Government | Odessa, TX The next General Election will be on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Brian Julson (Odessa City Council At-large, Minnesota, candidate 2022 She founded West Texas Voice, a blog educating readers on legislative and political happenings. Two important facts to consider in this issue are that one, inherent in the nature of political parties is the effort to get candidates elected to office and that two, the accusations when compared to what the actual ethics guidelines are do not appear to match. The lawsuit claims the new law singles out the county and violates the Texas Constitution. Cronyism is the appointment of friends to positions of authority without proper regard to their qualifications.. The official date will likely be . City manager interviews begin June 26 - Odessa American Elections | Odessa, TX The City Managers office oversees the day-to-day operations of the City with direction and guidance from the governing body, City Council. Perhaps the biggest local race going to a runoff? Instead, direct campaign expenditures must be reported by the party that makes the expenditure. The consulting firm hired to help with the hiring progress, T2, gave a presentation on the potential hires at a Special City Council meeting earlier in June. Odessa residents stepped up to the plate as Mondays filing deadline revealed a competitive lineup of city council candidates for Novembers election. Odessa City Council to See Major Changes with Upcoming Election, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Odessa Arts Lights Odessa Spire With Gay Pride Rainbow, Event In Odessa Distributes Government Cash Cards To Thousands of Immigrants, ECISD Bond Committee Work Far From Complete, After Months of Stalling, Oil and Gas Workers Association Releases Financial Records Raising More Questions, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Here's the link to City of Odessa Council Agenda: https://www.odessa-tx.gov/AgendaCenter/City-Council-7 In case it is missing or no longer online, heres a downloadable copy: 12-13-22 Agenda Packet At the end of June, lo and behold the qualified candidates were narrowed down to a few. City Council and School Board races decided Odessa and Midland - CBS7 Connell is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Tools RSS Notify Me Search Agendas by: Time Period Select a Category City Council 2023 2022 2021 View More Departments = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. Once that stage of the benchmarking process is completed, they will look to go through the process of posting the job and then beginning the search for candidates, with their timeline still intact as they aim to have a new city manager later this summer. The council is the representative for the T2 Professional Consulting Firms city manager benchmark committee, and that committee met for the first time on Tuesday. Lastly, local teacher Mari Spivey Willis and insurance adjuster Julio Gonzalez will face off for District 5, currently held by Council Member Filiberto Gonzales. With the closing of the filing period for Odessa City Council candidates on Monday, candidates for two different districts are guaranteed to replace their outgoing city council incumbents, having entered their races unopposed, leaving only one contested race on the ballot in November. According to reports, Gonzales said he would only seek reelection if no one else filed to run. The report then goes on to say thatitwasdone with the candidates knowledge and cooperation and describes the expensesashaving been used to purchaset-shirts and door hangers that were distributed at various events. Be a qualified voter that is a United States citizen (1), Resided in the territory (district) for the office the person is seeking for 6 months continuously (1), Registered to vote in the territory (district) for the office the person is seeking for 6 months (1), File a petition signed by 50 voters residing in the territory from which the office is elected (1), Be 18 years of age or older on the first day of the term to be filled at the election or on the date of appointment. With the election of two GOP-backed candidates last November, the Odessa City Council voted in December to terminate City Manager Michael Marrero creating a vacancy the council has spent the last six months reviewing applicants to fill. We thank you for your interest in the City of Odessa and want to remind you that we are here to serve you. "And then communication, being able to dispense unbiased information to the entire city council, to your management, mid-management and also your city employees to be able to create a positive economic and social environment through the organization and the city.. Odessa City Council selects Texas GOP director as next city manager Steve Thompson for City Council. Fact Check: Did Odessa City Council Candidates Fail to Disclose Republican Party Support? Rather, Party officials state that the Party madea handful of expenditures suchas amailer supporting all