Rowlett City Council certifies election results and swears in three new members

The Rowlett City Council on May 13 unanimously approved a resolution canvassing the results of the May 2 general election and then administered the oath of office to three newly elected councilmembers.

During Item 3a, a staff presenter identified as Debbie summarized the official totals for the contests for Places 1, 3 and 5 and cited the city charter’s requirement that council and mayoral candidates win a majority of votes. After the presentation, Jonathan Reeves moved to adopt the canvassing resolution; the motion was seconded and the council voted to approve the resolution unanimously.

Following the certification, Judge Kilgore administered the oath of office to the new councilmembers. Chris (speaker 4), sworn in for Place 1, thanked voters and said he was ready to help address the city’s challenges: "Thank you to all of you who voted for me…I feel confident with this bunch that we will all solve these problems within reason." Byron Fassett (speaker 9), sworn in for Place 3, said he considered it a privilege to serve and welcomed residents to meet with him. Carter Holston (speaker 12), sworn in for Place 5, outlined three guiding questions he will use in office: whether he acted with integrity, whether he improved the city, and whether he caused harm.

The council’s action to canvas the election was procedural and final for the city’s internal certification; the presenter referenced the city charter’s majority-vote rule during the announcement of results. The meeting moved next to recognition of outgoing members and a reception before adjourning.

The council adjourned at 6:43 p.m.; a reception followed in the lobby.