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

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The Bandera County Courier
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Local candidate profiles in the 2008 March 4 primary:

John Payne Republican Candidate for Bandera County Attorney	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Steve Schaefer Republican Candidate for Bandera County Attorney	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Weldon Tucker Republican Incumbent Bandera County Sheriff	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Frances Kaiser Republican Candidate for Bandera County Sheriff	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Bruce Eliker Republican Incumbent County Commissioner, Precinct 1	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Fidel Ramirez Republican Candidate for Commissioner, Precinct 1	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Phillip “Gregory” Barker Republican Candidate for Commissioner, Precinct 1	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Richard Keese Republican Incumbent County Commissioner, Precinct 3	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Carl Holt Republican Candidate for Commissioner, Precinct 3	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Don Walters Republican Incumbent Constable, Precinct 3	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Mike Bolton Republican Candidate for Constable, Precinct 3	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Rod Chalmers Republican Candidate for Constable, Precinct 4	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Ernie Lobello Republican Candidate for Constable, Precinct 4	Published Feb. 14, 2008

John Payne Republican Candidate for Bandera County Attorney Published Feb. 14, 2008    A native Texan, John Payne has 30 years of experience in trial law at the city, county and state levels, presiding over cases and making oral argument before Courts of Appeal and the Texas Supreme Court. He is seeking a position on the Republican ballot, the party he has consistently supported and which consistently reflects the values he holds dear as an American and a Texan.     Payne’s experience in Family Law, which has given him insight into domestic violence and children in abusive and other unhealthy situations, has led him to volunteer as a speaker before various organizations on domestic violence. Payne has invested in many hours of continuing legal education in mediation to develop in-depth training in bringing people in adverse positions together to resolve differences and problems. He believes his background has prepared him to carry out the duties assigned to the office of county attorney, namely representing the State of Texas in misdemeanor criminal cases, working with local law enforcement in investigations and prosecutions, providing legal counsel to county officials on request, prosecuting juvenile offenders and protecting victims of violence, both children and adults.     Payne and his wife Cindy have lived in Bandera County for the past four years, and have owned property here even longer. Both are members of Grace Lutheran Church. As a member of the Vision Team, Payne is helping to replace the building for Noah’s Ark Day Care Center. He also serves as president of the Ranchers and Landowners Association of Texas, which protects property rights of local land owners and provides support for game wardens.     Working to keep himself current on all aspects of criminal law through the State Bar of Texas Continuing Legal Education program, Payne will provide the best possible representation for the citizens of Bandera County.     He said, “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 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.”

Steve Schaefer Republican Candidate for Bandera County Attorney Published Feb. 14, 2008    Steve Schaefer lives in Vanderpool with his two daughters, and practices law locally from an office on Main Street in Bandera.     A native Texan, Schaefer has had extensive courtroom experience.     Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and in Governmental Liability and Immunity, Schaefer has survived the scrutiny and review of judges and defense lawyers familiar with his skills, ethics, professionalism and knowledge of the law.     He has attended State Bar of Texas seminars annually on how to sue and defend state governmental entities. In 28 years of practice, he has successfully litigated against every level of state, county and municipal governmental entities, which he believes will enable him to represent Bandera County competently.     A county attorney must represent Bandera County and the State of Texas in criminal courts, trying juvenile and misdemeanor cases, as well as in civil courts, involving civil county issues. With experience in both courtrooms Schaefer has been certified by the State Bar of Texas to be appointed as attorney ad litem in Texas courts. He currently holds an appointment to the Committee on Defender Services (Criminal Justice Act), US District Court, Western District of Texas, to serve as a liaison between the civil bar and the criminal bar for the Federal District Courts of the Austin Division, State of Texas.     Schaefer currently serves on the school board of the Utopia Independent School District and is serving a second term as acting president of the Vanderpool Volunteer Fire Department. Formerly, he has served as director of the Bandera Business Association and participated in local volunteer functions and organizations.     Schaefer states, “This is a great community, but there are many influences and forces at work that may undermine and erode Bandera’s respected history and quality of life. As county attorney, I will fight to preserve our way of life. I will work well with the local law enforcement agencies. Many good parents and private citizens work hard in our community to promote the health and well-being of our youth – to reach and teach our kids effectively, they need full backing of the judicial and law enforcement systems.     “On a big-scale level, there is not much I can do, but as Bandera County Attorney, I can help serve this function and make a difference. I will be a county attorney that you can rely on and be proud of.”

