by ANDY SEVILLA
As a Kyle resident steps up to fight for a position on the city council, another one drops out of the race.
“Recently, I undertook a new business venture, one that has to be my first priority,” Bill Sinor, who filed his candidacy for the at-large District 3 seat on Jan. 30, said in an email statement. “Unfortunately, this doesn’t leave time for much else. I know the city needs strong leadership, leadership that at this time I feel I can’t provide.”
Sinor, who was the lone candidate for council member Brad Pickett’s currently held seat, drew an opponent Monday. Pickett said earlier this month he would not seek reelection.
“I will not be running again in May,” Pickett said. “My family and I have made this a matter of prayer. Our family has had a rough 3 years in regards to my health and I need to take some time to take care of my health.
Chad Benninghoff, who said his child and Sinor’s played on the same little league team, filed his candidacy to the District 3 seat out of an interest for city government.
“I wasn’t looking to get on a soapbox and make a complete change in one area of the city,” Benninghoff said. “I just wanted to be a contributing member, I have the time and I have some education experience.”
Benninghoff who is a nurse practitioner for the Central Texas Medical Center’s emergency room and holds a broker’s license in real estate in Texas and California, said his new employment position allows him the time necessary to commit to service on the city council.
“I want to continue to do some of the good work other folks have already started,” Benninghoff said.
Benninghoff is no stranger to city politics. He ran an unsuccessful bid against Lucy Johnson, where she took the majority vote and began her political career as a Kyle council member. Johnson is the present Kyle mayor.
Benninghoff said he lives in Hometown Kyle, is a family man, and just wants to make the city a “better place.”
“I think every city can improve in some areas, just like every household can improve in certain areas, every government can improve in a lot of areas, maybe financially our city can improve or stabilize itself, as far as the amount of debt that it’s accrued,” Benninghoff said. “If there’s options out there to look at, I might have a good eye to help out when budget time comes around.”
With Sinor’s withdrawal, Benninghoff will be the lone candidate for Pickett’s expiring seat. Council member Diane Hervol, whose at-large District 1 seat is also set to expire in May, has filed for reelection and remains the lone candidate in that race.
The filing deadline for a place on the ballot is March 1.
Sinor said he will withdraw his candidacy for the District 3 seat with a “heavy heart,” but remains committed to serve on the city council.
“Once we are up and running, I have no doubt that serving on Kyle City Council is in my future,” Sinor said. “I plan on filing next year when I have more time to commit to the great people and the wonderful city of Kyle.”
