Leaders change seats after election results

Martin Baird officially said farewell to the Farmers Branch City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 12, and Tina Bennett-Burton was formally sworn in as city councilmember on Friday, Nov. 15.

During the Nov. 12 council meeting, Mayor Terry Lynne presented Baird with a gift and sign as a token of appreciation from the city.

He said Baird served the city with dignity and respect. 

“At the end of the day, it’s important for all of us to remember that we are all residents. We’re all neighbors. We’re neighbors trying to serve each other, and I think Councilman Baird has done that extremely well,” he said. “While I’m very sorry to see him leaving his term early, I want to wish him the best. I think I speak for everyone on council when I say we wish you the very, very best, and we thank you for your service.”

Baird submitted his resignation on July 11 making his resignation effective on Nov. 12 so the election for his position would coincide with the general election and reduce the cost to the city. He was elected as representative of District 2 in May 2023, and his term expires in May 2026.

Former City Councilmember Tina Bennett-Burton, who represented District 3 from January 2023 until May 2024, won the Nov. 5 election to finish Baird’s term. She was unable to run for re-election in District 3 due to redistricting. 

She was sworn in on Friday, Nov. 15, when the official results were canvassed, or officially accepted by the council. 

There will be a ceremonial swearing in for Bennett-Burton at the Dec. 10 city council meeting. 

She participated in the Nov. 19 joint City Council – Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District meeting.