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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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Articles in the March 2008 Primary section of the on-line Courier:

2008 primary election – it’s a wrap	Published March 13, 2008
Election results – where’d all the Dems come from?	Published March 6, 2008
Cowboy bar as election central	Published March 6, 2008
Meet & greet politicians Feb. 29	Published Feb. 21, 2008
Weaver announces for 216th district judge	Published Feb. 21, 2008
Picking the next 216th District Judge	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Candidates for county attorney take stage in PC	Published Feb. 7, 2008
Citizens meet candidates at local town meeting	Published Jan. 31, 2008
Barker announces for Pct. 1 commissioner	Published Jan. 31, 2008
Armstrong addresses GOP commitments	Published Jan. 31, 2008
Measures taken to ensure no election tampering	Published Jan. 24, 2008
And they're off... Local political games begin	Published Jan. 10, 2008
Mae Vion Meyer seeks re-election to tax office	Published Jan. 17, 2008
Davis announces candidacy for 216th District Judge	Published Jan. 17, 2008
John Payne announces for county attorney	Published Jan. 10, 2008
Holt throws hat in commissioners' ring	Published Jan. 10, 2008
Walters files for reelection	Published Jan. 10, 2008
Boot-scootin' fundraiser set Friday	Published Jan. 10, 2008
Former game warden Chalmers files for constable	Published Jan. 3, 2008
Tobin seeks re-election as constable Precinct 1	Published Jan. 3, 2008
Shuffle in 216th	Published Jan. 3, 2008
Eliker seeks re-election for commissioner Precinct 1	Published Dec. 27, 2007
Keese files for re-election to commissioners court	Published Dec. 20, 2007
Lobello announces constable candidacy	Published Dec. 20, 2007
Schaefer announces four county attorney	Published Dec. 13, 2007
Boone files for Texas House District 73	Published Dec. 13, 2007
Nathan Macias files for re-election to Texas House	Published Dec. 6, 2007
Noriega declares for US Senate	Published Dec. 6, 2007
Kaiser throws hat in ring for sheriff	Published Nov. 15, 2007
Hillary's 'village' v. Reagan's 'shining city'	Published Oct. 18, 2007
Fidel Ramirez, candidate for Bandera County Commissioner	Published Sept. 6, 2007
Current election articles	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

2008 primary election – it’s a wrap Published March 13, 2008 Keith Williams    The 2008 primaries are a week and two days old, and political considerations will be put on the backburner until November – maybe.     216th Judicial District     Despite placing second in the race for 216th District Judge, Boerne Attorney Joe Davis has withdrawn his name from an April run-off election.     In a Thursday, March 6, email, he wrote, “While we garnered enough votes for a run-off, the total vote is simply too lop–sided to continue.” Under Texas law, by withdrawing from contention, Keith Williams will be named winner of the election, according to Davis.     “Keith drew almost 11,000 votes, showing strength across all four counties in the district – including overwhelming wins in Kerr and Gillespie counties and a closer, but still definite, win in Bandera County,” Davis noted, adding, “While I was blessed to win Kendall County, it was only by 700 votes, with Keith a close second. The people have spoken.”     Williams garnered 10,740 votes for 49.4 percent of the votes, while Davis ended up with 5,131 votes and 23.6 percent of the total. To avoid an April run-off election, one of the four candidates must have garnered 51 percent of the total votes. As the Republican nominee, Williams will not face a challenger in the November General Election.     “Keith is a fine man and an outstanding lawyer. He ran a good clean race focused on the candidates’ qualifications for this most important office. We are proud to support him and look forward to his service to the district as our new judge,” Davis concluded.     A practicing attorney for over 30 years “all over South Texas, the Hill Country and beyond,” Williams has appeared in both federal and state courts.     Parenthetically, during the 216th District Judge race, questions were raised about potentially carving out a second judicial district, comprised of Bandera and Kendall – and perhaps Gillespie counties, from the 216th District. Every candidate ceded the question was not “if” a new district would be formed, but rather “when.” Should this occur before the 2012 General Election, as a Kerrville resident, Williams would remain judge in the 216th District, and the governor would appoint a district judge for the new district.     Current 216th District Judge Stephen Ables did not seek re-election.     Texas District 73     In another hard-fought contest, incumbent District 73 Rep. Nathan Macias lost his seat in the Texas House of Representatives by the slimmest of margins – 14,643 votes to challenger Doug Miller’s 14,681.     However, on Wednesday, March 5, Macias announced he would request a recount. Macias carried three of the four counties in the district, Bandera by 28 votes; Comal, 820 votes; and Kendall, 245 votes. Gillespie County, however, tipped the scales in Miller’s favor, giving him a winning margin of 1,131 votes. Miller owns a ranch in Gillespie County.     The designated winner of the recount will face Democratic candidate Daniel Boone in the November General Election.     What propositions?     In other business, ballots in 253 Texas counties contained three propositions for Republican voters’ consideration on March 4 – but not in Bandera County.     The propositions did not appear on Democratic ballots.     However, even the 12 registered Republicans in Jim Hogg County in West Texas were afforded the opportunity to vote for or against the following propositions:     • enforce immigration laws     • require photo identification to cast ballots     • need approval to exceed allowed annual growth     Election Administrator Toba Perez said a representative from the office of the Secretary of State informed her that counties were not required to place the propositions on the ballot. According to Tax Assessor-Collector MaeVion Meyer, the local Republican Party made the decision not to place the propositions on the ballot.     For an explanation of the absence of the three propositions on the Bandera County ballot, concerned voters should call Republican Party County Chairman Connie Taylor. The Courier was unable to reach Taylor for comment prior to press time. In case anyone’s interested, Republicans in Jim Hogg County passed the propositions 10-1.

March 4, 2008 Primary Results     Election results from the March 4 primary are complete, except the 216th District Judge race.     Results posted in the 216th District Judge race are very preliminary, thought the Bandera County numbers are final. Click here for results.

