Strom appointed to District 4 council seat

The Gonzales City Council appointed Harold Strom on Tuesday, May 27, to fill the vacant District 4 council seat until the May 2026 election during a special called meeting.

Three of the four current councilmembers — Mayor Isaac Anzaldua, District 1 Councilmember Joseph “Poochy” Kridler and District 3 Councilmember Lorenzo Hernandez — were present for the meeting. All three voted in favor of Strom, who was then sworn into office by City Secretary Kristina Vega.

The reason for the vacancy in the District 4 seat was the successful recall of former District 4 Councilmember Ronda Miller during the May 3 election after a group of residents had filed a petition to seek her removal from office.

On Tuesday night, the council held closed session interviews for about an hour with two candidates: Strom and Nicky McKinney.

“Both of the candidates we spoke today were very strong,” Anzaldua said. “They both have a great demeanor and a love and passion for the city. It’s a very tough choice. We encourage you to continue your passion for the city and to look to run in 2026 if you so desire.”

Kridler made the motion to appoint Strom when the council returned to open session, which Hernandez seconded.

Strom took his place on the council dais and, with Anzaldua’s prompting, made his first motion — to adjourn.