Outgoing representative says city politics has become ‘culture-war props’
HUTTO – Brian Thompson announced his resignation from City Council on social media Monday morning, effective immediately.
“I resigned as I felt the Hutto City Council, under the current council body, had lost focus on core city needs, prioritized politics over community outcomes, approved incentives without clear public value and operated in ways that no longer aligned with my integrity or values,” Thompson told the Taylor Press.
The former Place 1 councilman was elected in 2023 and would have been up for reelection in 2026. Because there is less than one year left on his term, no special election will be necessary.
The council Jan. 8 is expected to name an interim appointee to fill the remaining term until the May 2 election.
THOMPSON
“I want to thank council member Thompson for his dedicated service to Hutto over the past three years,” said Councilman Peter Gordon. “As long as I’ve known Brian, he has shown passion for helping those around him. I will miss his thoughtful approach to governing.”
Gordon and Thompson were often the only two dissenting votes on the council.
Thompson, who is African American, and Mayor Mike Snyder often butted heads, with Thompson citing differences of opinion regarding equity and inclusivity issues.
The outgoing councilman had previously refused to stand with Snyder when the mayor presented proclamations for Black History Month.
Snyder said Thompson’s sudden resignation came as a surprise, since for the past few months council meetings had run with less infighting.
“While Brian and I didn’t always agree on items that came before us at council, I always appreciated his viewpoint. Diversity of thought is the only way to govern a community as diverse as Hutto. I appreciate Brian’s service to Hutto and wish him and his family well,” Snyder said.
In a social-media post, Thompson said serving on the council had been one of the greatest honors of his life.
He described his frustration with actions that he said damaged the community and undermined trust in government.
“Over the years, I’ve watched critical needs such as police staffing, equipment, utilities, employee cost-of-living adjustments and even basic city operations be minimized or dismissed in the name of political outrage. We celebrated tax rates instead of community outcomes. Issues meant to unite us were twisted into culture-war props,” he said in part.
Thompson and his wife, Maddison, purchased a home in Pflugerville earlier this month. Members must be residents of Hutto to be eligible to serve on the council.
