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Bandera County Courier is published weekly by Gail S. Joiner, 1210 Hackberry St., Bandera, TX 78003. Subscription price $26 per year in Bandera County, TX; $36 per year for other Texas counties; $40 per year out of Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Bandera County Courier, P.O. Box 1704, Bandera, TX 78003. Periodicals Postage pending in Bandera, Texas.

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The Bandera County Courier
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Election articles from 2007 in the on-line edition of the Courier:

All 16 amendments passed by state voters	Published Nov. 8, 2007
Constitutional Amendment Propositions Brief explanation of the proposed state constitutional amendments	Published Nov. 1, 2007
Constitutional amendments 101 ­ keeping it simple	Published Oct. 25, 2007
Recount negative Despite vote recount, city politicos stand pat	Published May 24, 2007
Two incumbents win, two lose in water district election Two incumbent city council members returned to office	Published May 12, 2007
May 12 election results	Published May 12, 2007
AG's office gets election complaint	Published May 10, 2007
Candidates in May 12 election	Published May 3, 2007
Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District candidates	Published May 3, 2007
Bandera ISD candidates	Published May 3, 2007
City of Bandera candidates	Published May 3, 2007
Early voting underway	Published May 3, 2007
Philip Acton announces candidacy for city council	Published April 26, 2007
Gov. Perry orders special election on property tax relief for elderly and disabled	Published March 22, 2007
Bandera ISD candidates set	Published March 22, 2007
City council candidates	Published March 15, 2007
Water district candidates	Published March 15, 2007
Filing for elected positions closes Monday	Published March 8, 2007
Filings open for elected positions	Published Feb. 15, 2007
Current election articles	Articles from the 2008 March primary
Articles from the 2006 city and general elections	Articles from the 2006 Primary
Results from the 2006 general election Results will appear on a new Web page	Statewide and Bandera County Election Results from the March 7, 2006, Primary. Results will appear on a new Web page
Articles from the 2005 election	Statewide and Bandera County Election Results for the Nine Constitutional Amendments Nov. 8. Results will appear on a new Web page

All 16 amendments passed by state voters Published Nov. 8, 2007    Texas voters approved all 16 constitutional amendments Tuesday, Nov. 6, according to unofficial results from the Texas Secretary of State's website.     Bandera County voters were more critical and gave their blessings to 13 of the 16 but turned thumbs down on Propositions 2 (more money for student loans), 4 (more bond money for state construction projects) 12 (more bond money for TxDot), and 16 (bond money for water & sewer projects).     They just barely approved Proposition 15, to create a Texas cancer research initiative, by a 636 to 604 margin.     One place where Bandera County voters followed state voters was in turnout. Only 1,262 Bandera County voters cast ballots of the 14,132 eligible, which represented 8.93 percent, according to the Bandera County Election office.     Statewide approximately 8.5 percent of eligible Texans voted.     Bandera County voting results for each amendment include     Prop. 1 Appropriation for facilities at Angelo State University     Yes 757     No 437     Prop. 2 Issuance of $500 million in bonds to finance student loans     Yes 599     No 619     Prop. 3 Limiting appraised value of the residence homestead     Yes 778     No 447     Prop. 4 Issuance of up to $1 billion in bonds for construction projects     Yes 444     No 779     Prop. 5 Local election to limit municipal property taxes     Yes 682     No 519     Prop. 6 Exempt from ad valorem tax one motor vehicle owned by an individual     Yes 946     No 290     Prop. 7 Allow government entities to sell property acquired by eminent domain     Yes 1,026     No 207     Prop. 8 Clarify provisions relating to a home equity loan     Yes 860     No 345     Prop. 9 Exempt totally disabled veterans from ad valorem taxation     Yes 1,013     No 217     Prop. 10 Abolish the office of inspector of hides and animals     Yes 953     No 254     Prop. 11 To provide for public access on the Internet of Legislative votes     Yes 1,031     No 186     Prop. 12 Issuance of bonds not to exceed $5 billion for highway improvement     Yes 461     No 753     Prop. 13 Deny bail to a person who violates certain orders or conditions     Yes 1,056     No 176     Prop. 14 Permit a justice or judge to serve the remainder term     Yes 909     No 315     Prop. 15 Creation of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas     Yes 636     No 604     Prop. 16 Issuance of bonds for assistance to economically distressed areas     Yes 539     No 677

