Two years ago I lamented canceling an election because fighting and suing to have an election was a major reason that I was even in office. Tonight the Council is expected to cancel the May elections in Districts 1, 2, and 4. The reason is simple: there is only one candidate for each office. There is no logical reason to hold an election for which there is only one possible outcome. Our fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers dictates frugality.
 
Even when practicality dictates it, there is still a tinge of distaste when we staunch democracy.
 
I heard the comment that it was too bad that there was even one race being contested because it would cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars. That was the disingenuous excuse given by the Gang of Five for trying to cancel the 2006 elections. Nothing in democracy gives more bang for the buck than elections and nothing goes further to protect the interests of the governed.
 
I've also heard in the past some say they were running just so old so-and-so would have an opponent. That's not good either. There should be a fire and reason for seeking office. Wasting tax dollars for a lackluster, pseudo-serious election does injustice to the citizens, too.
 
I take no pleasure canceling an election even when I am a beneficiary. However, I am pleased the constituents of the district are willing to give me an additional two years to represent them and I hope to make the most of the two years accomplishing their business for all our benefit. Not having an opponent has the appearance of citizen confidence. I more often wonder if it's not a sign of no one wanting the job. In either case, thank you.
 
For those political junkies that love elections, there will be one contested race in May in District 5. John Willis is running against challenger David McNeely. To date, I've not heard of any candidate forums except the televised Eastfield College Candidate Forum. Moderating will be District 1 resident, Don Baynham.
 

City of Garland Press Release:

Eastfield College Hosts Garland City Council Candidate Forum

Eastfield College is hosting a forum for candidates running for Garland City Council in the May 8, 2010 municipal election. Don Baynham, Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness at Eastfield College, will moderate the forum.
 
The forum is scheduled for Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Garland City Hall, 200 N Fifth Street. The forum will also be broadcast live on CGTV, the City’s government access cable channel. CGTV is available on Time Warner Cable channel 16, on Verizon FIOS TV channel 44 and is streamed live on the City’s website.
 
Garland citizens are invited to submit questions to be used during the forum. Questions may be submitted by April 2, 2010 online at www.GarlandTx.gov, by email to scook@dcccd.edu, by fax to 972-860-8324, or by mail to:
 
     Sharon Cook
     Director of College Communications & Community Relations
     Eastfield College
     3737 Motley
     Mesquite, TX 75150
     Attn: Garland City Council Forum
 
Please include “Garland City Council Forum” in the subject line of email and fax submissions.
 
Eastfield College personnel will evaluate the validity of the submitted questions and have the option of combining similar questions or eliminating questions that are inappropriate in nature (i.e., personal attacks on individuals or questions that are vulgar in nature).
 

 
UPDATE: As expected, the elections for the uncontested races were canceled.