William "Billy" Lacoste, a first-term alderman on the Shepherd City Council, is running for mayor of Shepherd. Lacoste said he decided to run after talking with residents about the direction the city is taking. He said he wanted to give voters a choice and that his campaign signs read "Time for change." He named Charles Minton, the incumbent, and said Minton has held the seat for eight years.
Lacoste said infrastructure is a key issue for him. He said he wants to build a road around the railroad tracks so emergency vehicles can get around when a train is stopped there. He also said housing is among the things needed to support growth. Lacoste said some residents do not agree with him on infrastructure.
Lacoste said he has lived in Shepherd for 57 years and owns Texas Grill restaurants in Shepherd and Coldspring. He is a 1988 graduate of Shepherd High School. Early voting will take place at the San Jacinto County Election Administration Building, 51 E. Pine Ave., in Coldspring. Applications for a mail ballot should be sent to Cheri Waker, Early Voting Clerk, at the same address.