Published: April 20, 2009 04:17 pm      

East Parker COunty council seats are up for grabs

Chelsea L. McGowan

cmcgowan@weatherforddemocrat.com

Although a total of six city council seats in Hudson Oaks and Aledo will appear on the May 9th ballot, only two of those seats are contested, leading to a rather quiet municpal election in east Parker County.

In Hudson Oaks, incumbents Bill Young and Paula Wigley are running unopposed to regain their city council seats, Places 2 and 5, respectively.

Place 4 incumbent Tom Fitzpatrick is being challeged by Gary Molenburg, who is no stranger to the Hudson Oaks governing body. He has previously held both seats three and five, and was “unelected” two years ago.

Molenburg said he is attempting to unseat Fitzpatrick because he does not believe the incumbent is fulfilling his obligation to voters.

“You don’t miss 40 percent of meetings over the last two years, with no illness or prior leave of absence... and say you’re upholding the oath,” Molenburg. “That’s not how I want to be represented.”

Molenburg, who has lived in Hudson Oaks for 24 years, said he will make it a priority to give the city’s residence the highest level of police protection and utility service that can be provided without ad valorem taxes, and that he has a record that shows his dedication to the cause.

“I’ve served three previous terms and I have a proven record for representing the people I was elected to represent,” he said. “If you hold your hand up and say you’re going to do this job, you need to do it. I can do that. I don’t think (Fitzpatrick) can.”

Fitzpatrick said he believes Hudson Oaks stands to benefit from continuity on the council.

“We’ve managed to really start to grow, and we’re poised to have a lot more economic growth in the coming years,” he said. “Part of being able to attract businesses is being a community and a council that is stable. Businesses don’t want to get surprised by new city council members that sweep in and change the city’s agenda. Right now, I think we have a council that works really well together.”

Water issues, as well as planning for continued growth in eastern Parker County, will continue to be Fitzpatrick’s issues of priority if he wins his seat for another term.

“I’ve been involved in a lot of things that have helped the city progress,” he said. “We’ve fixed a lot of our water problems, for instance. Clearly, we can’t change the dynamics of Parker County and the continuous growth, so we have to plan those things.”

In Aledo, Bill McLeRoy is running unopposed to reclaim Place 3, as is Matt Casey in Place 5.

After serving one term in Place 1, Kyle Wortham opted not to run for re-election. Facing off for the seat are two political newcomers, John Lewis and Nicholas Holman.

Both claim a desire to become more active in their communities has motivated them to run for public office.

“I’m running because I want to be more active in my community,” said Holman. “I have a new son, and I want to try and make Aledo a better place. I want to make sure our city stays fiscally sound, and continues to grow in the proper way.”

Lewis said he felt his past experience in both the military and the private sector would make him a valuable asset to the city of Aledo.

“This is entry level for me, but I’ve been in the oil and gas business for about six years, and the military before that,” he said. “I’m hoping I can bring those skills to the table and contribute to our growing city.”

Willow Park is the only city in eastern Parker County that won’t have an item on the May ballot.

Barry Tatum, the incumbent in Place 1 on the city council, has no challengers in his bid for re-election.

Eugene Martin is the only person who filed for Place 2, which is currently held by Teresa Welch.

Mayor Pro-Tem Ken Hawkins, who currently holds Place 4 on the council, is the only individual who filed to run for mayor.

Early voting for the May election will begin on April 27th.