The Bandera County Democratic Club held its meeting on Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Silver Sage Dining Room in Bandera, introducing its newly elected leadership.
Anna Montague is the new president, Jackson Smith serves as vice president, Josh Greene is secretary, and Anne Valentino is treasurer. The leadership changes were decided during the club’s December 2024 meeting.
President Montague welcomed new members Graham Martin and Mary Lawton before the club approved the minutes from the December meeting.
Treasurer Anne Valentino provided a financial update, noting that congressional candidate Kristen Hook returned a campaign donation with a letter of thanks.
In Old Business, Montague proposed creating a webmaster position to maintain the club’s website. Elaine Clayton and Janus Olive, who previously managed the site, have stepped down.
The club will revisit the proposal in a future meeting.
New Business included a discussion about the club’s Highway Cleanup Project, responsible for maintaining a two-mile stretch of highway from Pipe Creek to Bandera.
Members debated continuing the project, with Patti Pyle volunteering to chair the effort. The project requires quarterly cleanups to maintain participation.
Past President Essie Stewart thanks the Democratic Club members for their support. BULLETIN PHOTO
Member Jodi Sinclair suggested forming a Public Relations Committee to boost the club’s visibility in the community.
Democratic Party Chair Lynn Oliver highlighted upcoming Progressive Caucus meetings on Jan. 25 at the LBJ Ranch, urging members to attend and engage with state party chair candidates.
Outgoing president Essie Stewart was honored with an orchid plant, presented by member Anne Samuel, for her service. Stewart expressed gratitude for the club’s support.
Member Tom Denyer also encouraged attendance at the Jan. 25 caucus meeting, held in Fredericksburg.
New Vice President and Parliamentarian Jackson Smith discussed parliamentary procedures, sharing insights from his leadership roles in Texas and Colorado teacher organizations.
Smith emphasized changes to Robert’s Rules of Order, including no longer requiring formal motions for meeting adjournment or member approval for minutes. He distributed handouts summarizing procedural updates.
The next meeting will take place on Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. at the Silver Sage Dining Room, featuring Sir Phillip C. Bobbitt, a renowned constitutional law scholar and author.
Bobbitt has worked with Democratic and Republican administrations and serves as a professor at Columbia University and a guest lecturer at the University of Texas.