Nov. 7, 2007, Constitutional Amendment Election

Complete Bandera County returns,
100% statewide returns

Proposition	County	Percent	State	Percent
Proposition 1
Yes	757	63.4%	690950	66.28%
No	437	36.6%	351500	33.72%
Proposition 2
Yes	599	49.18%	713019	65.85%
No	619	50.82%	369738	34.15%
Proposition 3
Yes	778	63.51%	763901	71.48%
No	447	36.49%	304717	28.52%
Proposition 4
Yes	444	36.3%	623404	58.19%
No	779	63.7%	448013	41.81%
Proposition 5
Yes	682	56.79%	685298	66%
No	519	43.21%	353085	34%
Proposition 6
Yes	946	76.54%	793793	73.69%
No	290	23.46%	283380	26.31%
Proposition 7
Yes	1026	83.21%	861201	80.3%
No	207	16.79%	211240	19.7%
Proposition 8
Yes	860	71.37%	816811	77.55%
No	345	28.63%	236474	22.45%
Proposition 9
Yes	1013	82.36%	925225	86.19%
No	217	17.64%	148272	13.81%
Proposition 10
Yes	953	78.96%	800439	76.54%
No	254	21.04%	245274	23.46%
Proposition 11
Yes	1031	84.72%	886742	84.51%
No	186	15.28%	162514	15.49%
Proposition 12
Yes	461	37.97%	665308	62.61%
No	753	62.03%	397293	37.39%
Proposition 13
Yes	1056	85.71%	908764	83.85%
No	176	14.29%	175039	16.15%
Proposition 14
Yes	909	74.26%	807932	74.99%
No	315	25.74%	269384	25.01%
Proposition 15
Yes	636	51.29%	668543	61.43%
No	604	48.71%	419709	38.57%
Proposition 16
Yes	539	44.33%	645658	60.77%
No	677	55.67%	416884	39.23%

A description of the proposed amendments follows.

