MIDLAND, Texas — While the focus right now is on the upcoming March primaries, there will be a special election in May for the at-large Midland City Council seat, after the tragic passing of former City Councilman Dan Corrales.
Three candidates so far have filed for that position, and it is a unique group of people with different perspectives.
A couple of them shared some of their vision through lenses that span over quite the timeline.
Midland has grown a lot over the years.
“I came to West Texas [and] Midland in 1980, and I was building and developing Midland then," said James "Bull" Henry, a candidate for Midland City Council's vacant at-large seat.
Henry has seen that growth firsthand.
“It’s just a continuation of my love for Midland, and wanting to continue to build and develop Midland and make it the best place we can," Henry said.
Cheston Blank, a candidate for Midland City Council's vacant at-large seat, has seen that growth too.
“I’ve been a resident of Midland for 16 years [and] I’m 20 years old," said Blank.
20 years old and on the ballot.
“It’s an opportunity because I often spend a lot of my time complaining about things…how about I try to fix it?," Blank said.
Part of Blank’s focus is on public transportation and the cost of living. He was inspired by the man who formerly filled this at-large seat, late City Councilman Dan Corrales.
“I met him and talked to him personally," Blank said. "He would often encourage me to go to city council meetings and try to get more involved, and he would always answer my questions regarding the city and helping me be more confident starting this whole process.”
Henry, on the other hand, is looking to continue the good work that he is seeing.
“As we build and develop Midland -- and we build hotels and restaurants and things like that -- I think it’s equally important that we make sure that we find things to keep Midland money in Midland," Henry said.
Both candidates are willing to serve Midlanders.
“I don’t want to sit up here and tell you everything I want to do and what I think needs to happen," Henry said. "I’m going to sit back and listen, and I want the citizens of Midland to tell me what they think I need to be doing.”
“I'm more excited to, since…I have the attention of the city, I can more easily do outreach to more people and get their input and what they want me to advocate for," Blank said.
The third candidate in the race is John Burkholder. Burkholder told NewsWest 9 that he has officially filed for the seat and that he is organizing his campaign team and committee. Burkholder added that he is excited to make his official announcement early next week.
The special election will be held on Saturday, May 4.