McGee in on Stephenville City Council race

Two incumbents challenged, two remain unopposed

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By AMANDA KIMBLE
TheFlashToday.com

STEPHENVILLE (February 13, 2017) – The race to Stephenville City Hall is heating up.

Mandy McGee, 33, filed her application for a place on the May 6 ballot, challenging Doug Svien, Place 3. The incumbent, Svien, was first elected to serve in 2011 and is one of the longer serving council members.

McGee’s filing comes on the heels of news late last week that David Baskett, 37, a local banker would challenge Sherry Zachery for Place 7. When he filed, Baskett issued a rally cry, calling on citizens in their 30s and 40s to step up to help reshape the city.

But, McGee, who was raised in Stephenville, said the decision to seek public office was something she had been considering for a while.

McGee, who went to the University of Texas at Arlington on a track scholarship, had been away from Stephenville for some time before moving back about three years ago. She has since been focused on running business and raising a family.

She has been an attorney for about two-and-a-half years and recently partnered with Emily Brooks, opening an office – McGee & Brooks Law, P.C – on Graham Street, near the Donald R. Jones Justice Center, in the downtown Stephenville.

Looking at the current council and direction the city is moving, McGee said there are a couple of issues she believes need to take priority.

Mandy McGee

“One of the big issues is the sewer situation,” McGee said, adding she understands financial concerns and other issues have left current council members dragging their feet.

“It’s a big issue that needs to be addressed,” she added.

Meanwhile, McGee said the city council needs to be “more open” to growing along with Tarleton State University.

“Stephenville is a different place than it was when I was growing up, and we need to be open to evolving as Tarleton continues to grow,” she said. “We need people on council who are concerned with what’s best for the community and our children.”

Outside of the courtroom, McGee is involved with community through coaching her fourth grade daughter’s SPARD basketball team, school activities and summer track. She is married to Toby O’Neal and has two “bonus kids,” or step children.

The Stephenville City Council now has two incumbents – Mark McClinton, Place 1, and Rhett Harrison, Place 5 – who remain unopposed in their bids for re-election.

Potential candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday to file for a place on the May ballot. Election information and online applications can be found on the Texas Secretary of State website.

Application packets may also be obtained from City Hall. Call City Secretary Cindy Stafford for more information.

Other seats on May 6 ballots include two on the Stephenville ISD board of trustees, five on Dublin City Council and those of two Dublin school board members. Check back with TheFlashToday.com for more information on filing in those jurisdictions.


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