Contact us by e-mail: bccourier@
sbcglobal.net
to send press releases, advertising inquires, compliments or complaints.

Contact Web master by e-mail: pcwordsmith@
indian-creek.net
to report a missing link, a problem with the Web site or incorrect information on the Web site.

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.

Subscribe to the Bandera County Courier

Gail Joiner: Publisher
Carl Holt: Sales/Marketing
Staff: Judith Pannebaker, Editor
David Arny, Writer
Dennis Allyn, Political Cartoonist
Linda Reynolds, Classifieds
James Henry Frazar, Composition Editor
Contributors: Stephanie Parker, Marlene Heavner, Doug White, Clare Barnett, Mikie Baker, Doris Doebbler, Jack Finger, Ed Longhurst, Bill Ellis, Bob Jamison and Jim Harris.

The BCC is responsible for its errors in advertising to the limit of the size of the space occupied by the error. Any mistakes will be gladly corrected provided advertiser notifies this office after the first publication. We reserve the right to reject any/all advertising at any time. The taking of an ad by e-mail, clerk, or other BCC personnel does not constitute acceptance of the material for publication.

Download Bandera County Courier Advertising Rates. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the ad rate card.

Entire contents Copyright © 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 - Bandera County Courier

The Bandera County Courier
Deadlines
Real Estate Review and Community Board Ads
Noon Friday
All other Advertising and Articles
5 p.m. Friday
(Proof corrections Noon Monday)

Items should be typed or printed and should include the name and daytime phone number of a contact person. Items submitted after deadline will be considered for that week's edition but may be held over for later publication. Photos should include information on the time and place of the event, as well as full names of people from left to right, front row to back.

Articles in the Election section of the on-line Courier:

Neff seeks another school board term	Published May 8, 2008
Griffin throws mayoral hat in ring	Published May 8, 2008
Hegemier seeks second term on city council	Published May 8, 2008
Early voting underway	Published May 1, 2008
District 73 litigious saga continues	Published May 1, 2008
District 73 lawsuit – Macias, Miller square off	Published April 24, 2008
BISD candidates respond to survey	Published April 17, 2008
Koimn announces city council candidacy	Published April 10, 2008
Bryce throws hat in ring for Bandera City Council redux	Published April 10, 2008
District 73 – counting, recounting & litigating Is election ‘re-do’ coming?	Published April 3, 2008
Dems to cast ballots in RR Commissioner run-off Can't have voted in Rep. primary	Published April 3, 2008
Horst Pallaske announces candidacy for mayor	Published April 3, 2008
Recount results will determine District 73 photo finish	Published March 27, 2008
Bandera ISD candidates announced	Published March 20, 2008
City election looms in May	Published March 13, 2008
Articles from the 2008 March primary	Results from the 2008 primary election Results will appear on a new Web page
Candidate summary articles from the 2008 March primary Information will appear on a new Web page	Articles from 2007 elections
Articles from the 2006 city and general elections	Articles from the 2006 Primary
Articles from the 2005 election	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	Statewide and Bandera County Election Results for the Nine Constitutional Amendments Nov. 8. Results will appear on a new Web page

Early voting underway Published May 1, 2008    Early voting continues through Tuesday, May 6, in the Bandera City and Bandera ISD elections.     Early voting locations are the Bandera Courthouse Annex, the Lakehills Courthouse Annex and the Medina Courthouse Annex.     Election day is May 10.