Constitutional Amendment Propositions Brief explanation of the proposed state constitutional amendments on the Nov. 6, 2007 ballot Published Nov. 1, 2007    Prop 1 Appropriation for facilities at Angelo State University     HJR 103 would update the constitutional reference to Angelo State University to conform with the statutory transfer of that institution from membership in the Texas State University System to membership in the Texas Tech University System.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment providing for the continuation of the constitutional appropriation for facilities and other capital items at Angelo State University on a change in the governance of the university."     Prop 2 Issuance of $500 million in bonds to finance student loans     SJR 57 would authorize the legislature to permit the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to issue up to $500 million in general obligation bonds to finance educational loans to college and university students, and to enter into bond enhancement agreements.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of $500 million in general obligation bonds to finance educational loans to students and authorizing bond enhancement agreements with respect to general obligation bonds issued for that purpose."     Prop 3 Limiting appraised value of the residence homestead     HJR 40 would authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of a residence homestead for property tax purposes in a tax year to the lesser of the most recent appraisal valuation, or 110 percent, or a greater percentage as determined by the legislature, of the appraised value in the preceding tax year.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide that the maximum appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem taxation is limited to the lesser of the most recent market value of the residence homestead as determined by the appraisal entity or 110 percent, or a greater percentage, of the appraised value of the residence homestead for the preceding tax year."     Prop 4 Issuance of up to $1 billion in bonds for construction projects     SJR 65 would authorize the legislature to permit the Texas Public Finance Authority to issue up to $1 billion in general obligation bonds, the proceeds of which would be dedicated to maintenance, construction, repairs, and equipment purchases, as authorized by the legislature for the following state agencies: the Texas Building and Procurement Commission; the Parks and Wildlife Department; the Department of the Adjutant General; the Department of State Health Services; the Department of Aging and Disability Services; the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; the Texas Youth Commission; the Texas Historical Commission; the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; the Texas School for the Deaf; and the Texas Department of Public Safety.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the issuance of up to $1 billion in bonds payable from the general revenues of the state for maintenance, improvement, repair, and construction projects and for the purchase of needed equipment."     Prop 5 Local election to limit municipal property taxes     SJR 44 would authorize the legislature to permit cities with a population of less than 10,000 to hold an election to allow the city to enter into an agreement with a property owner to temporarily freeze taxes on property either in or adjacent to an area approved for funding under the Downtown Revitalization Program or the Main Streets Improvements Program administered by the Department of Agriculture.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit the voters of a municipality having a population of less than 10,000 to authorize the governing body of the municipality to enter into an agreement with an owner of real property in or adjacent to an area in the municipality that has been approved for funding under certain programs administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture under which the parties agree that all ad valorem taxes imposed on the owner's property may not be increased for the first five tax years after the tax year in which the agreement is entered into."     Prop 6 Exempt from ad valorem tax one moter vehicle owned by an individual     HJR 54 would authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem tax one motor vehicle owned by an individual that is used by the individual for both business and personal use.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation one motor vehicle owned by an individual and used in the course of the owner's occupation or profession and also for personal activities of the owner."     Prop 7 Allow government entities to sell property acquired by eminent domain     HJR 30 would allow a governmental entity to sell property acquired through eminent domain to its immediately previous owner at the original purchase price, if the public use of the property has been canceled, if no progress is made toward that public use by a prescribed deadline, or if the property is unnecessary to accomplish that public use.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to allow governmental entities to sell property acquired through eminent domain back to the previous owners at the price the entities paid to acquire the property."     Prop 8 Clarify provisions relating to a home equity loan     HJR 72 would clarify home equity loan procedures and protections and make conforming changes to the written disclosure provided to the borrower at the loan closing.     The amendment would establish that the status of whether property is an agricultural homestead for the purpose of receiving homestead protection, would be determined by whether it was designated for agricultural use on the date of the loan closing.     The amendment would provide that a declared state of emergency (e.g., following a natural disaster) would justify execution of a second home equity loan on the same property less than one year after the first home equity loan. It would provide that non-substantive omissions on a loan application would not affect the agreement. It would require a borrower to receive a copy of all executed loan documents, and a disclosure list of fees and costs at closing. It would prohibit the use of preprinted checks for the use of unsolicited loan advances to obtain a home equity line of credit.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to clarify certain provisions relating to the making of a home equity loan and use of home equity loan proceeds."     Prop 9 Exempt totally disabled veterans from ad valorem taxation     SJR 29 would authorize the legislature to exempt all or part of the market value of the residence homesteads of veterans certified as having a service-connected 100 percent disability rating. SJR 29 would also clarify the progression of property tax exemptions available to veterans who are less than 100 percent disabled.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt all or part of the residence homesteads of certain totally disabled veterans from ad valorem taxation and authorizing a change in the manner of determining the amount of the existing exemption from ad valorem taxation to which a disabled veteran is entitled."     Prop 10 Abolish the office of inspector of hides and animals     HJR 69 would remove constitutional references to the former office of inspector of hides and animals.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to abolish the constitutional authority for the office of inspector of hides and animals."     Prop 11 To provide for public access on the Internet of Legislative votes     HJR 19 would require a vote taken in either house of the legislature to be recorded by record vote, if the vote was on final passage of a bill, other than local bills, a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment, or any other resolution that is not purely ceremonial.     The record vote must be archived and available for public viewing on the Internet for at least two years.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to require that a record vote be taken by a house of the legislature on final passage of any bill, other than certain local bills, of a resolution proposing or ratifying a constitutional amendment, or of any other nonceremonial resolution, and to provide for public access on the Internet to those record votes."     Prop 12 Issuance of bonds not to exceed $5 billion for highway improvement     SJR 64 would authorize the Texas Transportation Commission to issue up to $5 billion in general obligation bonds for highway improvement projects, the proceeds of which will be used to pay for projects, costs, and payments owed under related credit agreements.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds by the Texas Transportation Commission in an amount not to exceed $5 billion to provide funding for highway improvement projects."     Prop 13 Deny bail to a person who violates certain orders or conditions     HJR 6 would authorize the denial of bail to a person who violates conditions of release in a family violence case and permit the legislature to authorize the denial of bail to a person who violates certain court orders in a family violence case.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the denial of bail to a person who violates certain court orders or conditions of release in a felony or family violence case."     Prop 14 Permit a justice or judge to serve the remainder term     HJR 36 would limit a state justice or judge's service to Dec. 31 of the fourth year of the term if he/she is elected to all or part of a six year term, and reaches mandatory retirement age during the first four years of said term.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment permitting a justice or judge who reaches the mandatory retirement age while in office to serve the remainder of the justice's or judge's current term."     Prop 15 Creation of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas     HJR 90 would require the legislature to establish the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, and would provide for its management, duties, and powers. It would authorize the issuance of up to $3 billion in general obligation bonds to be used for operations and grants for the purpose of scientific research of all forms of human cancer.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment requiring the creation of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and authorizing the issuance of up to $3 billion in bonds payable from the general revenues of the state for research in Texas to find the causes of and cures for cancer."     Prop 16 Issuance of bonds for assistance to economically distressed areas     SJR 20 would authorize the issuance of up to $250 million in general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board to provide financial assistance to economically distressed areas of the state to help provide adequate sewer and water supply services for residential use.     The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $250 million to provide assistance to economically distressed areas."     A more detailed analysis is available by downloading this Adobe pdf file: Texas State Legislative Council Analyses

