Marshall Councilwoman Reba Godfrey Seeks Re-Election Amid Opponent’s Disqualification
Marshall, TX — Marshall District 5 Councilwoman Reba Godfrey is actively campaigning for another term to continue what she calls her “ministry” of dedicated, hands-on city advocacy. Godfrey, who has served since 2022, emphasizes she represents not just District 5 but the entire city, driving vital improvements and addressing long-standing infrastructure issues.
Godfrey’s opponent, Candance Pierce, has been disqualified from holding office due to a Class B misdemeanor conviction despite remaining on printed ballots. City officials confirm that if Pierce somehow wins, her seat would be declared vacant. Despite this, Godfrey is urging voters to support her for continuity and progress in Marshall.
From LED Streetlights to Water System Upgrades, Godfrey Champions Citywide Progress
A lifelong Marshall resident of 72 years and retired educator, Godfrey is also an executive pastor at New Vision Missionary Baptist Church. She and her husband, Willard Godfrey, have been married 50 years and raised two adult children in the city. Her deep roots fuel her passion for improving local government and public services.
Among Godfrey’s achievements, District 5 became the first area to receive LED streetlights, a project she insists is a council member’s responsibility, not just the citizens’. This initiative sparked similar upgrades citywide after other council members adopted the approach.
Godfrey also drove enhancements at Smith Park, echoing nostalgic ties to playgrounds she used over seven decades ago. Additionally, she led efforts to remediate persistent illegal dumping at key city locations, including Ward, Norwood, Olive, and Scotts Quarters streets, which faced neglect for years.
Most notably, Godfrey advocated for substantial 4% pay raises for city employees in the 2025 fiscal budget — pushing for 5% to better match inflation and property tax increases. She successfully campaigned for wage boosts tied to employee certification training and time compensation.
Critical Water System Overhaul Ahead Following Long-Term Concerns
Godfrey has been a vocal proponent for critical upgrades to Marshall’s aging water infrastructure. In a revealing moment, she explained how she foresaw water system failures well before a major water main break on Spring Street left parts of the city without water for days.
Her concern dates back to 2024 when she toured the wastewater treatment plant amid the city’s bid for nearly $22 million in Texas Water Development Board funding to address decades-old equipment. “Some parts of that system were installed in 1948,” Godfrey said, highlighting the urgent need for modernization.
After a severe pump failure at the raw water treatment plant in September 2024, Godfrey personally inspected damage alongside assistant public works officials. She stressed that the water system’s issues required immediate council attention and funding to prevent future crises.
Unity and Faith Fuel City Council’s Forward Momentum
Godfrey attributes much of the city’s recent progress to a unified City Council spirit, strengthened by shared faith. “At City Hall, we hug. There is love, there is unity,” she said, describing a positive and collaborative environment unusual in local government.
Her blend of faith-driven commitment, long-term residency, and hands-on problem-solving underscores Godfrey’s approach to governance—more a “boots-on-the-ground ministry” than politics.
As election day approaches, Godfrey is calling for voters’ confidence to maintain momentum in improving Marshall’s infrastructure, employee welfare, and community services. With her opponent disqualified from office, she asserts that re-electing her will prevent unnecessary vacancies and ensure continuity of progress.
What’s next? Marshall residents can expect continued focus on infrastructure upgrades, including overdue street repairs, expanded employee support, and critical water system investments designed to secure the city’s future.