Weldon Tucker Republican Incumbent Bandera County Sheriff Published Feb. 14, 2008    Sheriff Weldon Tucker has served as Sheriff of Bandera County since April of 2006. During this time he has made numerous improvements, such as restructuring the department and insisting on professionalism among the department employees. These changes have had a positive impact on the department as well as the community.     Tucker said, "I have emphasized education within the department and my deputies are being called upon by other counties because of their expertise in certain areas. Bandera County deputies are now respected within the law enforcement community and looked to for assistance from their peers."     Born in Uvalde County, and residing in neighboring Real County most of his life, he understands the complexity of rural law enforcement. Tucker has had experience as a teacher and coach in the Texas educational system, as a Real County Constable, deputy and DARE administrator, as patrol deputy, sergeant, lieutenant, TRIAD administrator and sheriff of Bandera County. This experience has helped to build on his background of integrity and knowledge.     A current member of the Sheriff's Association of Texas, and the Texas Jail Commission. Tucker has been actively working in all areas of law enforcement for the past 11 years. His aggressive approach to drug abuse has led to numerous indictments and enabled the department to solve many other cases. Tucker has headed up a program among surrounding law enforcement agencies that has promoted open communication creating a larger web of knowledge, fostering a cooperative attitude among the neighboring county sheriff’s departments.     Tucker and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 29 years and have two children. They are both members of the Bandera Church of Christ and the Bandera County Republican Women's Club.     Tucker offered, "I want to continue to serve Bandera County residents. My work here is not finished. I want to increase the presence of the department within the community and reach out to the residents of Bandera County."

Frances Kaiser Republican Candidate for Bandera County Sheriff Published Feb. 14, 2008    A Bandera County native, Frances Kaiser and her husband of 47 years, Richard, live in Medina and have three grown children.     With over 30 years of public work experience including 14 years in the public school system, Kaiser entered law enforcement first as a patrol deputy in the Kerr County Sheriff's department in 1984. After promotion to administrative sergeant, she handled public relations, presented crime prevention programs and coordinated both civil process and office staff personnel in addition to investigating child abuse and sexual assault cases.     Becoming the first female sheriff of Kerr County in 1989 and elected for two additional terms, Kaiser served Kerr County citizens with pride and dedication. She was instrumental in the promotion and construction of the 192-bed law enforcement facility built in 1996. Directly involved in the daily operations supervising over 70 employees and administering a multi-million dollar budget. Kaiser is certified in administration, police management, professional mediation and advanced law enforcement. After returning to Medina she held the office of Bandera County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace.     Kaiser has been honored to serve as American Business Women's Association Woman of the Year, president of the Hill Country Peace Officer's Association, director of the Sheriff's Association of Texas for two terms. She was also appointed director and presiding officer of Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. She has participated in the Millennium Dinner for "Women in Power" in Washington DC. and is currently a member of the Bandera County Republican Women's Club and the First Baptist Church of Bandera.     "The sheriff's job is mainly administrative. It requires good organizational skills, law enforcement knowledge, leadership and common sense," she stated. “My work experience, qualifications and integrity gives me the insight to organize and produce an efficient and professional sheriff's department – one the employees can be proud to work for and Bandera County citizens will respect.”     A commitment to responsible law enforcement, aggressively fighting Bandera County's drug problem, sponsoring Drug Abuse Resistance Education and other citizenship programs for our children are her top priorities.

