Because Council members serve two-year terms, district positions are split between even and odd years with the at-large mayoral seat being decided in the odd year. So, this being 2010, elections will be scheduled for Districts 1, 2, 4, and 5. Since there doesn't appear now that there will be a need for a citywide election—just those four districts—it is possible that one or more of those elections could be canceled to save the money if there is only one person running for a particular seat.
 
None of the Council members sitting in those positions are yet term-limited, they can run for re-election. For Districts 1, 2, and 4, the current Council member can serve one more time. For District 5, twice more.
 
As of yesterday, all those Council members had picked up packets from the City Secretary to run again. Two others had also picked up packets. City Secretary Mary Kayser has done several things to made it easy for those wishing to participate to do so. For the first time, for those interested or just curious, packets will be are available online and all necessary forms can be printed from digital copies. Of course, there is the old-fashioned way of just getting a packet at the City Secretary's office. Even then, there is a choice between the printed notebook version and an electronic version. The earliest day to file is Feb 8.
 

 
I am one of those that have picked up packets and I have previously announced my intention to run for what would be my final term if elected, but it is any citizen's right to seek the office if they are qualified . I don't want to discourage anyone that feels experienced and that they can do a better job from considering service to the citizens of Garland.
 
I've yet to write on the Council Retreat last Monday and the staggering information that was presented and discussed. We have huge challenges in the years ahead, more than I think most of the Council and staff were aware. Those challenges won't be a surprise to those that regularly read this blog but the depth of those challenges will be a surprise to everyone, as they were to me. I was quite proud of our city staff for having the guts—I mean that literally—to tell the story of our future—if we hold the same course—without excuses or attempts to rose-color the facts. It was exactly the type of briefing I have sought for quite some time. I will be writing quite a bit more on our challenges over the next several days. It is an important time to be checking in.
 
I feel especially qualified to address these challenges. I've been preparing for some of them for two decades and longer. It's a poor time to be on the Council if you want to build monuments and get your name on plaques. On the other hand, it's a great time to work extra hard to secure a better future for our city and its citizens.
 
If the latter describes your mettle, the interview process starts Feb 8.