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Editor’s note: The school and city elections will be Saturday, May 10. To help voters learn more about the contested races in their communities, the Advocate will profile those races. Today’s candidates are seeking the Place 3 seat on the Refugio city council.
Name: Ron Nelson
Age: 55
Office Seeking: Alderman Place 3 Refugio city council
City and County of Residence: Refugio, Refugio County
Current Occupation: Retired from Southwestern Bell Corporation
Why do you want to serve in this office?
I want to help Refugio grow and become a place where additional people will want to live and rear their families.
This community has a tradition of high values –excellent schools with championships in scholastics, athletics and band; a hospital that is expanding to meet the needs of residents; a police department that keeps the crime rate low and the residents safe.
I want to ensure the necessary improvements to infrastructure are made to make sure growth happens.
What three issues facing this office do you feel are the most important and how will you approach them?
Answer exceeded word limit, it was cut.
1. Economic development. I serve on the countywide economic development committee, which is charged with developing a stimulus package to attract positive growth.
2. Balanced budget. …will ensure that the city services important for growth will continue without bankrupting the city.
3. Beautification. Residents have voiced their wish that our town become a show place in the Coastal Bend. A lot of clean-up work is necessary to see that it gets done but it is possible….
Address, phone number, e-mail address and Web site where the public can learn more about you:
Phone 361-510-1932 e-mail is RN16eng@aol.com
Name: Garrett Engelking
Age: 35
Office Seeking: Refugio City Council Place 3
City and County of Residence: Refugio and Refugio County
Current Occupation: General Manager of the Refugio Groundwater Conservation District
Why do you want to serve in this office?
Answer exceeded word limit, it was cut.
The world is changing … and the town of Refugio needs to change with it. …Refugio has to be ready for the changes that are coming, whether it be I-69, or eventually a by-pass around Refugio. Gas prices are sky-rocketing, food prices are rising, and most jobs are located 30+ miles from the town of Refugio. We need economic growth, progress, and ambition, and I am willing to provide leadership to drag the town of Refugio forward.
What three issues facing this office do you feel are the most important and how will you approach them?
Answer exceeded word limit, it was cut.
The town is shrinking according to census records, more homes are for sale, gas is expensive and the jobs are farther away…with the budget shortfall, roads are in bad shape…City limits need to be expanded in order to meet the bypass or I -69.... The tax base is increased. There may be some additional expenses… but it may result in a positive not just monetarily. By enforcing the ordinances we would re-instill a sense of pride…
Address, phone number, e-mail address and Web site where the public can learn more about you:
I have lived at 226 Edward St. Refugio, Texas 78377 for four years; my e-mail address is gengelking@hotmail.com.