Exciting Times for College Station: City Council Seats Up for Election
As College Station gears up for its upcoming elections in November, the buzz around town is palpable. Multiple seats on the City Council are up for grabs, and residents are eager to see who will step in to represent their interests and ideas. Among the notable races is Place 3, currently held by Councilwoman Linda Harvell, where two Aggies are competing to make their mark on the city’s future.
Meet the Candidates
First up is Valen Cepak. A relatively new face in the community, Valen moved to College Station in 2017 to pursue his studies. Since then, he has made it a point to get involved in various local initiatives. Valen serves on the board of the American Red Cross and has been an active member of his church. Furthermore, he’s joined citizen academies, which have helped deepen his understanding of local governance.
Currently, he’s a graduate student at the Bush School of Government & Public Service. During an interview, Valen conveyed his aspirations for the city, stating that he wants to ensure that every voice is heard. “When I look at the city council,” he said, “I want it to reflect what the community looks like, and I just don’t think it’s at that level right now.” His goal is simple but powerful: to make everyone feel represented and valued. “I want to be a person that anyone can feel like, ‘man, he represents me and he has a voice and I can go up and talk to him and he’s going to make me feel seen,’” he added candidly.
On the other side of the ring is David White, another Aggie with deep roots in the community. David’s family has called College Station home for about 25 years, and he returned to the city seven years ago to reunite with this thriving community. As the president and CEO of the Texas 4-H Foundation, his role in local development has only grown. David has also served on the Planning and Zoning Commission and is currently actively involved with the College Station Parks Board.
His dedication doesn’t stop there; David took the initiative to establish the College Station Parks Foundation, aimed at fostering private-public partnerships to enhance local parks and recreational facilities. His insights into community needs stem from a desire to see his hometown flourish, and he’s eager to share his thoughts on economic development, city growth, and affordable housing.
What’s at Stake?
As the election approaches, both candidates have been vocal about their views on crucial issues facing the city. With the challenge of managing growth while ensuring that College Station remains an affordable and welcoming place for all, they understand that their decisions could shape the future of the city for years to come.
“I want College Station to grow in a way that meets the needs of our residents without sacrificing our community values,” David mentioned, clearly resonating with concerns shared by many locals.
Valen echoes similar sentiment, pushing for inclusivity in city planning and governance, as he strives to create an environment where everyone feels they have an equal stake in the future of College Station.
Looking Ahead
With November just around the corner, the excitement is building up along with the anticipation of which direction College Station will head in. Will it be a fresh perspective brought in by Valen, or will David’s seasoned involvement lead the way? Only time will tell!
For now, the spotlight is on distance and participation. Both candidates are ready to take on the challenge, eager to engage with the community, gather insights, and transform the aspirations of fellow residents into action. So, whether you identify more with Valen’s vision for representation or David’s experience in public service, it’s a great time to step up and engage in the conversation about the future of College Station!
