TRANSPARENCY A KEY TOPIC DURING BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM
Transparency was a central theme during KWHI’s Brenham City Council Candidates Forum on Wednesday at Brenham National Bank.
All six of the candidates in the contested city council races in May shared their thoughts on openness of city government and how they plan to involve residents in the city’s decision-making process.
Allan Colvin, challenging Clint Kolby for At-Large Position 5, said the city needs representatives that will be open and communicative with the public on important issues.
At-Large Position 6 candidate Albert Buchanan said he feels there is a divide between the city and citizens concerning open decision-making.
At-Large Position 5 incumbent Clint Kolby said he would be supportive of holding meetings later in the day to offer citizens a better opportunity to attend them.
Ward 1 challenger Shannan Canales agreed that holding later meetings and live-streaming them could help with public participation. She said she wants to modernize the city council, and believes that bettering the relationship between the city and public will go a long way toward improving transparency.
Ward 1 incumbent Keith Herring argued that the city has previously tried to hold meetings later in the day, but the change did not help much with attendance. He said the public shares responsibility in finding the answers they are looking for.
At-Large Position 6 candidate Leah Cook agreed with Herring, saying community involvement plays a large part in open communication.
A second Candidates Forum, featuring the candidates in the Brenham School Board election, is set for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., also at Brenham National Bank.
Early voting begins April 19th, and Election Day is May 1st.
The full forum can be watched on KWHI’s Facebook page.