Six candidates have filed for Lytle City Council seats for the upcoming election. There will be three contested races including District 1, 2, and 3 seats of City Council.
Election Day is Saturday, May 1. Voting is at the Lytle Community Center from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Joseph Morrow, District 1 candidate
The majority of my life has been spent right here in Lytle, Tx. I am a graduate from Lytle High School, a certified audio engineer, a guitar instructor, but most importantly I serve as the Minister of Worship for the Lytle United Methodist Church. I grew up in the church and spent much of that time serving the community through local outreach projects. In the last 8 years or so the Lord has had me serving as the worship leader for South Church in Fredericksburg, Tx to serving as the pastor for a South Church plant right here in Lytle. This journey through different areas of ministry and outreach work led me right back where I started. In Lytle, Serving at my home church no less. I believe my time spent serving the church, and my community has adequately prepared me to serve on the Lytle city council.
Have you ever held a political office, and if so what positions and years did you serve?
No, I have never held any political office.
What are some of the things you love most about the City of Lytle?
I love that we are a tight knit community who rallies together in the face of challenges. During this recent freeze we endured together, I witnessed a community serving one another, offering shelter, food, water, etc. to their neighbors. I am proud to be a part of that! I love our local businesses where you can chat like family. I love our police department, and I love that I can call our chief of police —regarding just about anything— and have a delightful conversation. I love our fire department. My neighbor, who I care for a great deal, served many years as a volunteer fire fighter. I love our city park and library where I have been blessed with wonderful memories with my family. My entire childhood, and life thus far, is littered with memories, both of joy and sorrow, right here in Lytle. My home.
What are some of the areas of improvement you’d like to see in the City of Lytle?
I would like to see amenities that local families can enjoy, such as a public community swimming pool, or a splash pad. I would like to see our library expanded and added to (especially with all of the new families moving to town). I would like to see the majority of our roadways and sidewalks repaired, improved, or updated. I’d also like to see a 24 hour income based urgent care facility in town.
With major growth projected with several incoming subdivisions, what concerns/adjustments do you see a need for, such as infrastructure or Emergency Services staffing?
As previously mentioned, I think we will indeed need infrastructure upgrades, such as road improvements, more street lights etc. I would say that with more residents to serve we will inevitably need more staff to serve them in all capacities.
Name 3 things you would like to promise voters you’ll support, if elected?
I will always support less government, not more. An emphasis on the success of local businesses. And a rich and enjoyable environment for those in our community to raise their families, and live their lives.
The City of Lytle is projected to receive over $600,000 through the American Rescue Plan. City Council will decide how to use it. What do you think American Rescue Plan funds should be used for, and why? Be specific (Infrastructure projects, Local Business Grants who were affected by Covid-19, assistance to Schools, specific public health measures, etc.)
Local businesses have taken a real beating during the Covid pandemic. Many have struggled to feed their families, to pay the bills, to keep their businesses open. They could greatly benefit from small business grants. If our businesses are thriving our community is thriving.
Alderman Guadalupe Castro, District 1 candidate
The News reached out to Mr. Castro, but did not receive a response. He is currently the District 1 Alderman for the City of Lytle.
Alderman Sam Cortez, District 2 candidate
I am a lifetime resident of Lytle and a 1971 Lytle High School Graduate. I have been married to my wife Rose for 45 years and have two daughters and a granddaughter. I retired after working 45 years in various companies in San Antonio.
Have you ever held a political office, and if so what positions and years did you serve?
I served on the Lytle School Board for 9 years and during my time on the school board, the high school, ag shop, baseball & softball diamonds were built. The black rubber on track field was also added during this time.
I served as a member of both the zoning and mobile home commissions. I am a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church parish council, finance committee and of the Knights of Columbus Council #8621.
I was a former vice-president of Lytle Ex-Student Association, former CYO & LYP Girls Softball coach.
I am currently serving my 8th term with the Lytle City Council for a total of 16 years. As a council member, I worked with Lytle State Bank to obtain two scoreboards for the little league fields. One of my next goals, is to work with community organizations to obtain lights for the fields.
I currently hold the position as the Mayor Pro Tem and am part of the emergency management team.
