Lufkin City Council certifies May 3 election and administers oaths to two council members

The Lufkin City Council voted to approve a resolution certifying results of the May 3 municipal election and then administered oaths of office to two council members.

City staff explained that the May 3 general election was called to elect council members for Ward 1 and Ward 3 and that each office had a single unopposed candidate. "Per Texas election code, the city council is authorized to cancel the election and declare the candidates unopposed and elected to office," Staff member Kevin told the council. The resolution presented to the council certified those results and identified Brent Watkins as the council member for Ward 3. The council approved the resolution by voice vote.

At the same meeting the council administered the oath of office. Angela Hobbs Spencer repeated the oath as sworn for Ward 1. Brent Watkins repeated the oath as sworn for Ward 3. Both recited the oath language, including, "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of council member," before each was congratulated by the mayor.

The certification and oaths were handled as part of the council's regular meeting agenda; staff recommended approval of the resolution and the council carried the motion by unanimous voice vote.

Council members who were sworn in will serve in the seats announced at the meeting; the resolution and oath complete the formal certification process required when candidates run unopposed, as described in the Texas Election Code.