OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
Dwayne Ariola and Jim Buzan have known each other for a long time.
That friendship shone May 12 when Ariola, the town’s now-former mayor, welcomed his successor during a swearing-in ceremony at the Taylor Public Library.
Buzan’s election May 2 marks a turning point in local politics, officials said.
Prior to his victory at the ballot box, Taylor mayors were picked by City Council members from within their own ranks. That changed in 2024 with a voter-approved City Charter amendment allowing mayors to be selected by the electorate.
Buzan was administered the oath of office by Municipal Court Judge Lucas Wilson after votes were canvassed during the special- called council meeting. His term will run through May 2029.
Councilman Kelly Cmerek was also named again by his fellow council members as mayor protempore.
According to Ariola, he and Buzan have “known each other their whole lives” and both belong to the Taylor High School Class of 1985.
“He’s the perfect candidate to take over,” Ariola said.
Buzan, who presided over his first council meeting Thursday at City Hall, is happy about his new role in city government. He won a threeperson race by earning more than 72% of the vote.
“I’m super excited about taking the role and getting started,” Buzan said. “Taylor is engaged and ready to move forward, and I’m happy to be helping in that process.”
Following the brief meeting Tuesday, a reception for Ariola took place. After spending six years — 2017-23 — as a council member, Ariola was selected as mayor from 2023 to this year.
“It’s been an enjoyable nine years, but I’m looking forward to stepping down and giving my time to my family,” the Navy veteran and businessman said.
Ariola said he may be moving away from City Hall, but he still has a full plate.
“I’m still the president of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering, I’m vicecommander of the American Legion and I have a full-time job,” Ariola said. “I still have plenty to keep me busy.”
Buzan, also a local businessman, is a former Taylor Independent School District trustee and served as president of the Rotary Club of Taylor.
Buzan said he is focused on helping the city keep up with rapid growth, which includes new industries such as Samsung Austin Semiconductor.
Having enough housing is a priority, he added. “I hope that we can work together on improving the permitting process,” Buzan said. “We also need smart growth as we navigate all of the industry that wants to come to Taylor, and we need to ensure that we have housing for the residents of the community.”
Observers said he will have plenty of issues to grapple with, especially after the city gave the green light to a controversial data center on the south side.
