The Concho Observer’s Voter’s Guide aims to inform voters about contested local races and familiarize them with what will be on the ballot for the May 3 elections.
Early voting begins Tuesday, April 22, in the Elections Office inside the Keyes Building, 113 W. Beauregard Ave. running through April 29.
Elections information and a list of polling places appear at the bottom of this guide.
CITY OF SAN ANGELO
Mayor, City of San Angelo
Gary Jenkins
Retired
Time in residence: 9 yrs. 10 mos.
Declined Interview
Trinidid Aguirre
Retired
Time in residence: 15 yrs.
Josh Burleson
Banker
Time in residence: 17 yrs 1 mo.
Declined interview
Thomas “Tom” N. Thompson
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo
Time in residence: 26 yrs. 6 mos.
Endorsed by: San Angelo Assn. of Realtors; San Angelo Firefighters Assn. San Angelo Police PAC; Home Builders Association of San Angelo; Texas Real Estate PAC.
Juan Acevedo
Parts Clerk
Time in residence: 5 yrs. 5 mos.
Representative, Single Member District 2
John Bariou
Retired
Time in residence: 45 yrs. 6 mos.
No response received.
Joe Self
Construction
Time in residence: 17 yrs. 10 mos.
My name is Joe Self, Jr., and I am running for City Council SMD2.
If our city is not growing, it is going backwards. My inspiration to run stems from two significant sources: my father, who previously served as City Councilman SMD 2, and my experience in running a business
and serving on the City of San Angelo’s Planning Commission has equipped me with the
knowledge and skills to serve effectively on the city council.
My priorities as a city council member will focus on business development, citizen safety, and maintaining infrastructure. Ensuring the safety of our community through robust support for police and fire services is paramount.
Equally important is the upkeep and improvement of our infrastructure, including water systems and streets. These elements are crucial for the continued growth and prosperity of our city, and I am committed to helping manage them efficiently and effectively.
Collaboration is key to success with the City Council.
I plan to work closely with the city manager and fellow council members to make well-informed decisions that benefit the citizens of SMD2 and the city.
Also being transparent with citizens on issues and concerns.
My approach will be rooted in common sense and a strong representation of our community’s needs and aspirations. I am a proud, third-generation graduate of Lake View High School and Angelo State University. As a lifelong resident of San Angelo, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities our city faces, especially in SMD 2.
My campaign slogan is “Strong Representation Through Common Sense,” and reflects my commitment to practical and transparent service for the citizens of SMD 2. I am ready to work tirelessly for the citizens of SMD2, bringing productive and informed decision-making to our city council.
I humbly ask for your vote to help make our city a better place for all.
Dudra D. Butler
Retired – SAISD
Time in residence: 24 yrs.
I am a life-long resident of San Angelo, and I am running for City Council.
For those of you who don’t know me, I am a graduate of Central High School and ASU, and I retired from SAISD after 26 years as a social worker.
I am recently retired, but I still feel I have a lot to give, and I am running for City Council.
I have served on 25 different boards through the years, and I have been an active community leader for several decades, serving as president, and vice president of the local NAACP.
I know San Angelo wants transparency, and accountability, and I’m a big believer in those things, because I feel like people don’t mind paying taxes so much when they know what each of their dollars to going toward.
I would like to develop a rapport with the people in the district, and have a chance to carry their concerns to the council. As a representative, I’ll make sure the public knows I am there, and if they have questions, they can just give me a call.
I am someone who genuinely cares, and I will seek out answers, and get back to you.
I want to be your representative.
I want to be your advocate and liaison for dealing with the city, and I feel like that’s something I do very well.
I’ve been doing that for my entire career, and It’s kind-of second nature for me.
So, I humbly ask for your vote, and please encourage all of your family and friends to get out there and vote in our elections.
Representative, Single Member District 4
Jamal Shumpert
Substitute teacher
Time in residence: 5 yrs. 2 mos.
I was born in Marshall, Texas where my three brothers and I also attended school for part of our life.
We graduated from Jefferson High School after receiving several honors in multiple sports.
My mother was a teacher who stressed to us the importance of life after graduation. She consistently reminded my brothers and I of our options, “Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, or scholarship.”
My oldest brother joined the Army, and the rest of us earned athletic scholarships. All four of us earned a degree.
