I am Larry Vernon, and I am seeking re-election to the Eastland City Commission. I have served on the commission for several years and have witnessed some wonderful growth and improvements to our community. There are many people who have made this possible, and I thank them for their love and dedication to our community.
During my time on the city commission, I have worked with six different city managers and numerous different commissioners. Despite these changes, we have continued to grow and improve every aspect of our community.
While the safety and security of our community is an everyday priority along with the safety of our employees, there are things that we have accomplished that are building blocks for a strong, vibrant community.
For years we have heard complaints about the water in Eastland. The ECWSD has won the Big Country Drinking Water Contest for the past two years and won the Best Tasting Surface Water TWUA State Award last year. The water district is doing everything possible to provide Eastland and Ranger quality water. A new water line is currently being installed through town that started in 2018 (COVID impaired progress) that will provide a second means to get water to the water tower on park hill. This helps ensure water stays flowing to the residents of Eastland. Also, we are encouraged that the water district is seeking an alternative water source to help protect our community from ever losing water due to Lake Leon water level being too low.
We also heard around town that Eastland was hard to work with and do business with. Those complaints are exceedingly rare now. Thanks to the magnificent work of our Economic Development Board and the mindset of the city staff. When complaints arise, they are investigated and we work extremely hard to make things right. We encourage our citizens to communicate with us so we can make life in Eastland the best possible. We have heard from our new businesses like Whataburger and Pulido’s about how easy it is to do business with the city and the community.
The city is working to improve the ballfields by putting a Youth Sports Advisory Board back in place. The City Park on Park Hill is being improved thanks to the efforts of the Lions Club volunteers and many businesses that have donated to those projects.
Two major projects are currently taking place in the city right now. Through GLO, the city received a $10 million grant to make street improvements and address flooding issues. The second major project is a wildfire mitigation grant that helps clean up the trees, and extra growth in our community that poses a threat to residents. Also, a grant for Downtown Revitalization was submitted that will help with downtown growth and beautification.
As part of cleaning up, our city code enforcement moved to the police department. At our April City Commission Meeting, eight properties were voted to be improved, made secure or demolished. Five of those properties were allowed 30 days to resolve the issue, and three were allowed 90 days to resolve the issues.
There are remarkable things happening in Eastland with new businesses and growth. The Commission has approved the Final Plat for the property next to Wal Mart for future businesses, and there are other similar projects currently taking place.
Several new apartments have been completed in the past couple of years, providing Eastland with 150 additional apartments. Also, new housing is available on the south and west sides of town.
The challenges for the city are the rising cost and improving streets. We all want better streets, and the city is working to make improvements where possible. Any extra funds that become available are designated to improve streets.
As you can see, our city is moving forward with real progress. I am proud of our work, and I ask for your vote on May 2, 2026, so I can continue pushing forward and delivering real progress for our wonderful community.
Thank you for your support.
Larry Vernon – Mayor
Political ad paid for by Larry Vernon
