to State code.

MWISD School Board – Running for the MWISD School Board was Claudia Azua who took 481 votes, Kit Sparks who racked up 587 votes and Scott Aaron, who won the seat with 716 votes.

Graford ISD Bond & Board – Megan Ragel, Ashley Stevens and Eddie Laney were all elected to the board and voters approved the school bond election 352 votes to 237.

Graford ISD Superintendent Brandon Perry is grateful voters chose to make the kids’ needs of his district a top priority.

“This victory is a testament to the strength of our community, our shared commitment to providing the best educational opportunities for our students, and our belief in the power of investing in our children’s future. With your votes and your trust in our vision, we are now poised to make meaningful and positive changes for our students,” stated Perry.

Santo Special Utility District Board – Bryan Sharpe was re-elected to the Santo SUD Board for another term but incumbent member KR Mathews was not re-elected. The empty positions will be filled by Joe Snow, Jane Braswell, & Kayla Carter.

City of Strawn Alderperson – Strawn voters were voting to choose its City leaders as well. Tommy Lackey secured the most votes, nabbing 57, while Aron Johnson received 50 and Delane Abbott came in third place with 48 votes.