GOP precinct chair returns

The Precinct 410 Chair for the Bandera County Republican Party has changed hands again, returning to the individual who ran unopposed for the position last May.

Becky Gring resumed her position at last month’s meeting of the Bandera County Republican Party, officials confirmed to the Bulletin.

“She was the duly elected precinct chair,” said Bandera County Attorney Janna Lindig.

Lindig filed suit in the 198th District Court arguing Mata unlawfully held the position under Texas Election Code, including lack of residency in Precinct 410. He is a registered voter in Precinct 407.

Gring was listed as “elected” next to other non-contested precinct chair candidates on required notices posted at poll locations during last May’s primary election. The Secretary of State’s office says Gring was certified the following month. She was later replaced by John Mata without legal process.

The party’s chair, Conrad Striegl, who was also elected unopposed, told the Bulletin in an article published August 10 that Gring should never have been placed on the ballot, citing alleged intent to withdraw.

“Failure to perform and submit the appropriate paperwork, however, doesn’t preclude Mrs. Gring from being ineligible due to her withdrawal,” Striegl said.

Gring declined to provide a comment.

Striegl did not respond to the Bulletin’s request for comment.

As of Tuesday, Nov. 8, Gring was listed on the Bandera County Republican Party’s website as the Precinct 410 Chair, but Mata (whose first name is listed as Juan on his voter registration) was still listed on the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

Officials with the Secretary of State’s office informed the Bulletin the changes are updated by local party county officials through an internet interface.

The party meets one more time before the end of the year at the Silver Sage this Thursday, Nov. 10, at 6:00 p.m.