Election results – where’d all the Dems come from? by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published March 6, 2008 Sheriff Weldon Tucker was returned for four more years by Bandera County voters.    Perhaps the biggest surprise in Bandera County’s 2008 Primary Election was that 1,767 voters cast ballots in the Democratic Primary.     In the 2004 primary, only 478 Democrats voted, which means one of two things – either an inordinate amount of Republicans crossed over party lines to vote for Democratic presidential candidates, or there are a lot more liberals in Bandera County than previously thought.     Winning the race for Bandera County Attorney by a comfortable margin, John Payne finished with 2,106 votes to rival Steve Schaefer’s final tally of 1,733. Current County Attorney Kerry Schneider chose not to run for re-election.     By besting opponent Francis Kaiser by 2,342 votes to her 1,716, Bandera County Sheriff Weldon Tucker will continue as the county’s top cop for another four-year term.     There will be no run-off election in Precinct 1 as incumbent Commissioner Bruce Eliker earned 486 votes to his closest opponent, Fidel Ramirez’s 309 votes. A third candidate, Phillip Barker, garnered 130 votes. In Precinct 3, incumbent Commissioner Richard Keese’s 706 votes gave him a commanding victory over challenger Carl Holt’s 442 votes.     Additionally, incumbent Precinct 3 Constable Don Walters won by a wide margin over challenger Mike Bolton. Walters took 728 votes to Bolton’s 418.     Former Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Rod Chalmers won in a landslide over 216th District Investigator Ernie Lobello for Precinct 4 Constable. Chalmers ended up with 794 votes to Lobello’s 283 tally. Current Constable Bill Stanton chose not to run for re-election.     The race for 216th District Judge looks to be shaping up as an April run-off as none of the quartet of candidates achieved 51 percent of the total vote, according to totals available on election night. The question remains, however, which two candidates will find themselves running in April.     In Bandera County, Kerr County attorney Keith Williams won1,278 votes while Kendall County attorney Joe Davis garnered 997 votes. Other candidates, Harold J. Danford and Doyle Weaver, both attorneys in Kerr County, finished with 730 and 377 votes respectively.     In Kerr County, Williams came out on top with 2,762 votes while Danford had 1,368 votes. Bringing up the rear were Davis with 372 votes and Weaver with 125 votes.     Not surprisingly, however, Davis prevailed in Kendall County with 1,327; Williams, 890; Danford, 261; and Weaver, 168. No totals were available from Gillespie County. Final tally in the three reporting counties were Williams, 4,930; Davis, 2,696; Danford, 2,359; and Weaver, 670.     A game of hopscotch was played all evening in the race for District 73 Representative for Bandera, Comal, Gillespie and Kendall counties between incumbent Nathan Macias and challenger Doug Miller. Each time Bandera County returns came in, one candidate would jump ahead of the other by the slimmest of margins — usually about 1 percent to 2 percent of the total votes. Final county tally showed Macias's with a slight advantage — 1,897 votes to Miller's 1,869. However, an unofficial tally across the four-county district from the Secretary of State's website, showed Miller with 14,681 votes to Macias's 14,643 with all 56 precincts counted. A margin of victory without wiggle room virtually ensures a recount — regardless of the candidate coming out on top.     On the national scene, in Bandera County, Senator Hillary Clinton defeated Senator Barack Obama 954 votes to 783. Statewide, she also came out on top with 614,878 votes to Obama’s 574,694. Senator John McCain coasted to an easy victory with 2,312 votes to the 1,155 votes garnered by his nearest rival, Mike Huckabee. Across the Lone Star State, McCain ended up with 318,140 votes.     The Grand Old Party seems to be over for now, but political junkies should not bemoan the fact there’s nothing on the horizon until the General Election in November. The City of Bandera has an election coming up in May.     So, let the political games begin – again.

Cowboy bar as election central Published March 6, 2008 Photo by Judith Pannebaker    Unable to resist the lure of Bandera, CNN anchor Ali Velshi and his crew rolled back into the Cowboy Capital on the CNN "Election Express" to broadcast Texas election results from the 11th Street Cowboy Bar.     According to Velshi's producer, Joshua Rubin, CNN election coverage was centered in New York, with the network cutting back to Velshi regularly for some "good local color" — and watering hole patrons were happy to oblige. Prior to doing his spot, Velshi studied the latest returns provided to CNN by the Courier.     Interestingly, Hillary Clinton pulled ahead in Bandera County prior to gaining ascendancy throughout the state. After the ballots were counted, it became apparent she had seen her shadow in the Lone Star State and now there will be six weeks more of politicking prior to the Pennsylvania Primary Election.

Candidates for March 4 Primary

Office	Democrat	Republican
President	John Edwards	Ron Paul
	Barack Obama	Hugh Cort
	Hillary Clinton	Hoa Tran
	Joe Biden	Rudy Giuliani
	Christopher J. Dodd	Fred Thompson
	Bill Richardson	John McCain
		Alan Keyes
		Mike Huckabee
		Duncan Hunter
		Mitt Romney
		Uncommitted
US Senator	Gene Kelly	Larry Kilgore
	Rhett R. Smith	John Cornyn
	Richard J. (Rick) Noriega
	Ray McMurrey
US Representative District 21		Lamar Smith
Railroad Commissioner	Dale Henry	Michael L. Williams
	Mark Thompson
	Art Hall
Chief Justice, Supreme Court	Jim Jordan	Wallace B. Jefferson
Justice, Supreme Court Place 7	Sam Houston	Dale Wainwright
	Baltasar D. Cruz
Justice, Supreme Court Place 8	Linda Reyna Yanez	Phil Johnson
	Susan Criss
Justice, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3	Susan Strawn	Tom Price
Justice, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4	J.R. Molina	Paul Womack
		Robert Francis
Justice, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9		Cathy Cochran
State Representative, District 73	Daniel Boone	Doug Miller
		Nathan Macias
Chief Justice, 4th Court of Appeals	Catherine Stone	Ann Comerio
District Judge, 216 Judicial District		Doyle Weaver
		Harold J. Danford
		Joe M. Davis
		Keith Williams
District Attorney, 216 Judicial District		E. Bruce Curry
County Attorney		Stephen Schaefer
		John D. Payne
Sheriff		Weldon Tucker
		Frances A. Kaiser
County Tax Assessor-Collector		Mae Vion Meyer
County Commissioner, Precinct No. 1		Fidel Ramirez
		Phillip Barker
		Bruce Eliker
Constable, Precinct No. 1		Phillip Tobin
Constable, Precinct No. 2		Ernest C. Reich III
County Commissioner, Precinct No. 3		Richard Keese
		Carl Holt
Constable, Precinct No. 3		Don Walters
		Mike Bolton
Constable, Precinct No. 4		Rod Chalmers
		Ernie Lobello

Meet & greet politicians Feb. 29 Published Feb. 21, 2008    Candidates for political office and citizens of Bandera County are invited to a "meet & greet" Friday, Feb. 29, from 6 pm to 7 pm at the Boys & Girls Club of Bandera County at 1215 Maple Street in Bandera. The event will be catered by Brick’s River Café and Touch of Class Catering. For more information, call 830-796-8109.