Republican Party-backed candidates in the election and gave each candidate with the exception of President Trump who was prominently featured equal mention on the mailer. After careful consideration from our Mayor and Council, a manager was hired with absolutely no qualifications and by all accounts from a LinkedIn search, an unremarkable work history. $250. Ronnie Lewis is a longtime Odessa resident and businessman. T2 Founder Mike Wilson said the names of the other two finalists will remain confidential. City Council | Odessa, TX The City Council is the legislative policy-making body of the City. Fifty people from across the nation applied to become Odessa's next city manager and the Odessa City Council will interview the top four candidates the week of June 26. Fact Check: Did Odessa City Council Candidates Fail to Disclose The City of Odessa is always working for its citizens and planning for growth and maintenance of infrastructure. District 4 is also an open seat as Council Member Michael Gardner has decided not to run for reelection. Odessa City Council receives update on search process for new - MSN In addition to city races and propositions, residents living within Ector County Independent School District will have the chance to vote for or against a property tax increase via a tax ratification election. Joven invites anyone with concerns to meet with Beckmeyer if he takes the job. Agendas are available prior to the meetings. All rights reserved. The council plans to interview the final candidates on the week of June 26. Odessa City Council is reportedly looking to set the election date on December 11, with early voting beginning as early as November 26 and continuing on select days. . Council members: The Odessa City Council is comprised of 5 City Council members elected by districts, 1 At-Large member and the Mayor, who is elected at large. The General Election for members of the Odessa City Council is held on the even number of years on the 1st Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Odessa City Races Draw Candidates - Texas Scorecard Current District 3 Council Member Barbara Graff will not seek reelection due to term limits. He's got a lot of experience in a lot of different areas. After interviewing three finalists for two hours each, the city council unanimously chose John Beckmeyer to replace Michael Marrero, who was fired in December. Ector County Democratic Chair Hannah Horick said Beckmeyer brings many skills to any role, but that he isnt the best choice for an increasingly divided Odessa., The finalist for Odessa city manager lacks precisely the qualifications requested in the job description: a background in city management or public administration, Horick wrote in a statement to CBS7. $5. Odessa mayor candidates discuss positions prior to election Elections | Odessa, TX At this point we dont know, but this is what the benchmarking is and well hone that in next week.. The Odessa City Council will be meeting Tuesday to whittle down its list of new city manager candidates and to schedule interviews. A contribution of goods or services is an in-kind campaign contribution. Integrity, communication, education, experience," said Odessa Mayor Javier Joven. The council met as the T2 Professional Consulting Firm's benchmark committee for the first time, and outlined some characteristics it wants to see in the position. Review the Master Plan documents to see what is planned for Odessa's future. And so bringing a person with this high profile, and the connections and relationships, is pushing that narrative.. Mayor candidate Javier Joven and council candidates Denise Swanner and Mark Matta have said they support making abortion illegal in Odessa, according to Mark Dickson, director of Right to Life of . Odessa deserves better. He joined the Musketball Group in 2017. Ector County Republican Party Chair Tisha Crow told Odessa Headlines while she believes contested elections are best to allow voters to have options, she was happy for Connell to win with strong unopposed support and said voters will have some good candidates to choose from in the district 5 race. $500. The council is the representative for the T2 Professional . According to our partners at the Odessa American, the city has hired a new city manager. Three candidates were interviewed Monday; the fourth withdrew. Mayor Javier Joven refused to tell us how many of the initial 50 candidates . The Mayor said that by that date they will have someone in the position of city manager, if not sooner. "We want to hone it in and find someone from Texas because we want them to know where and who Odessa, Texas is. Michael Marrero, who was fired in December. Odessa City Council Race Heads to Runoff - Texas Scorecard FootnoteEligibility items listed with a (1) at the end are requirements of the City of Odessa Home Rule Charter and standard eligibility requirements for Public Office under Texas Election Code Section 141.001. ), Matt Stringer is a journalist from Odessa, Texas. (Update) As of Friday