Kridler sworn in as District 1 City Councilman

Joseph “Poochie” Kridler was sworn iby Mayor Connie Kacir as Councilman for Gonzales City Council District 1 on Thursday, May 6.

Kridler fills the seat vacated by former Councilman Gary A. Schroeder, who did not run for re-election this year. Schroeder served the city for a decade.

A canvass of the election was conducted and approved by the council during this meeting. The results of the general election for District 2 City Council were:

• Sherri Tumlinson Koepp: 62 votes

• James H. Lawrence: 25 votes

• Johnny R. Hunt: 47 votes. 

• Total: 134 votes

As no single candidate garnered more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will determine who will next serve District 2 on the City Council.

The council voted to order a runoff election set for June 1. Voting will be held on election day at the Gonzales Municipal Building from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and early voting will be held May 20 and 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 24 and 25 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and May 26 through 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The runoff election will be determined by a simple majority of votes.

As for amendments to the city charter, the votes canvassed by council were as such:

• Proposition A: 255 "For" votes, 56 "Against" votes

The mayor of Gonzales and city council members are prohibited from serving on city-appointed committees, commissions or boards unless no other qualified citizen is available for appointment.

• Proposition B: 237 "For" votes, 72 "Against" votes

This proposition removes a clause which allows the council to call for a special election to fill a vacant seat. The only remaining option for filling a vacancy would be appointment by the council if there are between 90 and 365 days left in the term of that position.

• Proposition C: 86 "For" votes, 228 "Against" votes

Citizens voted against "an amendment to the City’s home rule charter deleting the requirement that the City Manager reside within the City limits during their term of office," as described in the city's canvass.

• Proposition D: 90 "For" votes, 218 "Against" votes

Citizens voted against "an amendment to the City’s home rule charter deleting the requirement that the municipal judge be a qualified voter of the City," as described in the city's canvass. 

• Proposition E: 162 "For" votes, 150 "Against" votes

Candidates for City Attorney will no longer be required to live in the city, but will not be exempt from any other qualifying criteria.

• Proposition F: 173 "For" votes, 135 "Against" votes

This proposition amends Section 8.02 of the charter to allow for public funds to be spent on privately owned subdivisions within city limits as authorized by the Texas Constitution and other state laws.

In other business:

• Council also voted to approve the Conventions and Visitor’s Bureau Advisory Board’s recommendation to supply $20,000 in funding to the Come and Take It Committee to secure entertainment for the celebration in October.