CANDIDATES FOR BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL, BRENHAM SCHOOL BOARD FACE OFF AT FORUM
Educational benchmarks, infrastructure plans and facility needs were some of the topics covered during KWHI’s Candidates Forum Monday night, featuring the Brenham City Council and Brenham School Board.
All four running for council and all six vying for the school board came to Brenham National Bank to answer questions presented by the audience, KWHI listeners and the news media on issues faced by the City of Brenham and Brenham ISD.
Beginning with the Brenham City Council, some of the questions posed to candidates included their personal goals, their stance on drag shows and pro-LGBTQ events, and what they see as the city’s next big-ticket items to address.
Ward 1 incumbent Shannan Canales said she is very proud of helping the city get started on construction of its second fire station and receiving the state’s tourism friendly certification. Moving forward, she said establishing a second water source will be crucial.
Ward 1 challenger Steve Soman said some of his priorities are keeping Brenham affordable, forward-thinking and true to the values that drew many people to the city in the first place.
At-Large Position 6 incumbent Leah Cook said she has worked over her first term to represent and collaborate with everyone in the community, through projects such as the fire station and water system improvements.
At-Large Position 6 challenger Alan Lehmann pushed for the council to strive for more accountability and accessibility, suggesting that it hold meetings later in the day and record its meetings to allow for residents to watch online.
Shifting to the school board race, questions were asked on the importance of libraries in student success, whether educators should be allowed to carry firearms on campus, and how candidates would ensure students are ready for the future.
On the topic of firearms and the Guardian Plan, which allows certified instructors to carry weapons, trustee candidates mostly agreed that their utilization can be the right choice for some districts, but whether it is right for Brenham drew mixed opinions.
Position 7 challenger Walt Edmunds supported the idea of exploring the program further.
Meanwhile, Position 7 incumbent Jared Krenek feels the city and county’s existing law enforcement agencies allows the district to rely on those for strong service.
Position 6 candidate Mike Garner said it will take buy-in from the full district community to help the district climb out of the hole financially, and one of the ways to do that is to make sure teachers have the resources and backing they need.
Fellow Position 6 candidate Justin Colley said a strong emphasis on the CTE and ROTC programs, along with teaching entrepreneurial and life skills, will mean today’s students are ready to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Shawn Koonce, running for Position 5, said investing in students will include forming the right game plan in tandem with other local entities and understanding the district’s current limitations.
Also running for Position 5 is David Jantzi, who said one of the key factors in student achievement is making sure their instructors feel respected and empowered to teach.
The full forum can be viewed on the KWHI Facebook page.
Early voting begins April 22nd at the Washington County Courthouse Annex, running through April 29th. Election Day is May 3rd.
Click below to hear the opening statement from Shannan Canales.
Click below to hear the opening statement from Steve Soman.
Click below to hear the opening statement from Leah Cook.
Click below to hear the opening statement from Alan Lehmann.
Click below to hear the opening statement from Shawn Koonce.
Click below to hear the opening statement from David Jantzi.
Click below to hear the opening statement from Mike Garner.
Click below to hear the opening statement from Justin Colley.
Click below to hear the opening statement from Jared Krenek.
Click below to hear the opening statement from Walt Edmunds.
Surprised at the question asked about collusion with the religious groups, not surprised at the lies in response. Luke 12:2-3: “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.“
Agreed! It was shocking to hear Jantzi, Edmunds, and Garner deny it when I have seen their endorsements all over, and who is hosting their events. Seems odd to take that support and then distance yourself from it
Get over it! I don’t understand why everyone is so concerned about PACs and their support.