By Edmond Ortiz
Two Live Oak residents applied to run in a Nov. 3 special election that will fill a vacant City Council seat.
In the same election, Live Oak voters will consider a range of proposed updates to the city charter.
Council election
Jasmine Johnson and Michael Llamas are in the special election, vying for the Place 5 council post left vacant in the wake of Councilmember Aaron Dahl’s abrupt death in early July.
Focus on San Antonio invited candidates to answer the same set of questions for this election preview.
Johnson is a licensed professional counselor, behavioral health professional, community advocate/facilitator, and small-business owner
Johnson said she wants to serve her community, and add a fresh perspective at City Hall.
“I want to listen to residents, strengthen community partnerships, support responsible decision-making, and help ensure Live Oak remains a safe, connected, thriving community for residents, families, businesses, and future generations,” Johnson said.
Johnson said she thinks of herself as a lifelong learner and collaborative leader who believes strong communities are formed by gathering people together around shared goals.
“My experience includes leadership, entrepreneurship, community engagement, strategic planning, and working across diverse groups,” Johnson added. “I value listening, asking thoughtful questions, learning from others, and building partnerships that turn ideas into practical solutions.
If elected, Johnson’s priorities are protecting Live Oak’s public safety and essential services, promoting responsible growth and fiscal stewardship while maintaining the community’s character, and strengthening communication and partnerships among residents, businesses, city leadership, and community organizations.
Johnson said she has strived to learn about city government, engaged residents and city leaders, attended meetings, asked questions, and gained a better understanding of the decisions that affect the town.
“I believe effective leadership is not about assuming you know everything. It is about remaining teachable, bringing the right people to the table, and working together toward what is best for the community,” she added.
Llamas, vice chair of the city’s planning and zoning commission, did not respond to Focus on San Antonio’s invitation to answer questions for this election preview.
The special election winner will serve out the remainder of Dahl’s original two-year term, which ends in May 2027.
City charter amendments
Live Oak voters will also be asked to mull six city charter revisions:
- Extend council terms in office from two to three years, starting with the May 2027 municipal election;
- Allow council members to appoint a replacement or choose to wait until the next authorized election date in addressing a council vacancy;
- Remove the requirement that only council members vote on the appointment or removal of the city manager;
- Remove the requirement that only elected members vote on the designation or revocation of an acting city manager;
- Remove the requirement that the city annually prepare, adopt, and implement a five-year development plan;
- Require the city to appoint a certified public accountant to audit city books and accounts in accordance with state law at the close of each fiscal year
Polling details
Early voting will be held 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 19-23, and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 24 and 26-30, and noon-6 p.m. Oct. 25 at 56 voting stations, including Northeast Lakeview College, 1201 Kitty Hawk Road. Election Day polling locations will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
