City councilman Lonn Reisman files to run for mayor of Stephenville.

Lonn Reisman

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

One of the most recognizable names in Stephenville is taking on a new challenge.

On Wednesday, city councilman Lonn Reisman filed to run for mayor of Stephenville, filling the unexpired term of former mayor Doug Svien, who resigned last week.

“I have been on city council for about 2 ½ years, and when this came up, I felt like it was something I needed to do,” Reisman told Beneath the Surface News.

“I had many calls from people in the community asking me to run for mayor, and now that I am retired from Tarleton, I can turn my full attention to the city.”

Reisman spent 36 years at Tarleton State University as the men’s head basketball coach, vice president and athletic director.

“I love Stephenville,” he said. “It’s a really special place full of tradition and family ideals, which is why I have stayed all these years.”

If elected, Reisman says his top priorities will be community safety, affordable senior living and enhancing recreational facilities.

“The children are our next generation and I want to see them prosper and have opportunities in this area,” he said.

“The city is already going in the right direction and I want to do my part to keep this community moving forward.

“I want to listen to the community and absorb what they think we need to do.”

The deadline to file for a place on the Nov. 4 ballot is Monday, Aug. 18.