A Lubbock resident will challenge an incumbent Lubbock City Councilmember.

Frank Gutierrez has announced that he will run for the position of District 1 Lubbock City Councilman.

Gutierrez is challenging incumbent Councilman Victor Hernandez, who originally served on the Lubbock City Council from 1993 through 2004, and then won the seat again in June of 2010.

Gutierrez will make his official announcement at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29th at Lubbock City Hall. He will also appear on Wednesday’s edition of Lubbock’s First News with Collins and Mac on 790, KFYO at 7 a.m.

Gutierrez introduced his candidacy by saying “Lubbock needs a leader that will work to enhance all the prospects for all residents and businesses in District 1; this can be accomplished with a council member that will eliminate divisive politics – those days are over.”

He continued, saying “District 1 needs a council member that works as a community leader, works well with the mayor and with each council member. With new representation, new days are coming.”

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Hernandez summarized his own beliefs on his Facebook page earlier in the month, saying “I've never hidden the fact that I'm a Democrat, never denied that the best solutions are collaborative in nature and never turned down an opportunity to meet with a person or persons even if I knew they had opposing viewpoints or that I would personally feel uncomfortable. Finally, I believe in people and in Lubbock's future as a community.”

The City of Lubbock election will take place on Saturday, May 10th.

You can read Gutierrez’s entire announcement below.

To all of my extended family of friends and acquaintances, it is my honor to inform you that an announcement launching a campaign for Councilman of District I Lubbock City Council will be made at 10 AM on Wednesday, January 29th at Lubbock City Hall. The election will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2014.

My opening statement is as follows:

"A prosperous District 1 is vital to the success of the prosperity of the entire City and I want to contribute to its prosperity.

Lubbock needs a leader that will work to enhance all the prospects for all residents and businesses in District I; this can be accomplished with a council member that will eliminate divisive politics--those days are over. District I needs a council member that works as a community leader, works well with the Mayor and with each council member. With new representation new days are coming.

My first priority as the new District I representative is to meet with each of the other council members very quickly to learn how together, we can support the city’s essential services and many endeavors that improve the quality of life and the prosperity of the whole city.

I support the financial integrity of the City's resources and the prudent use of those resources with efficiency and with fiscal responsibility by way of “trimming the fat” and reducing the debt.

It is my belief that public safety must remain a top priority. We will not compromise. Lubbock will have safe neighborhoods and a vibrant commercial community.

It is my belief that existing community centers need to have the necessary expansion in their budgets in order to enhance programs for all citizens, especially children and seniors. This can be funded through growth and not through tax-rate increases.

It is my belief that downtown redevelopment is essential for the entire city and especially for District 1. My goal is to support commercial expansion and economic development for all areas of the city because it generates tax dollars that come back to support District 1's substantial resource needs.

As Lubbock evolves and realizes the expectations of many, we as a community must never forget that we serve all citizens and all our work is for the benefit of our whole community.

May God bless us all, Lubbock, Texas and the United States of America."

Please note that also on the 29th a live interview on the Collins & Mac show will be aired at 7AM on KFYO 790 and available online.

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