On the eve of the start of the filing period for this November’s city council and school board elections, comes word that there will be at least one new person.
Downtown Bryan businessowner Brent Hairston notified WTAW News that on Monday he will file for the Bryan city council seat in single member district five.
That position is currently held by Ben Hardeman, who is eligible but is not running for re-election.
Hardeman told WTAW News he did not see a need to seek re-election after learning Hairston was running.
Hardeman said “My interest in serving has always been to represent the citizens of Bryan by making decisions based on factual information in a manner which respects the rights and interests of all citizens in Bryan. It is sometimes difficult to find good candidates who are willing to devote the time and energies necessary to carry out such a responsibility. I see in Mr. Hairston a very responsible candidate who I think will fulfill those requirements in a conscientious fashion and will serve our community well.”
Hardeman will be finishing up six tours of service. His previous stints on the Bryan council were from 1984 through 1991 and 2003 through 2009.
Hardeman said he “will continue to be available, if asked, to serve our fine City in any capacity that the City Council or staff might deem beneficial. My passion for making Bryan a “Great Place to Live” shall continue.”
Statement from Ben Hardeman to WTAW News:
I applaud Brent Hairston’s announcement that he will be a candidate for the Bryan City Council in Single Member District 5.
I have been elected to the Bryan City Council on six occasions beginning 34 years ago in 1984. I have served from 1984 – 1991, again from 2003 -2009, and since 2015.
My interest in serving has always been to represent the citizens of Bryan by making decisions based on factual information in a manner which respects the rights and interests of all citizens in Bryan. It is sometimes difficult to find good candidates who are willing to devote the time and energies necessary to carry out such a responsibility. I see in Mr. Hairston a very responsible candidate who I think will fulfill those requirements in a conscientious fashion and will serve our community well.
Therefore, I do not see a need for me to continue to serve on the Bryan City Council at this time. I appreciate the support that the voters have expressed in me in the years past, but I welcome and encourage Mr. Hairston to become involved and serve the citizens of Bryan and of Single Member District 5. I will continue to be available, if asked, to serve our fine City in any capacity that the City Council or staff might deem beneficial. My passion for making Bryan a “Great Place to Live” shall continue.