SOMAN, COOK WIN ELECTION TO BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL; ALL 12 CHARTER PROPOSITIONS PASS

  

The Brenham City Council will have a new representative, following Saturday night’s election for two contested council seats. 

In the Ward 1 race, challenger Steve Soman defeated incumbent Shannan Canales 224-188.

Soman could not be reached for an interview.  However, in a post to social media, Soman said he is “deeply honored and grateful” to have been elected and thanked Canales for her service to the city.  He said, “I’m excited to work together with all of you to build a brighter future for Brenham. I am committed to listening to and working on behalf of all residents of Brenham.”

Canales is thankful for the opportunity to serve the past four years and for what the city has accomplished during that time.

Position 6 At-Large incumbent Leah Cook was re-elected for another term, winning against challenger Alan Lehmann 756-650.   

Cook said she appreciates the faith placed in her to continue representing Brenham citizens and their best interests.

Lehmann could not be contacted for an interview, but he shared a message to social media congratulating Cook on her win.  He said he appreciates all those who supported his campaign, adding, “Let's keep working to make Brenham the best possible place to live!”

Two councilmembers were unopposed in the election.  Ward 3 Councilmember Dr. Paul LaRoche III received 419 votes and At-Large Position 5 Councilmember Clint Kolby obtained 1,049 votes. 

Alongside the city council election, the city had 12 charter amendment propositions for voters to consider, and all 12 passed. 

Many of the amendments adjusted or clarified charter language in order to comply with federal or state law.  However, some will have greater effect, such as Proposition C, which establishes term limits for the mayor and council of three, four-year terms; Proposition I, which increases the mayor’s monthly salary from $275 to $550 and councilmembers’ monthly salary from $225 to $450; and Proposition L, which will allow the city manager to reside in Washington County, not just inside the City of Brenham as was the previous requirement.

While 10 of the 12 propositions were overwhelmingly approved, two passed on tighter margins, those being Proposition I for council salaries and Proposition K for allowing the city manager, rather than the city council, to set and approve surety bonds for appointed officers and employees of the city.  Proposition I passed 777-572, while Proposition K passed 731-588.

Contest totals from the Washington County Elections Office show that, unofficially, 1,449 people voted in the city elections, including 1,072 during early voting and 377 on Election Day.  Per registered voter totals provided before the start of early voting, there were 10,353 registered voters eligible to participate in the city elections, consisting of 2,986 in Ward 1, 2,240 in Ward 2, 2,976 in Ward 3 and 2,151 in Ward 4.

Results are considered unofficial until they are canvassed by the city council.