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City Council approved a slate of board and commission appointments Sept. 16, though not without debate over whether familiar names should continue leading the city’s economic development efforts.
The council voted on applications reviewed and nominated by board chairpersons across several city groups, including the Planning and Zoning Commission, Library Advisory Board and Parks and Recreation Board. One of the appointments included Economic Development Corporation Chair Bryan Bracewell, who put himself forward for another term — a decision that drew sharp criticism from Councilwoman Tiffany St. Pierre.
“We need certain skill levels on the EDC, not just anybody,” Mayor Theresa McShan said. “That’s why they have those specific requirements, and I backed Bryan.”
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St. Pierre questioned whether the same board members should return after the EDC’s recent handling of its director. In June, the council confirmed the EDC board’s decision to fire Owen Rock, naming Kaley Frye interim director.
“I’m going to ruffle some feathers,” St. Pierre said. “We had a problem with them managing effectively their EDC director, which is why they got rid of their EDC director. So no offense, why would we recommend some of the same people on that board?”
Councilwoman Joy Casnovsky said she agreed the reappointment was “not a great look” for the city.
McShan was quick to shut down the point.
“That was a different situation. That’s a personnel issue that we won’t discuss,” she said. “It’s not a proper place to discuss personnel.”
St. Pierre went further, arguing that Bracewell’s business decisions as owner of Elgin’s Southside Market had diminished the city’s unique draw and cost local tax revenue.
“People in Bastrop don’t need to come to Elgin for sausage now. People in Hutto don’t need to come to Elgin for sausage,” she said. “It’s his right to do so … but that was something uniquely ours, and now it’s in other communities.”
Council members acknowledged that new appointees could bring fresh ideas, but the nominations ultimately passed. St. Pierre was the lone opposing vote, despite the pointed debate.
