Grapevine sets Place 1 City Council runoff for Dec. 8

The top two vote-getters in a Nov. 3 election to fill the Place 1 unexpired term following the death of Mayor Pro Tem C. Shane Wilbanks will face off in a runoff on Dec. 8.

Facing off will be Paul Slechta, who received 47.13 percent of the vote, and Christian Ross, who received 25.99 percent.

Wilbanks, who was re-elected this year to a three-year term on the Council, died Aug. 21 in his sleep at home.

The city charter requires that a candidate receive a majority of the votes (greater than 50 percent) to be elected to office. Since no candidate received the majority vote, the runoff election was called between the two candidates that received the most votes during the Nov. 3 election.

Early voting will begin Nov. 23 at The REC of Grapevine, 1175 Municipal Way.

Ross, owner of eight90 designs, an internet marketing and software development firm, said his platform is to use his knowledge as a Grapevine-based technology entrepreneur.

“I see the influence the City Council has on the successful start or expansion of a business,” Ross said. “If we upgrade the digital infrastructure of our city, we can attract the best types of jobs, both small and large, to our area.”

Slechta, owner of Panda Embroidery, said his family’s business legacy in Grapevine will be an asset.

“...I promise to be a strong and independent voice for the people of Grapevine, keep Grapevine fiscally responsible and responsive to all citizen’s needs and preserve Grapevine’s heritage while continuing to retain and attract quality businesses that add value to our community,” Slechta said.

This story was originally published November 11, 2015 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Grapevine sets Place 1 City Council runoff for Dec. 8."