Bryan, Texas Gears Up for Exciting City Council Election in District 5

Bryan, Texas: A City on the Cusp of Change

As we gear up for the upcoming elections in November, the city of Bryan is buzzing with excitement and discussions about the future of its community. Two passionate candidates are stepping up to vie for the coveted District 5 seat on the City Council: incumbent Councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff and her challenger, Patrick Giammalva.

Meet the Incumbent: Marca Ewers-Shurtleff

Councilwoman Ewers-Shurtleff has a rich background that shapes her vision for Bryan. Originally hailing from the Texas panhandle, she made her way to the Twin Cities to attend Texas A&M University. It was during her time at A&M that she truly fell in love with policy-making. “While I was at A&M, I got very interested in policy,” she shared, reminiscing about her experiences in Washington D.C. and Austin. She further cultivated her passion while working in the House and the Senate, realizing she couldn’t shake off that “bug” for policy.

After graduating, Ewers-Shurtleff’s career continued to flourish. She worked for the Department of Agriculture, focusing on legislative affairs. After some time, she returned to her roots to start farming and eventually made her way into local politics, serving as mayor of her hometown. Her journey took her to law school in Houston, and after graduating, she set up a small law firm right in Downtown Bryan. For the past decade, she has been an active member in the community, serving on the City of Bryan’s Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Planning and Zoning Commission, before joining the city council in 2022.

A New Challenger: Patrick Giammalva

Challenging the incumbent is Patrick Giammalva, a familiar face in Bryan politics. He’s taken a swing at several city offices in the past, including a run for mayor in 2019 and the At Large Place 6 council seat in 2022. Giammalva’s candidacy stems from his deep-seated desire to improve the city, especially the Midtown Park Development.

Giammalva’s journey into local governance began eight years ago when he moved to Bryan and purchased a home near the old Travis B. Bryan municipal golf course. “I started out by buying a house off of Fairway, and then I fixed it up; remodeled it. That’s what I do—buy and sell property, fix it up, and sell it,” he explained. His connection to the community spurred him to take action, which included efforts to clean up the neighborhood and “clean up the lake” as well as the golf course. “It was a long process,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to seeing Bryan thrive.

Key Issues on the Table

During their campaign, both candidates have focused on some key issues that are close to the hearts of Bryan residents. The topics of growth and affordable housing have emerged as central points of discussion. With the city continuing to grow, residents are keen to understand how each candidate plans to address the challenges that come with it, especially regarding the availability of affordable housing.

The debates are bringing out the best ideas from both candidates, allowing residents to weigh their options ahead of the elections. It’s an exciting time in Bryan, as choices are being made that will shape the community’s future.

Looking Ahead

As the election date approaches, locals are encouraged to engage, discuss, and think critically about the candidates and their proposed visions for Bryan. With stories of dedication and ambition from both Ewers-Shurtleff and Giammalva, it’s clear that the residents of District 5 have a vibrant choice ahead of them.

Stay tuned, Bryan! This election might just be the turning point your community has been waiting for.