City political candidate biographies

Bill Powell is seeking reelection to the Levelland City Council, District A, after completing one term in office. A Levelland resident since 1980, Powell brings decades of leadership, nonprofit management, and community involvement to the council.

Powell and his wife, Kay Franklin, have been married for 13 years and attend Christ United Methodist Church. He is the father of two sons, Russell and Michael, both graduates of Levelland ISD and Texas Tech University. A Vietnam War veteran who served as a medic from 1967 to 1969, Powell graduated from West Texas A&M University in 1974. Since 1992, he has served as Executive Director of South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA), leading the organization through significant growth. Under his leadership, SPCAA expanded from a $15 million agency to a $90 million organization serving 114 Texas counties and employing more than 700 people. Services include WIC, Workforce programs, SPARTAN Public Transportation, housing assistance, weatherization, utility support, and local food distribution. The Head Start program administered by SPCAA contributes nearly $400,000 annually through its contract with Levelland ISD.

Powell has extensive experience with federal and state grants, HUD and USDA housing programs, and municipal utilities. SPCAA has developed or rehabilitated more than 250 housing units across Texas.

As a council member, Powell says his priorities are city employees and housing. He supports investing in workforce stability and addressing Levelland’s need for new construction, affordable housing, and property revitalization.

During his term, Powell has worked to attract new businesses while supporting existing ones and strengthening coordination between the city and the Levelland Chamber of Commerce.

If reelected, Powell says he will continue working to provide balanced leadership and long-term stability for Levelland.

Julian Esparza Candidate for District C

I am Julian Esparza and I am asking for your support as your next city council member for District C. I was born and raised in Levelland and graduated from Levelland High School in May 2001. The community shaped me and it has always been home.

I am married to my best friend, April. She is a strong Christian woman who keeps our family grounded. My children are Miranda, Mariss and JT and we are blessed with stepchildren, grandchildren and extended family who remain deeply rooted to this area. Family is at the center of my life and it is the foundation of how I approach leadership and service.

In June 2001, I began working with grandfather and father, continuing a family legacy that means a great deal to me. My father is Julian Esparza Sr., who was born and raised in Levelland, and Annabel Revilla of Whiteface. My grandfather, Thomas Esparza purchased Morris Machine in 1980 and built it into Tommy’s Machine Works. Our business has remained family owned and operated ever since. It was there I learned accountability, discipline and the importance earning trust through hard work.

As a partner in Tommy’s Machine Works and the TMW Event Center, I have helped lead our business through serious economic challenges. During the Covid shutdown and when oil prices fell to record lows, we faced the possibility of bankruptcy. We made the decision to dig in and rebuild. Today, we are expanding, hiring more employees and have reopened our trucking division.

I have also worked to bring quality entertainment to Levelland by helping host Texas rooted artists in our community. I believe in investing in opportunities that strengthen community pride and local engagement.

I am running for city council because I believe it is time to serve in a greater capacity. My focus is responsible growth, supporting local business, protecting our values and ensuring that District C continues to move forward with strength and integrity.

I respectfully ask for your vote on May 2. I am grateful for the support of my brother, Alejandro Esparza, who serves as my campaign manager.

Bobby Eldon Morris Candidate for District A

I am Bobby Eldon Morris and a candidate for Levelland City Council District A. I was born in Levelland and attended Levelland High School and South Plains College.

I was raised working hard in the electrical field and understand the values and challenges that face local families and businesses I have lived in District A for over 40 years and feel it’s time that the residents feel they are being heard .

I ask for your support to help Levelland to grow and reflect the needs and will of the people that live in District A.

Early voting is April 2028; Election Day is May 2 at the Hockley County Tax Office on Ave. H. Please come out to vote. Thank you.

Angie Yandell Candidate for District C

I am a dedicated community leader committed to serving the City of Levelland with a passion for community engagement, family and safety for our citizens. I have exceptional leadership qualities and I am a team player. I am running for City Council District C to help build a city that moves forward while retaining its small town atmosphere. It is my goal to keep the City of Levelland moving forward to explore and create affordable housing options, jobs and a safe community for our current and future residents.

I have built a career centered on creating a community of productive citizens by working as a Juvenile Probation Officer as well as in education at Ropes ISD as a Reading and Dyslexia Interventionist and currently as an Assistant Service Manager for United Levelland. I have proven and currently prove the ability and drive in these positions to continue to make positive and goal-oriented progress in our community. In addition to my full-time work, I currently serve on several committees in this community.

I have a degree in Human Services from Wayland Baptist University. This education, as well as handson experience, has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the challenges of our community and to help develop innovative solutions for Levelland’s future.

I have gained this experience by being actively involved in community organizations and volunteer efforts, such as assisting the Levelland Chamber at events and volunteering for several committees at the Chamber.

I also volunteer for UCrew events with United as a way to give back, not only to the Levelland community, but to the community of Lubbock and surrounding areas.

I believe in a city government that listens to its residents and acts with transparency and accountability. My priorities include: -Improving this community for future generations -Exploring affordable housing options -Strengthening citizen involvement -Supporting all local businesses 'My commitment to Levelland and Hockley County is rooted in my belief that the future of this community is important for generations to come. As your City Council District C member, I will work to represent you, your interests, and to ensure our city remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.' Angie Yandell angdonhun@gmail.com

Gena Pittman Mayor for Smyer

Gena Pittman proudly serves as mayor of her small hometown, a close-knit community of fewer than 500 residents where neighbors know each other by name and people look out for one another. A community member for more than 40 years and a professional in revenue cycle management for more than 30 years, Gena brings strong organizational skills, budget management experience, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to service to her role in city leadership. She served on the Smyer School Board for more than 10 years and currently serves on the Hockley County Livestock Show and Sale Board.

As mayor, Gena focuses on keeping the town safe, maintaining roads and infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and protecting the small-town values that make the community special. She believes local government should be transparent, responsible with taxpayer dollars, and always accessible to the people it serves.

Gena takes pride in listening to residents and working alongside the city council and community members to make thoughtful decisions that benefit the town today while planning for its future. Her goal is to ensure the town remains a welcoming place where families can live, work, and grow for generations to come.