Business owner running as write-in candidate, decries ineligibility

Spirit of Texas owner Nancy Harvey declared her intent to run for mayor as a write-in candidate last Saturday in front of her business, although City Secretary Jill Shelton says she is not eligible under state election law.

Although Harvey is a county resident, she owns property in the city, is a business owner and is a director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Texas Local Government Code, Section 22.032 says a candidate is eligible to run for mayor if they have resided one year in the state prior to filing deadline and one year in the city prior to election day; they must also be at least 18 years old and a registered voter in the terrority in which they will be elected from by the filing deadline.

“To my knowledge, there are not exceptions; this is Texas Local Government Code,” said Shelton. “We have no control over changing that on a local level.”

Harvey said many businesses, including her own, are located in the city limits and owned by people not residing in the city.

“However, we are taxpayers as are all citizens,” she told the Bulletin. “Due to this rule, we are not represented on the City Council in any position. It is my intention to run as a write-in candidate to challenge our lack of voice in the community that we all love and support.”

Harvey spoke in front of a small group of citizens and family members on Saturday, August 6, delivering a message that highlighted her connection to Bandera and its history. Harvey stated her first job and priority if elected as mayor would be to address wastewater treatment. Harvey also said that she would encourage small “mom and pop” businesses to come to Bandera. Citing growth as a “two-edged sword,” Harvey remarked she felt Bandera would prosper with more opportunity for commerce.

As a tourist town, according to Harvey, Bandera must do all it can to maintain the cowboy atmosphere and to retain its title as “Cowboy Capital of the World.”

“We have a history that we should promote and be proud of. We are a part of what makes Texas great,” she said.

Harvey also stated Bandera was special to her.

“We belong and we are a part of Bandera,” she said.

An eighth generation Texan, Harvey grew up in far South Texas. Moving to Bandera four years ago, she felt immediately at home.

Harvey has put a lot of effort into supporting the town through sponsorships of local activities and rodeos. Spirits of Texas, Harvey’s business, has been a frequent contributor to many of the town’s most iconic celebrations.

As mayor, Harvey believes it would be her responsibility to make Bandera a “better place.” She does not endorse wholesale change, however. She cites the will to “improve on the gifts already given.”

Harvey says “Bandera has a special draw. We are a magnet. What is it that makes Bandera so special? It is all of us.” Harvey encourages voters to support her as mayor and if her name doesn’t appear on the ballot, to select her through a write-in ballot.

The election for two city council positions and mayor is November 1. Both city councilman positions and mayor serve two-year terms.