Marshall Councilwoman Reba Godfrey is actively seeking a new term to continue her hands-on advocacy for the city’s needs after facing an opponent disqualified from the race.
Godfrey, who has represented District 5 on the Marshall City Council since 2022, describes her role as a “ministry” rather than politics, emphasizing a deep personal commitment to community service and direct involvement.
Her opponent, Candance Pierce, was removed from eligibility because of a Class B misdemeanor conviction, city officials confirmed. That disqualification means Pierce cannot take office even if she wins, potentially leaving the seat vacant. Despite this, Godfrey continues to urge voters to support her.
As a retired educator and executive pastor at New Vision Missionary Baptist Church, Godfrey is a long-time Marshall resident of 72 years, with decades of firsthand knowledge of the city’s challenges and opportunities.
Driving Pay Raises, Infrastructure Upgrades, and City Unity
Over her tenure, Godfrey has championed critical initiatives, including securing a 4% city employee raise for 2025, despite pushing for a 5% increase to offset rising inflation and property taxes. She also successfully advocated for employee certification training and improved compensation once certified.
Godfrey led the charge for infrastructure improvements, making District 5 the first in the city to receive LED streetlights—a move that sparked widespread city adoption. Additionally, she is spearheading improvements at Smith Park, a neighborhood landmark she remembers from her childhood over 70 years ago.
Addressing ongoing city concerns, Godfrey has tackled illegal dumping in multiple wards, helped remove obstructive trees on streets, and secured long-overdue repairs for roads neglected for decades. She fought to restore street selection authority back to council members to ensure fair and effective street maintenance.
Foreseeing Water Crisis, Advocates for System Overhaul
Godfrey identified critical needs in Marshall’s aging water system well before a major water main break on Spring Street left parts of the city without water for days. In close collaboration with Assistant Public Works Director Cory Owen, she toured facilities and pushed for urgent upgrades.
The water system’s infrastructure includes parts dating back to the late 1940s and early 1950s—before Godfrey’s birth in 1953—highlighting the pressing need for modernization as the city seeks nearly $22 million in funding from the Texas Water Development Board.
Godfrey Calls for Continued Support Amid Challenging Election
Godfrey stresses that if her disqualified opponent somehow wins, the seat will remain vacant, potentially halting progress. Her message to voters remains clear: elect experienced leadership that prioritizes the entire city’s well-being, not just neighborhood politics.
“I love how God has humanized city government. It’s all about the people,” Godfrey said, highlighting the collaborative spirit on the council.
She praises the City Council’s unity and spiritual atmosphere, describing it as a community of support and love that drives collective progress. “At City Hall, we hug. There is love, there is unity, and God has just done an amazing thing,” she added.
As election day approaches, Godfrey’s campaign leans heavily on her record of tangible results in staff pay, infrastructure upgrades, environmental clean-up, and public safety enhancements. Her call to action is grounded in a vision of faithful service and enduring commitment to Marshall’s future.
For residents in Delaware and across the United States, Godfrey’s story reflects the power of local leadership rooted in long-term dedication, community presence, and relentless advocacy to improve city living standards amid evolving challenges.
