Heather Reitsma elected to Wichita Falls City Council District 5 Seat

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - After entering the race just before the August filing deadline, Heather Reitsma has been elected to represent Wichita Falls City Council District 5.

The race originally had three candidates, but incumbent Council Member Tom Taylor dropped out and endorsed Reitsma as she faced opponent Wes Stancliff.

Reitsma defeated Stancliff by 289 votes, receiving 56% of the vote compared to his 44%.

News Channel 6 reached out to Stancliff for his reaction to the results. He thanked those who supported him and congratulated Reitsma on her victory.

“To people in District 5 that voted for me, I appreciate all of them. To those that voted against me, I am glad they got out and voted. I congratulate Heather and Godspeed to her. Hope she makes the correct decisions,” Stancliff said.

Reitsma said she is relieved the stress of the election is over and is ready to move forward with her new responsibilities.

“Relieved, I guess, is the best word for it. I’m just relieved that it’s all over and move forward with what’s next. It’s a big responsibility to have their trust, and I’m so glad that they trust me to be their voice for them,” Reitsma said.

She also credited the people who encouraged and supported her throughout the campaign.

“There are so many great people here in Wichita Falls, in the surrounding areas that want to see good things happen. And if it wasn’t for their continued encouragement and support, I couldn’t have done it without them,” Reitsma said.

Looking ahead, Reitsma said she plans to monitor major developments, including the Sikes Senter Mall redevelopment and incoming data centers. She also wants to focus on quality-of-life improvements throughout District 5, including road, park and sidewalk projects.

“We can take care of the smaller things within our district, the roads, the parks, the sidewalks, going to finish that and see it through. And I look forward to it because everybody that I’ve talked to is excited about the parks and the sidewalks getting fixed. It’s a quality of life, and that’s what people look forward to,” Reitsma said.

Reitsma said she wants to hear from all District 5 residents, regardless of how they voted.

“Whether you voted for me or not does change my opinion about your concern or about you. We all live in the same area, and if we want to make it better, then I want to listen and hear from everybody,” Reitsma said.

Reitsma and David Coleman are expected to be sworn into their new positions during the next Wichita Falls City Council meeting on Nov. 17 at Memorial Auditorium.