Weaver announces for 216th district judge Published Feb. 21, 2008 Doyle Weaver    Doyle Weaver, Republican candidate for the 216th District Court, is the only candidate with both broad and diverse work and business experience.     Before being licensed to practice law in 1991, at the age of 40, Weaver’s background included employment in finance, private investigation and warehouse management. In addition, he owned and operated an auto parts company, a custom home building business and a fence building company.     In 1986, Weaver’s life experiences led him to the belief there was a calling and need for attorneys trained in law with a Christian and conservative philosophy. When he heard about the founding of a conservative law school with a Christian World View, he decided to apply. Accepting the invitation to attend Regent University School of Law, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, took true commitment to his core principles. The choice required significant financial sacrifices, which included abandoning his career with an energy company in Plano.     Weaver and his wife, Sharon, liquidated their real estate and most of their possessions. With his wife and two young sons, Weaver moved to Virginia to attend law school and earned a Juris Doctor in 1990.     Weaver has interned with Virginia Attorney Gary C. Byler, a former White House aide to President Ronald Reagan, and a Republican presidential electoral delegate for Virginia.     In addition, Weaver worked with late attorney, Frank G. Carrington, assisting him in briefing and amassing over 6,000 major appellate crime victim litigation cases to create an operational database for the Victims' Assistance Legal Organization (VALOR).     Carrington has often been referred to as the "father of the crime victims' rights movement in America." After Carrington’s tragic death in 1992, Weaver consulted for VALOR to prepare and preserve the database.     Weaver practiced law as a Virginia sole practitioner until 1994 when he relocated to Kerrville. In 1995, he worked as an associate attorney for local Kerrville attorney, Mark Prislovsky. In 2004, Weaver started his general practice in Kerrville, servicing the 216th District.     Weaver has been married 36 years and he and Sharon have two adult children. Chris is single and Nick is married with three daughters, Rachel, five; Madeline, two and a half; and Sophia, eight months.

