The first items on the action agenda for the Brady City Council at their Tuesday night meeting will be to canvass the vote from the May 6 local election for City Council and the unexpired Mayor term.
A new development in the local election saga came Tuesday n ight when James Griffin announced he was withdrawing from the Run-Off election for Mayor. The move by Griffin led to Garcia being named as the winner in the race, and he was sworn in to the office Tuesday evening.
Appearing on KNEL’s Morning Program Wednesday, Griffin said it was a difficult decision, but he opted to withdraw from the election due to two related reasons. Griffin noted the term to be served is only for a year, and going through with the run-off election would have meant that the winner would not have taken office until late June, which, he said, would further reduce the amount of time in the office. Also, Griffin said the cost of conducting an election would place an undue burden on the City at this point.
Griffin emphasized he will back Mayor Garcia 100%, and there is always next time as far as elections are concerned. He added he hopes the citizens of Brady will understand the need to look to the betterment of the community overall.
Also appearing on KNEL’s Morning Program Wednesday, new Mayor Aaron Garcia thanked Griffin for conducting a great race, and he thanked the voters of Brady for putting him in this position. He said that in the race he quickly found out that he and Griffin shared a desire to build a better Brady. He added he was excited that Griffin understood where we are and where we’re going.
Mayor Garcia said he did not take Griffin’s decision to step aside lightly. He added he appreciated Griffin’s support as we move forward with the City of Brady.,
Garcia said the future looks bright, and, with the new Council, he thinks there will be great things happening for Brady.
In addition to the Mayor, newly elected members — Felix Gomez, Jr. and Gabe Moreno — were sworn in and administered the oath of office.
Other action to be taken up by the Council Tuesday night was to approve a noise variance for June 23rd and 24th at Brady Lake, and temporary closure of Blackburn and Elm Streets at 3rd and 4th streets on July 1st for the annual First United Methodist Church July Jubilee Bar-B-Que.