Constitutional amendments 101 ­ keeping it simple by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Oct. 25, 2007    The following are the 16 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, written in plain English for plain-thinking people. Proposition 1 ­ From now on, San Angelo State University's funding would be under the Texas Tech system. Proposition 2 ­ $500 million bucks in taxpayer-guaranteed bonds would be earmarked for student loans ­ aka the Outrageous College Tuition Support Act. Proposition 3 ­ Forces legislature to limit itself to increasing taxes 10 percent per year per homestead, which can calculate to 100 percent over 10 years. Proposition 4 ­ Authorizes $1 billion bucks in bonds for parks, prisons and other pet projects. Proposition 5 ­ Allows some voters to abstain from raising some taxes in some parts of some towns. Proposition 6 ­ Authorizes owners to exempt one auto from taxation ­ as long as the vehicle is used strictly for work and personal purposes. Proposition 7 ­ Allows properties seized by eminent domain to be sold back to an individual from whom it was taken in first place. Proposition 8 ­ Mandates warning labels, in EXTRA LARGE TYPE, for too-good-to-be-true home equity loans. Proposition 9 ­ Authorizes disabled veterans to receive increased exemptions on property taxes. However, this will probably be made up for by levying proportionally higher evaluations. Proposition 10 ­ Eliminates one state job ­ that of hide inspector; only a quarter million more to go. Proposition 11 ­ Yada, yada, yada, forces pols to have their votes recorded, yada, yada, yada. Proposition 12 ­ Five billion bucks for highways ­ that's, of course, in addition to the gasoline tax already paid. Proposition 13 ­ Denies additional bail to violent bail-jumpers. Proposition 14 ­ Lets judges ignore mandatory retirement age if already elected. Proposition 15 ­ $3 billion for cancer research. C'mon! Are you some kind of pro-cancer nut!? Proposition 16 ­ Earmarks $250 million bucks for water projects in "economically-distressed" areas.

Recount negative Despite vote recount, city politicos stand pat by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published May 24, 2007 Robert Koimn    In elections, it ain't over till the last vote is counted or – in the case of the May 12 Bandera City Council election – recounted.     During the Thursday, May 24, city council meeting, Mayor Denise Griffin announced a vote recount was in the offing for the three open seats on the council.     The manual recount, requested by unsuccessful candidate Robert Koimn, began at noon on Tuesday, May 21. Results were in an hour later, and, according to City Secretary Linda Boshek, nothing had changed. The previous election results stood pat.     On May 17, the Courier reported voters had returned incumbents Monica Halsey and Jason Williams and elected Philip Acton to the three available slots on the council, beating out challenges from Koimn, Gary Powers, and John Teich Jr.     Only 97 city residents participated in the recent election with Williams receiving a total of 44 votes. Halsey's tally amounted to 40, mirroring the number accumulated by Acton. What at first looked like a clear win for Halsey and Acton seemed less so after it was revealed Koimn had received a total of 39 votes, a single vote shy of necessitating a second city-wide election.     As explained by Municipal Attorney Jason D. King of the Austin law firm, Akers & Boulware-Wells, LLP, the recount process is more suited to a cumulative vote of 97,000 or 970,000 than 97. In addition, he didn't anticipate any changes in the final tally. King's prediction proved prescient.     According to Koimn, after submitting his petition for the recount, he was required to deposit "less than $500" with the city. Since the recount underscored the previous political status quo, Koimn forfeited a portion of his deposit. How much he will be charged for the recount remains in limbo until city administrators determine the exact cost of the process.     Acton, Halsey and Williams will take oaths of office during the Thursday, June 7, city council meeting, beginning at 6 pm.

