Filing begins for May elections in Abilene

Two filed Wednesday to be on the May 6 Abilene City Council election ballot, the first day of filing.

Candidates may file for mayor or one of the two available council seats until Feb. 17.

Weldon Hurt, owner of Pest Patrol, filed for City Council Place 4, which is currently held by Jay Hardaway. Hardaway announced that he will resign before the election to take up his new duties as district director for U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington.

Robert Briley, a local businessman, filed to run for mayor. Briley is founder and owner of Briley Investments Inc., which operates Aaron's franchise stores. Additionally, he is CEO and president, respectively, of Briley Holdings Inc. and Rent Texas Properties LLC, companies involved in real estate ownership.

Current Mayor Norm Archibald announced last month that he would not seek re-election this year. He served in the post since 2004 and on the council since 2000.

Councilman Anthony Williams, who holds Place 3 right now, announced last month that he would run for mayor. He has not officially filed with the City Secretary's Office, but his seat will be up for election, as well.