John Houston sworn in to Shenandoah City Council

Photo courtesy of City of Shenandoah

The city of Shenandoah has a new councilman after John Houston was sworn in to the vacant Position 2 seat during the April 23 City Council meeting.

Houston was sworn in following the cancellation of a special election to fill former councilman Ron Hyde's unexpired Position 2 term, which concludes in May 2015.

"I have been a resident of Shenandoah since 1982," Houston said. "I retired a couple of years ago and decided that it was time to get back to the city. I have no agenda. I think the city has been operating really will with reasonable and responsible folks, so my intention is to continue to do what they have been doing."

Houston, a retired master electrician, said he expects a learning curve while he integrates into the City Council, but plans to be involved in current projects such as the city park renovation and construction on the city hall building.

"I am just now getting thrown into it and beginning to understand the total significance of what I will be doing," Houston said. "It's about being good managers and stewards of the taxpayer money."

The city will hold its general election May 10 with a race between Michael McLeod and Josh Wendell to fill the council's Position 5 seat.

Other uncontested candidates include Garry Watts, who is slated to replace outgoing mayor Wes Stephens, and Position 1 incumbent Gary Henson, who has served since 2010.

Early voting will be held in the South County Community Building, at 2235 Lake Robbins Drive, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 28 through May 3, and from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on May 5 and 6.

The general election will be held at the Shenandoah City Hall, at 29955 I-45-N., on May 10 from 7 a.m.–7 p.m.