Editorials

In addition to the race for mayor, one seat on the Tyler City Council - District 6 - is contested in the May 10 election for which early voting began Monday.

Charles Alworth, an attorney and engineer, is seeking re-election to the District 6 seat he has held for four years. Larry Meckley, a retired schoolteacher, is the challenger.

District 6 extends from its northern boundary along East Fifth Street, western boundary along South Broadway Avenue, eastern boundary from State Highway 110 to Dennis Street, then down along Paluxy Drive and on to the city's southern limits, roughly along Skidmore Lane.

Meckley said he is running for the office because he feels the current leadership doesn't listen to the people. If elected, he said, he will be a councilman with compassion and "keep my promises."

Alworth said he is proud of everything the council has done during his two terms, including elimination of general obligation debt, the pay-as-you-go system of funding infrastructure improvements, and lower property tax rates.

Looking ahead, Alworth said he wants to see the city move forward with Tyler 21 and that he intends to work with the new mayor "to make sure we don't move backward." He cited establishing a proper vehicle replacement program for the city's fire trucks as a priority and pledged to continue to work on traffic issues.

Alworth has been a part of the city team that has maintained an effective and efficient city government operation, is experienced in the job and has demonstrated a willingness and ability to keep delivering on the Blueprint and Tyler 21 promises.

Charles Alworth is solidly recommended to District 6 voters for another term.

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