District 73 litigious saga continues by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published May 1, 2008    Unwilling to take “no” for an answer, District 73 Rep. Nathan Macias recently asked the Third Court of Appeals in Austin to reverse Judge James Clawson's decision not to recuse himself from a contested election trial.     The appeal continues a string of legal maneuverings designed to enable Macias to hold onto his legislative seat for a second term.     A press release issued by Macias’ office on Thursday, April 24, also indicated that he had asked the appellate court to expedite their ruling, as well as stay the May 19 trial ordered by Clawson earlier that week. The judge set the trial date, as well as a May 14 pre-trial hearing, after refusing to step down voluntarily from the proceedings.     After losing an extremely close March 4 Republican Primary election, Macias requested a vote recount. The recount narrowed his loss, but challenger Doug Miller retained top spot on the ballot heap by 17 votes. After the Republican Party of Texas certified Miller as the winner, Macias filed a lawsuit in the 207th District Court in Comal County asking the state to declare him the winner in the primary election or to order a new election. His lawsuit alleges over 250 voters cast ballots illegally in both the Republican and Democratic primaries, and nearly 1,000 people voted twice in the Republican Primary. When asked by the Courier why he had requested Clawson’s recusal, Macias replied, “I objected to the judge on the advice of my legal team.”     His prepared state went into more detail. According to Macias, Chapter 74 of the Texas Government Code gives him a bye regarding choice of a jurist. He offered, “Under the law, every civil litigant has the right to one objection of an assigned visiting judge. It is simply a matter of right, not cause, and I trust the panel that hears the appeal will agree with our position.”     Clawson was assigned to hear the contested election case because sitting district judges of Comal County are statutorily disqualified from presiding over the litigation.     Concurring with his client’s understanding of the law, former district judge and Macias’ lead counsel Rene Diaz noted, “If our position is correct, then all of Judge Clawson's rulings at this point are null and void, and the case would automatically have to be tried all over again. Nobody wants that to happen. This trial is too important. Therefore, we determined it best to seek a ruling from the Third Court of Appeals on this matter.”     Macias concluded, “We anticipate a positive result both here at the Appellate Court and in the ultimate outcome of the election contest.”     However, in a prepared statement released Monday, April 28, Miller refuted Macias’ contention regarding his ability to demand automatic dismissal of a jurist.     According to the Miller statement, during the previous proceedings, Clawson pointed out that the Macias legal team had filed their lawsuit under the Texas election code, not the civil code. The election code allows no provision to force a judge off a case without cause.     “Mr. Macias knows he has little chance to prevail in his appeal,” Miller offered. “(He and his legal team) indicated in court that they were not prepared to go forward with their case although it was their legal obligation to have their case ready two weeks ago. This is an obvious attempt to buy time to get their case ready. So far, every one of their accusations against the election administrators in all four counties has fallen flat and they need time to create a new case.”     Describing Clawson as “one of the most experienced judges in the state on election matters,” Miller continued, “He is from Temple and has no connection to either of us. Mr. Macias does not want an experienced judge on the case. That should tell all you need to know about the poor quality of his case.”     In an interview, Miller added, “It’s wrong to accuse election officials and volunteers of election fraud. I invite Mr. Macias to come back in two years and run the race again.”     Miller also noted that although it’s been two months since the election, Macias has still not accepted his loss. “As for me, I’m spending my time focusing on the issues that people care about, such as education, water and tort reform, instead of roaming around some courthouse.”