Bruce Eliker Republican Incumbent County Commissioner, Precinct 1 Published Feb. 14, 2008    Bruce Eliker of Pipe Creek has resided in Bandera County for most of the last 42 years. He and his wife of 10 years, Roma, have three daughters, all are members of Hill Country Chapel in Pipe Creek.     As current county commissioner, Eliker has served the citizens of Precinct 1 and Bandera County for the last three years.     He retired after being 34 years of service with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Eliker’s career grew from being a equipment and finish blade operator to becoming Maintenance Section Supervisor for Bandera and Kendall counties.     Eliker served in the United States Air Force and retired after 27 years of service.     As part-time adjunct instructor for the Texas Engineering Extension Service – affiliated with the Texas A&M University System – Eliker teaches workshops in roadway maintenance. This allows him to explore solutions to and address issues plaguing many cities and counties across the state.     Eliker said, “I am proud to have served the citizens of Bandera County and I look forward to continuing my service to the citizens of Precinct 1 and Bandera County as your county commissioner.”     According to Eliker, improving county roads and public safety on both county and state highways continue to be top priority and future planning continues to be of the utmost importance. With 19 years of management experience and training, including submitting and balancing annual budgets, handling personnel issues and working with various outside agencies for the benefit of the department, Eliker believes his knowledge, skills and abilities are an asset to commissioners court.     Eliker would continue to look at all county departments to determine where use of taxpayer dollars could be maximized. “These are hard times for all rural counties with little industry.     To support services, homeowners are looking at increased property taxes. I want to lower the current tax rate while exploring alternative ways to increase the county’s income or savings.”

Fidel Ramirez Republican Candidate for Commissioner, Precinct 1 Published Feb. 14, 2008    Fidel Ramirez and his wife, Donna, have been taxpayers in Bandera County since 1996. They moved to their residence in the Lower Mason Creek area in 1998. The couple originally owned a home and an 87-acre ranch and raised Beef Master cattle in Laredo. They have nine grown children.     Ramirez has been active in the events and activities of the Bandera community. He presently serves as secretary and board member of the Bandera County Appraisal Board. He is also on the board of the Ranchers and Landowners Association of Texas, and serves as chairman for both the Concerned Citizens of Bandera County and Bandera Honors Veterans Committee. Ramirez served in the US Navy veteran from 1951-1955.     A 1958 graduate of Texas A&M with a BS degree in agricultural education, Ramirez taught vocational agriculture (Laredo ISD), served in the Dominican Republic as a teacher and trainer (Texas A&M / Ford Foundation) and was employed as a planner and grant writer with the Laredo Community Action Agency. He later served as education and training director and center director at the Laredo Job Corps center.     After leaving the job corps center, Ramirez became an auctioneer in 1982. He was licensed and bonded by the State of Texas . He retired from his business in 1996. Running a successful business gave Ramirez administrative experience.     Ramirez hopes to bring his knowledge and experience to enact positive changes in Bandera County government. His ideas concerning economic development, centralized purchasing, efficiency in the road and bridge department, county wide road plan, interaction with home owner associations, water and development issues – to name a few – will be brought to the table for full discussion and possible adoption by the commissioners court.     Ramirez said, “Being a worthy commissioner is about making sound decisions in the administration and operations of Bandera County government. It comes down to properly managing our tax dollars and providing essential services to the taxpayers.”

Phillip “Gregory” Barker Republican Candidate for Commissioner, Precinct 1 Published Feb. 14, 2008    According to 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 washout 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.”     As Republican candidate for Bandera County Commissioner Precinct 1, Barker wants to build a strong future for his constituents.     He believes durable roads are important for taxpayers’ vehicles and residents’ safety. In addition, Barker feels strongly that peace officers, who put their lives on the line for everyone's safety, must have fair salaries. To that end, Barker will search the budget for necessary funding. He believes recycling, grants and stiff fines for dumping unwanted pets may be alternative sources of revenue for the county.

