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Burris only mayoral applicant; Kent resigns to force special election

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Former Bowie Mayor Gaylynn Burris was the lone applicant to express interest in filling the unexpired term of Mayor Bill Miller who resigned two weeks ago.
Last week, the council agreed to accept applications for those interested in the position this week, afterwhich they would be interviewed and appointed.
As the called meeting of the council was posted late Friday with interviewing and naming a mayor the only agenda items, Councilman Thomas Kent resigned his position immediately indicating it was his effort to create a double-vacancy forcing a special election in November.
Per the city charter, the council had 30 days in which to fill the vacancy or call a special election in November for the mayor’s position or any council position.
City Secretary Sandy Page said she has sent the issue of a double vacancy to the city’s attorney for a ruling which can be provided to the city council.
In his resignation, Kent said he feels this action best protects the interest of the citizens of Bowie. See his full resignation below.
Burris was named to the council in June 2017 to fill a precinct vacancy and elected mayor in November 2017. She was defeated by Bill Miller last November .
Miller had served just under six months of the two-year term. He did not offer a reason for his resignation in his letter to the council.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 18.

May 15, 2020
RE: Resignation
To: Mayor Pro Tem, Bowie City Council
Please accept my resignation as Councilor PCT 1 City of Bowie, TX effective immediately. I feel that this action best protects the interest of the citizens of Bowie, TX. By this action, it will create a double vacancy within the Council and thus mandate that these positions are filled in a Special election at the ballot box by the citizens of Bowie.
I feel strongly that no elected official that has been voted out of office by the public should be eligible to be “Reappointed to that same office” by a sitting council. They should be put back up before the people to be voted on for that office.
I hope that during the revamping of Bowie City Charter this is addressed and corrected.

Sincerely & Respectfully,

Thomas W. Kent

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Montague County juggles spending Senate Bill 22 funds

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By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
April was proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Montague County by the commissioner’s court on Monday.
A large group of representatives from the Montague County Child Welfare Board, 2Engage Family Service, Child Protective Services and Court Appointed Special advocates filled the courtroom to present the annual proclamation, which was read by Lorra Lierly.
This month of awareness informs the public about the fight against child abuse in all its forms and at all ages of children, plus its impact on families. Those who wish to report possible concerns can call a hotline at 800-252-5400.
It was a relatively brief agenda of business for the court Monday.
They made some changes to how the Senate Bill 22 grant funds will be spent in the county attorney’s office.
SB22 created a grant program that provides financial assistance based on population to sheriff, district and county attorney offices to ensure professional law enforcement and legal representation of the people’s interests throughout the state. The court approved how it will be spent through the county attorney’s office hiring an investigator to serve that office plus others.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

Lorra Lierly presented the proclamation naming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. She was joined by local county child welfare board members, Child Protective Service staff, CASA and 2Engage Families. (Photo by Barbara Green)
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Saint Jo ISD purchases 25 acres for long-term planning

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By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
In an effort to bolster long-term planning, the Saint Jo Independent School District Board of Trustees recently approved the purchase of 25 acres on the west side of the city.
School officials made the announcement in a press release just as the district went on spring break, calling it “a significant milestone in the district’s commitment to providing high-quality education and meeting the needs of its growing student population.”
“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of this valuable land, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Saint Jo ISD,” stated Leeton Phillips, president of the Saint Jo ISD School Board.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

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City of Saint Jo to try four-day work week for public works, sewer departments

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The Saint Jo City Council approved a 60-day trial of a four-day work week for the public works and sewer departments, but the city office staff will keep their present hours.
According to the March 13 minutes Public Works Director Marty Hilton made the request to change the work week. The council went into executive session to discuss personnel, and back in open session voted 5-0 to try a 60-day trial for the four-day work week for public works.
Two employees will work Monday-Thursday and the other two will

work Tuesday-Friday. It is up to the employees to determine the work schedule that will go from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting March 29.

Read the rest of the story in the mid-week Bowie News.

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