**Greg Ostertag Becomes Mayor of Mount Vernon, Texas**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Greg-Ostertag-050826-1-fe92e7ee7bae493296de80e10cdf3674.jpg)
In a surprising turn of events, Greg Ostertag, the former Utah Jazz centre known for his towering height of 7 feet 2 inches, has recently been elected as the new mayor of Mount Vernon, Texas. This small town, home to approximately 2,500 residents, located about 100 miles northeast of Dallas, now boasts the distinction of what likely makes Ostertag the tallest elected official in the United States.
Ostertag, 53, won the mayoral election against incumbent Brad Hyman by a narrow margin, securing 245 votes compared to Hyman’s 210. This victory has not only secured him a role in public service but has also attracted attention due to his remarkable stature, prompting jokes about whether he might soon be listed in the Guinness World Records for his height as an elected official.
The former basketball player expressed excitement about his new role and the potential for positive change within the town. “That’s what my wife said. She says as soon as I get sworn in next week, she’s going to call Guinness,” Ostertag shared with The Kansas City Star regarding the possibility of setting a record. Currently, the tallest elected official in the US is North Dakota’s insurance commissioner Jon Godfread, who stands at 6 feet 10 inches — a good four inches shorter than the newly elected mayor.
Originally hailing from Duncanville, a suburb of Dallas, Ostertag has been a resident of Mount Vernon for the past 11 years. While stepping into his new political role, he continues to work as a realtor and operates a local sports bar called Tag’s Hometown Bar and Grill. His involvement in the community and familiarity with local issues may serve him well in his new position.
Ostertag is no stranger to competition and high-pressure environments, having spent 11 seasons in the NBA playing for the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings. This background instills confidence in his approach to local governance. “Taking that momentum and running with it… making it a kind of a destination town,” he said, outlining aspirations to invigorate community involvement and pride in Mount Vernon.
Unlike many newcomers to politics, Ostertag appears unfazed by the challenges that lie ahead. Reflecting on his professional basketball career, he noted, “I’ve been pat on the back one day and told I was terrible the next day for the last 20 years,” suggesting that he is well-prepared to handle public scrutiny and demands of leadership.
His election is not merely a personal milestone but also a victory for the town itself, as he aims to rejuvenate local interest and investment. Ostertag’s plans include fostering a sense of community and improving Mount Vernon’s attractiveness as a travel destination.
While it remains to be seen how his tenure will unfold, supporters and residents alike are rallying behind their new mayor, hopeful for the changes he will bring. As Ostertag prepares for his swearing-in ceremony, questions about the future of Mount Vernon and how a former sports star will navigate the political landscape are generating both curiosity and excitement in the small Texas town.
As Mount Vernon’s journey begins with Ostertag at the helm, the town is poised for a unique chapter under the leadership of an individual who, despite his commanding presence on and off the court, understands the importance of community engagement and local development. His dual identity as a former NBA player and community leader presents a fresh narrative, demonstrating that basketball isn’t just about scoring points, but also about building connections.