Race for the dais

GONZALES – The deadline to file for a seat on Gonzales City Council has passed.

Incumbent Gonzales councilmen Lorenzo Hernandez - Dist. 3 and Clarence Opiela - Dist. 4. both have filed with the city to retain their seat on the dais.

Hernandez said he continues to run a campaign each election year because he is a proud supporter of the community, first responders and education.

"I have served for 11 years and faithfully done what the community has asked me to do," he said. "I would like to stay on the council and continue to fight for lower taxes, support the police department and support the continued expansion of Victoria College.”

Opiela said he has enjoyed serving on the council for five years and feels that the city is going to go through some tough times and transition over the next few years.

"I would like to be there to make the right decision and keep the city operating," he said.

Hernandez is opposed by Bobby O'Neal, former mayor and councilman. O'Neal was councilman – Dist. 4 from 1994 to 1996, then mayor for the next 12 years (1996-2012). Redistricting of the city has placed O'Neal in Dist. 3.

O'Neal said he decided to get back into politics after keeping up with the city for the past several years from a distance and he thought now was a good time to step back into an active role.

"I learned the city is in bad financial shape, according to what Charles Windwehen [former city consultant and interim city manager] told the current council," O'Neal said. "I don't think there are any magic answers, but I think it is time for change."

Opiela is opposed by Dan Blakemore and Hector Porras.

Blakemore said he chose to run for council because he feels the city cannot continue on the same path it is on. He said he knew he had to run for council when Windwehen put out his report and stated that he had already said the same thing to this council six years ago.

"I could not sit back and let the city continue what they are doing," Blakemore said. "Something has to be different."

Porras said he will run because he recognizes the current financial situation the city is facing.

"I feel that as part of the leadership and working together, we can put forth a plan that will benefit the community as a whole," he said.

The May election is just around the corner. Candidates are already campaigning and signs have already started to crop up. Look for candidate bios and more on the election as the campaign progresses.