Cuero residents eagerly seized the chance to attend a non-partisan Candidate Forum.  The well-attended forum was held Wednesday, April 16, at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Park Clubhouse on 201 Harmon Drive.  Attendees heard directly from local candidates running for the Hospital Board, City Council, and School Board. The forum provided an invaluable opportunity for attendees to ask questions, engage with the candidates, and gain deeper insights into the issues affecting their small community.

In a refreshing contrast to the discord often seen in larger city governments or among contentious politicians, Cuero’s candidates demonstrated respect for one another and their opponents throughout the forum. They adhered to the allotted response times, fostering an atmosphere of civility and professionalism. This approach not only encouraged meaningful dialogue but also empowers voters to make informed decisions as they prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming May 3, 2025, election.

The forum was hosted by the Cuero Chamber of Commerce, The Cuero Record, and the De Witt Lavacca County Democratic Women. Angie Cuellar, Chamber of Commerce Director gave an introduction, Maggie Cromeen Executive Director of the Cuero Deveopment Corporation was the moderator and Sara Blain with the Chamber was the timekeeper.  The forum was praised for its nonpartisan and organized approach.

The evening began with the Cuero City Council race, featuring three candidates vying for two at-large positions.  District 1 and District 4 city council members, Shannon Henson and Tony Allen will be on the May 3, 2025, ballot unopposed, for seats they currently hold.

Candidate Adam Arroyo is an educator and coach at Cuero ISD.  He is currently serving as a Councilman.  He was appointed in June 2024 as a Councilmember At-Large to complete the term left vacant by Emil Garza, who transitioned to the role of Mayor of Cuero. Joining Arroyo in the race are Russell Mobley and Charles Tounley, both eager to bring their visions to the council.

Adam Arroyo highlighted his experience serving on the City Council, noting that, he has gained firsthand knowledge of council operations. He explained that decisions are made collectively after thorough review of agenda materials. Arroyo also shared that the city has successfully secured approximately $8.4 million in grants, which come with specific stipulations and must be used for designated projects. He emphasized the importance of continuously seeking out new grants and funding opportunities to support Cuero’s development and infrastructure needs.

Russell Mobley shared his vision of preserving Cuero’s charm while enhancing the quality of life for underserved areas. He expressed strong support for initiatives focused on streamlining the permit process and assisting small businesses. A recurring theme in his remarks was his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity, with a particular emphasis on addressing the needs of underserved areas in town—a point he highlighted multiple times.

Charles Tounley retired from Texas Gas Services after 33 years of service. With 25 years of experience in community engagement, he has served on multiple boards and committees, contributing to local initiatives. Tounley envisions Cuero growing to a population of around 10,000, emphasizing the need to bring high-quality jobs to the area. He advocates for attracting industries that manufacture products locally—goods that can be shipped elsewhere—to reduce the city’s reliance on state and federal funding. His approach prioritizes economic self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.

The forum then shifted focus to the candidates for the De Witt Hospital District Board of Trustees. Pedro Gonzalez, a professional engineer with decades of experience in managing large-scale projects, budgets, and facilities, highlighted his extensive expertise as a key asset for the role. A Cuero resident for five years, Gonzalez shared that the hospital was one of the factors that impressed him enough to settle in the area. He emphasized the importance of improving communication and keeping the public well-informed about developments within the district. Gonzalez also outlined his priorities, which include ensuring top-notch services, managing costs effectively, and planning for necessary capital expenditures to maintain fully functional facilities.

Faye Sheppard, a seasoned healthcare professional and attorney with over five decades of experience, also addressed the audience. Currently serving as Vice-Chairman of the Board, Sheppard emphasized her dedication to strengthening healthcare services in the community.  She emphasized her dedication to being a responsible steward of the hospital’s mission, values, and resources. Her focus is on ensuring the hospital operates efficiently while delivering the highest quality healthcare to the community.

Sheppard seeks re-election and hopes to continue her impactful service on the Board, advocating for accessible, high-quality healthcare for all residents, regardless of their ethnicity or background. She emphasized her commitment to ensuring that every individual receives the best care the hospital can provide, reinforcing her dedication to equitable and comprehensive healthcare services within the community.

Martin Leske is seeking re-election as hospital trustee, bringing a strong academic and professional background to the role. He earned dual degrees in Finance and Economics from Texas Tech University in 2004, followed by an MBA in 2016. During his tenure, the foundation’s endowment tripled, contributing over $500,000 toward hospital improvements, including education, equipment, and capital expenditures.

As a Hospital Trustee, Leske has prioritized maintaining the hospital’s financial stability, recruiting and retaining top medical personnel, and ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for all residents. He emphasizes the importance of addressing challenges through strategic problem-solving, focusing on people, processes, and communication to meet the community’s needs effectively.

The final segment featured school board candidate. Sean Douglas presented his platform, while Mary Jane Henson was unable to attend due to a family bereavement. Despite her absence, the forum maintained its momentum, showcasing the dedication of all involved.

Douglas’ platform focused on several key priorities:
Strengthening Education Programs: Promoting modern, inclusive teaching methods and extra-curricular programs to better prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
Enhancing Community Engagement: Ensuring open communication between the school district, parents, teachers, and local leaders to address pressing concerns collaboratively.
Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency: Advocating for prudent budget management to maximize resources while holding district leadership accountable.

Douglas emphasizes that his candidacy is rooted in his belief that every student deserves a safe, well-resourced learning environment that cultivates both academic excellence and personal growth.

As the event transitioned between candidates—starting with those for council, followed by the hospital board, and finally the school board—there was a brief intermission during which attendees mingled, chatted with candidates, and connected with others in the crowd. Throughout the evening, candidates captivated the audience with thoughtful responses to both prepared and public questions. Light refreshments were served, adding to the welcoming atmosphere and encouraging conversation among attendees. The event underscored the significance of prioritizing candidates’ visions over party affiliations, serving as a shining example of civility and mutual respect.

As Cuero looks to the future, the forum underscored the community’s commitment to progress and collaboration. With candidates offering diverse perspectives and solutions, the event provided a valuable opportunity for residents to make informed decisions ahead of the elections.  Forums like this play a vital role in promoting democracy.