Jefferson mayoral and alderman candidates outline plans on tourism, infrastructure and public safety

Moderator Hugh Lewis opened a public candidate forum for Jefferson’s upcoming May 2 elections, set the rules for written questions and introduced elected officials in attendance. Six candidates — three for mayor and three for alderman — gave opening statements and answered audience questions on tourism, infrastructure, water, animal control and municipal facilities.

Mayoral hopefuls emphasized different strengths. Kerry B. Hester Jr., citing prior service as mayor and council member and years in local emergency services, framed his campaign on experience and improving ordinances and planning. “I would like to see the council unite and...build on what we have,” Hester said, urging a focused approach to ordinances and planning.

Hunter Manis, a five‑year resident who framed himself as a newcomer with tourism and events experience, said Jefferson must find ways to bring families back and grow events that support local spending. “If we can grow our tourism back up...the city will have more money to do the things, fix the infrastructure,” Manis said.

Doug Thompson, who cited private‑sector economic development work with JEDCO, emphasized partnerships among city staff, aldermen and business owners and proposed stepped marketing and signage to capture spur‑of‑the‑moment travelers.

Alderman candidates stressed fiscal oversight and accountability. Incumbent Hollis Shadden pointed to planning and zoning work and said the city must prioritize projects that benefit the whole community. Ted Dixon called for a forensic review of city books before major spending decisions. “I’d like to get a forensic look at where Jefferson actually stands,” Dixon said. Amanda Limoche urged long‑term planning to retain young families and said residents should expect better performance from elected officials.

During Q&A, candidates agreed tourism is central to Jefferson’s economy but warned it cannot by itself pay for major water and sewer infrastructure. Multiple candidates recommended pursuing grants and identifying matching funds; several named the city’s existing $6,000,000 water grant effort and a $400,000 JEDCO pledge toward a fire station slab as examples of ongoing projects. Hester said the city must be prepared to meet grant matches to secure outside funding.

On municipal facilities, candidates discussed options for an old city hall/fire station property (sell, demolish for parking, or require buyer‑use covenants) and debated whether to relocate records to the forum building with modifications to meet flood‑plain requirements.

Asked about representation on the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District, candidates emphasized protecting local water supplies and recommended appointees with water knowledge; Amanda Limoche specifically said she wants a representative opposed to large data centers that could strain local resources. On animal control, candidates discussed leash and registration rules, the city’s quarterly funding to Friends of Jefferson Animals (noted at $16,000 per year), and whether some questions should go to voters via a ballot measure.

The forum closed without votes or endorsements. Moderator Lewis said written audience questions and candidate answers would be posted online. Candidates delivered brief closing remarks and asked for voters’ consideration ahead of the May 2 election.