Marshall, TX — District 5 Councilwoman Reba Godfrey is urgently seeking another term to press forward with key city-wide improvements including critical water system upgrades and infrastructure repairs that affect thousands of residents.
Godfrey, who has held the seat since 2022, describes her role as a “boots-on-the-ground ministry” focused on advocating relentlessly for Marshall’s future — a mission she intends to continue despite opposition complications. Her main opponent, Candance Pierce, was disqualified due to a Class B misdemeanor conviction, according to city officials.
“It’s not politics. It’s a calling,” Godfrey said. “When there’s a problem, I get right in there with my husband and city crews to get it fixed.”
Critical Water System Warning Sparks Action
Godfrey has made addressing Marshall’s aging water infrastructure a top priority after witnessing serious system failures firsthand. Following the breakdown of two pumps at the city’s raw water treatment plant in September 2024, Godfrey toured the facility and identified equipment dating back to 1948 and 1950 — decades past their lifespan.
“I saw water gushing from everywhere. I knew we had to act fast before a major crisis struck,” she said. Her proactive push helped the city seek nearly $22 million in funding from the Texas Water Development Board to modernize the plant and secure reliable water service.
Marshall recently suffered a lengthy water outage after a water main break on Spring Street, highlighting the urgency of her initiative. Godfrey’s hands-on approach to the issue puts residents first amid growing concerns about infrastructure decay nationwide.
Citywide Progress Under Godfrey’s Leadership
Godfrey’s tenure has seen significant gains beyond water, including the installation of Marshall’s first LED streetlights in District 5 — a project that sparked rapid adoption citywide after she challenged the idea it was solely a citizens’ responsibility.
She also led improvements to Smith Park, cleaning up decades-old playgrounds and green spaces she recalled from her childhood, and aggressively tackled illegal dumping hotspots across the city, restoring pride and safety to neglected neighborhoods.
“Because of persistence, the council regained authority over street repairs, fixing roads neglected for decades especially in northwest and southwest Marshall,” she said. The 2026 fiscal year saw streets finally repaired after years of delay.
Godfrey also championed city employee pay raises during the 2025 budget process, pushing for a minimum 5% cost of living increase over the approved 4% raise to offset inflation and higher property taxes, securing funding for training bonuses and certification pay.
Election Stakes and Future Outlook
Despite Pierce’s disqualification, Godfrey urges residents to vote to ensure the district’s representation remains stable. “If Pierce wins, the seat becomes vacant, and that’s not good for our city’s momentum,” she warned.
A lifelong Marshall resident for 72 years, retired educator, and executive pastor at New Vision Missionary Baptist Church, Godfrey brings decades of community roots and spiritual leadership to the council.
She expressed enthusiasm for how the council has evolved. “Most of all, I love how God has unified us. At City Hall, there’s love, there’s unity. God has done an amazing thing for our city’s spirit.”
With a clear focus on infrastructure, employee support, and neighborhood revitalization, Godfrey’s campaign promises swift action to build on hard-won progress — making clear that Marshall’s future depends on sustained, hands-on leadership.
