The Bandera Republican Party met on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the BEC Community Room, the party’s first meeting chaired under the leadership of new Party Chairman David Allen and recorded by new Party Secretary Elisa Greene.
Approximately 20 people were in attendance. Allen recognized the GOP members that participated as election workers and thanked them for their service.
The meeting started off with a comparison of the state and county results from the November 7 constitutional amendments election.
Allen indicated that Bandera County’s results were very comparable with the state results. He also noted that 26 percent of the registered county voters turned out to vote in this election.
Allen commented that he had an interaction with a new voter to Bandera County who was amazed at the strict process of voting security used to keep the election in order.
Allen stated that as he voted on the constitutional amendments, he considered whether each amendment would create a bigger bureaucracy in Austin.
Allen then called on precinct chairs to report on the voting situation during Election Day.
In Precinct 102, 374 ballots were cast. This reportedly is the fastest growing precinct in Bandera County. It was also reported that this was the most voters that had ever cast ballots in that precinct.
Sergant at Armas John Mata said many voters complained about the ”legalese” used on the ballot for the amendments.
“it is every voter’s responsibility to know who they are voting for and what they are voting for,” he said.
Precinct 203 Chair Brandi Conover stated 235 voters cast their ballot on election day. She indicated that the poll had a steady flow of voters all day long, adding voters were happy to see a line at the poll.
Precinct 101 Chair Laura Briscoe noted her polling place changed from Bandera High School to Shepherd’s Gate Church in Polly Peak, where 186 ballots were cast. She opined this was a positive change due to the ease of access to the poll by voters on their way to and coming from work. She commented that she had a “Great crew … and my newbies all worked out great.”
Precinct 407 Chair Elisa Greene reported the BISD Transportation Department site the Bus Barn had 348 ballots cast. She remarked they were “swamped” at times, but people in line were “nice” and very patient; and no one was “grumpy” at all.
“We all worked as a team,” she said. “It was nice to see that number of people come out to vote.”
Republican Party Vice Chairman and Precinct 408 Chair Dede Skoglund said her poll recorded 54 ballots out of a possible 230 registered voters. She said she “would love to see at least 100 more come out to vote in the next election.” She challenged the members of the party to get more people to the polls during the March primaries.
Rene Leith reported that at the poll in Medina, 189 voters came out. She said that the crew at that poll worked from 5:45 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. setting up, working the election and breaking down the equipment. After they had loaded the voting equipment, they had to transport it back to “Election Central” in Bandera.
New Election Judge Melanie Stringfellow for Precinct 410 was introduced and commended for excellent performance during her first election. She noted her precinct had over 60 pecent turnout. Chairman Allen thanked her for her service as Election Judge.
GOP Chaplain Jarrod Tomasi asked why so many people chose to vote during the two weeks of early voting.
Leith speculated that the three early voting sites were simple to find, and that people could vote while doing other errands in Bandera, Medina or Lakehills.
John Mata reported on his visit to the Trump rally in Houston. Mata spoke about his discussion with a Border Patrol spouse about the conditions that the Patrol was working under.
“Their story was so intriguing that I invited them to come speak to us,” he said.
He noted that there are three Border Patrol wives that are running for US Congress from South Texas.
Candidate for Bandera County Sheriff Will Dietrich was introduced to the audience.
Precinct 101 Chair Laura Briscoe made a motion to remove Conrad Striegl and Rene Leith from all bank accounts and add Dave Allen and Elisa Greene to the signature card at the bank along with current signatory Laura Briscoe. There was no discussion and the motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Allen suggested that the party select a treasurer as he felt that new Secretary Elisa Greene would need assistance.
While he was not prepared to speak about who was being considered, he indicated that he had some ideas and more information would be forthcoming.
BCRW President Dede Skoglund said Bandera County Republican Republican Women and the county party would have a joint meeting at the Silver Sage on Dec. 7 with a holiday potluck and White Elephant exchange.