District 73 lawsuit – Macias, Miller square off by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published April 24, 2008    In his quest for a second term in the state legislature, District 73 Rep. Nathan Macias amended a lawsuit Tuesday, April 8, asking the state to declare him the winner in the March 4 Primary Election or order a new election. A trial has been set for Monday, May 19.     An earlier vote recount requested by Macias ended with the Republican Party of Texas certifying challenger Doug Miller as the winner in the hotly contested District 73 race – by 17 votes.     In addition, on Tuesday, April 15, he filed a motion with the 207th District Court to recuse Judge James Clawson Jr. of Temple from the case. In his petition, Macias offered no reason for requesting Clawson’s removal. A jurist experienced in election contests, Clawson had previously presided over numerous election contests, including the 2002 Seguin mayoral race.     To a query from the Courier regarding his request, Macias replied, “I objected to the judge on the advice of my legal team.” Attorney Rene Diaz heads the team.     Macias’ motion to recuse was heard in district court, Tuesday, April 22; however, Clawson declined to disqualify himself from the proceedings.     Attached to Macias’ petition, Exhibit B allegedly contained a list of voter identification numbers for people “who appear to have voted twice in the Republican Primary,” according to a statement released from Miller.     Macias’ list of potential “double voters” apparently included the voter ID number of his own chief-of-staff, Randall Travis Sabine.     Other names purportedly on the list included a major donor to Macias’ re-election campaign, a county treasurer, two justices of the peace, two elected constables, a pair of judges – neither of whom was Clawson – senior pastor and director of adult ministries at a popular church, youth pastor at another church and two city council members, the press release continued.     Decrying Macias’ attempts to secure another election, Craig Murphy, a spokesman for Miller, offered, “No one believes these people actually voted twice and I would hope Mr. Macias is in touch with that reality.” He added, “If his chief of staff really voted twice, (you can be sure) he did not vote for Doug Miller.”     According to the press release, local county election administrators had determined that Macias’ initial contention that “hundreds of people” voted in both Republican and Democratic primaries was untrue. Several election officials purportedly chastised Macias for making unfounded accusations prior to checking his facts, the statement continued.     In the court pleading, however, Macias purported claimed scores of people had voted twice in the Republican Primary. For a source, he used “a second hand list with known transmission issues obtained from the (office of the) Secretary of State,” rather than county voter sign-in sheets, according to the Miller press release.     “Macias’ legal maneuverings have wasted tax dollars and the court’s time with his frivolous lawsuit,” Murphy said. Pulling no punches, he continued, “It is hard to understand Macias’ latest erratic move. He has named all four local county election officials, more than 1,000 voters and even his own chief of staff as possibly being part of some huge conspiracy that caused him to lose this election. Now apparently he thinks the judge is in on it. The election has now been over for a month and a half. Everyone has moved on but Nathan Macias.”     In a campaign update sent Thursday, April 17, Macias fired back, writing, “My legal team is examining every ballot and every voter qualification to ensure that the election was conducted honestly and according to the law. They have assured me that we are carefully preparing our case based on concrete facts and solid legal principles. It is too early to tell right now what the ultimate outcome will be, but I can assure you, we will be ready to meet the challenge.”     Macias described the issues in his case as “illegal votes that were counted and legal votes that were not counted” during the March 4 primary. “Our court petition outlines seven compelling reasons the outcome of the election should be re-examined, as well as listing numerous election code violations and other irregularities.”     He confirmed Miller’s claim that his petition listed the voter numbers of over 1,000 voters, who, according to the official voters list from the Texas Secretary of State’s Office, appear to have voted more than once. “While we did not create this official list of voters, we are certainly going to bring this incredible anomaly to the court’s attention,” Macias wrote.     “Are all of these ‘illegal votes’?” He asked rhetorically. “Of course not, nor does our election contest claim they are all illegal votes. The key point remains, however, in an election separated by only 17 votes, every vote should be carefully examined – with every legal vote counted and every illegal vote not counted.” Macias added, “Clearly, my opponents do not want the vote carefully scrutinized. We are fighting not only for a clean and honest election, but also for an election that will ensure confidence in our system.”

BISD candidates respond to survey Published April 17, 2008 Wheeler Hanks and Don Miller Laurie Neff and Alisa Magee    Four candidates will vie for two seats on the Bandera Independent School District Board of Trustees. On May 10, voters will choose a pair trustees who will represent their interests in future policies and procedures at BISD.     The candidates responded to a brief questionnaire from the Bandera County Courier regarding their qualifications and any changes they would initiate in Bandera schools if elected.     Describe your experience, qualifications and background.     • Place 2 incumbent Laurie Neff: “I have always been an active supporter of our community and schools. I’ve served on many local boards, including the Alkek and middle school PTOs, Booster Club, Bandera Little League, Chamber of Commerce and Republican Women’s Club. I have volunteered in many capacities, from a Women’s Bible Study leader and Vacation Bible School teacher, to coaching little league.     “My six years of service on the school board have given me valuable experience and insight into setting policy and approving a budget that supports specific goals.”     • Place 2 Candidate Alisa McGee: “My number one qualification is that I am a concerned parent. I talk to other parents and BISD employees, as well as other taxpayers in the district, and ask them what their concerns are with the direction this district has taken. As a substitute teacher with BISD for the past four years, I see a lot of the inner workings of the district.     “I am also a real estate agent, so I am concerned with the reputation of the district with potential new residents. I have to be sold on the district before I can try and sell it to someone else.”     • Place 1 Candidate Don Miller: “I have 18 years of experience working for the Northside Independent School District, the fourth largest school district in Texas. Working for the administration within the Maintenance and Operations Department has allowed me to see the school system’s infrastructure first hand.     “I work one-on-one with the superintendent, administration, principals and teachers and have an understanding of the educational needs of our students.”     • Place 1 Candidate Wheeler Hanks: “I am a former teacher and administrator with Bandera ISD. I was a special education math teacher for four years at Bandera High School. At Alkek Elementary, I served as assistant principal for one year and principal for almost two years. I received my bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist University and my master of education degree from Schreiner University.”     What changes would you like BISD to implement should you be elected?     • Neff: “While we have a great school district driven by qualified and dedicated teachers and staff, I will support well-researched ideas for change that may further the achievement opportunities for our kids, strengthen our district’s ability to retain our quality educators and be responsibly accomplished within our resources.”     • McGee: “The main change I would like to see is open communications with board members and teachers.     I feel that teachers need to be able to talk to their elected members without fear of putting their jobs at risk.”     • Miller: “First, I would have an open mind to change. My focus would be on the best interests of all BISD students. I don’t have a personal agenda for changes and look forward to working with members of the school board, superintendent, principals and teachers to make the right decisions for the students.”     • Hanks: “I think that we need to focus on a positive teacher retention and recruitment program that would keep great teachers and attract great teachers to our district. Great teaching provides a great learning environment. I believe that this is a win-win situation.”

