The Texarkana, Texas City Council is seeking Letters of Interest from residents who are willing to serve as the Ward 1 representative on the city council. The seat was vacated upon council member Bradfield Casteel’s death on June 2, 2015.

The council will consider appointing a Ward 1 resident, who is a registered voter, and otherwise fully qualified, to serve the remaining term, which ends in May 2016.

Ward 1 residents interested in being appointed to the position should submit a Letter of Interest to the City Secretary by 5 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2015, stating reasons for their desire to serve. Letter postmarks will not qualify the application. The Letter of Interest must be in the City Secretary's possession by the stated deadline.

It's important to note that all Letters of Interest will become public record and will be included with the City Council agenda for the City Council meeting to be convened at 6 p.m. on June 22, 2015. All candidates for the appointment will be interviewed by the City Council during the June 22, 2015 regular council meeting and should plan to attend.

Bradfield Casteel, Courtesy of the City of Texarkana, Texas
Bradfield Casteel, Courtesy of the City of Texarkana, Texas
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Bradfield "Brad" Casteel proudly served the city for several years. Casteel, 65, was a graduate of Dunbar High School in Texarkana, Texas, and attended Texarkana College, along with Texas Southern University and North Harris College. He served as a career United States Postal Service Employee in the Houston area before returning to his home in Texarkana.

In addition to serving as a city council member, Casteel also worked in the community as a GED instructor to residents of local juvenile detention facilities. He was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of Polly Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. He also coached little league baseball and football for more than 15 years.

Casteel was a dedicated supporter of city employees, having always expressed his concern for their welfare and fair treatment by everyone. Mayor Bob Bruggeman expressed the utmost respect for Councilmember Casteel.

“He wore a three-piece suit, along with matching hat, tie and shoes to all council meetings. He felt it was important as an elected official to display a professional image at council meetings. We will certainly miss having him on the council,” Bruggeman said.

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