Picking the next 216th District Judge by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published Feb. 14, 2008 Harold Danford Joe Davis Keith Williams Doyle Weaver    For the first time in 20 years, voters in the 216th Judicial District, comprised of Bandera, Gillespie, Kendall and Kerr counties, will vote in a contested Republican Primary and elect their presumptive next district judge. After declining to run for re-election, District Judge Stephen Ables left the field wide open and four attorneys did not hesitate to wade into the fray.     Meet the candidates     On Monday, Feb. 11, in conjunction with the Kendall County Bar Association, the Kerr County Bar Association sponsored a debate among the candidates – three attorneys hailed from Kerr County and one from Kendall County. Members of the audience were asked to submit questions, and for over two hours, the counselors became the “hardest working attorneys in the 216th District,” attempting to convince their peers they had the right stuff to don magisterial robes.     Kendall County attorney Joe Davis, a founding member of the law firm, Nunley, Davis, Jolley, Cluck, Aelvoet, LLC, recently established the Davis Law Firm. He now practices as an independent legal counsel.     He characterized his run for the judgeship as “something I’m supposed to do and as a way to give back to the community.” Davis felt his temperament to “listen, evaluate, cut to the heart of the matter and move forward” would serve him well on the bench.     Describing all the candidates as “good men,” Kerr County attorney Harold Danford said he has appeared regularly before the 216th District Court, handling numerous family, civil and criminal cases. Additionally, his experience as an attorney with the Texas Department of Public Safety had given him the administrative experience necessary for the bench.     A practicing attorney for over 30 years “all over South Texas, the Hill Country and beyond,” Kerr County resident Keith Williams has tried cases in both federal and state courts. “Clients require you to move cases along and not allow them to languish,” he said.     After revealing he had received his his law license at age 40, Doyle Weaver said, “My life experiences rather than my legal experiences qualify me to be your next judge. There is a difference between being an attorney and a judge.” He added he would bring fairness and impartiality to the bench.     Expediting calendar & docket     To a question about continuing the four-county district calendar, Davis said he would still spend one week in each county, but would bring civil cases together every other month to accelerate the pace of cases. Danford agreed with Davis’s strategy, but added changes would need to be made as populations in counties continued to grow. He also advocated bringing in extra judges to get decrease the caseload when necessary.     Williams would also maintain a rotating docket, but added that judges must push lawyers to trial. “If a case is settled prior to trial, the (judge and) court must be available on vacant days.”     Weaver said the rotation of the court calendar is statutory, but added the schedule could be tweaked if necessary. Regarding the expedition of civil and criminal dockets, Weaver advocated enlisting assistance, cooperation and participation from those who make the dockets work, including district and private attorneys, among other staff.     Williams pledged to promote civil alternative resolutions, such as mediation; mandate strict compliance with scheduling orders; respect the speedy trial act for criminal cases; and limit pre-trial hearings and continuances.     “In criminal cases, I would set contested hearings on one day and pleas and arraignments on another,” Danford said. “In civil cases, I would adhere to strict scheduling orders.”     Davis felt scheduling mass dockets every other month, as well as selecting multiple juries and using video conferences for uncontested matters, would help free up a crowded docket.     Capital crimes & mistakes     To a question about the death penalty, Williams pointed out the district attorney determines whether to pursue the death penalty or not. Danford added the jury makes the ultimate decision, but told the assembly he had previously tried a death penalty case. Davis promised to carry out the law and faithfully discharge his duty. Weaver said, “I support the death penalty and that’s pretty much it.”     Without going into detail, all four candidates admitted to making previous mistakes. They took the non-controversial stance of correcting any missteps and moving forward, hopefully having learned from the error so as not to repeat it.     Splits, summaries & frivolous litigation     For years, the question of carving out two counties from the 216th Judicial District and creating a second judicial district, presumably comprised of Bandera and Kendall counties, has been raised. All four candidates apparently believed splitting the 216th would alleviate a chronically overcrowded docket.     “Absolutely there needs to be a split,” commented Davis. “The average judicial district in Texas contains 50,000 people, we have 110,000 people in four counties. This is the second largest district in the state. The split is inevitable, the questions are just ‘when and how’.”     Agreeing with his colleague, Danford said a split would “speed things up and allow everyone to have their (quicker) day in court.”     Williams also expressed support for carving out another district. He added, “Meanwhile, while we’re waiting for it, the judge must continue to work in all four counties.”     Describing a second judicial district as a “question for the legislature,” Weaver concurred that adding another judge would decrease the caseload and provide better service to all four counties.     In what was obviously an inside question, Senior District Judge Charles Sherrill asked the candidates their opinions on granting motions for summary judgment. According to Wikipedia, summary judgment means that a court has made a determination or judgment without a full trial. A summary judgment may be issued on the merits of an entire case, or on specific issues in the case.     Three candidates offered they would grant a summary judgment should the merits of a case warrant it. However, Weaver added, “I don’t understand the question; therefore, I can’t answer it.”     Discussing current judicial safeguards that deal with so-called frivolous litigation – and perhaps answering the previous summary judgment query – Weaver advocated maintaining an open forum, saying, “This is a civilized society with grievances and defenses to be aired in open court. I would frown on the idea that a judge would not take the time to hear what people say.”     “Balance is the key,” said Williams, saying many litigants had been harmed by abuse of tort reform. “However, there must also be accountability for frivolous lawsuits,” he added.     “I would not have a problem imposing sanctions against an attorney or litigant; however, you must also be careful,” Danford echoed.     “(With regard to the safeguards currently in place addressing frivolous litigation) when a judge maintains his proper role in a courtroom, the answer is ‘yes’,” said Davis.     Parole, prison & switching sides     Although the next question dealt with parole v. imprisonment, most candidates substituted “probation” for parole. Almost to a man, the quartet decried the fact that, all too often, justice has become a “revolving door” for repeat offenders. “The court needs to send a message to the community,” Danford offered.     “If properly administered, (the system) will properly work,” noted Davis.     “There should be swift and sure punishment if needed and more accountability for repeat offenders,” said Williams. “We must accept the fact that people make mistakes and deserve a second chance,” said Weaver. “You must balance hard decisions.”     Additionally, all four candidates felt they could successfully “switch sides” from a defense mode.     “As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen courtrooms from both sides of the fence. I know the games both sides play,” Danford said, adding, “I would do the right thing as a judge.”     Describing defense attorneys as “tearing down bricks,” Davis felt he would have “no problem” transitioning to the bench.     “As a defense attorney, I am obligated by an oath to defend my clients zealously,” Weaver explained, noting “We practice in an adversarial system.”     Mediation & bad reps     All candidates agreed mediation could be used effectively in the 216th Judicial District. Weaver said mediation would save time and money settling disputes.     “I bucked mediation when it began 25 years ago, but it’s been immensely productive in decreasing the docket and saving time,” Williams said. A certified mediator, he reported mediating over 1,500 disputes during his three decades as an attorney. In addition, he has also arbitrated civil disputes.     Danford said mediation allows those caught up in the court system to feel they have participated in the judicial process.     “I would require every civil case to complete at least one mediation session before coming to trial,” Davis said. “However, I don’t have the patience for unreasonable positions.”     To repair the legal profession’s “bad reputation” in the public eye, Williams said attorneys must become more visible in the community and provide increased pro bono representation, as well as reduced fees for clients in financial straits.     “Lawyers must deal with each other and their clients in a respectful way,” Danford suggested. “They should do the right thing when they come to court.”     “There’s a joke that goes, ‘99 percent of the lawyers give the other 1 percent a bad name’,” Davis said. According to Davis, it is incumbent on each attorney to help change the public’s perception of the profession. “I take this as a personal pursuit. I am going to make this happen,” he said.     “Don’t ask lawyers (how to change the public’s perception), ask people what’s wrong with lawyers,” Weaver recommended. “They represent power and authority and people don’t like it.”     In conclusion     Ables served 20 years as the 216th Judicial District. Each candidate was asked how long he would serve if elected. Davis said he had not set any specific time, but characterized this potential judgeship as “his last legal career.” Pointing out his time on the bench would ultimately be “up to the people,” Danford said he would not turn the bench into a stepping stone, but would serve the 216th district until he was 74.     “At 54, I see three terms as a district term as an honorable way to end my (legal) career,” offered Williams. To laughter from the audience, Weaver said, “I’m the oldest candidate at 57, so I’d be the least risk if you’re worrying about how long I’d serve.”     As district judge, Davis promised to work hard, be diligent and always do the right thing. “I want to serve the public,” he said.     “This is not a popularity contest. You must have the right qualifications (to be district judge),” Danford said. “I know what lawyers want and what the community needs. I like helping people and, as a judge, I can help more people. Vote for me and you’ll get ‘justice for all, not just a few’.”     Williams said he would bring to the bench a sense of neutrality, objectivity, (fair) application of the law and true justice – along with an inclination to “get prisoners off the payroll of the counties.”     Referencing his lack of posters, flyers, cards and tri-folds, Weaver billed himself as the “environmental candidate, who has killed the fewest trees.” According to Weaver, his life experiences in the “real world” have made him fair, unbiased and patient. “I’m committed to equality. I’m conservative, a Christian and a Republican. I have the least ‘connections’ of any candidate. I belong to no clubs and serve on no boards. I’m not attached to obligated to anyone in any way, shape or form.