Richard Keese Republican Incumbent County Commissioner, Precinct 3 Published Feb. 14, 2008    Raised in the western end of Bandera County, Richard Keese serves as current commissioner in Precinct 3. He has been married to his wife, Sherrie, for 37 years and has two grown sons.     A veteran of the United States Air Force and graduate of Sul Ross University with a BA degree, Keese’s business career has been in the oil and gas industry – as both an employee and owner.     As a fifth generation resident of Bandera County, Keese cares deeply about what goes on in the county. For the past seven years, he has served as commissioner of Precinct 3. Although the time has been very interesting and enjoyable, Keese believes the county’s rapid growth has led to important issues that need to be addressed.     During his time on commissioners court, the court has dealt with multiple issues: establishing a county annex in Medina, beginning a more unified countywide library system, obtaining a grant for courthouse repairs, improving the EMS system, approving bonds for the Bandera County Jail and Justice Center, initiating a moderately successful recycling effort, increasing road maintenance and approving good subdivision rules.     According to Keese, additional issues that need to be closely monitored include continued close observation of current subdivision rules, finding solutions for EMS and volunteer fire departments that are currently stretched very thin, seeking a full restoration grant for our historic courthouse, continuing to monitor and upgrade road and bridge maintenance throughout the county, seeking grant money for park improvements and scrutinizing political issues that relate to use of water for our county.     “We must continue to look at these needs, but remember that spending of tax money must be effective and spent where it will do the most good for the most people.” Keese said. “I have tried and will continue to gather facts to make well-informed decisions based upon what I think is in the best interest of the citizens of this county and Precinct 3.”

Carl Holt Republican Candidate for Commissioner, Precinct 3 Published Feb. 14, 2008    As a fifth generation Bandera County resident, Carl Holt has a vested interest in the workings of county government and the effect that government has on the taxpayers of the county. He offers county residents an honest, common sense approach to the issues facing the future of Bandera County backed by 27 years of corporate management history.     Fourteen years with the JC Penny Company as operations and personnel manager, four years with Standard Industries and 12 years with Factory Air Conditioning Corporation as vice president of parts and service operations has given Holt a clear understanding of personnel and budget issues. Serving as a trouble-shooter who located and corrected deficiencies at all levels of the corporate structure Holt believes he has the foresight and ability necessary for problem-solving – an important quality in an elected official.     In addition to his corporate background, Holt has spent over three years as the marketing and finance officer for the Bandera County Courier. “Being in the local newspaper environment has given me insight into the working mechanics of our county government. I have noted several areas which need improvement,” Holt said.     By studying the work of commissioners court over the past three years and reviewing budgets, Holt believes he can bring the court a fresh approach to improving issues like taxes and spending by re-distributing the existing budget; recycling, by applying his experience with company growth and development; animal control, by promoting higher fines for irresponsible pet owners and lending his abilities to help the court produce a more productive plan for the time and money allotted to developing and maintaining county roads.     Holt stated, “Bandera County citizens deserve, and should insist upon, strong representation from their elected officials on the above important issues. I look forward to accepting that challenge and representing the taxpayers and citizens of Precinct 3. If elected, I will use my knowledge and experience to scrutinize government policy and spending in Bandera County and will strive to improve the quality of life in our little corner of the Texas Hill Country.”

Don Walters Republican Incumbent Constable, Precinct 3 Published Feb. 14, 2008    Constable Don Walters, has been a landowner in Bandera County for nearly 25 years and a resident for over eight years. The former owner of a successful worldwide manufacturing company in Houston brings a long list of qualifications to the job.     His qualifications include 1,500 hours of law enforcement training, 13.5 college credits at the Emergency Management Institute, identity theft training, state firearms instruction course, 20 hours of civil process training, racial sensitivity & cultural diversity training, intermediate certification in use of force, intermediate certification in crisis intervention, certification in police traffic radar operation, training in special investigative topics, practitioner of standardized field sobriety testing, certification as a defibrillator technician. He is also a recognized authority and certified instructor to various corporations and government agencies on underwater and land air cushion and aircraft heavy recovery.     In addition, Walters is active with local volunteer fire departments, a board member of the Ranchers and Landowners Association and a member of the Texas Justice Court Training Center. Walters and his wife, Cindy, have two grown children.     He has been available to work with other county and state agencies on criminal investigations. He serves warrants, as well as performing bailiff and civil process duties. He routinely patrols Bandera County, assisting its residents whenever and wherever the need arises. Keeping the children of Bandera County safe remains one of Walters’ top priorities.     Consequently, he patrols the school zone in Medina nearly every school day and works closely with school administration. He also performs regular security checks, as well as checking on loose pets and livestock.     Walters commented, “As a very conscientious public servant, I display professionalism and courtesy in all aspects of my job. I am committed to providing professional and responsible law enforcement to the citizens of Bandera County.”

