Saturday's election for the Texarkana Board of Trustees highlighted the importance of voting and its impact on a local community. The election results were a mix of victories and losses for the candidates, with one race being particularly close. Nevertheless, the election served as a potent reminder that every vote counts and can make a difference.
Just ask Charlotte Ellis-Maxwell, who lost her race by just 2 votes.
The election for the Texarkana Board of Trustees was held on May 6. In 2023, three seats were up for grabs, and unofficial results showed a close election.
The citizens of Texarkana were not too eager to cast their votes and make their voices heard, as the turnout was very light.
This year, the election was crucial as the Board will oversee the controversial, almost $200 million bond issue that narrowly passed in November 2022 after controversy about the district being dishonest during its election campaign. Click here to read more.
Moreover, one candidate, Charlotte Ellis-Maxwell, was running on a platform that included discussions of systematic racism.
District 2 - Gerald Brooks wins
In District 2, Maxwell and Gerald Brooks were running against each other. It was always seen as a tight race, and insiders sensed it could be a super close election with few votes.
They were right
Ultimately, Gerald Brooks emerged victorious with 38 votes, while Charlotte Ellis-Maxwell received 36. Brooks was previously appointed to the seat and was now elected by the people of Texarkana, Texas - although narrowly.
Unopposed current member in District 4
In District 4, Ami Bowers was running unopposed and received 31 votes. While her victory was not as dramatic as the other races, it was still a significant win for her, and she was apparently grateful for the support of her community.
Hotly contested race for the At-Large seat
The At-Large seat in District 7 was the most hotly contested race of all. Armani Valentino, previously a Democrat candidate for county judge in Bowie County, was running against Board President Fred Norton, Jr.
Valentino had a lot of support, and his campaign focused on issues that affected Texarkana students. However, in the end, tax lawyer Norton emerged victorious with 264 votes, while Valentino received 142.
The election was a powerful reminder of the importance of voting. Charlotte Ellis-Maxwell lost by only 2 votes, showing that every vote counts.
Unofficial results for TISD Board of Trustees election on May 6, 2023
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