Koimn announces city council candidacy Published April 10, 2008 Robert Koimn    “Bandera is poised on the edge of growth and that growth is going to happen,” said Robert Koimn, announcing his candidacy for Bandera City Council in the May election. “The question becomes: What will that growth will mean for the city and the citizens of Bandera?”     I am one of the growing numbers of people who were raised in Bandera, left in youth and returned later to where “it” all started. After visiting many times over the ensuing years, I moved back to Bandera about four years ago.     I graduated from Bandera High School, University of Houston and Texas A&M University. A licensed architect, I am also a planner with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor Architecture degree from University of Houston and a Masters of Urban Planning degree from Texas A&M - College Station.     The city is beginning development of a Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP). As a member of the Bandera Planning and Zoning Commission, I have brought professionalism to the commission and to the city on planning, zoning and related issues. I have been involved in the Bandera community – both the city and county – by serving on other boards, commissions and local foundations. Now, I believe I can better address important issues by serving the community as a Bandera City Councilman. At the beginning of the CMP process, involvement is necessary to ensure successful developments of a short-, medium- and long-range plan for Bandera. Involvement is required of all stakeholders in Bandera who must employ “hands-on,” direct input into that planning process. What the various “inclusive” sectors of the community regard as needs, goals and dreams of the people for the city – and its extraterritorial jurisdiction – must be included in the CMP process.     However, finalization of the new CMP means nothing if it is not formally adopted, then implemented by leadership from city council and followed up by city staff. After being formally accepted by the city council, the CMP becomes the “guiding light” for all things relevant to future growth and development of the city, as well as for city services for Bandera residents.     The rules, regulations and ordinances currently on the books – along with revisions and additions needed for implementing the new Comprehensive Master Plan – will shape the area’s future. City hall should be responsive to the desires and needs of the citizens of Bandera. However, those involved in the CMP process must ensure that city hall remains responsive to the needs of the citizens. The electoral process and procedure remains the primary tool for having responsive and responsible City governance.     With your support, I believe that I can be a tool for you at city hall. As your councilman, I will bring professionalism, responsibility, responsiveness and leadership to municipal decision-making process.     Bandera is unique. Let’s work together to keep our “spaces and places” alive and prosperous in our little part of the Hill Country.

Bryce throws hat in ring for Bandera City Council redux Published April 10, 2008 Bill Bryce    William E. “Bill” Bryce has announced his candidacy for the 2008-2010 term on Bandera City Council.     While serving as a previous city councilman, Bill was Mayor Pro Tem under Mayor Bob Cowan, and from 2004-2006 for Mayor Denise Griffin.     Bill is retired from the United States Air Force and is a disabled veteran. He serves on local Veterans Administration volunteer committees in Kerrville. Bill also participates with a national committee that has been chartered by Congress, the VA Voluntary Service (VAVS).     Since 1969, Bill has logged over 5,600 hours volunteering in VA hospitals. In 1989 through 1991, he also volunteered at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center.     Bill and his late wife, Marlene, moved to Bandera from Mississippi in 1988. He has resided on Cypress Street since 1992. As his reason for running for council, Bill would like to assist the city in enlarging its tax base through growth and development.