Candidates for county attorney take stage in PC by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Feb. 7, 2008 Bandera County Attorney candidates John Payne and Steve Schaeffer spoke with area voters following the election forum in Pipe Creek Saturday, January 26. Staff Photo by David Arny    The second half of the Pipe Creek Community Center candidates' forum Saturday, Jan. 26, featured two local lawyers vying for the office of Bandera County Attorney. Steve Schaefer of Vanderpool and John Payne of Bandera will face each other in the Republican primary March 4.     Schaefer introduced himself to the approximately 75 area citizens on hand as a lawyer with experience in civil and criminal law, as well as contract law and legal issues relating to cities and subdivisions. He said he considered truancy and illegal drug use by youths to be major problems in Bandera County and vowed to meet those issues "head on."     Shaeffer said he planned to spend 85 to 90 percent of his time representing Bandera if elected and "more if necessary." He currently practices personal injury law from his office at 410 Main St. in Bandera.     John Payne's law office is also located on Bandera's Main Street. He told the gathering of his experience in family law and his having taken cases before the Appellate Court and the US Supreme Court. He said that under the auspices of that legal specialty, he had dealt with many cases involving contracts and property issues. His "good sense of property rights" and a "tremendous" amount of experience in "what makes families tick" were two qualities he said would make him a good choice for Bandera County Attorney.     Both candidates praised employees presently working at the county attorney's office and neither man had plans to issue post-election pink slips there. Schaeffer said current county attorney Kerry Schneider "had assembled a wonderful team" and Payne said he would probably "get on his knees" to ask present employees to stay.     When asked what protocols should be used in presenting cases that would result in convictions for driving under the influence, Schaeffer said the provisions of the US Constitution would be paramount. "I believe everybody deserves a chance. If you do it again, that's a different story." He added that under certain "egregious" circumstances, offenders would "suffer the consequences," whether or not it was their first offence.     Payne responded that cases needed to be "developed properly" and his protocol "starts with communication, leadership and consistency. If there's a problem, I'm going to go to the sheriff and we can solve it."     Payne went on to describe the terrible damage done by drunk drivers. He said if he was elected, a DUI would stay a DUI and not receive deferred adjudication. "I may try to minimize the fines (under certain conditions), but I will not reduce it to a lesser charge."     The candidates noted some of the issues they felt needed emphasis by the Bandera County Attorney's office in addition to the drunk driving problem. Schaeffer said one of his pet peeves was litterbugs. "God help the person in my court who's charged with trashing the Medina River – that's our greatest resource," he said to applause from the audience. Payne reiterated his belief that consistency in upholding the law was critical, regardless of the offence. "I will have the same expectations for every person in this county," he said.

Citizens meet candidates at local town meeting by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Jan. 31, 2008 Incumbent Bandera County Sheriff Weldon Tucker     Challenger, former Kerr County Sheriff Francis Kaiser    Approximately 75 local citizens attended a Saturday, Jan. 26, forum featuring candidates running for Bandera County Sheriff and Bandera County Attorney.     The two-hour gathering was held at the Pipe Creek Community Center and hosted by The Bandera Bulletin.     After thanking the audience for “participating in the democratic process,” Bulletin editor Christina Ryrholm introduced Bandera Sheriff Weldon Tucker and former Kerr County Sheriff Francis Kaiser, his opponent in the March 4 election.     Kaiser described herself as a fourth-generation Hill Country resident. She said her 17 years of experience, first as a Kerr County Sheriff’s Deputy and then as a two-term sheriff of that county, uniquely qualified her to serve as Bandera’s next sheriff. Describing the local sheriff’s office as a “good old boys’ system,” Kaiser said she would bring strong leadership to the position that she described as “lacking” there now. She said her organizational skills, sound fiscal management, law enforcement experience and ability to train deputies to file “cases the county attorney can prosecute” were among her strongest suits as a candidate.     Tucker said that while anyone in the audience was technically qualified to be sheriff, what really mattered was the quality of that person’s staff and their ability to fill open law enforcement positions.     “The sheriff holds everything together, he forms the team,” said Tucker. “He is the quarterback.”     Tucker noted the good working relationship formed during his tenure between the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies in nearby counties. “Other sheriffs say they like working with the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office,” Tucker said. “You’ve got to go above and beyond when you work with outside agencies. This department puts together good cases. We will continue working closely with other law enforcement organizations.”     A question concerning management of the new 96-bed jail and justice center prompted Kaiser to respond, “Been there – done that.”     Referring to the opening of a new 192-bed jail in Kerr County while she served as sheriff, Kaiser warned that experience taught her to beware of unforeseen budget problems such as unfunded state mandates for county jails.     “I can manage the budget at the new jail because I’ve done it with a bigger project,” she said.     The candidates were asked what they considered to be the dominant issues in the race.     “Strong leadership, aggressively pursuing the drug problem and having successful dispositions of cases,” Kaiser answered. “Successful dispositions means crossing all the T’s and dotting all the I’s when we send cases up for prosecution. We need written department guidelines for policies and procedures so everybody’s on the same page.”     Referring to the local animal control problem, Kaiser said while she recognized that people needed the ability to protect their livestock, “CCPAL must be supported as well.”     “As sheriff, I will have an open door policy. When someone needs to see the sheriff, I’ll be there.     Tucker noted his agreement with Kaiser about the drug problem facing Bandera County and said the number of methamphetamine labs which had been put out of business during his time in office was the highest ever.     “We’re going to run drug dealers out of Bandera County,” he said to audience applause.     “We’ve also recently returned more than $100,000 dollars’ worth of stolen goods to area residents, thanks to the great officers and investigators we’ve brought in,” he said.     “When James McMillan was leaving office, he said ‘Bandera County is going forward; you take this department forward’.”     During the closing comments segment of the forum, Tucker noted some of the accomplishments attained during his first full year in office, including having an increased ratio of deputies residing in the county, a more proficient Criminal Intelligence Division and a greater number of successful recent drug arrests. He acknowledged the need for a written policies and procedures guide for the sheriff’s office and pledged to complete that undertaking if re-elected.     Kaiser described herself as a taxpayer and property owner who, while serving as Sheriff of Kerr County with a department of 70 employees, “was able to fire people without them filing lawsuits” against the county. She said at least three former Bandera County deputies did not leave for pay issues, but rather over disagreements with Tucker’s “management style,” and have promised they would return to work for her if she’s elected.     She went on to say the only reason she left office in Kerr County before her term as sheriff was up was because she was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo intensive treatment for her illness. Adding that “No indictments followed my leaving Kerr County,” she alluded to Tucker’s legal woes after he left the Real County Sheriff’s Office following a 2004 incident in which Tucker shot an unarmed suspect while the man was attempting to escape custody.

Barker announces for Pct. 1 commissioner Published Jan. 31, 2008 Phillip “Gregory” Barker    In the Hill Country, hot and dry weather chokes, rains flood and drown and not all county wildlife has four legs.     Dry roads cough up dust over a dozen feet high. After a rain, potholes appear like pimples. Unpaved roads wash out and split like after a California mudslide. An undercurrent of crime threatens to harm a decent way of life for our children and old folks.     Republican candidate for Bandera County Commissioner Precinct 1, Phillip “Gregory” Barker, wants to build a strong future for his constituents.     Mr. Barker believes durable roads are important for taxpayers’ vehicles and residents’ safety. In addition, he feels strongly that peace officers, who put their lives on the line for everyone's safety, must have fair salaries. To that end, Mr. Barker will search the budget for necessary funding. Recycling, grants and stiff fines for dumping unwanted pets may be options.     Phillip “Gregory” Barker needs your vote and your support. Help him help you make Precinct 1 stronger for the future.

