On April 8, in what has become an anticipated tradition in Spur, the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce and The Texas Spur co-hosted a meet-the-candidates program for formal and informal discussion about the issues and opportunities facing all citizens.
The field for city council and mayor races is fuller than usual, with contenders in all four spots. One Spur ISD board slot is also on the ballot, though neither candidate was able to participate in the forum due to scheduling conflicts.
The program was introduced by Martha Pickens, representing the Chamber of Commerce, and moderated by Kay Ellington for the newspaper.
Two newcomers to Spur were among the eight on the dais; everyone took a moment to introduce themselves and tell a little about their interests and qualifications.
Ellington posed the first question to challengers: “What kids of things are you already doing to volunteer in the community?”
David Crawford, who has filed to run for mayor against incumbent Louise Jones, said that he and his wife help out individuals in the community with food; taking them to doctor visits and such. “As far as organizations, I haven’t been involved,” siad Crawford, “but anytime someone needs something, my wife and I try to tend to it as fast as we can.”
City council candidate Steve Bridges, who is on the board of the Chamber of Commerce and had served previously as its president, said that he and his wife rescue animals, trying to find them homes, and he hopes to help get businesses to move to Spur.
Council contender Gayle Massaro is also involved locally with dog rescue, paying for veterinarian bills and assisting in rehoming dogs as far away as Colorado. Massaro also volunteers at the Spur Visitor Center three to four times weekly.
Connie Rainbolt, also running for a city council slot, said that she helps take people to the doctor who can’t drive to Lubbock, and helped look after them during the recent winter freeze, making sure they had food and water. Rainbolt volunteers with Chamber and helped plan its last National Night Out; she also helps take care of stray dogs.
To those already serving in municipal office Ellington asked how they have made a difference during their terms.
Rhea Melton said that she brings “a different perspective to the council; bringing lots of questions to the mayor.” She has also helped with a recent downtown beautification project.
Don Wright cited the learning he’s gained while serving on the council, but also his ability to apply his career experience in a larger city prior to retirement.
Jones noted the achievements she views as success during her years as mayor, including cleanup a lot of propertues around town, working with the city’s grant writer to pursue public funding for major projects, and pushing a bond issue and other plans in hopes of repairing the city’s swimming pool and other needs.”I’ve handled lots of phone calls and emails even after hours at home. Listening to people,” said Jones. “I love the kids,” she also said, and tries to get the city more involved with local students.
Council member Fronye Morris, up for reelection, said, “We all bring different perspectivives and llife experiences. I’ve always been told I have a lot of common sense. Not all of it works, but we do try.”
Hot-button issues for the city that came up were infrastructure for drinking water supply, and sewer operations; downtown and in-town streetscape and property improvements, and the problem of blight; animal control; and ways to attract new businesses and residents to town.
Among numerous ideas for pursuing the funding most of these initiatives require, Wright summarized that “there are only three sources of money” for public projects: (increased) taxation, which no one favors; grants, simply a sum of money that has to be matched with city funds, and comes out of taxpaper money as well; and a bond issue, which would spread a large outlay out over years.
Asked for a show of hands regarding a bond issue, a majority of the audience, and all of the candidates, indicated they would likely support that avenue as a way to address the city’s major needs going forward. Candidates likewise grappled with the realities of needing business and industry to provide local jobs, but needing more and better housing to attract workers.
“Businesses coming in will bring revenue,” said Bridges. “Residents may have to commute for a while. It’s a problem—but a problem that can be solved.”
Discussion continued following thanks to all participants, touching on a wide variety of issues and potential solutions. Chamber of Commerce members, in particular, welcomed any visitor to come talk with them about how easy it is to work from home in Spur, with high-speed Internet, good businesses and stores, everything that’s already needed in Spur—except more people.
EARLY VOTING in area contested city and school board elections will take place April 19–27, 2021.
Early voting for municipal races for the City of Spur will be at City Hall during normal business hours—except for April 20 and April 22, when City Hall will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate those who cannot early vote during regular business hours. On the May 1, election day, Spur City Council voting will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Spur Community Center.
The City of Jayton has cancelled its municipal election due to no challengers to incumbents, as has the City of Dickens.
Early voting for Spur ISD races will be at the Spur ISD administration offices or at the Dickens County Courthouse Annex. On May 1 election day, Spur ISD voting will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Spur Community Center.
Jayton-Girard ISD has six candidates running for three at-large positions. Early voting for the JGISD races will be at the Kent County courthouse during normal business hours. On the May 1 election day, JGISD voting will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jayton School Foyer.
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