Current Levelland City Council Member and Mayor Pro-Tem Breann Buxkemper is will be foregoing her fourth term in the position to run in the May 4 election for mayor of Levelland.
Serving the City of Levelland as a council member for six years or three terms, Buxkemper is longtime resident of the community and is hopeful to continue serving the city as mayor.
“When Barbra decided that she was not going to seek another term, that is when the fire started igniting within me to file for the position,” said Buxkemper.
Having several discussions with her family determining if pursuing the position was a good fit for her, Buxkemper and her family came to the decision that it was time.
“We came to the decision that I am uniquely qualified for the position since I have served on council for six years and currently am serving as Mayor Pro-Tem,” explained Buxkemper. “I think it’s the next logical step for me. I’m excited and passionate about Levelland and I’m committed. I want to make it the best we can be.”
Moving from a council seat that has a vote in during every action item, Buxkemper explained that weighed heavily on her decision to campaign for the mayor’s position as the mayor only has a vote when it comes to breaking a tie.
“The only difference between the mayor and council is I would get to make a few board appointments and have the ability to put something on the agenda independently,” said Buxkemper. “There is not a lot of power there, but I do believe that I can bring Levelland the vision and the unity that it deserves.”
She added that one of her goals if elected is to bringing civility and decorum back to the Levelland City Council.
“I want to run a professional and respectful city council meeting,” said Buxkemper. “I want that to be the motto of city hall and the motto that people expect when they walk into our meetings. I want to lead with unity, and I want to help unify city staff. I want to help unify the citizens of Levelland with city staff.”
With the goal of being a true visionary leader that leads by example an additional goal of Buxkemper is to hold meetings between all entities of Levelland such as South Plains College, Levelland ISD and Hockley County.
“I would like for all entities to meet at a pre-planned meeting,” said Buxkemper. and I would like all entities to be represented in that matter where we can discuss our top three priorities and then we set around the room with the intent to hear, listen and try to help each other be better.”
Buxkemper explained that if Levelland ISD and Hockley County are better and can get one of their top three goals accomplished Levelland will be better as a whole and will profit for it.
“I also believe that Lubbock is growing westward, and we have to ready ourselves,” added Buxkemper. They are coming to us and we need to ready ourselves and benefit from that.”
Hopeful to earn the citizens vote, Buxkemper is eager to work with the new council members.
“I know that’s their heart as well,” said Buxkemper. “I think this group could be strong and progressive. This group could change how we’ve done things and bring changes for the better.”
Buxkemper’s management style as mayor will not be one of micromanaging.
“I believe that we pay qualified city staff to do a wonderful job and I want to let them do their job,” said Buxkemper. “I believe that we have qualified staff that can go out there and do their job if we support them, give them goals that are attainable.
In terms of community support, Buxkemper shared that she is thankful for the people she knows and friends who are supporting her campaign efforts. Even the people she is unfamiliar with have shown their support and emphasized she intends to remain positive during the remainder of the campaign.
“I intend to be positive for Levelland and I’m champion for Levelland,” said Buxkemper. “I will not let anyone down whether you vote for me or not. When elected mayor, I will be your champion. I will help you get your water valve fixed, your streetlight fixed and I will help you with whatever needs you have.”