Two incumbents win, two lose in water district election Election results from May 12 Published May 17, 2007    The election Saturday, May 12, produced a mixed bag of results.     In the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District election, two incumbents were defeated and two were returned to office.     Although he garnered 41 percent of the vote, incumbent Jim Hannah was beaten by Medina resident Andy Lautzenheiser's 57 percent for the at-large position on the water district board. In addition, challenger Karen Ripley's 58 percent of the vote proved enough to oust Precinct 2 incumbent Tom Fett, who received only 42 percent.     However, his 52 percent of the vote allowed incumbent Richard A. Connors to retain his Precinct 1 post, edging out Virginia Stoops' 48 percent.     By getting 61 percent of the vote, Precinct 4 incumbent Jim Chastain won handily over Rudy S. Jaime's 39 percent.     In Precinct 3, Louis Edward Vannatter earned 47 percent of the votes, giving him a plurality over Gene Wehmeyer's 35 percent and Roy T. Goodwin's 18 percent. According to the state election code, to be elected to a public office, a candidate must receive more votes than any other candidate for the office – in many cases. Director Russ Luigs did not seek re-election.     In the Bandera Independent School District election, incumbent Rick Groomer was re-elected to Place 6 with 39 percent of the votes over challengers Alisa Magee's 36 percent and James Wagner's 25 percent. Groomer was also elected on the basis of plurality.     Greg Hicks was unopposed for Place 5, as was Genevieve D. Modarelli for Place 7.     In the Bandera City Council election, voters returned incumbents Monica Halsey and Jason Williams and elected Philip Acton to the three available slots on the council, over challengers Robert Koimn, Gary Powers, and John Teich Jr.     Bandera County voters approved – by 89 percent to 11 percent – the state constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to reduce the limit on property taxes imposed for the public schools on the homesteads of elderly or disabled citizens – as was given to most taxpayers in 2006 and 2007.     The county's result mirrored state-wide results where 87.7 percent voted in favor and 12.3 percent voted against the proposition.     The number of registered voters in the county is 14,781; however, only 1,378 or 9.32 percent, voted in last Saturday's election. The number of voters in the Bandera ISD is 12,737 and of those, only 1,043 or 8.19 percent voted. In the city, 681 residents are registered to vote. Of that total, 97 or 14.24 percent voted.     The number of registered voters in the state is 13,074,279 and, during this election, 924,577 Texans voted, or 7.07 percent of registered voters.

May 12 General Election Results
The results are complete.

Office/Candidate	Votes	Percent
BCRAGD, at large
Jim Hannah	504	41.31%
Andy Lautzenheiser	716	58.69%
BCRAGD, Precinct 1
Richard A. Connors	96	51.89%
Virginia Stoops	89	48.11%
BCRAGD, Precinct 2
Tom Fett	124	42.47%
Karen Ripley	168	57.53%
BCRAGD, Precinct 3
Gene Wehmeyer	143	34.79%
Roy T. Goodwin	75	18.25%
Louis Edward Vannatter	193	46.96%
BCRAGD, Precinct 4
Jim Chastain	196	61.25%
Rudy S. Jaime	124	38.75%
Bandera ISD, Place 5
Greg Hicks	713
Bandera ISD, Place 6
Rick Groomer	307	39.16%
James Wagner	196	25.00%
Alisa Magee	281	35.84%
Bandera ISD, Place 7
Genevieve D. Modarelli	637
Bandera City Council
Monica Halsey	40	*
Jason Williams	44	*
Philip Acton	40	*
Robert Koimn	39
Gary Powers	25
John Teich Jr.	32
Constitutional Amendment
For	1150	88.94%
Against	143	11.06%

Incumbents are printed in italics
* indicates winners in the city council race.