The greatest lesson I learned early in life was how staying disciplined and focused can help you achieve your goals.
My work experience ranges from cook, dishwasher, and railroad construction worker to teacher and student camp supervisor. I have held many jobs during my life, which has allowed me to learn about various industries and their processes while gaining individual work skills along the way.
My favorite jobs I have taken dealt with helping kids. Whether it was as a certified Social Studies Teacher with Dallas ISD or as a Recreational Camp Supervisor for the City of Marshall Parks and Recreation Department, being able to spread knowledge and help children navigate their way through life has been a very fun and educational experience.
I am running for San Angelo City Council Single-Member District 4 because I know I can make a difference in people’s lives. I’m willing to take the time to understand the issues facing my district and make the best, informed decisions that benefit the community.
I support public safety, good roads, and quality water. I will strive to bring higher-wage jobs to SMD4, and try to fix our homeless situation. If I am elected, I will make it my personal goal to get as many people involved in what we do as a city.
Patrick Keely
Real estate agent
Time in residence: 12 yrs. 4 mos.
What runs through my mind when I’m put in situations where I want to see a change but have limited options on how to help?
In church I became a Deacon to help out where I could and be in on the discussions leaders would have to help everyone.
In little league I became a coach to help the kids and then joined the board to help the league overall.
In jobs I pitch ideas to my supervisors if I’m unable to make a change at my level.
In my city? The best step I saw was to join the council when our current SMD 4 representative was termed out.
I want to alleviate the issues that I see and that I hear about. I also want to help protect those that are unnecessarily crucified online when they have done nothing wrong or are doing the best they can. Especially if it is because of misinformation.
I want to help the homeless but protect the businesses and residents that pay lots of property tax to keep our city running.
I want to keep animals safe while also not costing the taxpayers more money for something they had no hand in causing. (All those that keep their pets behind good fences and have them spayed and neutered or those without pets at all).
I want to help bring economic development to town as well as travelers to benefit hotel occupancy and sales tax dollars which will help build a bigger coliseum or better sports facilities for our children.
I want to bring transparency to the position and be informative to my constituents. I want to be reasonable in my votes and collaborate with everyone. That’s why I’m asking for your vote on May 3rd for SMD 4.
City of San Angelo Bond Election
Voting “Yes” on the proposed Coliseum Bond would radically change operations at the 66-year-old venue in a few significant ways.
In addition to the obvious multi-million-dollar renovations and improvements, the measure would also shift the day-to-day operations at the coliseum over to the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association, transferring those maintenance and expense considerations to the Association, and removing them from the city’s Civic Events budget.
According to SASSRA officials, who have invested about $1 million on planning, this bond will increase the lifespan of the coliseum by 50 years, and double the seating, while also increasing restroom facilities significantly, along with many other improvements.
Accroding to city Finance Director Tina Dierschke, the $41.6 million would translate to an increase of 4.7 cents-per-$100 of valuation for a 20-year amortization, or 4.2 cents cents-per-$100 of valuation on a 25-year amortization, increasing overall property taxes on a $300,000 home by about $100.
The Association will also pay the city a $2-per-seat fee on all events where tickets are sold under its management, which they estimate would net the city more than $180,000 with the improved seating capacity.
According to officials, the existing maintenance partnership would remain in place with a 50-50 split on major-maintenance expenses.
Proposition A
“The issuance of bonds in the amount of $41,660,000 for promoting the economic development by renovating the City’s Coliseum and Fairgrounds and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the bonds.”
Mark ballot “For” or “Against”
SAN ANGELO ISD
Trustee, Single Member District 2
Karla Cardenas
Medical Professional
I am running for school board because when I look into my children’s eyes, and I see the love within, I know I am their guide.
When I see a playground full of little humans having a blast, counting on us to create a way, and to keep them safe.
When I see an administration board room full of parents grinning ear-to-ear in excitement, seeing the greatness of their child unfold right before their eyes.
When I hear of students achieving new heights and setting athletic records or academic achievements, gaining scholarships to play or study at the next level.
This is the easy part. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of something so special. A way to give back to your community and work towards the greater good of San Angelo; be the change you want to see in the world.
But what about when things aren’t all sunshine and rainbows? There will always be difficult times. There have always been difficult times. We are facing difficult times now.
It gets difficult when you decide to advocate for our students, our future leaders, and people find it problematic. They want you to accept what you have and just move on.
