University Star

Greg Frank is running against incumbent Shane Scott in November’s city elections.

While in the Marine Corps, Frank served in a combat unit as a demolitions specialist during his two tours to the Al Anbar province of Iraq. After being honorably discharged in 2006, Frank said he came to San Marcos to continue his education.

Frank earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business from Texas State last May. The Achieving Community Together partnership between the city and university, which is designed to help both entities work together more efficiently, is a project Frank said he would like to pursue.

“We want students to be able to graduate from Texas State and continue to live here,” Frank said. “One thing the university can do as far as contributing to San Marcos is help increase the availability of jobs in this town. Both can work together to bring in viable jobs for recent graduates.”

The Austin native said he hopes to protect established neighborhoods and the river by being more conscious of where new development projects are being placed within the city.

“I want to see greater transparency in the development process,” Frank said. “There are many times when the citizens are unaware of a project that could greatly affect their little piece of this beautiful city.”

Lisa Prewitt, local business owner and San Marcos resident of 18 years, said she met Frank while he was working at Garden-Ville.

“He had the problem-solving abilities and listening skills necessary to be an asset to city council,” she asserts. 

Scott, who is a local business owner like Prewitt, said he wants to protect small businesses and homes, and is personally invested in education as a single father.

“I don’t represent a single group, I represent the whole town,” Scott said. “I’ve actively worked to become a better leader and I think I am far from where I started two years ago.”

Frank said what he lacks in political experience is made up for in his unique experiences beyond the realm of government. He said he wants to bring more energy and diversity to city council.

“I’ve gotten involved with city council over the last year or so, and I’ve noticed that some of the city councilmembers don’t seem to accurately reflect the sentiment of the citizens,” Frank said. “Yet, that’s their whole purpose: to take what the citizens want and bring it into action.”

While Frank said the biggest challenge facing his campaign is getting residents to recognize his name, his campaign manager, Amy Kirwin, said making sure people vote for local politicians is an equally challenging feat.

“City Council elections are just as important as the national elections,” Kirwin said. “We need everyone to vote all the way down the ballot, especially since there are presidential, senatorial and congressional races as well.”

Frank said he plans to continue meeting with citizens and listening to their concerns and problemsbefore the November elections.

 “I fell in love with this place,” Frank said. “I think there are a lot of things that this town has to offer, and we do plenty of things well. I think there are some things that we can do better.”