Armstrong addresses GOP commitments by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published Jan. 31, 2008 BCRW President Linda James with Dr. Robin Armstrong, vice chairman of the Texas Republican Party; Armstrong’s wife, Martha; and 1st Vice President Jody Brown – holding up their favorite GOP symbols. Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker    According to political staffer on the state level, the Bandera County Republican Women pulled off quite a coup when they secured Dr. Robin Armstrong, vice chairman of the Texas Republican Party, as speaker for their January meeting.     “He’s in demand all over the state,” asserted Travis Sabine, chief of staff for District 73 Rep. Nathan Macias. “I’m really impressed that (they) got him in Bandera.”     Apparently, so were county conservatives and their candidates who packed the house at the Friday, Jan. 11, meeting at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center.     Armstrong described this election year as “pretty crazy and confusing,” due to the hop-scotching state primaries and caucuses. In addition, 2008 is unfolding as the first really competitive election on both the Democrat and Republican sides in recent memory.     “Iowa’s caucus was Jan. 3, and New Hampshire had to move up their primary since the New Hampshire Constitution mandates the state primary be first (in the nation),” Armstrong said. “In addition, this is the first election for a long time with no vice president running for the party nomination.”     Using a formula to deduce the eventual GOP presidential candidate, Armstrong listed nominees and winners of both the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary since 1980. The party nominee has always emerged as a winner in one of these two contests, he said – which would make the eventual nominee either former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Iowa’s January surprise, or United States Senator John McCain, the come-from-behind winner of the New Hampshire vote-fest.     Armstrong’s assessment that the Michigan and South Carolina primaries would narrow the field of Republican candidates was correct. California’s Duncan Hunter and more importantly, former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, the GOP’s great conservative hope, have both fallen by the wayside.     In addition, Armstrong remained critical of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s campaign strategy not to enter early races, but rather wait until the Tuesday, Jan. 29, Florida Primary. “To me, it feels like a risky and odd decision,” Armstrong said. “(Giuliani) pulled out of the South Carolina and Michigan primaries. He’s betting on getting sufficient delegates by winning the large states.”     Armstrong’s punditry also proved prescient after Giuliani finished a dismal third in the Florida GOP contest. He withdrew from the presidential horserace and threw his support behindº Senator John McCain, now the presumptive Republican frontrunner.     As an African-American from Galveston County, Armstrong explained his allegiance to the Republican Party due to what he perceived as “a cultural war and battle for the soul of the nation and State of Texas – liberal philosophy and ideologue versus traditional conservative values that arose from Judeo-Christian ethics.”     Additionally, Armstrong equated conservative and traditional values as the bulwarks that would ensure American remain strong as a nation. He equated the traditional conservative values of the Republican Party as being synonymous with essential American core ideals.     “Both America and the Republican Party promotes the power of the individual, not the group,” he said, adding, “However, we must not be seen as the party of the rich or one that that promotes industry, institutions and special interests at the expense of individuals.     “This nation allows us to make our own choices. It encourages us to start from nothing, work hard and become successful. The opportunity to pursue dreams makes America unique,” Armstrong continued. “Liberal policies and philosophies have destroyed more black families than slavery and Jim Crow politics. We must support and fight for policies that sustain traditional family values.”     Describing America as “one of the most generous nations in the world,” Armstrong said, “When I was doing missionary work in Kenya in 1994, I saw a sign along one of the roads in a rural part of the county that read: ‘This road was paved by the generosity of the people of the United States of America.’ The Kenyans were proud of their paved road and I was proud of my country.” Armstrong expressed concern that the national malaise about current candidates and the political process in general would spill over into Texas.     To prevent this, he advocated, “You must get out and vote for national and state candidates. This is a Republican county. You live in Utopia, but not all of Texas is like Bandera County. By voting for our candidates you make up for all the Democrats living in Travis County."     He urged all Republicans to help by:     • never letting politicians or the media distort the view of America.     • educating neighbors and families about the political process and how it can change the state and nation.     • continually offering to seek solutions to problems.     • respecting others’ opinions.     • being faithful to core conservative principles.     • always staying involved.     Armstrong concluded his presentation with a quote from Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural address. According to Armstrong, when Reagan assumed the presidency in January 1981, he was faced with “increased interest rates, a hostage situation in Iran and the inept foreign policy of President Jimmy Carter’s administration.” To Armstrong, Reagan’s address rings as true for Republicans now as it did a quarter of a century ago.     “The crisis we are facing today does not require of us the kind of sacrifice that … so many thousands of others were called upon to make. It does require, however, our best effort, and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds; to believe that together, with God's help, we can and will resolve the problems which now confront us.     “And, after all, why shouldn't we believe that? We are Americans.” - President Ronald Reagan.