District 73 – counting, recounting & litigating Is election ‘re-do’ coming? by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published April 3, 2008 Doug Miller     Nathan Macias    Votes have been counted and recounted, but the contested – and acrimonious – race between incumbent Nathan Macias and challenger Doug Miller for the House District 73 seat appears far from over.     The recount ended with Miller again on top, this time with a 17-vote winning margin. However, Macias hasn’t yet given up on a second term.     New election?     On Tuesday, April 1, he filed an election challenge in Comal County District Court, seeking a new Republican Primary election. Texas law allows a candidate to contest an election when the outcome cannot be determined.     To bolster his request, Macias referenced documents obtained from the Texas Secretary of State that purportedly show over 250 District 73 voters cast ballots in both the Republican and the Democratic party primaries on March 4. Voting in both primaries is illegal, but the secrecy of the process makes it impossible to identify and void illegally cast votes, according to Macias’s attorney, Rene Diaz.     In addition, the lawsuit brief alleges 44 absentee ballots in Comal County had not been signed by the Comal County clerk as required and should have been discarded.     The high number of double votes and other deficiencies outlined in Macias’ lawsuit are consistent with circumstances that would require a new election, Diaz indicated.     In a prepared statement, Macias invited Miller to join him in his quest for a new election which, Macias indicated, would “provide the citizens of our district the certainty of an election where no vote is compromised and the outcome is certain.” He continued, “The great people of District 73 deserve to know that their representative was elected in a process that was fair and honest, and that the integrity of each person’s ballot was protected. Our citizens deserve no less.”     ‘Undo will of voters’     Miller, however, took a different tack.     “It saddens me that Nathan Macias has chosen to go to the courthouse in an attempt to undo the will of the voters of District 73. Even Al Gore, who lost by the smallest of margins in Florida, didn’t ask for a new election,” he noted. “There was a record turnout in this election and Nathan would throw it all away. A new election will cost the Republican Party a significant amount of money and put our party at a disadvantage in November. As the certified winner by the Republican Party of Texas, I believe the people want to move on.”     The recount occurred in Bandera, Comal, Gillespie and Kendall counties, from Monday, March 24, through Wednesday, March 26. It allowed Macias to pick up an additional 21 votes, cutting Miller’s lead to 17, in the approximately 30,000 votes cast in the Republican Primary.     Miller, a former mayor of New Braunfels, discussed the recount in an email to the Courier, dated Thursday, March 27.     “The votes in the March 4 Republican Primary for State Representative, District 73 were counted and counted and re-counted,” he wrote. “The democratic process has worked and the people have spoken. I won and I think it’s time to move on.”     Rancorous campaign     The rancorous campaign culminated in a late election night surge for Miller. Throughout the evening of March 4, he had trailed Macias in Bandera, Comal and Kendall counties. However, a single ballot box from the town of Harper enabled Miller to win Gillespie County by over 1,000 votes. Miller owns property in that county.     Other perceived irregularities in Gillespie County’s voting process prompted members of the San Antonio Toll Party, which opposes tolling existing highways and constructing the controversial Trans-Texas Corridor, to call for an investigation by the office of the Secretary of State. An eventual Miller win would add to the “musical chairs” tone surrounding the District 73 seat.     In 2006, Macias defeated incumbent Carter Casteel with $750,000 worth of help from San Antonio’s James Leininger, a proponent of private-school vouchers. Casteel lost by 45 votes.     Prior to litigation initiation, Miller extended an olive branch to his opponent. “I’d like to reach out my hand to Representative Macias to make a smooth transition and represent the good and faithful voters in District 73,” he wrote, adding, “When I reflect upon this journey, I realize how much God has blessed me with the support of my family and friends. I haven’t been alone for one moment in this endeavor.”     ‘Hard fought election’     In a second email, Miller attempted to forestall further action by Macias to contest the close election – to no avail.     On Monday, March 31, Miller wrote, “I want to thank the voters for the kind support they gave me in this election. It was a difficult race – far more difficult than I ever could have known when I began. I will now begin the process of preparing for the November election. In this difficult election year, we must start early.”     After congratulating Macias on a “hard fought election,” Miller noted, “I know that he has said he is considering his options, but after a full recount, it is clear that he fell short. Nothing will change that.”     He continued, “There is a time in every election in which both candidates must come together for the common good. In this election, that time has now come.”     Miller indicated that many of Macias’s supporters have already contacted him and would support him in the November election.     “That means a great deal to me because I know they worked very hard for Rep. Macias, just as my supporters worked for me,” Miller wrote. “I have the utmost respect for these men and women on both sides who put all of their heart and minds behind their beliefs.”     Whoever prevails in the Republican Primary will square off against Democrat Daniel Boone in the November General Election.

