Want a voice about our future? Vote
- Fredericksburg Chamber
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
By Jim Mikula, President/CEO
The first city election in Fredericksburg, Texas, occurred after the town's incorporation in 1928. Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 but remained unincorporated for over 80 years. It does not appear in the U.S. Census until 1930, with a recorded population of 2,416 (projected population in 2025 is just under 12,000).
In 16 days, early voting will start for the two open Fredericksburg City Council seats, and we have four contestants: Todd Eidson, Charlie Kiehne, Cheryl Rowan and Bobby Watson (incumbent). Election day will be on Saturday May 3.
In the May 2023 City Council and Mayoral races 1,544 votes were cast out of 7,989 registered voters. The May 2024 City Council election had 2 candidates running unopposed. For the Mayoral race, only 927 votes were cast.
For all the comments in the local paper and on social media about the challenges our community faces, I am very curious as to why there is such a small turnout for our local elections. My curiosity comes from two experiences. First, my grandmother was of the generation when women were finally allowed to vote back in 1919. From then on, she voted in every election—local, state and federal. When I was eligible to vote, she drove me to the polls with pride so that my first vote was with her. Our family has a credo, No Matter What, Vote!
The second is a collection of experiences during my time living overseas. In several of the countries where I lived, the local and national elections were typically predetermined. While the voter turnout was significant, the ruling party always had a large majority of the votes. I realized then what a privilege it is that our election system allows us the freedom to vote our true choice.
The Chamber will host a City Council Candidates Forum on April 17 at The Albert Hotel from 6 to 7:30pm. We are accepting questions from citizens of Fredericksburg that will be asked of the candidates at the forum. If you are unable to attend in person you can watch the forum live on FBG.Live website, and the recording will be available on FBG.Live’s YouTube page.
You can also visit individual city council candidates’ websites and Facebook pages. Information is also available through the League of Women Voters – Hill Country Texas (www.lwvhillcountrytexas.org).
Here is some basic information on our City Council Candidate gathered by the League of Voters (candidates in alpha order):
Q: What in your background qualifies you to serve as a member of the Fredericksburg City Council?
Eidson: I served 6 years on the Chamber of Commerce board, including one year as Board Chair and was named the 2024 Chamber Man of the Year. I served multiple years as Program Coordinator for the Chamber’s Leadership Gillespie County. I currently serve on the City’s Historic Review Board. I served on the City’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, the City’s 2020 Historic District Design Guidelines Steering Committee and the City’s 2017 Community Visioning Plan Business Committee. I am a founding board member of Casa Über Alles and was a founding board member of The Grace Center.
Kiehne: I realize that great public service begins with experience and knowledge. Along with my lifelong residency and work experience that I have acquired from 24 years of owning and operating a business on Main Street and the 25 years as an active successful Realtor. Memberships on City Council, Fredericksburg Planning and Zoning Board, the Fredericksburg Independent School Board, Gillespie County Leadership Class, Justice of the Peace Pct 4, St Mary's Parish Council and the Historical Committee that developed the first Historical District Ordinance. My family remains active in volunteering for events in schools, churches, city and Gillespie County.
Rowan: I first visited Fredericksburg more than thirty years ago after my parents retired here from the small rural community where I grew up. I have lived in Fredericksburg full-time for nearly seven years. During this time, I have tried to learn more about the community and become involved. I have participated in many varied community organizations and events and was a member of the inaugural class of Fredericksburg Citizen University. I believe that all of life prepares one for the challenges and
opportunities of the present. My life experiences have honed my skills in leadership, collaboration, and community knowledge.
Watson: I believe that my 40 plus years of experience as a successful businessman and business owner, as well as my 19 years of continuous involvement in the Fredericksburg community, gives me the background and the qualifications needed to continue to serve on the Fredericksburg City Council and the Fredericksburg Charter Review Committee. My community involvement includes leadership roles in Leadership Gillespie County, Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce as well as positions on the Fredericksburg CVB, Fredericksburg Planning & Zoning Board, Gillespie County Economic Development
Commission, Gillespie County Airport Advisory Board and 5 terms as a Fredericksburg City Councilman.
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