Annual Stafford Town Hall hosts mayoral candidates

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The City of Stafford held its annual Town Hall meeting January 25, giving residents an opportunity to hear directly from officials on a host of issues. The event at the Stafford Civil Center also served as an official kick-off of sorts for the upcoming municipal election campaign, with the two declared candidates for mayor laying out their respective philosophies.

In what is perhaps an entirely unique format, Stafford's annual report includes the State of the City address from the mayor as well as brief commentary by each member of the City Council who wishes to speak. In most such events, it is only the top official who gives a presentation.

Earlier, the council had voted to change the for- mat somewhat so that each member had only one five-minute opportunity to speak following Mayor Cecil Willis's presentation. Willis, who took office after winning a special election to fill the unex-