afternoon, the Ector County Elections Office says the petition lacks a sufficient number of verified signatures to force a public election on the debt issuance. A Texas-based federal judge vacated the ATFs proposed firearm definition change. Access easily searchable meeting agendas and minutes for various boards, commissions, and committees. How do you gain respect from City employees when you are just handed a job simply because of who you know. If he accepts the position, he will forgo his role in the Texas Republican Party, according to Joven. Outgoing District 4 Councilman Tom Sprawls will be succeeded by Greg Connell, who will win the race by default since no other candidates filed. How can a personnel. The mailer included candidates from President Donald Trump, State Representative Brooks Landgraf, as well as the Party endorsed city council candidates, and many others. Copyright 2023 KOSA. Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? To view past live meetings, please visit our Meetings Archive page. Photo: Matthew Stringer. "A team builder, someone that will turn around the city, someone with municipal experience or someone with ad valorem or sales tax experience. That first stage consisted of talking through what specific characteristics they believe need to be present within whoever takes over as the next city manager. . The city council voted 5-2 on Dec. 13 to terminate City Manager Michael Marrero without explanation and Billing and Collections Director Agapito Bernal was named interim city manager. Within hours Mayor Javier Joven hired T2 Professional Consulting for $338,000 to . The council has said they were looking for a person of integrity, who is a strong leader and sets a good example. ODESSA, Texas On Tuesday, the Odessa City Council discussed interviewing finalists for the city manager position. He stated that the month of June would include presenting the best candidates, administer the tri-metrix assessment, conduct interviews, and provide director and assistant director If voters choose to amend the city charter and add an at-large seat, accountant Peggy Dean will assume the newest council position, as she was the only candidate to file for it. According to T2 Professional Consulting, 50 people applied for the position from around the country. The city council plans to interview a finalist for the city manager position at the end of June. Facebook Social N. To view past live meetings, please visit our Meetings Archive page. The City Secretary's Office strives to effectively respond to the needs of our citizens through professional assistance of public service. really benefit the City of Odessa where . Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. This is on the Odessa City Council Agenda for Tuesday Dec. 13th, 2022. In addition, they must have three or more years experience as a city manager, assistant city manager or as a department head in a city of similar size to Odessa. ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Odessa City Council selected a finalist for its city manager position, sparking mixed reactions from locals after the unanimous decision Monday night. Thompson said all three were excellent candidates who reside in Texas, which was important to the council. However, adirect campaign expenditure is different from an in-kind contribution. The City of Odessa has a new Mayor and two new city council members after a landslide victory in the December 15th runoff election in Odessa, Texas. At some point in most of our lives weve looked for jobs, but how many would actually send a resume knowing you were terribly unqualified for the position. The city says Beckmeyer holds a bachelors degree in animal science and has served in various roles, with most of his background in IT. 2. With the closing of the filing period for Odessa City Council candidates on Monday, candidates for two different districts are guaranteed to replace their outgoing city council incumbents, having entered their races unopposed, leaving only one contested race on the ballot in November. This council is basically doubling down in pushing this community forward, not just within the region, but in the state and the nation, Joven said. Joven said criticism comes with the hiring territory. Now, three candidates are looking to fill his role. Watch Council meetings live below. Copyright 2015-2023, All rights reserved. Abbott's Buoy Border Barriers Begins, Federal Judge Strikes Down Biden Administration Ghost Gun Rule, Harris County Sues Texas Over Election Legislation, Always trustworthy, with the facts in context, Relentlessly pro-citizen, unabashedly pro-liberty. ODESSA, Texas As the Odessa City Council continues the search process for a new city manager, they have taken another step forward. The General Election for members of the Odessa City Council is held on the even number of years on the 1st Tuesday after the first Monday in November. It was hosted by the Ector County. City Council elected officials' term visit City Council page. Fifty people applied for the position, but T2 Professional Consulting narrowed the list of finalists to four. The Office of the City Attorney serves the City Council, City Departments, and the public by providing legal counsel and education, documents, legislative assistance, and representation before courts and boards, with the ability and in a timely courteous and professional manner to ensure the legality of City operation, protect the legal rights of the City, and to reduce liability risk. