Shane Price Runs For Reelection To Place One On Abilene's City Council

Early voting concludes today in Texas.  Abilene voters are deciding who will fill Place One and Place Two on the City Council.  Place One Council member Shane Price is seeking a 5th term and looks ahead to the future of Abilene. 
 
After serving 12 years on the council Shane Price says some things don't change no matter what unique situations occur. Even during a pandemic or a historic winter storm.  "There are still services that the citizens of Abilene need, even when people are stuck at home, unable to go to work or doctors' offices, they still need water. And that's one of the services the city provides."  Price adds that in 50 years time this winter's storm is the only time Abilene hasn't been able to provide water for its customers. He says the council is still looking at what might ensure that level of continued success. Price points to larger cities like Houston that did invest in back-up systems that also failed, as a caution against jumping in to potential solutions too quickly.
 
Price is also proud of the security of Abilene's future water safety and how it supports the entire region, "We are fairly unique statewide because we have such a wide option of sources for water. We've worked hard and been intentional in doing what we can to secure water for the long term needs. We are a regional water supplier and we take that responsibility seriously."
 
Another responsibility he takes seriously is helping Abilene to grow.
 
Price joined his fellow council members to extend $33 million worth of tax breaks to the Great Lakes Cheese Company.  The Ohio-based company will build a facility in north-east Abilene that will provide more than 500 jobs and $180 million in community investments over the next 15 years.  Price says he's excited about working to develop more affordable housing as well.  Prior to travel and economic shutdowns due to COVID-19, the council had begun visiting similar cities that had success in developing public-private partnerships for housing growth.  Price says it’s time to restart that project now that things are opening back up, "That's really something that I'm excited about in the short-term coming up. Is the opportunity to possibly work with the private sector to improve the number of homes that are available for people that can't afford a $250,000 or $500,000 home, but are looking for something that's around $100,000 or so."
 
In council meetings Shane Price is often the one asking detailed questions about how a project or resolution will affect not just current but future taxpayers in Abilene. He attributes that desire to look ahead, while considering his family's history in the Abilene community with up to four generations living here at one time.  "And so when I'm making decisions it's not just about me and people that I know in my age group, but what decisions are going to be best for my kids and people their age and the future of Abilene."
 
When Price is asked about his opponent's critique that the Abilene City Council doesn't accurately represent the community, he emphasizes the importance of local leaders knowing who they are representing. He admits that can be difficult the higher up an official gets, "Well, it's the responsibility of any elected official to have an understanding of who they're representing. When you're looking at the school board and city council, we're at the grocery store and at church with the people we represent. We have an opportunity to hear from them what their concerns are."  Price points to the unselfish nature of the Abilene community and how neighbors take care of one another when he talks about wanting to serve another term.
 
The election is on Saturday, May 1.
 
Find out more about Shane Price on social media.