What are some of the things you love most about the City of Lytle?
Some of the things I love most about the city of Lytle is that it is a small town with a sense of community, has a low crime rate, and small-town traffic feel. I have lived here my whole life. My wife and I raised our family in this town. Now our daughter is raising her daughter in this town, as well.
What are some of the areas of improvement you’d like to see in the City of Lytle?
Areas of Improvement: To safely bring back community events, proper street drainage, more small businesses, and enhance areas of the city to attract tourism. I also feel like the city would benefit from having a youth rec center. It would provide a place for our youth.
With major growth projected with several incoming subdivisions, what concerns/adjustments do you see a need for, such as infrastructure or Emergency Services staffing?
As the city of Lytle grows, we need to be prepared especially with the city’s infrastructure. The water, sewer, police, and emergency services need to be part of the growth.
Name 3 things you would like to promise voters you’ll support, if elected?
If I am re-elected, I would like to get our 4th water well up and running, as well as, paving city streets, lights for the park diamonds, more lighting for streets, and keep the crime down.
The City of Lytle is projected to receive over $600,000 through the American Rescue Plan. City Council will decide how to use it. What do you think American Rescue Plan funds should be used for, and why? Be specific (Infrastructure projects, Local Business Grants who were affected by Covid-19, assistance to Schools, specific public health measures, etc.)
The American Rescue Plan funds should be used for infrastructure projects and to help the local businesses that were affected by Covid-19.
Alderwoman Laura Reyna, District 2 candidate
I received my undergraduate degree in Criminology from St. Mary’s University and went on to receive my Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law and have been a licensed attorney for nearly 19 years. I am currently working towards completing my Masters Degree in Public Administration (’22) from Texas A&M University, College Station. My husband Anthony and I stay busy with 3 kids – helping with homework, attending athletics events, and other activities. I enjoy baking and am the owner of Azucar Cookie Company, my own start up cookie company. I currently serve on the Lytle Little League Board, Keep Lytle Beautiful Commission, and Library Commission. I will apply my knowledge and experience as an attorney, volunteer, parent, Alderwoman and member of the community to continue bringing transformative policies and initiatives to Lytle that enrich the lives of the citizens.
Have you ever held a political office, and if so what positions and years did you serve?
I am currently serving as Alderwoman for District 3, City of Lytle. As Alderwoman I have been able to bring initiatives such as the Recycling Program, Food Distribution events, the first Christmas Holiday Market, Covid Relief Funding, Online/Streaming Council Meeting, and Revived City Committees.
What are some of the things you love most about the City of Lytle?
Lytle has a great sense of cooperation where people are willing to help one another and work together. I love that Lytle is a tight knit community where kids go to school with neighbors and stay friends well after they graduate. I love that Lytle has hard working small businesses committed to serving our citizens. I love that Lytle has passionate teachers, administrators, and staff who are committed to the success of the students.
What are some of the areas of improvement you’d like to see in the City of Lytle?
I would like to see improvements at Lytle’s hubs – business, recreation, and family areas. John Lott Park and Matias Galicia Plaza (Park) are long overdue for updated site enhancements for family play, picnicking, and walking; upgrading amenities such as playscapes, benches, lighting; improved baseball fields, softball fields, basketball courts and tennis courts. Main Street enhancements including sidewalk and streetscape improvements, lighting, trees, planters, and trash receptacles to improve the appearance of downtown and attract people to the businesses along Main Street.
With major growth projected with several incoming subdivisions, what concerns/adjustments do you see a need for, such as infrastructure or Emergency Services staffing?
Reliable and high-quality infrastructure is essential to the community and daily life. With expected city growth, council needs to ensure that the water system, streets, and communication networks are capable of meeting the demands on the existing structure. The city also needs to begin planning for installing new infrastructure to keep up with development. Working with the Police Department and Emergency Services to determine the best ways to meet the projected growth is crucial to ensure the community continues to receive the rapid response they expect. Coordinating with department heads to develop a plan, fiscal impact, and expected staff gaps is important to ensure the needs of the community continue to be met.
Name 3 things you would like to promise voters you’ll support, if elected?
I will continue to fight for a transparent and balanced budget, enhancing digital connectivity, and improving parks and streets.