May 12 election candidates    Bandera County voters will vote May 12 for directors for the Bandera County River Authority and Ground Water District, trustees for the Bandera Independent School District, and councilpersons for the City of Bandera, depending on where they live.    All Bandera County voters will vote for the "at-large" candidate for the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District. Voters will select one precinct director, depending on what precinct they reside. At-Large: incumbent Jim Hannah or Andy Lautzenheiser. Precinct 1: incumbent Richard A. Connors or Virginia Stoops. Precinct 2: incumbent Tom Fett or Karen Ripley. Precinct 3: Gene Wehmeyer, Roy T. Goodwin, or Louis Edward Vannatter. Precinct 4: incumbent Jim Chastain or Rudy S. Jaime.    Voters who reside within the boundaries of the Bandera Independent School District will vote for three Trustees: Place 5: Greg Hicks. Place 6: incumbent Rick Groomer, and challengers James Wagner and Alisa Magee. Place 7: Genevieve D. Modarelli (Modarelli is the current Place 5 incumbent. Place 7 incumbent Patty Haltmar did not file for re-election.)    Voters who reside within the city limits of the City of Bandera will vote for three at-large council positions from among: incumbent Monica Halsey incumbent Jason Williams Philip Acton Robert Koimn Gary Powers John Teich Jr.    Incumbent Lynn Palmer did not seek another term.

AG's office gets election complaint Published May 10, 2007    Complaints stemming from the 2005 Precinct 3 election for director of the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District have been forwarded to the Attorney General's office, according to Ann McGeehan, state director of elections.     Medina resident Richard Lane had originally filed complaints against candidate Jerry Sides with the office of Bandera County Attorney Kerry Schneider. Lane had sent letters to Schneider in May and June of 2005, about the alleged "cavalier and flagrant" violations. He also posted letters to Bandera County Judge Richard Evans and Bandera County Tax Assessor-Collector Mae Vion Meyer, who oversees the election.     Lane charged that Sides had loitered within the 100-foot distance marker of a polling place on election day, as well as possibly campaigning in the area.     After receiving no reply from Schneider, Evans or Meyer, Lane contacted McGeehan at the Texas Secretary of State's office on May 26, 2006.     In part, his letter read, "As a law abiding, taxpaying citizen, I am hereby requesting that the violation of the Texas election law by candidate Jerry Sides and other voting irregularities that may have taken place in Precinct 3, Bandera County, be investigated by your office and the Texas Attorney General's office and citations and fines be assessed against those who broke the law. Also, I believe the local officials who refused to address this issue should be cited for dereliction of duty to the citizens of Texas."     Lane indicated his notarized letter would serve as an affidavit that he and his wife observed violation of the Texas election law the morning of May 7, 2005, shortly after 8 am. According to Lane, the violation could be corroborated by Precinct 3 Constable Don Walters, who, Lane wrote, had been speaking with Sides during the time of the alleged violation rather than enforcing election laws.     On Sept. 11, 2006, McGeehan forwarded Lane's information to Deputy Attorney for Criminal Prosecution Don Clemmer in the Office of the Attorney General. Election law violations are a Class C misdemeanor.

Candidates in May 12 election Published May 3, 2007    Depending on where voters live, they can vote in up to four elections.     All county voters can say "yes" or "no" to a state constitutional amendment.     The three local elections are for directors in the Bandera River Authority and Groundwater District, trustees in the Bandera Independent School District, and council positions on the city counsel of Bandera.

Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District candidates Published May 3, 2007    In the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District election, four candidates will be challenging incumbents and three candidates are seeking for the Precinct 3 seat. All county voters will vote for the "at-large" director and the director in their county commissioner precinct.     At Large     In the at-large position Andy Lautzenheiser is running against incumbent board member Jim Hannah. Jim Hannah     Jim Hannah     A resident of Bandera County for 29 years, Jim Hannah is seeking re-election in order to continue supporting scientific studies of all available ground and surface water data as it applies to pumping yields for existing and future wells. His agenda is one of "science before sales– a balance in keeping the rights and privileges of property within our country ways of life." Andy Lautzenheiser     Andy Lautzenheiser     His challenger, Andy Lautzenheiser, is a native of Medina. He seeks the BCRAGD board position out of his concern for the quality and quantity of water in Bandera County. He is against outside agencies such as Bexar Met's attempts in the past to "take control of what water rights we have" and does not believe such agencies are concerned with Bandera County's best interests. "Bandera County should be in charge of our water to the fullest extent possible," he says.     Precinct 1     Virginia Stoops is running for the Precinct 1 position now held by Richard Connors. Virginia Stoops     Virginia Stoops     Virginia Stoops has lived in the county for 24 years and says Bandera's water issues are important enough to lobby for in Austin if necessary. "I'm pro-active in wanting to ensure adequate water supplies for our county, both now and in the future. And we need keep state lawmakers aware of the fact that we are our own county– not a suburb of San Antonio." Richard Connors     Richard Connors     Richard Connors originally moved to Bandera County in 1971 and has served one term on the BRAGD board. "I plan to term-limit myself," he says. "If re-elected, I won't seek a third term." The retired US Army Major describes one of his major priorities as looking out for both present and future county residents by presenting county commissioners with accurate data on the availability of water throughout the region.     Precinct 2     Karen Ripley is challenging incumbent board member Tom Fett for the Precinct 2 position. Tom Fett     Tom Fett     Tom Fett is a longtime county resident familiar with "how fluids flow through rocks", due to a 40-year career in the oil and gas business. "I'm a team player," he says. "We need to continue our work with the hydrological studies already in progress and remain a positive force as advisors to the county government on the best way to preserve and protect Bandera's water resources." Karen Ripley     Karen Ripley     Lakehills resident Karen Ripley has owned property on Lake Medina since 1983. She recognizes the link between retaining county water rights and assuring stable property values. "I believe our water rights are worth fighting for in order to insure our way of life into the future," she says. Ripley supports further scientific studies of the aquifer and is opposed to a policy of unlimited regional development.     Precinct 3     Three candidates are seeking the Precinct 3 position. Candidates are Gene Wehmeyer, Roy T. Goodwin, and Louis Edward Vannatter. The incumbent, Russ Luigs, chose not to run. Gene Wehmeyer     Gene Wehmeyer     Gene Wehmeyer has lived in the county since 1974 and wants to protect regulations already in place which developers must follow, while simultaneously "not being bound by old ways of thinking." He says " Everyone south of us seems to want our water– I believe Bandera should control its own water instead of outsiders from San Antonio." Roy Goodwin     Roy T. Goodwin     Roy T. Goodwin says he moved to Bandera County "just in time for the flood of '78." His decision to run for the water board came from his concern for insuring a high-quality, abundant supply of water for current county residents as well as future generations. "I've watched this county change for almost 30 years and I believe proper well-spacing, accurate testing of our water supplies and following existing rules and regulations are absolutely essential." Louis Vannatter     Louis E. Vannatter     Louis E. Vannatter is also a 30-year resident of Bandera County and a former businessman who understands the necessity of taking on tough issues. "I'm offering my services– coming to the table without an agenda and wanting to work with other board members in protecting the water rights of individuals who live in this county," he says. "I believe proper rules and regulations are critical in preserving the quality and quantity of our water."     Precinct 4     Precinct 4 incumbent Jim Chastain will be facing Rudy Jaime in the May 12 election. Rudy Jaime     Rudy Jaime     Rudy Jaime has resided in Bandera full time for the past six years and believes "the concerns and best interests of citizens should be the first priority of any elected official." He says his goal in running for office is to "address public concerns regarding water issues, preserve and protect our precious water resources and our way of life– and to give back to the community."     Jim Chastain     Jim Chastain has served three terms on the BCRAGD. He moved to Bandera in 1979. He acknowledges the challenge of managing water resources with the number of people moving to Bandera County. "Our water problems are only going to escalate without sound policy decisions," he says. "Hopefully, we can insure plentiful water supplies for the next 50 years if we work together."

