With respect to our citizens that participated in the petition process for a special mayoral election, I would like to explain the action taken by the City Council on August 12th.

Section 22.011 of the Local Government Code allows a County Commissioners' Court to call a special election for a city if: (1) the vacancy cannot be filled as provided by other law; and (2) 26 taxpaying voter residents petition the county. Our city had two options for filling the vacant seat of Mayor; we could appoint a candidate that meets all necessary criteria for the position, or we could choose to take no action and allow the Mayor Pro-Tem to perform the duties of Mayor until the next regular election.

In the opinion of the Texas Municipal League legal counsel, the legislation concerning the petition for a special election was written for extreme situations such as when several positions become vacant and the Council is left with less than the minimum number of members required to conduct business.

Choosing one of the legal options offered, the Bullard City Council assigned leadership to Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson for the duration of the unexpired term of Mayor AW Hines. There will be a regular election in May of 2009. Therefore, there is no need for our County Commissioners to take charge and call a special election.

With this information, it can be clearly understood that the desire of our voters was not ignored in this situation, in spite of quotes given and statements written to the contrary. Your City Council has not lost sight of the definition of our job, nor have we forgotten about the people we represent. A seeming miscommunication or lack of correct information helped to create turmoil where it never should have appeared. Thank you, Pam Frederick Bullard City Council

Dear Editor:

Tuesday's city council meeting decided if Bullard would officially have a mayor. Although all of the council did not agree on all issues, I believe, as does Rodger Johnson, that the council is unified. I disagreed with only three issues on a large agenda, which is still a pretty good ratio. I do not feel that we are a split council, though some may have a different opinion.

As I have always stated, I represent the citizens of Bullard and I listen to their concerns. It was clearly expressed by the filing of a petition that the citizens wanted to choose their next mayor sooner rather than later.

An item to discuss a special election was stricken from the agenda by a majority vote, which meant we could not discuss the petition.

I voted to discuss the special election which would have given the council the opportunity to discuss the petition, but Councilwoman Stacey Thompson and I were out voted. For me to have voted any differently than I did, would have gone against my conviction. My conviction is for our citizens to have a voice in this community.

We have a great council and I look forward to the next nine months as status quo. I am most willing to serve the citizens of Bullard in whatever position is best for our City and community. Leadership is not about rank, it is about relationships and I am here to serve, not to be served. My responsibility is to the citizens of Bullard, nothing more and nothing less.

I have lived in this community for most of my life and there is no greater feeling than being able to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family.

It is an honor to serve the people of Bullard. Teresa Adams-Wilks Bullard City Council