By ANDY SEVILLA
Three-year council member Samantha Bellows-LeMense announced Friday she would not seek reelection to her Kyle seat this May.
“The past two and a half years have been extremely worthwhile. Unfortunately with a recent work promotion I’m unable to dedicate the time I know the citizens of Kyle deserve from their representatives,” LeMense said in a written statement. “It’s with a heavy heart I will not be run for reelection. I look forward to still being a part of our great community and helping out in any way I can.”
LeMense joined the Kyle council in 2012, but started her public service by serving on the Kyle Community Relations Committee and then as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner before running for office.
“It has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience; I will miss working with the citizens of Kyle, working to make our city an even better place to live,” she said. “Together we have accomplished a lot of really amazing things and I am very proud to have served with my fellow citizens.”
LeMense helped lead a successful 2013 road bond package aimed at fixing deteriorated Kyle roads. LeMense chaired the city’s mobility committee, the group tasked with developing the $36 million dollar road bond package voters overwhelmingly approved nearly two years ago.
LeMense also made headlines in 2013 and was recognized by the state legislature for her efforts in collecting and delivering aid to West, Texas, left ravaged after a fertilizer explosion left 15 people dead and more than 200 injured.
LeMense and then-
Planning and Zoning Commissioner Cicely Kay mobilized a community aid response, collecting clothes, food and supplies for those affected by the explosion.
She championed public safety efforts and fought for increased funding for the police and fire departments in Kyle. Though often rebuffed by other council members concerned with budget constraints and capital priorities, LeMense advocated for more police personnel and vehicles, as well as added city contributions to the fire department.
LeMense, perhaps one of the most accessible city officials, had a long-standing breakfast and coffee every first and third Saturday of the month where Kyle residents could meet with her and discuss matters of concern with the elected official.
LeMense said she plans on continuing that tradition until she’s replaced after the May election.
“I hope my fellow citizens will come out and say hello and pass along their concerns,” she said. “I will be working hard for them until my last day on the dais.”
With LeMense stepping down, the council will take on at least one new member after the city elections this May. Last year, three new council members were sworn into office in Kyle after two elected officials resigned and the mayor decided against reelection.
Filing for LeMense’s Place 5 seat and Tammy Swatton’s Place 6 seat opens January 28.
