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Two candidates are running for Shenandoah City Council Position 1, a two-year term, during the May 2 election. Ron Raymaker, who currently holds the seat, is not seeking reelection to Position 1 but is instead running for mayor.
Ernest M. Sumrall and Gary Henson will seek the position on the May 2 ballot.
Something to note
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents.
Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.
mortgage broker
Why are you running for office?
I’m running to bring a fresh, independent voice to City Council that listens to residents and asks tough questions. Shenandoah is a great city, but we need stronger accountability, better communication and leadership focused on serving the people.
What about your experience makes you stand out as a candidate?
My experience as a veteran, former pastor, mortgage banker and former council member gives me a balanced perspective. I understand leadership, budgeting and service. I’ve served this community before and will always put residents first with integrity and accountability.
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
My priorities are fiscal responsibility, lowering the city tax rate, improving transparency and strengthening communication with residents. I will support public safety, streamline city processes and ensure decisions are made with input from the community.
What do you see as the greatest challenge facing Shenandoah, and how will you address it?
The biggest challenge is maintaining fiscal discipline while residents face rising costs. I will advocate for responsible budgeting, evaluate spending carefully and prioritize essential services to ensure taxpayers receive value without unnecessary financial burden.
How will you pursue sustainable growth for the city and what would that look like to you?
Sustainable growth means responsible development that supports infrastructure, protects quality of life and maintains financial stability. That includes careful evaluation of high-rise development to ensure it fits our community vision. I will promote thoughtful planning, efficient permitting and policies that encourage business while benefiting residents.
sales director, SAM GUARD, North America Advisory Board, Kyiv Hydrogen & Circular Economy Institute; Army intelligence ...
Why are you running for office?
My family lives here — my wife, college-aged daughters at Lone Star and their grandparents. When I learned of a proposal to dissolve Shenandoah's police department, I wanted to make sure I had a more direct voice in the safety of our community.
What about your experience makes you stand out as a candidate?
I'm a U.S. Army Intelligence veteran, Master of Engineering and global business leader with experience building solutions across industries and continents. I've worked internationally, navigated complex challenges and built coalitions across political divides. I unite people around facts, not fear.
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
Maintain a strong Shenandoah Police Department. Support transparent fiscal policies that strengthen our community. Work with fellow council members to advance Shenandoah's existing Municipal Development District structure to attract strategic technology and business partnerships that grow our city without compromising the character that defines us.
What do you see as the greatest challenge facing Shenandoah, and how will you address it?
Maintaining the quality of life Shenandoah residents expect—safe neighborhoods, responsive local services and responsible spending. The proposal to dissolve our police department threatens all three. I will work closely with Chief [Troye] Dunlap to ensure our neighbors have fast, local, professional response when their families need it most.
How will you pursue sustainable growth for the city and what would that look like to you?
I will support initiatives that strengthen Shenandoah's existing MDD framework to pursue forward-looking technology and business partnerships. With global experience in industrial innovation and novel contacts, I bring ideas that can grow our city's economic base while preserving the community values our neighbors hold dear.