The deadline to file to run for public office occurred Friday and in Bangs there will be new mayor on May 1.

After serving for a decade, Bangs Mayor Eric Bishop is not running for re-election and council member Rick Phelps is the only person to file to run for the office, therefore Phelps will succeed Bishop.

“I am looking forward to this opportunity to serve my community in this capacity,” Phelps said. “I believe that by the grace of God, hard-working employees and amazing residents, we will see Bangs continue to flourish and succeed. The goal should always be to do what is best for the city.”

Phelps – who was again elected to the Bangs City Council in November 2020 after serving a previous stint – over the last few days has been providing updates to Bangs citizens regarding electricity and water through his Facebook page

In other races, four individuals are running for two seats on the Bangs City Council – incumbents Waymond Sheppard and Danny Marney along with Greg Flores and Greggory Cassady.