Dems to cast ballots in RR Commissioner run-off Can't have voted in Rep. primary Published April 3, 2008    Bandera County Election Administrator Toba Perez reminded voters that the Democratic run-off for railroad commissioner would be held Tuesday, April 8. Dale Henry and Mark Thompson vie for the opportunity to run in the November General Election.     The winner will face Republican Michael Williams in November.     Early voting began Monday, March 31, and will continue through Friday, April 4, at the Bandera County Tax Office, the Ray F. Mauer Building, 403 12th Street.     Polling places on election day are:     Precinct No. 1     Voting Precincts 101 and 102     Pipe Creek Community Center, 10162 Hwy 16 South, Pipe Creek     Precinct No. 2     Voting Precincts 203 and 204     Lakehills Courthouse Annex, 9155 FM 1283, Lakehills     Precinct No. 3     Voting Precincts 305 and 306     Bandera Electric Coop, 3172 State Highway 16 N, Bandera     Precinct No. 4     Voting Precincts 407, 408, 409 and 410     Bandera County Public Library, 515 Main Street, Bandera, behind the library in the adult literacy room.

Horst Pallaske announces candidacy for mayor Published April 3, 2008 Horst Pallaske    I was born in 1944 in Silesia, Germany, and raised in Nurnburg, where I attended high school and machinist school. I immigrated to this great country in 1963, where I worked as a machinist for a newspaper in Minnesota.     Four years later, I was drafted into the United States Armed Forces and began a career in the US Army. My specialties were linguistics, logistics and nuclear, biological and chemical warfare.     I retired from the Army in 1990 and moved to this wonderful place we call Bandera.     I have been active as president of the Bandera City Economic Development Corporation for the past seven years, in addition to serving as president of the Bandera chapter of the Lions Club. I have also been actively involved with the Bandera Optimist Club, the local chapter of the American Legion and the Celebrate Bandera organization for several years. Working as a volunteer for the Bandera River Fest, Wild Hog Explosion, Frontier Times Museum events and the Bandera Honors Veterans group have also been very rewarding experiences for me.     My main goal as mayor of the City of Bandera would be to bring government back to the people of Bandera, as it is written in the words “Government of the people, by the people and for the people.”