When an entire community is uprooted because of negligence and the underserving of families that were counting on you, that trusted you, and people find reasoning behind it, and you are now the problem.
I am running because I want to ensure equity across the entire district, not only for students and families, but for the staff and employees who may feel intimidated to voice any concerns.
I have the drive. I have the passion. I have the motivation. I want to be a part of the solution.
Geneva Rodriguez
Human Resources
Endorsed by: San Angelo Assn. of Realtors; Texas Realtors PAC
My name is Geneva Rodriguez. I have been married to my husband for 21 years and we have two children (a first grader and eighth grader).
I have a background in Human Resources, we owned and operated a small business and I also served as a SAISD substitute teacher for a short time.
I currently serve on the SAISD Community Based Accountability System committee, Site Based Accountability committee and Health Advisory Committee. I previously served on the Facility Advisory Committee, and I am in my fourth year as President of my son’s elementary booster club.
My husband and I have served as youth pastors, children’s pastors and are currently serving as associate pastors (also leading our youth ministry).
As a mother to two children in San Angelo ISD I have always tried to be a present parent. Growing up in a non traditional home motivated me to be as involved as possible in all aspects to include their education.
My husband has been in education for over 15 years and I have had a front row seat to observe opportunities and challenges in our district.
In 2021 we created the Northside Back to School Bash to provide free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and other resources to underserved students. This will be our 5th year for this event where we serve over 1500 students. Running for the school board is another way to serve.
There is a perception of deception regarding the school board. I would like to ensure transparency. I refuse to make lofty promises I can’t keep. It is only through true partnership that we will achieve our goals however we have to build trust first. My husband and I are called to this community and these students. We will do everything possible to serve them in any capacity.
Trustee, Single Member District 4
Ami Mizell-Flint
Incumbent
Director, San Angelo Clubhouse
Endorsed by: San Angelo Assn. of Realtors
My name is Ami Mizell-Flint, and I have represented SMD4 on the School Board for 12 years.
In that time, I’ve had three of my kids go all the way through SAISD, and my youngest is a freshman this year.
Seeing all the different things that San Angelo schools do for our kids has made me a very strong advocate for public education, and I am fortunate that I have been able to take that advocacy to both the state, and the national levels.
When I first got on the Board, It was because I wanted to be more involved in my kids’ schools. But not long after, I realized that it’s not just my four kids, it’s the 13,000 kids in the district. And when I started advocating at the state level, I realized it’s not just our 13,000 kids — it the state’s five-and-half-million kids.
You get to see the bigger picture of how important public education is for our society, and for the future of our nation.
I think one of the reasons why San Angelo’s school board is known statewide as a strong board, because we all work for what’s in the best interest of the kids, so whenever we have a question of what is right for our district, and what’s right for San Angelo, the question for us comes down to “what’s in the best interest of the students?”
As a board, we are strongly focused on doing what’s best, and while we may not have a unanimous vote on every-single issue, we often do agree, because we are working together, and we all have the same interest in making our schools better.
I am asking for your vote, and I hope you will continue to support me, and our public schools.
Samantha Schwartz
Special Investigator
I have decided to run for school board because the community needs a voice. Our citizens need someone who will stand for them, their children, and have accountability for how tax dollars are spent.
I have seen the distrust between the school board and the community.
I want to help build a bridge of trust for our citizens. If the board is more open about the concerns then we can build back a trusting relationship.
With my background in law enforcement, I seek out the truth. In doing this, my job has been to find the guilty, clear the innocent, and bring justice. In doing this, you can’t use a “cookie cutter” approach, due to every investigation being different.
This goes for the many complex challenges that face our school district. In investigations, one must listen, look, be open minded, and find ways to solve problems. In this career, you must also have the citizens’ trust, knowing you’re working for them.
Treating every citizen with respect and equally, is how this trust is earned.
One of the biggest questions I have heard from citizens is where is all our money going and the
difference in education from school to school?
There shouldn’t be a line between what side of town you live on, for we are all citizens of San Angelo. If elected, I will address this. I want to look at ways of increasing teachers’ salaries to not only keep our great teachers, to retain their talents for the students.
This will also entice future teachers looking to start with San Angelo I.S.D., or current teachers wanting to move to our great community. Trust starts with this election, and I’ll bring you trust and transparency.