Mike Bolton Republican Candidate for Constable, Precinct 3 Published Feb. 14, 2008    After living in the Medina area of Bandera County for the past 21 years, Mike Bolton considers Bandera County as his home.     As a resident of Bandera County, Bolton spent over 14 years with the Bandera County Sheriff’s Department in multiple positions, and more than five years with the Bandera Police Department. With his career background, Bolton is not short on experience.     Certified as a DARE officer, Bolton spent the last 10 years as a Sergeant Investigator. He carries, not only a master peace officer’s license, but is ALSO an instructor certified by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCOLEOSE).     Bolton has been married for almost 31 years and has three grown daughters.     Although presently working in Kerr County, Bolton is anxious to return to Bandera County and looks forward to serving the residents of Bandera County as constable of Precinct 3.

Rod Chalmers Republican Candidate for Constable, Precinct 4 Published Feb. 14, 2008    To enable him to run for this important public office, Rod Chalmers retired from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department in November after serving 29 years in state law enforcement as a Texas game warden – the last four in Bandera County.     Chalmers’ unique qualifications to serve Bandera County as constable for Precinct 4 include spending 10 years as a ranch manager on large livestock and game ranches in South Texas, West Texas and Southern Colorado; gaining significant perspective into the unique issues involving criminal activity in the region while on patrol as a game warden in Bandera County; being a state certified Master Peace Officer and teaching law enforcement skills to representatives of numerous agencies across the State of Texas as a licensed law enforcement instructor.     During his tenure with the TPWD, Chalmers was recognized by peers and supervisors as being a leader in the field of conservation law enforcement. For his work with Texas youth in outdoor education, he received commendations from the Texas Senate, the Texas House of Representatives and the National 4-H Foundation. In addition, he was named Conservation Officer of the Year in 1991 by the Sportsmen Conservationists of Texas.     After graduating from Texas A&M University in 1969 and following his years spent in ranch management, Chalmers’ career as a state law enforcement officer have included field assignments on the Gulf Coast, South Texas and West Texas. In 1991, he was promoted to lieutenant-instructor at the Texas Game Warden Training Academy in Austin, where he taught all subjects related to basic peace officer licensing and certification. In 1996, he was promoted to assistant chief and training supervisor of the Law Enforcement Division.

Ernie Lobello Republican Candidate for Constable, Precinct 4 Published Feb. 14, 2008    Ernie Lobello of Pipe Creek has 33 years experience in law enforcement including patrol, investigations, white collar crime and fraud integrity, as well as having nine years in murder investigations and 14 years supervisory experience.     In 2004, he retired from the Bexar County District Attorney's office as a criminal investigator and spent two years as a supervisor with the Kendall County Sheriff's Office. Presently, he is an investigator with the 216th District Attorney's office covering Bandera, Kendall, Kerr and Gillespie counties.     Lobello carries a TCLEOSE Master Peace Officer License and a State Certified Police Instructor License, among several other certifications. After retiring from Bexar County, he was recognized by the Texas Rangers for his outstanding service in law enforcement.     Lobello seeks the office of constable because of his strong desire to contribute 100 percent to the county in which he lives and to concentrate on providing services to the entire precinct at all times. He believes his firm belief in teamwork, experience in utilizing and sharing resources among agencies, willingness to listen to the citizens and ability to offer solutions make him the best person to serve as Constable, Precinct 4.     Lobello has been married to Barbara for 34 years and the couple have four grown children. They have resided in Bandera County for over 15 years. A property owner in Bandera River Ranch and Flying L Ranch, Lobello is a member of both homeowners' associations.