Charles Warner named to fill unexpired term
HUTTO — City Council has appointed Charles Warner to fill the few months remaining on the term of Place 1 Councilman Brian Thompson, who stepped down in December.
Warner was approved by all members on the dais except Peter Gordon, who voiced support for former Councilwoman Amberley Kolar.
“I’ve always thought about running for City Council or the school board. Serving at some level has always been something I wanted to do, but I know I currently can’t commit to the time involved,” Warner said. “So when I saw this opportunity come up, I know I can commit the time for a few months and try it out and see what it’s like.”
He works full-time at Dell Technologies, owns Charles Warner Travel and is a real-estate investor and lending agent. An active church and PTA member, Warner has also served on the Hutto Charter Review Board and belongs to the Ethics Commission.
Warner said he will not run for the seat in the May 2 election, but added the door remains open for a later campaign if his experience as an interim council member is positive. “Being only there a few months, I don’t know what I can get accomplished but I would love to provide my objectivity to council,” Warner said. “I have a creative way of thinking and resolving issues, and I hope to help the city just think outside the box on certain things.”
Fourteen Hutto residents vied to fill Thompson’s seat until voters choose a new council member in May.
The applicants applied online, but Gordon expressed concerns there was no official protocol for council members to meet them in person before Thursday’s session.
“For me, to be able to give an equal consideration I need to be able to actually meet with an individual, talk to them, find out who they are,” Gordon said.
Of the 14, he said he only knew three personally so he came prepared with questions for the other applicants.
Three applicants spoke at the session, including Kolar.
The former council member said she did not plan on running for the position in May but felt her previous experience at City Hall would help in the short term. Warner will be sworn in at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 in Council Chambers at City Hall, 500 W. Live Oak St.
During the May election, places 1 and 4 will be on the ballot. Gordon is the Place 4 incumbent but has met term limits and cannot seek reelection.
Those wishing to run can apply until Feb. 13.
Information can be found online at tx-hutto2.civicplus. com/800/May-2-2026-City-Council- Election.
“
“I have a creative way of thinking and resolving issues.”
— Interim Councilman Charles Warner
