City of Belton Council election is May 3

April 17, 2025

The Belton Journal

On May 3, residents can vote in the City of Belton's first contested City Council election in five years and on a proposed measure to amend the City Charter to allow changed to the city's municipal court system.

General Election Three City Council terms are expiring: Daniel Bucher (Place 5), Wayne Carpenter (Place 6), and Stephanie O'banion (Place 7). Bucher and O'Banion seek to retain their seats, while Carpenter is not seeking re-election.

Bucher, a former member of the Belton Parks Board, seeks a third term, while O'Banion, a former member of the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), seeks a second term. She did not draw an opponent for Place 7.

Current P&Z Commission Members Ty Taggart (Place 5) and Luke Neale Potts (Place 6) have also filed for seats, as has Clinton Bailey (Place 6), who serves as an alternate on the Building and Standards Commission.

After the filing period closed, candidates had an opportunity to draw for ballot placement, which resulted in: Place 5: Ty Taggart, Daniel Bucher Place 6: Luke Neale Potts, Clinton Bailey Place 7: Stephanie O'Banion

During this election Belton residents may vote for up to three candidates, one vote for reach Place. The candidate with the majority of votes in each respective Place will be declared the winner. Places differ from districts in that there are no geographical restrictions other than the city limits.

Special Called Election

The Special Called Election will allow residents to vote on whether to amend the city's charter regarding the Municipal Court. A vote "For" would change Belton's Municipal Court to a Court of Record, where proceedings are recorded and cases with procedural concerns may be appealed. In addition, the amendment would create fixed terms of two or four years for City of Belton municipal judges.

A vote “Against” would maintain the current operations of the municipal court.

Early Voting & Election Day

Early voting for both elections will take place at City Hall on six different days prior to Election Day, including two days with extended hours. Early voting begins April 22nd.

On Election Day, the polling location moves to the Evans Room at the Harris Community Center.

Luke Potts

Why are you running?

I’m running for City Council because I believe God calls us to serve and give back to the places that shape us. Belton has been my home my whole life. It’s where I was raised, where I’m raising my own family, and where I’ve built a business. I love this town, and I want to be a part of protecting its values while helping it grow in a way that honors our past and invests in our future. This isn’t about politics, it’s about people, faith, and responsibility. I believe now is the time for me to step up and serve.

What are the issues you feel strongly about?

I care deeply about creating a community where families feel safe, supported, and connected. That means supporting our local businesses, investing in infrastructure that serves future generations, and maintaining our small-town charm. I believe in stewardship—being wise with our resources, managing growth with care, and always seeking to do what’s right for our neighbors. I also value strong partnerships between the city and the churches, schools, and organizations that serve our people every day.

What is your vision for Belton?

My vision is for Belton to remain a city rooted in faith, family, and service—while also embracing opportunity. I want it to be a place where kids grow up proud of where they’re from, where small businesses thrive, and where neighbors still know each other’s names. I believe we can build a stronger economy and better infrastructure without sacrificing the values and traditions that make Belton special. I want to help create a city where everyone feels they belong. 

What are you excited about in the future of Belton?

I’m excited about Belton’s future because I see so much potential in our people. We’re growing, and with that growth comes new opportunities for jobs, innovation, and stronger families. I’m especially excited to see how we can support young people, encourage entrepreneurship, and make this an even better place to raise a family. With the right leadership and a steady hand, I believe Belton’s best days are still ahead.

What is an issue/problem the city is facing?

One of the biggest challenges we face is growing in a way that keeps our community grounded. As more families move here, we need to make sure our schools, roads, and services keep up. But we also have to protect the heart of what makes Belton home—our faith, our history, and our neighborly spirit. We can’t lose that in the process. I believe with wise planning and values-based leadership, we can grow with grace and purpose.

What makes you a good fit for this role? How have your experiences prepared you?

As a husband, father, business owner, and community servant, I’ve learned how to lead with both heart and grit. I’ve faced tough times and tough decisions, managed budgets, built teams, and worked with people from all walks of life. More importantly, I’ve always tried to lead with integrity and humility. My faith and my parents taught me to put others first and seek wisdom in every decision. I’m ready to bring that mindset to City Council—putting the needs of our community before myself and leading with honesty and conviction.

What do you think voters see in you?

I hope voters see a man who genuinely loves this city and its people. Someone who’s approachable, faithful, and willing to roll up his sleeves to serve. I want them to see a neighbor who listens, a leader who stands for what’s right, and a father who’s fighting for a future his kids can be proud of. Being born and raised in Belton and knowing it’s amazing history, values, and traditions puts me in a unique position of knowing what makes Belton such a treasure. I’m not perfect, but I’m committed. I want to help lead Belton with courage, compassion, and a servant’s heart.

Ty Taggart

Why are you running?

The reason that I am running for Belton City Council is because I am proud of my hometown and I want to help it be more successful in the future. I come from a family of servants, so it’s in my blood to help others

What are the issues you feel strongly about?

The main issue that I am the most concerned about is how we can take on fast growth in Belton and still keep the core values that have made this city such a special place for generations.

What is your vision for Belton?

My vision for Belton is to have a city that always has something going on for the folks here and to make our downtown a destination place for good food, shopping, and entertainment.

What are you excited about in the future of Belton?

I am extremely excited about our “Imagine Belton” plan that was recently adopted by our City Council. This plan will help streamline growth and development while it helps to protect the folks that live close to the downtown area

What is an issue/problem the city is facing?

Two main issues that we need to address are the Main Street traffic problem and also, our City Hall is overcrowded. We need to build a multi-purpose facility that could possibly house the city, County, and BISD Administration under one roof and everyone can split the costs.

What makes you a good fit for this role? How have your experiences prepared you?

I have been in several leadership roles over the past 10 years. I took over the Belton Tiger Athletic Booster Club years ago and it was basically dead when I got there. In three years as President, we turned things around and were breaking all-time records for membership and fundraising. I then ran for and won a place on the BISD School Board and served there for two terms. 

What do you think voters see in you?

I made it my mission to help the South Side of the district. With the approval of the stakeholders, we passed a bond that remodeled Southwest Elementary, did a huge renovation of Belton High School, built a new Ag Barn for our FFA, built a new facility for our Delta Program Students, and built a brand new elementary school for our kids from Miller Heights, which sets us up for future growth in that area.

Hopefully voters will see in me someone that they know will help to get things done. I am not afraid of making decisions and then working to implement them. I love this community and won’t do anything to hurt what we have here.