Half of the Mesquite City Council seats will be up for grabs in the upcoming election, including the position of mayor. Mayor Allan S. Litman and Councilman Wes Boger are facing challenges in their re-election bids, while two candidates are competing for an open seat on the council.
Mesquite, located about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas, has a population of nearly 23,000 residents and attracts 917,000 visitors annually. The city has a rich history, initially settled by 15 families in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1984. Over the years, Mesquite has seen significant growth with new healthcare facilities, businesses, and entertainment options.
In the mayor’s race, incumbent Mayor Litman, a Vietnam War veteran and small business owner, is emphasizing controlled growth that considers water and infrastructure needs. He is focused on workforce retention and working with developers to address affordable housing issues. Litman is being challenged by E. Jesse Whipple, a local businessman who also supports the city’s growth while advocating for affordable housing initiatives.
Councilman Wes Boger, seeking re-election, has been a vocal advocate for managed growth that includes input from the business community. He is prioritizing addressing the city’s housing shortage and ensuring a strong workforce to support local amenities. Challenger Jeffrey A. Hoyt, an accountant and real estate operator, is focused on providing opportunities for younger generations to stay in Mesquite. He is calling for reduced corruption and increased transparency in city government.
The open council seat, previously held by Councilman Brian Wursten, has attracted two candidates. Kevin Parrish, a small business owner and Air Force veteran, is highlighting the importance of maintaining public infrastructure to support growth. He believes in offering incentives to builders for affordable housing projects. Ronald Shackelford, a local electrician and business owner, is focusing on affordable housing and workforce development initiatives. He aims to attract high-paying manufacturing jobs to Mesquite and promote government transparency.
As the election approaches, Mesquite residents will have the opportunity to choose their representatives who will shape the city’s future. The candidates are offering different perspectives on key issues such as growth, housing, and transparency, providing voters with a range of options to consider for the City Council seats.
