Zavalla’s mayor-elect ‘humbled’ to take on new position

ZAVALLA, Texas (KTRE) - Richard Brunk is the mayor-elect for city of Zavalla. Brenda Cox, the city’s former mayor, resigned on Monday.

“I was both shocked, humbled, and honored. I’m still kind of in amazement,” said Mayor-elect Richard Brunk.

Brunk has lived in Zavalla for nearly 30 years.

He ran against former city mayor Brenda Cox. Brunk led with over 50 percent of the votes.

“I felt like needed to go a different direction, and I felt I had the ability to do that,”

Over the years, the city faced numerous water issues and Brunk said that will be a top priority item, along with road repairs.

He explained the council will be meeting with a non-profit organization to assist them with improving their drinking and wastewater systems.

“At the next monthly meeting, Kristy Bice will be here with Communities Unlimited to update us on some things,” said Brunk.

The city is seeking a new public works director, as well as filling in multiple city staff roles.

Brunk hopes for communication between the council and staff to improve as they move forward.

“And this isn’t done yet. We have several employee issues out there that we’re still addressing but hopefully, by hiring the right people to work for us, we’ll get the city back up where it needs to be,” he said.

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