The City of Lytle is projected to receive over $600,000 through the American Rescue Plan. City Council will decide how to use it. What do you think American Rescue Plan funds should be used for, and why? Be specific (Infrastructure projects, Local Business Grants who were affected by Covid-19, assistance to Schools, specific public health measures, etc.).
Infrastructure is a priority investment for the city, particularly water. Because the American Rescue Plan (ARP) distributes funds in two portions, it allows the city to plan for immediate spending – getting money to businesses, nonprofits, and people who have been affected by COVID-19; ARP also allows the city to plan for longer-term recovery with the second distribution. The ARP gives cities the opportunity to invest in broadband infrastructure to build a strong communications network. Stakeholder input is important to ensure that the funds are utilized inline with the guidelines and by the deadline, otherwise the unused funds are returned to the US Treasury.
Richard Cortez, District 3 candidate
My name is Richard Cortez and I’m running for Lytle City Council District 3. I’ve been involved with the City of Lytle one time or another. Been involved with Little League baseball, city organizations, and church activities. My career has mostly been with the government. 20 years in the Army and 31 years in civil service. Have served in 2 wars (Vietnam ’66-67 and Desert Storm ’90-91). Attended Lytle schools and graduated from Army school in ’65. Attended data systems and material control certification and 2 years language arts. Served 3 years in the Lytle School Board as Secretary and Vice President. I was born and raised in Lytle and have loved the way it is growing and continues to grow, as a city on the go. Did like to see better improvement on our drainage and street lights, and improvement on some of our streets.
David Emery, District 3 candidate
I was enlisted in the USAF for nine years and an officer for eleven. I served as a squadron commander and as an AFROTC instructor at Texas Tech Univ. After retiring from the Air Force I served as an evangelist, campus minister, college Bible instructor, and foreign missionary. For eight and a half years I taught English at the American University in Bulgaria. I hold B.A., Ed. M., and M.S. degrees. I have coached Lytle Youth Soccer for two years and have been a substitute teacher in the Lytle School system. I have proven leadership, management, writing, speaking, teaching, and strategic planning skills.
I was the Atascosa County Republican Party Chairman from late 2019 to mid-2020. I filled a vacancy when the former County Chairwoman resigned. I currently serve on the Lytle Zoning Commission.
We bought our house in Lytle in 2007 because we wanted to live in a small town near San Antonio. We had heard about the friendliness of Lytle and about its good school system. We were not disappointed in our choice. We have two children in the LISD now—our daughter is a fifth grader and our son is a ninth grader. Our children are both doing well with their studies. We are pleased with the sports and other extra-curricular programs that are offered. We often have people honk, wave, or stop to chat when we are out walking or working in our yard. Lytle is our home!
I would like to see a revitalization of Main Street. There are some historic buildings that are now standing empty. These could be upgraded and used as restaurants, cafes, or shops. One improvement that would go along with the revitalization of Main Street would be the addition of sidewalks. Also, extending a sidewalk/walkway from Main Street to the John Lott Park would attract visitors who want to shop, have some refreshments, and then let their kids run in the Park.
I am a bit concerned about the new housing developments springing up around Lytle. While growth can be a good thing for the tax base, growth that is too rapid could cause serious problems. Lytle has been struggling for a couple of years to bring a new water well online. With the current growth, we may need to start planning for a third well. I also wonder if our current sewage system can handle the new growth. The recent winter freeze showed us very clearly that we need to keep our community services up to date and in good repair. Growth is coming and we need to plan ahead to be ready to meet the challenges.
I promise voters I’ll support freedom, common sense, and accessibility to information. If elected to the City Council, I promise to strive every day to help keep America free, starting right here in Lytle. I promise to always make informed, common-sense decisions for the future of our city. I also promise to be accessible to the citizens in my district and to keep them informed about things that will impact our city and District 3.
We should use some of the American Rescue Plan funds to help businesses and individuals that are struggling because of the restrictions imposed in the face of the COVID-19 virus. There should be a quick and simple application process so funds can quickly go to those who need them most. We could also make some grants available for property owners along Main Street who want to upgrade their buildings or convert them to other use.