Stephenville City Councilman and local businessman David Baskett enters race for mayor.

David Baskett

 By SARA VANDEN BERGE

Stephenville City Councilman David Baskett said he planned to file for mayor following last week’s resignation of Doug Svien, and on Wednesday – the first day of filing – he did just that.

As mayor pro tem, Baskett will serve as the city’s interim mayor through the Nov. 4 election, but hopes to hold on to the position a little longer.

Baskett was first elected to the city council in May 2022, and said if he becomes mayor, increasing pay for public safety and city staff will be his No. 1 priority.

“At the end of the day, if we can’t protect our citizens, what are we doing?” Baskett said in an interview with Beneath the Surface News.

“We have to make sure we have tenured public safety officers on the streets – both police and fire."

Baskett said he will also continue focusing on parks and recreation, youth sports, the east side sewer project and streets and infrastructure.

“We are a growing community and have done a great job moving the city of Stephenville into the 21^st century, but we are struggling to keep up with street maintenance and we need to address that,” he said.

Baskett grew up in Stephenville and owns Baskett Mortgage Services.

 He and his wife Nicole also own Bussin’ Rides and Cruising Care.

“I think the time is right to take on this challenge and work to keep the city moving in a positive direction,” Baskett said.

“I’ve worked closely with SEDA and developers during my time on the council to help bring more retail and industry to Stephenville.

“The city council has done a great job over the past several years and I want to help keep the momentum going.”