Bandera ISD candidates Published May 3, 2007    Voters who reside within the boundaries of the Bandera Independent School District will vote for three trustees. Two candidates are running unopposed.     Place 5     Greg Hicks is running unopposed for Place 5.     Greg Hicks     Native Bandera resident Greg Hicks will fill Place 5 on the school board. He was employed as a teacher and administrator in the Comfort school system for ten years and "has lots of experience to offer" as a board trustee. Hicks has three children who have graduated from Bandera High School and one still in school here. "I hope to help enhance and improve the district. I want to leave office with it in better shape than when I was appointed," he says.     Place 6     Place 6 incumbent Rick Groomer is challenged by James Wagner and Alisa Magee.     Alisa Magee     Alisa Magee has three children who attend Bandera schools and has lived here more than two years. "I would like to bring some fresh ideas to the board." she says. "Living in the Katy, Texas school district, I watched them going through the same kind of growing pains BISD is going through now. I want to help Bandera avoid some of the mistakes made elsewhere and benefit the district as a whole, not just a few special interest groups."     Rick Groomer     Twenty-four year resident incumbent Rick Groomer believes BISD is a well-run district. "We have great kids attending classes here and really awesome teachers, plus a very supportive administrative staff," he says. "My goal is to help our kids succeed in school and later in life. I want to increase their college readiness and I support raising salaries and benefits for our teachers."     James Wagner     James Wagner did not provide the Courier with information.     Place 7     Genevieve D. Modarelli is running unopposed for Place 7. Modarelli is the current Place 5 incumbent.     Genevieve Modarelli     Genevieve Modarelli says that she wants to see improvements continue at BISD and to "insure every student has a chance to excel."

City of Bandera candidates Published May 3, 2007    Three at-large Bandera City Council members will be elected by voters who reside in the city of Bandera. Six candidates are vying for the municipal positions.     Monica Halsey     Monica Halsey is an incumbent council member whose family are longtime residents of Bandera County. She moved to the city four years ago and, after winning a seat on city council, has always tried to "bring the city together to work as one, instead of different factions working against one another." She regards being a voice for the citizens she represents, dealing fairly with water issues and ensuring Bandera's prosperity for future generations to be her priorities.     Jason Williams     Incumbent Jason Williams has been a city resident for 11 years. He regards his work on the Bandera City Council to be the best way to help his community become a better place to live. "I don't have a personal agenda, besides working with all the other council members to keep city government responsive to the citizens of Bandera," he says.     Philip Acton     Council candidate Philip Acton describes himself as being pro-growth and plans to advocate a sound fiscal policy if elected. "The only way to bring revenue to Bandera is to support existing businesses and to welcome new ones coming to our area. I want to give the owners of businesses in town who don't live inside the city limits a voice at city council meetings, since they can't vote in city elections," says the seven-year Bandera resident.     Robert Koimn     Robert Koimn has been active in various aspects of city government for several years and says he decided it was time to run for Bandera City Council, in part, because of his belief that the city isn't enforcing its own ordinances as well as it could be. "I would advocate enforcing the sign and noise ordinances, as well as the building code guidelines, more consistently than the council is doing now," he says.     Gary Powers     A resident of Bandera for nine years, Gary Powers decided it was time to get involved in city government and "make sure things are done right" on behalf of Bandera citizens. "If elected, I would make ensuring the safety of my constituents, both in their homes and on the streets, a top priority."     John Teich     John Teich is a lifetime resident of Bandera and seeks a seat on city council, in part, because he "sees people on the council with agendas who don't have the best interests of the people at heart." He describes himself as a "hands-on" person who doesn't believe in quick fixes for long-term problems. "The sole reason I'll be serving on the council will be to listen to the people of Bandera and try to better the city in the long run."

Early voting underway Published May 3, 2007    The May 12 election to decide water district directors, Bandera ISD trustees, and Bandera city councilmembers is closer than you think.     Early voting began Monday and continues through Tuesday, May 8, at the Ray Mauer courthouse annex in Bandera, the Lakehills courthouse annex just north of FM 1283 and Park Road 37 and at the Medina courthouse annex from 7:30 am to 5 pm.     Extended hours Friday, May 4, are 7 am to 7pm.

Philip Acton announces candidacy for city council Published April 26, 2007    Local business owner Philip Acton has announced his candidacy for a position on the Bandera City Council.     He describes himself as being a proponent of manageable growth and sound fiscal policy, including the most efficient use of grant funds.     "I would like to be the voice of local business owners who don't live in the city limits and can't vote for city council members," he said, addin