Abilene voters have two city positions to fill

Last Thursday's City Council election forum was a great success, thanks to the five candidates, the Abilene Voter Alliance and a large audience eager to participate.

The audience also saw how the candidates handled themselves as they responded to questions on everything from a new library to non-city issues like motorcycle helmet laws.

On May 3, voters will have the opportunity to fill two council positions. They'll also consider amending the City Charter on two issues, most significantly whether 18-year-olds should be allowed to run for city office.

For your consideration, the Reporter-News editorial board offers these endorsements.

Place 1

Voters have two strong candidates to choose from in Place 1 - incumbent Paul Vasquez and challenger Billy Enriquez.

Of the two, Enriquez is the more passionate and charismatic, judging from his performance at the forum. He has the ability to inspire people, especially young people, to become part of the system, and he should have an important future in local politics.

But Paul Vasquez has been a solid, reliable, hard-working city councilman now for seven years, and he has earned the right to continue serving the community in that capacity.

Abilene is on the right track. Crime is low here. The economy continues to build steadily, with new jobs being created. New businesses are moving to town.

In short, we are moving in the right direction, and people like Paul Vasquez have helped get us there. We support him for Place 1.

Place 2

If any councilmember or candidate has proved his independence, it is incumbent Don Drennan.

During his first council term he has shown a willingness to ask the tough questions, no matter how uncomfortable, and then vote against the majority if he believes the answers aren't adequate.

But that doesn't mean he's a kneejerk opponent of city spending in such areas as downtown revitalization. He simply wants to make sure the money is spent wisely, with full scrutiny and public involvement. He's a good listener and unfailingly he expresses his concerns courteously and with a sense of humor.

Drennan is an excellent councilman. He deserves a second term.

City charter amendments

Proposition 1:: As it stands now a person must be 21 years old to run for mayor or a city council position. This change would lower the age restriction to 18. It should be approved.

Some 18-year-olds, we're certain, would be unsuitable and ill-prepared to serve on the council, but we could say the same for some folks in their 30s, 40s and 50s. That's what we have elections for, to choose the best person. Eighteen-year-olds already vote. They should be given an opportunity to serve.

Proposition 2: This amendment primarily updates the charter to conform with state law in several areas. It also would delete an outdated requirement that the City Council approve the termination of an assistant city attorney. It is the only assistant's position requiring council consent for termination. The city attorney should be able to make that decision.

This proposition should be approved.