Local Election Update

By, Terra Rivers

San Marcos will hold a run-off election in December to decide who will take three of the four seats on San Marcos City Council.

In the aftermath of the election, Place 2 and 3 of San Marcos City Council and the mayoral position remained undecided. None of the candidates received 50 percent of the vote.

In the San Marcos Mayor race, Ruben Becerra received 34.50 percent and John Thomaides received 31.82 percent of the vote.

Running for SM City Council Place 2, Saul Gonzales received 35.50 percent and Shane Scott received 30.61 percent and Place 3 candidates Jason Montgomery received 28.34 percent and Ed Mihalkanin received 28.28 percent of the vote.

Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler ran for re-election against Democrat candidate Rodrigo Amaya. Cutler won re-election with 57 percent of the vote over Amaya’s 43 percent.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported me through this campaign,” Cutler said.  “I feel fortunate to have been re-elected, and I want everyone to know I will continue to work diligently to serve the people of Hays County.” 

Hays County’s $237.8 million Bond that had Hays County residents concerned over the county’s already large debt officially passed Tuesday.

Fifty-one percent of voters voted in favor of Proposition 1, which will involve a $106.4 million expansion and renovation to Hays County Public Safety facilities such as Hays County Jail and the 911 Call Center. Proposition 2, which will focus on improving roads around the county, was approved by 59 percent of voters.

“With the passing of both propositions, Hays County is poised to meet the demands of its citizens,” Cutler said. “I look forward to enhancing the services provided by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office with the expansion and renovation of the jail and our new law enforcement center.”

The run-off for San Marcos Mayor and City Council members is set for Dec. 13 and officials will announce the results on the same day.

Lisa Prewitt, who won re-election for City Council Place 1, said she is honored the community trusts her and has elected her for another; she looks forward to continuing her work on the council and to continuing with the initiatives.