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), story by Odessa American (OA) reporter Frederico Martinez, Odessa Arts Lights Odessa Spire With Gay Pride Rainbow, Event In Odessa Distributes Government Cash Cards To Thousands of Immigrants, ECISD Bond Committee Work Far From Complete, After Months of Stalling, Oil and Gas Workers Association Releases Financial Records Raising More Questions, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Minutes are available following approval. A Landslide Victory: City of Odessa Elects Joven, Matta, & Swanner Council debate on changes centers on geographic representation Based in Odessa, Texas, the Odessa American was founded in 1940. After interviewing three finalists for two hours each, the city council unanimously chose John Beckmeyer to replace Michael Marrero, who was fired in December. 2. The back of the t-shirt stated, Vote Republican 2020 and included a slate of Republican Party-backed candidates that were running on pro-law enforcement platforms. Odessa NAACP issues complaint over G.O.P. candidate forum - CBS7 View additional meeting documents. Odessa Kelly For Congress Odessa Kelly for Congress - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. District 3 has drawn two candidates: West Texas Food Banks Communications Director Craig Stoker and former Odessa Fire Marshal Detra White. According to the Odessa American, Councilmember Steve Thompson said hes confident Beckmeyer will soon be at work. The Purchasing Department's function is to process all departmental requests for goods and or services that are required for daily operations and to exercise responsibility for their timely procurement and delivery. Odessa City Council discusses city manager finalists, contract with Lauren Melear | Why would a person apply for a position knowing they did not meet any of the qualifications required for the job? Government | Odessa, TX He will bring resources to the city that will be critical in helping the staff tackle the major issues that face us.. Incumbency information for this election was not available. The only contested race will be for District 5, the seat currently held by outgoing Councilwoman Mari Willis. Either T2 failed miserably at the expense of Odessa taxpayers. After reviewing some 50 applicants from around the nation, the council unanimously . According to the Texas Ethics Commission, a person makes a campaign contribution if the person provides or promises something of value with the intent that it be used in connection with a campaign. The November 3rd General Election had resulted in three races going into a Run-Off. Councilman-elect Connells victory is a historic win for Republicans in Odessa, Crow stated, for the first time I can recall, Odessa will be represented by a new city council majority comprised of conservative God-fearing Republican patriots, and I am excited to see this new era of conservative leadership.. Odessa City Council to See Major Changes with Upcoming Election City Council | Odessa, TX At Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. Support Democrat Odessa Kelly for Congress in TN-07. Beckmeyer specifically has the organizational skills they were looking for, Thompson said. (Editors Note: While the Presidential election last year was one of the most tumultuous elections in history, the races for the Odessa City Council were no exception. The results have been certified. Odessa City Council Taps Texas GOP Executive Director as Next City The council collaborated in identifying what the themes surrounding the job description for the position will entail. In a statement to CBS7, Ector County Republican Chair Tisha Crow said Beckmeyer will help unify differing viewpoints. Brian Julson and Chris Teske ran in the general election for Odessa City Council At-large on November 8, 2022. Details of his contract still need to be worked out and he'll have to go through a background check, but Councilmember Steve Thompson said he's confident Beckmeyer will soon be at . Once elected, the new council members will assume office on a tentative date of November 22. Adopt regulatory ordinances and resolutions, Provide direction to the City Manager and other Council appointees, And provide a forum for active community participation in setting and achieving City policies, goals and objectives. . Four city races, districts 3, 4, 5, and possibly an at-large seat, will appear on Novembers ballot, in addition to two propositions to amend the city charter. Odessa Councilmembers Launch Accusations Against Republican Led Petition Effort. The subsequent fallout has resulted in continued feuding, so it is important to take with a grain of saltanonymousaccusations, their accuracy, and their intent. 