Marshall, TX — District 5 Councilwoman Reba Godfrey is seeking another term on the Marshall City Council to continue her “boots-on-the-ground ministry” focused on driving the city forward through critical infrastructure and community initiatives.
Godfrey, who has held the seat since 2022, is campaigning amid a unique situation where her opponent, Candance Pierce, was disqualified from the race due to a Class B misdemeanor conviction. City officials confirmed Pierce’s disqualification after ballots were printed, meaning that if Pierce were to win, the seat would become vacant. Despite this, Godfrey is urging voters to support her to secure stable leadership for District 5 and the entire city.
“It’s not politics. It’s position — being in place, doing what God called me to do,” Godfrey said. She described her role as a ministry, working closely with her husband in the community to address urgent city needs.
Key City Upgrades and Employee Support
Since taking office, Godfrey has spearheaded significant changes, including championing a 4% across-the-board raise for city employees in the 2025 fiscal budget—though she originally pushed for at least 5% to help offset inflation and rising property taxes. She also advocated for certified training compensation and time allowances to support city workers’ professional development.
Godfrey’s first major accomplishment was bringing LED streetlights to District 5. Despite initial claims that street lighting was a citizen responsibility, she insisted the council must act—and the LED rollout has since expanded across Marshall.
Additionally, improvements to local amenities like Smith Park are underway following her advocacy. “We had playground equipment there that I played on 71 years ago,” Godfrey recalled, emphasizing her deep personal connection to the district.
Fighting Neglect, Boosting Infrastructure
Godfrey’s persistence also extended to road repairs. Following years of neglect, she successfully restored council members’ authority to select streets for maintenance, prioritizing neighborhoods in the northwest and southwest that had been ignored for decades. “Some streets hadn’t been fixed since I was born,” she said.
She also tackled illegal dumping hotspots, leading cleanup efforts on Ward, Norwood, Olive, and Scotts Quarters streets. Her advocacy helped reinstate the city’s right-of-way crew, battling persistent dumping and improving neighborhood conditions.
Water System Crisis Foreseen and Addressed
One of Godfrey’s most urgent initiatives has been city water system upgrades. She toured the wastewater treatment plant as early as 2024 when Marshall sought nearly $22 million in state funding to modernize aging infrastructure. After pump malfunctions in September 2024 caused massive water leaks and service disruptions, Godfrey took immediate action, inspecting the damage firsthand with Assistant Public Works Director Cory Owen.
“Water gushed from everywhere,” she said, noting that much of the system dated back to the late 1940s. Godfrey recognized the looming crisis early and has pushed council to prioritize essential repairs and upgrades to prevent future breakdowns.
Community-Driven Leadership with a Spiritual Mission
A retired educator and executive pastor at New Vision Missionary Baptist Church, Godfrey has been a Marshall resident for 72 years. She said her work on the council extends beyond representing District 5, aiming to serve the whole city through unified efforts.
“Most of all, what I really love is how God has unified us, how He has changed the spiritual atmosphere of the city… At City Hall, we hug. There is love, there is unity, and God has just done an amazing thing.”
Godfrey highlighted the collaborative spirit on the council as a key factor in recent successes, with faith and community service at the core of her vision.
What to Watch Next
As the election draws near, Godfrey’s call for continued service and oversight of District 5’s growth comes at a critical moment. If Pierce wins and is disqualified, a vacancy could disrupt ongoing projects.
For voters in Marshall, the choice could determine the pace and focus of city improvements related to public works, staff welfare, and infrastructure resilience for years to come.
Stay tuned as the District 5 race unfolds and the city moves forward on critical upgrades that impact thousands of residents.
