Eastland City Commission Faces Vacancy After Hackney’s Resignation

Michael Hackney’s resignation left a vacancy on the Eastland City Commission and, with it, the question of who will fill the seat. The day after the resignation was announced, Sam Williams, a former deputy fire chief, declared his bid for the open seat.

Mr. Williams wrote on a social media page titled “Sam Williams for Commissioner”:

“I must admit that I am somewhat apprehensive about making a bid for the recently vacated City Commissioner seat. However, it needs a suitable candidate and I believe I can be that person. I am a resident of Eastland County for more than 60 years and most of that is within the City of Eastland. I have raised my family and we have built our businesses in Eastland. We love Eastland and we are currently building a new home, with the intent to fully retire in a few years, right here where we have always been.
I bring more than 45 years of business experience to the table, along with more than 20 years of volunteer fire service. I am level-headed and fair-minded. If elected, I promise to serve Eastlanders with a commitment to put the needs of the citizens above my own and give due diligence to every piece of business that comes before the council for consideration. I will serve with the dignity and respect the position demands and deserves.
Please vote Sam Williams in the upcoming Special Election.
Thank You”

On July 30, the city of Eastland announced it will fill the seat by special election. In a press release, Mayor Pro Tem Shirley Stuart said the commission has scheduled a brief meeting for noon on Wednesday, August 5, to pass a resolution authorizing a special election on November 3. Under the city charter, a commission vacancy is filled by special election at the first available date, and November 3 is this year’s fall election day under Texas law.

Prospective candidates must file the required forms by August 17 to appear on the ballot. Applications are available at City Hall, and the release states completed applications may be accepted beginning at 1:00 p.m. on August 5. The seat covers the remainder of Hackney’s term, which expires in May 2027.