George Russell easily wins second term as Marble Falls mayor

MARBLE FALLS — Mayor George Russell turned back opposition by a wide margin as he won re-election to a second term during the May 14 City Council election. 
"It was a tough campaign with a good challenger," Russell said just minutes after learning of the victory.

Northland Communications manager Larson Lloyd (left), Burnet County Sheriff W.T. Smith and Cynthia Russell celebrate the re-election of George Russell (right) as mayor of Marble Falls May 14. Staff photo by Connie Swinney

Russell defeated Russell Buster, a former city councilman and restauranteur, by nearly 65 percent of 436 total votes cast.
Russell polled 282 votes, and Buster garnered 154, according to totals from the Burnet County Elections Office.
His experience and judgment were the keys to his re-election, said Russell, 65, who is the former city manager of both Marble Falls and Georgetown.
"In the long run, I think the experience I brought to the table and some of the things we did during the past few years was the right thing to do — and the people wanted more," he added.
During the campaign, Buster debated with Russell regarding when and where to build a new police headquarters.
Several months ago, the city could have moved the headquarters to the building owned by the Economic Development Corp. at 1701 Colt Circle, Buster maintained.
However, Russell supported EDC plans to rent most of the building to an eco-friendly sports-car manufacturer, as well as set aside additional space for a future vocational-technical training school.
Buster accepted defeat calmly.
"I guess we’ll go back to work tomorrow," said Buster, 59. "I want to make things go faster. I’ll still be involved. I wish George the best. I think he has lots of issues to address."
raymond@thepicayune.com