Bertram set to cancel election due to lack of candidates
Bertram might cancel its upcoming election after only two candidates filed for three available City Council seats. The decision, expected to be finalized during the March 11 council meeting, follows Texas election law, which allows municipalities to cancel uncontested elections.
The seats of council members John Baladez, Pat Turner, and Lane Shipp are up for election in May.
Incumbent Baladez and newcomer Anthony DeFrancisis were the only two candidates to apply for the at-large election, which will leave one vacant seat. According to City Administrator Georgina Hernandez, the two will be sworn in during the May council meeting without an election.
The Bertram City Council will determine how to fill the vacant seat after the election is officially canceled.
According to Texas Local Government Code 22.010, vacancies on the council can be filled by appointment if a majority of the remaining members vote in favor. The mayor may only vote in the case of a tie.