Plano Residents Vote Saturday in Special Election for Place 7 Council Seat
Plano residents are heading to the polls this Saturday to cast their final ballots in a special election for the City Council Place 7 seat. The contest features two candidates, Colleen Aguilar-Epstein and Shun Thomas, vying to complete the unexpired term of former council member Julie Holmer. Holmer resigned from the position last fall to pursue a seat on the Collin County Commissioners Court.
The election comes at a critical juncture for the city’s future, particularly concerning its relationship with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). As Plano considers a potential withdrawal from the transit system, the new council member will join the body during these high-stakes discussions. Place 7 is an at-large position, meaning all registered voters within the city limits are eligible to participate in the selection process.
Both contenders bring backgrounds in education to the race. Colleen Aguilar-Epstein is a retired teacher, while Shun Thomas works as an educational specialist at Children’s Health Plano. The winner will serve the remainder of the term, which concludes in 2027.
Turnout is often a concern in special elections held outside standard May or November cycles. Additionally, recent inclement weather forced the closure of polling locations earlier in the week, potentially impacting early voting numbers. Critics of off-cycle elections often cite these logistical hurdles and weather disruptions as barriers that can suppress broad community representation in the final vote tally.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday.
dallasnews.com
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