Recount results will determine District 73 photo finish by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published March 27, 2008 Doug Miller     Nathan Macias    Only 29 votes separates incumbent Nathan Macias from a second term as representative for Texas District 73, comprised of Bandera, Comal, Gillespie and Kendall counties.     Unwilling to cede the hard-fought – and, at times, acrimonious – battle against challenger Doug Miller, Macias asked for a recount, and the Republican Party of Texas has agreed to his request. The recount began Monday, March 24, in all four counties, but results will not be available until later that week, according to Eric Opiela, executive director of the state GOP. The recount, watched over by Republican Party officials in Austin, will cost Macias $5,500. Bandera’s recount began at 1 pm, Monday, March 24. Miller oversaw the process for his campaign. When asked for a comment, he offered, “Things are going great. They’ve already completed two precincts and there have been no changes.”     On Tuesday, March 25, Election Administrator Toba Perez confirmed that the hand count of all votes cast locally had not changed the original final tally in Bandera County.     According to the election administrator in Kendall County, results from the Tuesday, March 25, recount included early voting, Macias, 1.533 and Miller, 1.445; and election day voting, Macias, 1.535 and Miller, 1.375. Final tallies from Comal and Gillespie Counties were not available by press time.     Republican Primary election returns during the evening of Tuesday, March 4, saw Macias, a resident of Bulverde, pulling ahead of Miller in Bandera, Comal and Kendall counties. However, a Gillespie County surge during the early hours of March 5 jumpstarted Miller’s political aspirations. A lone ballot box from Harper propelled him to victory, enabling Miller to carry Gillespie County by more than 1,000 votes.     Gillespie County serves as an alternate stomping ground for Miller, who owns a small ranch there. However, his homestead is in New Braunfels, where he served as former mayor.     According to earlier reports, Gillespie County’s late returns were attributed to the forced use of paper ballots in Harper. Since voting in the Republican Primary election was heavier than expected in that area, party officials “ran out” of ballots for electronic machines. This forced them to photocopy the ballots and allow people to vote by hand.     When the Harper ballot box finally arrived at the Gillespie County Courthouse, a clarion call went out to volunteers to help count the paper ballots. At that time, a distant relative of Miller’s volunteered for the effort. Her brief appearance at the courthouse contributed to a flood of complaints to the office of the Secretary of State.     Chief among citizens crying “foul” were members of the San Antonio Toll Party, who have deemed Macias “one of the good guys” for his opposition to tolling existing highways and to the controversial Trans-Texas Corridor.     In a SATP press release, members expressed concern that the race was not just “stolen” through a dishonest campaign, but that actual vote tampering tipped the election in Miller’s favor. They charged that members of the “counting team” in Gillespie County took over four hours after midnight to hand-count the 160 copied paper ballots, which changed the outcome of the election from a 58 vote win for Macias to a 38 vote win for Miller.     However, apparently none of the volunteers who assisted with the ballot counting actually touched a ballot, according to one report. Election officials only used volunteers to “keep score,” ensuring the totals were correct. Election law stipulates that at least three people must be available to keep a tally.     Local Republican chairmen in each county appointed recount teams, which also included a state GOP representative. In addition, both Macias and Miller designated observers and in some cases, monitored the process personally.     Ironically, two years ago, Macias upset incumbent Carter Casteel by 42 votes, an outcome also determined by a recount. However, according to Perez, the recount only consisted of counting absentee ballots.     Although results of this current kafuffle were not available by press time, The Bandera County Courier will publish the final tally in this sure-to-be photo finish district election in the Thursday, April 3, edition.     The designated winner of the Republican Primary will face Canyon Lake Democrat Daniel Boone in fight for District 73 Representative in the November General Election.

Bandera ISD candidates announced Published March 20, 2008 Wheeler Hanks and Don Miller Laurie Neff and Alisa Magee    The four candidates seeking seats on the Bandera Independent School District Board of Trustees were introduced at the Tuesday, March 11 board meeting. Seeking reelection to the board for Place 2 is Laurie Neely, who will face challenger Pipe Creek resident Alisa Magee in the May 10 contest.     Former Alkek Elementary School Principal Wheeler Hanks and Don Miller are running for Place 1, from which trustee Connie Manal not seeking reelection. Miller has worked for the Northside Independent School District for 18 years and lives in Lakehills.     The city of Bandera will also conduct an election that day.

City election looms in May Published March 13, 2008    Just when voters thought it was safe to leave the confines of their polling places, another election looms on the horizon.     Bandera voters will elect a mayor and two city council members on Saturday, May 10. A drawing for places on the ballot will be held Thursday, March 13, at 4 pm at Bandera City Hall.     Incumbent Mayor Denise Griffin will face challenger – and current council member – Horst Pallaske for the mayor's post. In addition, four candidates have tossed their hats in the political ring for two positions on city council – challengers William Bryce, Robert Koimn, John Teich Jr. and incumbent John Hegemier.     Early voting begins Monday, April 28, and ends Tuesday, May 6.