Published Tuesday, February 09, 2010 12:06 AM

Hopefuls file for city spots

By CASSIE SMITH
cassie.smith@theeagle.com

Bryan Councilman Al Saenz put in a bid for re-election Monday, the first day to officially file for local city council races.

Bryan has four seats open, and College Station has two on the ballot. The election is May 8.

Saenz is the first to file for the Single Member District 1 seat. Single Member District 2 and 3 and the mayor's seat also will be up for a vote.

Candidates have until March 8 to file; the last day for someone to withdraw is March 16.

Saenz said his district has been known as the "forgotten district" in the city, and many are aware of the nickname. He said he's worked throughout his term to help change that description and wants to return to the council so he can follow through on his work.

"I think my presence on the City Council has really gone a long way to bring attention to Single Member District 1 and fair distribution of city resources to that district," he said.

If re-elected, Saenz said, he will continue to listen to concerns from residents, as well as what their proposed solutions are for the problems. Many residents are willing to step up and assist the city with it's needs, he said, if only officials would listen.

Other filings Monday included Mayor Pro Tem Jason Bienski, a Realtor, and Mitch Morehead, owner of Acme Glass, each submitting paperwork for the mayor's seat; Chuck Konderla, owner of Fifth 'C' Fine Jewelry, and Bettye Pool each filed for the seat Bienski is leaving -- Single Member District 3.

City Councilman Paul Madison is running for Brazos County Precinct 4 commission, leaving Single Member District 2 open.

In College Station, Jess Fields, owner of Texas Avenue Cigars, filed for Place 2 on the council, a position held by James Massey, who said he will not run again.

Mayor Ben White filed to retain his seat overseeing the council.

Both city councils consists of seven members and are elected for alternating three-year terms. The Bryan council has one at-large seat and five single-member districts. The College Station council does not have single-member districts.

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