KILLEEN, Texas — The race for Killeen's next mayor is underway with four candidates seeking the role, including the incumbent. Election Day is May 4.
The candidates are:
- Debbie Nash-King (i)
- Mellisa Brown
- Patsy Bracey
- R.A. "Rick" Briggs Jr.
6 News reached out to all four candidates to learn more about their campaign and what their priorities would be. We were only able to connect with three of the four candidates.
Bracey didn't make a comment about her campaign and Nash-King didn't meet the April 24 deadline.
As a former councilwoman, Brown talked with 6 News about why she was seeking to run for mayor now.
"Over the past few years, I've seen the slower erosion of citizens' rights and ability to be able to speak and address the council and that's extremely important," Brown said. "We elect people to represent us and they need to hear us, whether they agree with what we're saying or not, and even though the mayor may not have a vote on any of the items, the mayor does have influence over what the council does, or their opinions."
Brown believes this mayoral race will be the closest one in recent Killeen history. Brown laid out three priorities to 6 News:
"My first priority is making sure that citizens can address their elected officials at the meetings and that they're getting answers to their questions," Brown said. "We shouldn't have secrets behind the walls at City Hall. We need to make sure our money is being spent wisely, and then three, I am an advocate for keeping fees and taxes as absolutely lowest possible."
Briggs shared he was motivated to run for mayor through people he has worked with. But, he also said he doesn't like the direction the current council is leaning.
"I saw this comprehensive plan thingie and said 'we've got to step up this game' because the people's voices are not being heard," said Briggs. "The people's lives are not being served and so I threw my hat in the ring."
Briggs is choosing to campaign by getting out in the community, meeting face-to-face and bringing his K9 campaign companion 'Beau' around. He's hoping to bring a different style to the mayor's seat if elected.
"To change Killeen, we've got to change the image, the perception and the reputation," Briggs said. "We see a lot of this lip service stuff going on, but where's the action part, and I think that action part is actually getting out and walking amongst the people."
Briggs said he serves with his heart, especially as a retired soldier, and also wants to ensure people know they have a voice.
You can check out the full interviews from Briggs and Brown on the 6+ App, which is free on Roku and Firestick.
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