1. John Beckmeyer currently serves as the executive director for the Texas Republican Party. A local conservative pretend news site (run by Jeff Russell, who is appointed to numerous boards by the non-leaders on the City Council) and the local GOP Chair Tisha Crow droned on and on in one of his "stories" about how this rainbow came just hours after the Odessa Arts received their annual grant from the city of more than $400,000. More by Matt Stringer. The City Council is the legislative policy-making body of the City. Or T2 was just an expensive charade to help the good ol boys club get their buddy hired. Long-time political allies who have maintained largely unfettered control of the city council were in for the fight of their lives against a slate of Republican Party-backed candidates who ultimately won 3 out of the 4 races. In conclusion, the materials we have been able to identify and the officials who have willingly gone on the recorddo not appear to meet the definitionof in-kind contributions, much less $20,800.00 worth, that the candidates would have needed to disclose. Why did the Mayor and City Council that came up with the necessary requirements then completely disregard those requirements and vote for an unqualified candidate? Help send Odessa to Congress to fight for all of us. Basically, what this thing is, is to help us come up with a job description that will help us best identify the best candidate for a CM [city manager], and what type of candidate thats going to be," said Mayor Joven. Developed for, The Local Fight Against Abortion in a Post-Roe Texas, Installation of Gov. She and her husband have served in a variety of positions within the Mitchell County Republican Party. "We kind of focused on Texas mostly, but I was really surprised we ended up with 50 applicants, and T2 has narrowed it down to just a few," said Thompson. Odessa City Manager Michael Marrero and City Attorney Natasha Brooks were fired by the City Council on Dec. 13, 2022. Support Democrat Odessa Kelly for Congress in TN-07. The TriMetrix assessment is a patented way to look at candidates' behavioral style, personal motivators/drivers and competency levels. The city council also agreed to end the contract on Aug. 13 for a total cost of $225,000. Those races were the race for Mayor, City Council At-Large, and City Council District 1. She told Texas Scorecard that after living in Washington, D.C., she and her husband knew they needed to move back to Texas because of all of the corruption going on at the national level. Mayor Joven believes it is important to use that information to help fix the issues in the city that will allow the new city manager to be successful. GUEST VIEW: Odessa City Council pulls a fast one, State sales tax revenue totaled $3.9 billion in June, US Forest Service and historically Black colleges unite to boost diversity in wildland firefighting, MASTER GARDENERS: Mistakes gardeners make, PBS event will showcase culture of the Basin. The discussions went well among the city council members as they met for about an hour and half while completing the first stage of the benchmark. The general election will take place November 6. Odessa City Council makes progress in city manager search Odessa should demand better. Agendas & Minutes Agendas are available prior to the meetings. CITY COUNCIL City council passes property tax relief in first session with new members San Antonio's City Council successfully doubled the city's homestead tax exemption to 20%, the maximum. For the three, possibly four, city council seats up for election this fall, eight candidates have filed to run and none of those include incumbents. Mayor Joven said that they will finalize the city manager job description during their second benchmark committee meeting next week. In Midland, two Midland ISD School Board seats were contested. Review the Odessa City codes and ordinances. The way that we come to a middle ground and better understanding and a better feel for individuals is to actually sit down, ask those questions and seek answers to those questions, Joven said. Odessa Kelly "It was a tough process. Lauren Melear leads the West Texas Bureau of Texas Scorecard. Agenda Center Agenda Center View current agendas and minutes for all boards and commissions. Do we want to do a nationwide search or do we want to search in Texas?," said Mayor Joven. Council picks GOP director as city manager The City Council is the legislative policy-making body of the City. Details of his contract still need to be worked out and he'll have to go through a background check, but Councilmember Steve Thompson said he's confident Beckmeyer will soon be at work. 4. According to LinkedIn, Beckmeyer has an associate's degree in animal science from Western Texas College and a bachelor's degree in animal science from Sam Houston State University.