FILING UNDER WAY
By Lori Mellinger
Mayor, two council seats, two board positions on ballot

Hines

A.W. Hines announced on Monday his intent to run for mayor by filing the paperwork on the first official day to do so.

The three-year Bullard councilman and Mayor Pro Tem said he knew it was the best time to make the next logical step.

"There's a solid council, with good leadership," Hines said.

H i n e s doesn't want his service to end; instead, he wants to pick up the pace - finally putting to rest some of the larger issues Bullard is facing.

"Infrastructure is what is boils down to," Hines said. "I want to see citizens with a more than adequate supply of good, clear water, I want the sewer issues addressed, and I want to assure both current and new residents the quality service they deserve."

And Hines said he's got the experience to get the infrastructure issues in line.

As the developer of Bullard's Pecan Valley and vast other interests across the state, he's familiar with both the developer and the city side of issues.

And the work he's done to bring the Bullard to a professional form of government - with a council-manager system - is something he's proud of.

Last week, Hines was on hand to hear former Bullard City Secretary Patty Cooper plead guilty to theft by a public servant and tampering with evidence. Hines was the original complainant on behalf of the city.

"That's one chapter of our history I'm glad we are almost finished with," Hines said. "She did a lot of damage to us, and I hope the city and citizens can move forward."

Hines was part of the council that enacted more stringent accounting measures and more accountability, but he said that was only the first step.

"Bullard has so much ahead of it," he said. "It's an exciting time to serve, and I'm honored to be able to do it."

If Hines is victorious, he would resign his council seat after the votes are certified. The council would then appoint someone to fill Hines' unexpired seat. In a general law city, a councilman does not have to resign his seat to run for another office.

While Saturday was technically the first day to file for local elections in Texas, government offices were closed - pushing the first day to Monday.

Bullard council seats are atlarge, and council members Pam Frederick's and Rodger Johnson's seats are up this year. Current Mayor Connie Vaughan has yet to file for re-election.

In Bullard ISD, two seats are up, and one incumbent filed first thing Monday morning.

Michael Roy has already filed, hoping to retain his seat on the board. And Sam Smith -- instrumental in the Bullard Bond Committee -- officially filed today.

No word yet on whether Board President Joe Cavender will run again.

The last day to file for all local elections is March 12. The election is May 12.

Council and mayoral candidates must register with the city secretary's office at Bullard City Hall, 114 S. Phillips St.

Those running for city council must be qualified to vote in Bullard, be current on city tax payments, live in the city for at least six months before the election, and continue to live within city limits while representing it.

For more information about the city council call city hall at 903-894-7223.

Those interested in school board filing may do so at the district administration building during its business hours.

The last day to file for a position on the ballot is March 12.

The candidates must be U.S. citizens, 18 or older on the first day of the term to be filled, residents of the district for six months, and residents of the state for 12 months prior to the last date of filing.

For more information, call the administration office at 903- 894-6639.