Measures taken to ensure no election tampering by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published Jan. 24, 2008 Drawing for places for the Tuesday, March 4, Republican Primary Election took place Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center. Bandera County Republican Chairman Connie Taylor (left) held the basket while as challenger for Commissioner Precinct 3, Carl Holt (center), and incumbent Richard Keese (right) picked their places. After a trio of challengers consistently came up with the number two spot, one joked to Tax Assessor-Collector Mae Vion Meyer, who’s unopposed for re-election, “Mae Vion, if you draw a number two, we know this thing’s rigged.”    To forestall post-election cries of “foul,” video cameras will be installed in the office of Bandera County Election Administrator Toba Perez.     Watchful electronic eye     Perez approached county commissioners during the Thursday, Jan. 10, meeting to request permission to purchase and install a surveillance camera to keep a watchful electronic eye over her office and the voting machines stored there. The camera would operate “24-7,” Perez said.     The camera will be tied into a system already used by Tax Assessor-Collector Mae Vion Meyer in her offices at 403 12th Street. Perez told the court, funds originally earmarked for a new printer would be used to purchase the camera, which costs approximately $750. She had already obtained the printer from another source, freeing up the funds for the camera.     According to Perez, people entering her office are not required to sign a log. She cited “security and interest in the voting machines” as necessitating constant monitoring of her office. The camera’s video recordings would be transferred to a DVD every 15 days and kept indefinitely as a permanent record of visitors.     During discussions, County Judge Richard Evans indicated that questions had previously been raised regarding perceived improprieties in past elections. He hoped the camera’s installation would bring rumors and allegations to an end. The court unanimously approved Perez’s request.     Assuring against fraud     However, surveillance cameras do not address voters’ calls for paper verification of their electronic votes, which, citizens feel, would ensure against election fraud.     One United States representative plans to introduce a bill into Congress that would offer $600 million of incentives to voting districts that return to paper ballots or devise a viable audit system prior to the November 2008 General Election. In addition, the Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act, proposed by Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ), would make paper ballots the primary record for vote recounts and audits.     “We can’t go into another federal election with machines that do no allow voters to verify their votes and have people in 20 states saying they do not believe the results,” Holt said in a recent interview. According Holt, voters in all or parts of 20 states cast ballots without backup paper verification. His contention hits close to home.     Voters in Bandera County cannot verify their electronic votes. When the 48 voting machines of the Hart InterCivic Voting System were purchased in 2005, in part from federal funds earmarked for the Help America Vote Act, county officials opted not to purchase printers that would have provided voters with a record of their vote.     One elderly voter, who expressed distrust of the county’s electronic system, plans to request an absentee ballot. “That’s the only way I know of to get a paper ballot,” he said in an interview.     Decertified machines     In other bad news for electronic voting systems, Colorado Secretary of State Mike Hoffman decertified thousands of electronic voting machines throughout the state last December. The machines had proved to be inaccurate and insecure, according to an UPI report.     Administrators with Hart InterCivic had previously assured local officials the voting system prevents unauthorized programs from being loaded on the host computer and prohibits the use of standard Windows utilities that could be used to compromise voting results. Nevertheless, the voting machines decertified in Colorado included Hart InterCivic, as well as Sequoia Voting System and Election Systems and Software.     Precinct 407     In other local business, Perez recommended relocating the Precinct 407 polling place from the 11th Street Courthouse Annex to the Adult Literacy Room in the Bandera County Public Library, 515 Main Street. Calling the move, “in the best interest of the voters,” Perez cited increased parking and easier accessibility. The new polling place will be up and running by early voting for the Tuesday, March 4, primary election.     Dates     Perez also reminded residents the last day to register to vote in the primary is Monday, Feb. 4. Early voting begins Tuesday, Feb. 19.

And they're off... Local political games begin by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published Jan. 10, 2008    The political season has once again enveloped America with its mantra of lower taxes, more governmental transparency and increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies.     From Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina to Bandera County, candidates have declared their intentions and the political games have begun.     With local paperwork now settled, the following candidates are set to duke it out in the March 4 Republican Primary: Sheriff — incumbent Weldon Tucker and challenger Frances Kaiser. County attorney — challengers John Payne and Stephen Schaefer; Incumbent Kerry Schneider is not seeking another term. Tax assessor-collection — MaeVion Meyer, unopposed. Precinct 1 Commissioner — incumbent Bruce Eliker and challengers Phillip Barker and Fidel Ramirez. Precinct 1 Constable — incumbent Phillip P. Tobin, unopposed. Precinct 2 Constable — incumbent Ernest C. Reich III, unopposed. Precinct 3 Commissioner — incumbent Richard Keese and challenger Carl Holt. In the interest of full disclosure, Holt serves as sales and marketing director for the Bandera County Courier. Precinct 3 Constable — incumbent Don Walters and challenger Mike Bolton. Precinct 4 Constable — challengers Rod Chalmers and Ernie Lobello; incumbent Precinct 4 Constable Bill Stanton is retiring. Republican Party chairman — Connie Taylor, unopposed.     Meanwhile, in the 216th District, as reported in last week's edition of the Courier, incumbent Judge Stephen Ables declined to run for another term. However, four other candidates are ready to take up the judicial slack.     Running for the office of 216th District Judge are Kerr County attorneys Harold J. Danford, Doyle Weaver and Keith Williams and Kendall County attorney Joseph M. Davis. The 216th District is comprised of Bandera, Gillespie, Kendall and Kerr counties.     Bruce Curry runs unopposed for another term as 216th District Attorney.     On the state level, incumbent Nathan Macias will face challenger Doug Miller for District 73 representative.     District 73 includes Bandera, Comal Gillespie and Kerr counties.     United States District 21 Representative Lamar Smith remains unopposed in his re-election bid, as does United States Senator John Cornyn.     On the other side of the aisle, no local or district candidates filed for the Democratic Primary, according to Jaye Rath, chairman of the Bandera County Democratic Party.     On the state level, Daniel Boone has declared as a candidate for District 73 Representative, opposing Macias.     Additionally, Gene Kelly, Ray McMurrey, Rick Noriega and Rhett Smith will face off in the Democratic Primary to vie for Cornyn's US Senate seat.

