Mayoral candidates campaign quietly

There’s a new candidate for mayor: Former University of Texas student Phil Brual announced his candidacy on Facebook in June, saying, “The time has come and the race has begun! I have decided to run for mayor of this beautiful city in order to help facilitate growth and protect our city values.” Meanwhile the better-known candidates, Celia Israel and Kirk Watson, are working hard to get some attention amidst the heat and general summer doldrums. Watson is advertising his campaign office opening and day of action on Saturday, July 23.  Israel’s campaign is advertising a house concert with Rosie Flores and Leti Garza. The lone Republican in the race so far, Jennifer Virden, is promising to lower taxes and water and electric bills. Gary Spellman announced he would run for mayor in April but we haven’t heard much from him since. Fitness trainer and LGBT activist Erica Nix confirms that she is running for mayor also.