BURTON CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES TALK CITY’S FUTURE AT FORUM
Candidates in the Burton City Council runoff election gathered on Tuesday to answer questions about their thoughts on the future of the city and how to best support it.
questions during a City of Burton candidate forum
on Tuesday at White Horse Tavern.
Sheila Ripple and Berneake Gantt attended the forum, hosted by the City of Burton at White Horse Tavern and moderated by KWHI. The two addressed topics such as city infrastructure, regulations on land usage, transparency, and the ability to work with others despite any disagreements.
Both candidates emphasized the importance of having the public’s support and feedback in the city’s decisions. Ripple said she is running to help keep the town small and charming, and she intends to send out surveys and solicit resident feedback regarding a land use ordinance, which she believes will be crucial in maintaining safety and protecting the community.
Gantt encouraged holding forums for collecting further input, saying that while not everyone will agree on major issues, everyone’s voice needs to be heard so that the council and the city can plan as efficiently as possible.
Council incumbents Tommie Gilmon and Macey Tidwell were invited to the forum but did not attend. Gilmon provided a written statement that was read at the start of the forum:
“My family has lived in Burton for decades, and we love this little patch of Texas. I have taken very seriously my role on Burton City Council, and have listened to my neighbors when they had suggestions, questions or concerns. That will continue.
The White Horse Tavern was asked if they would display my campaign sign, along with the others. The answer was a resounding no. I have felt welcome at Burton City Hall, at the school, and at Church. But I do not feel welcome in this space.
I promise you that I will continue to serve the City of Burton with thoughtful deliberation, working to preserve all that is good about our beautiful little town. I ask for your vote so that I can continue this work.
I will close with this passage from I John 4:21: ‘And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also.’”
Early voting is underway through Tuesday, June 9th. Election Day is Saturday, June 13th.
A livestream of the forum can be viewed on the City of Burton Facebook page.