Mae Vion Meyer seeks re-election to tax office Published Jan. 17, 2008 Mae Vion Meyer    My name is Mae Vion Meyer, and I am seeking re-election as your Bandera County Tax Assessor-Collector.     Often people come into one of my offices and ask if I am a real person or just a name the county made up for the tax assessor office. I always assure them I am real.     I live in the Pipe Creek community with my husband of 42 years, Allen L. Meyer. We raised our three children in Bandera County, and now have six grandchildren growing up in this county.     I have had the pleasure of working for you for the last 30 years, helping raise money and holding many offices in various organizations in our county such as with the Pipe Creek Volunteer Fire Department and Pipe Creek Community Center. Last year my staff and I formed a team to raise money for Relay for Life. Currently, I serve on the board of the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center. I am also a non-voting board member of the Central Appraisal District.     I began working for the county in 1977. In 1989, when computers were installed in Bandera County, I became director of the IT department, working under the county judge.     In June 2000, the commissioners’ court appointed me tax assessor-collector to complete Jean Stevens’ term after she passed away while in office. Subsequently, the Republican Party selected me for the November 2000 ballot, and I was re-elected in November 2004. These past eight years have been busy, but very productive ones for the taxpayers.     During my tenure as tax assessor-collector, longer office hours were instituted during the week and the main office now remains open the first Saturday of every month. My great staff has been trained to treat you – the public – equally and fairly.     By working with the county-appointed delinquent attorney, many vacant unpaid tax property were placed back on the tax roll as paying properties. The part-time office at Lakehills is now open full-time in Lakehills and the Pipe Creek area. With the help of Precinct 3 Commissioner Richard Keese and the commissioners’ court, I also opened a full-time tax office in Medina for residents in the west end of the county.     My staff and I also assumed election duties – and we were excited to take on this job. We established additional early voting places and offered to hold elections required by other entities, saving the taxpayers time, money and confusion. In fact, it worked out so well that elections evolved into a full-time job.     In October 2006, commissioners appointed Toba Perez as the county’s first election administrator, a move which worked out well for both candidates and the public.     Bandera Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Ed Barnes and I helped taxing entities combine computer systems between the two agencies to eliminate repetitive work in our offices to reduce time and errors. The combined system also saved the taxpayers’ money. Ed and I also collaborated on a web page that allows the public to check the value and tax status of any property in Bandera County, www.banderaproptax.org. I also have a page filled with information on the county website, www.banderacounty.org.     Taxpayers can now charge taxes or motor vehicle renewals on the internet or by phone. As of December 2007, for a small user fee, you can also charge over the counter in all three tax offices. The user fee is applied to the credit or debit card user, not the general taxpayer.     To serve you better, my staff has attended various tax and motor vehicles schools. In 2002, my staff and I began collecting the Bandera ISD taxes – an innovation that worked so well we now collect for the Medina ISD and Utopia ESD, in addition to the county, BCRAG, Bandera City and Flying L PUD. Combining all taxing entities into one tax statement increased the collections rate to 95 percent for all entities. In addition, it saved the taxpayers’ money on postage, employees, equipment and office space.     That same year, I began working with the Senior Texans Employment Program, which brings together older, low-income rural Texans and public (tax-based) entities for improvement to the community.     My staff and I have trained several of our senior citizens in office work, giving them skills to find jobs. This benefited my office as well as the seniors, and the state paid for their training, which helped supplement their income. This program has now been designated senior workforce solutions with Experience Works, and I continue to work with them.     I look forward to the challenges that will take place in the next four years and hope to continue to serve you to the very best of my abilities. I appreciate your vote.

Davis announces candidacy for 216th District Judge Published Jan. 17, 2008 Joseph Davis    Joseph McKnight Davis recently announced his candidacy for district judge of the 216th Judicial District.     Davis, a trial attorney since 1984, has been practicing the last 14 years in Boerne with Nunley, Davis, Jolley, Cluck, Aelvoet, LLC. He recently established Davis Law Firm and is practicing as an independent legal counsel. Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Trial Law in 1989, Davis has managed and negotiated hundreds of disputes, including more than 50 jury trial verdicts.     His civic involvement includes serving on various community organizations, national civic organizations, local church boards, and as an elected member and President of the Boerne Independent School District Board of Trustees.     “My supporters and I believe that my many years of successful trial and mediation experience have provided me with the tools needed to competently and effectively manage the legal issues associated with the position of district judge,” said Davis. “The experience I gained while serving on the Boerne ISD School Board will prove immensely helpful in managing the budget, staff, docket and organizational matters that come with the position of district judge.”     Davis also coached award winning debate and mock trial teams at Boerne High School for seven years. “I have a deep commitment to the youth of the district and would endeavor to include them in the judicial process,” he said.     Davis and his wife, Elizabeth, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year. They are the parents of two daughters, Madeline and Libbye.     As a member of the Boerne First Baptist Church, Davis has worked with the youth program and currently serves as deacon. He serves as an ex-officio member of the Boerne Education Foundation, a director of the Trust Company and a Fellow of the State Bar Association.     A native of Odessa, Texas, Davis graduated Magna Cum Laude from Angelo State University in 1981 with a BA in History, before receiving his Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University, School of Law in 1984.     “I respectfully ask for your support in the upcoming Republican primary, March 4, 2008, and I pledge to you, the citizens of the 216th District, that I will serve the district fairly, honestly and diligently,” said Davis at his candidacy announcement ceremony.     For additional information, contact www.davis4judge.com.

John Payne announces for county attorney Published Jan. 10, 2008 John Payne    My name is John D. Payne, a native Texan, and I would like to be your next county attorney.     My wife Cindy and I have lived in Bandera County for the past four years, and have owned property here even longer. We both practice law and are members of Grace Lutheran Church.     I'm a member of the Vision Team at the church which is working to replace the building for Noah's Ark Day Care Center. A new facility will help provide a better environment for the children and the parents of this community who need the service of this nonprofit facility.     As president of the Ranchers and Landowners Association of Texas, I work to protect your property rights and provide support for our local game wardens.     The position of county attorney is an important one with many significant duties and responsibilities including: representing the State of Texas — you the citizens — in misdemeanor criminal cases working with local law enforcement in investigation and prosecution providing legal counsel to county officers upon request prosecuting juvenile offenders protecting victims of violence, both children and adults     My background has prepared me to carry out these duties effectively in a way that will reflect honorably on Bandera County and you, its residents.     I have 30 years of experience in trial law at the city, county and state levels. I have presented cases and oral arguments before Courts of Appeal and the Texas Supreme Court. The bulk of my experience has been in Family Law, which has allowed me insight into domestic violence and children in abusive or otherwise unhealthy situations.     It is in these very types of crimes against our neighbors that I will represent you, the people.     My experience in these areas has led me to volunteer to speak before various organizations on domestic violence as an outreach program of our church. My many hours of continuing legal education in mediation gives me much in-depth training in bringing people in adverse positions together, working together toward final resolutions of differences and problems.     By participating in the State Bar of Texas Continuing Legal Education program, I keep myself up to date on all aspects of criminal law. I will continue this in order to provide you with the best possible representation as your county attorney.     I have always provided my clients with good counsel and good judgment. This has often been challenging when dealing with matters that have involved very emotional issues such as divorce, child custody and other serious issues that deeply affect their lives. It is this experience, gained over 30 years, which will enable me to use that same good judgment to the benefit of the citizens of Bandera County in a way that will make you proud.     I intend to run for the office of county attorney as a Republican. It is the party which I have consistently supported and which consistently reflects the values I hold dear as an American and a Texan.     It is my sincere hope that I have given you reason enough to allow me the privilege of your support and vote in the upcoming primary and general election. By working together, we will make Bandera better.

Holt throws hat in commissioners' ring Published Jan. 10, 2008