Monks elected Mayor of Teague

James Monks defeated Jack (Butch) Hansel 111 votes - 77 votes in the race to serve as the City of Teague Mayor on Saturday, May 4.

“I am very excited to be elected to serve as Mayor. Teague is a great place to raise a family and offers a wonderful school system,” Monks said. “With the current housing complex under construction, it is my hope this will be the starting point for further growth and opportunities for our town.”

Monks previously served as Mayor of Teague from 2018-2022.

“My main goals are to work with the council to regain control of the budget and spending. In the 2023-2024 budget, the council had to cut $500,000 from the budget to not exceed the projected income,” Monks said. “I will be presenting ideas to the council to keep city hall open during regular business hours as well. City hall was closed or had reduced hours ten times in the last 12 months. I will also be asking the council to develop and implement an employee evaluation/accountability system with at the minimum having yearly evaluations for all city employees.”

Alderman Place 1 Garlan Steed and Alderman Place 3 Lois Mims did not seek reelections.

Ron Rasbeary and Rhonda Jones ran unopposed for Place 1 and Place 3 respectively.

Rasbeary received 130 votes and Jones received 147 votes.

Jones served on the board from 20192023, but chose to step down at the end of her second term because of all the turmoil within.

“I am very excited to serve with the current board who are also concerned about the leadership of our great city,” Jones said. “My main goal is to help make a turnaround to move forward with the decisions that will benefit the citizens of our great city such as keeping a balanced budget and making right choices to fill the staff vacancies that have occurred in the last year. I would also like to dive into the matter of vacant lots and dilapidated homes not being taken care of.” Rasbeary served on the Board of Aldermen in 2006 when he finished a term for Dennis Cox when he was hired as the Police Chief. He also served as an alderman from 2013-2019.

“I am ready to do what I can to improve the city,” Rasbeary said.

Monk, Rasbeary, and Jones will be sworn-in to their positions tonight, May 9, at 6 p.m. in a called meeting to canvass the votes from the election.

Rasbeary and Jones will join Jerry Ballew, Bridget Gauntt, and Timothy Campbell to make up the City of Teague Board of Aldermen.

“I believe we have a council in place that is willing and able to work together to encourage growth and improvements of Teague that will benefit all of our community,” Monks said.