SAISD Bond
San Angelo Independent School Board Trustees called for a single bond proposal of $397 million to address decades of deferred maintenance on aging schools and the construction of a new Glenn Junior High School.
In the last 10 bond elections, San Angelo voters have only approved $171 million for the physical maintenance and upkeep of schools, an amount that is far less than any comparable community in West Texas.
Since 1985, local voters have said “No” to six of the last 10 bond propositions, approving spending in 1985, 1996 and 2008.
When voters agreed to almost $7 million in 1985, it had been nine years since the district’s last bond approval. School officials had to wait 11 years for the next one.
It has now been 17 years since voters gave trustees the green light to initiate major construction, or address much-needed, expensive repairs — the longest unfunded stretch in school-district history.
With two schools that are well-over a century old, and an average-school age of 47 years, SAISD trustees have always had their hands full where upkeep is concerned.
This is easily seen with the color-coded chart created by Parkhill consultants, which outlines all of the deferred maintenance items — most of them red — indicating the vast majority of listed items are long-overdue for attention.
In Texas, the average school district debt-per-student is around $33,542, according to information from the Texas Education Agency.
In fiscal-year 2022, the most-recent year for which data is available, the 10 largest districts collectively owed more than $31.4 billion, which equals roughly $31,200 per student.
The highest debt-per-student rate for 2022 was in the Frisco ISD at $51,890.
San Angelo ISD’s total outstanding debt obligations as of Aug. 31, 2024, are $79,701,562, which equals a debt-per-student rate of $6,047. (13,180)
Proposition A
“The issuance of $397,000,000 of bonds by the San Angelo Independent School District for the construction, improvement, expansion, renovation and equipment of school facilities and safety and security enhancements in the District, and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. This is a property tax increase.”
Mark ballot “For” or “Against”
OTHER TOM GREEN COUNTY ELECTIONS
GRAPE CREEK ISD, Board of Trustees
Vote for one, two, three or four
- Jeff Lashley
- Mercedes Whipple
- Diane James
- Rebecca “Becky” Buck
- Aaron Flint
- Fred Contreras
WALL ISD, Board of Trustees
Vote for none, one or two
- Chris Wilde
- Brent Schniers
- Travis Garmon
ELECTIONS INFORMATION
EARLY VOTING
Early in-person voting will be available at the Tom Green Co. Elections Office, 113 W. Beauregard Ave. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday from April 22-29.
ELECTION DAY MAY 3
Election Day Polling Places
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 3.
Registered voters may cast ballots at the Vote Center of their choice.
- Angelo Bible Church, 3506 Sherwood Way
- Belmore Baptist Church, 1214 South Bell St.
- Calvary Baptist Church, 2401 Armstrong St.
- Christoval Community Center, 20022 Main, Christoval
- San Angelo ISD Admin. Bldg., 1621 University Ave.
- CVT Bus Depot, 506 N. Chadbourne St.
- SAF First Assembly of God, 1442 Edmund Blvd.
- Grape Creek ISD, 8207 N US Hwy. 87
- Keating Paint and Body, 5050 N. Chadbourne St.
- Paulann Baptist Church, 2531 Smith Blvd.
- Oak Grove Senior Apartments, 4359 Oak Grove Blvd.
- Southgate Church of Christ, 528 Country Club Road
- Southside Recreation Center, 2750 Ben Ficklin Rd.
- Wall Brethren Church, 7921 Loop 570, Wall
- MHMR Admin. Bldg, 1501 W. Beauregard
- Veribest Baptist Church, 50 Farm-To-Market Rd. 2334, Veribest
- Wesley United Trinity Methodist Church 301 West 18th St.
- TXDOT Offices, 4502 Knickerbocker Rd., Bldg. E
- Westlake Ace Hardware, 1801 Knickerbocker Rd.
Acceptable Texas Voter IDs
- Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
- Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
- United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
- United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
- United States Passport (book or card)
Expired IDs
With the exception of the U.S. Citizenship Certificate, which does not expire, for voters aged 18-69, an acceptable form of photo identification may be expired no more than four years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. For voters aged 70 or older, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired for any length of time if the identification is otherwise valid.
SOURCES: Tom Green Co. Elections Office, City of San Angelo, San Angelo ISD, Texas Secretary of State
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