James “Gary” Jones was sworn in by Mayor Fabol Hughes at a June 12 city council meeting.[/caption]A special city council meeting was held June 12 at noon to appoint a new council member to the Ward A seat left vacant when former council member William Mack “Bill” Lawton died May 28. Existing council members have the authority to appoint a replacement in the event of a member’s death.
After a brief executive session, Mayor Fabol Hughes announced James G. “Gary” Jones will fill the Ward A seat until the next regular election in which the seat is to be considered.
Jones, a retired Marine and ten-year Katy resident, served as alternate member to the City Planning and Zoning Commission.
“Those are big shoes to fill,” Jones said of his predecessor, Lawton.
“I implore the constituents of Katy to contact me with any issue they deem relevant in the betterment of Katy. I look forward to serving Katy for many years to come,” Jones said.
After the swearing in ceremony, each of the council members remembered Lawton’s legacy and welcomed Jones to the council.
“I think we made a really good choice. I’ve listened to your views and I’ve listened to how you think and I think you’ll fit in. You have the same heart for the city that we do,” council member Jimmy Mendez said.
After the meeting Hugues said Jones was chosen in large part for his views on managing the city’s growth.
“He also wants to see us grow, but he wants to see us grow properly and prosperously,” Hughes said.
Bill Lawton ran unopposed and was re-elected to the Ward A seat May 9. There are two years remaining in his term, which will be filled by Jones.
The next general election for the Ward A council seat is in 2017.
Meetings
Katy City Council
Meets at 6:30 p.m. on July 13.
910 Avenue C, Katy
www.cityofkaty.com
Harris County Commissioners Court
Meets at 10 a.m. on July 14 and 28.
1001 Preston Ave., Ste. 938, Houston
713-755-5113
www.harriscountytx.gov
Fort Bend County Commissioners Court
Meets at 1 p.m. on July 7, 14
500 Jackson St., Richmond
281-341-8608
www.fortbendcountytx.gov
Waller County Commissioners Court
Meets at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays
836 Austin St., Hempstead
www.co.waller.tx.us
