Top Banner

of 20

League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

Apr 04, 2018

Download

Documents

Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    1/20

    1

    San Marcos Area

    League of Women Voters

    VOTERS GUIDE

    Election November 6, 2012The San Marcos Area League of Women Voters (LWV) Voters Guide lists candidates who appear on theballot in the November 6, 2012 General Election, plus two write-in candidates who declared for a race. Itincludes responses to a questionnaire sent to candidates. Candidates were given limits on each question.Responses are printed as submitted and cut off if over the limit. Candidates are listed in the same order thatthey will appear on the ballot, with write-ins listed last, and with an R, D, L, G or I to signify Republican,Democratic, Libertarian, Green or Independent affiliation. Since there is no party affiliation in city races,these abbreviations are not listed with city candidate names.

    The ballot will also list several other elections in some precincts of Hays County. These elections, listed on

    page 16, are not covered by this Voters Guide. The three propositions in the City of San Marcos electionare listed on page 15 as they will appear on the ballot, after city candidates.

    The San Marcos Area League of Women Voters prepares and places this local Voters Guide in City Hall,the Public Library and many other locations in San Marcos. The local Voters Guides are also inserted inthe San Marcos Daily Record. The State Voters Guides are placed at the same locations as the local Guideand further afield, around the county, by the San Marcos Area LWV. Both are available online atwww.lwvtexas.org. In addition, a new LWV service, www.Vote411.org, is another information resource.

    The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political party or any candidate. TheLeague does promote informed participation of all citizens in their government by providing factualinformation to help prepare citizens to cast an informed vote. The League does take action on selectedissues that it has thoroughly studied and on which its members have reached consensus. We hope you willtake an active role in the election process. You may bring this Voters Guide into the voting booth. Yourvote matters!

    As a public service, San Marcos Mercury will record the LWV Candidates Debates in San Marcos onOctober 15 & 22, at 6:30 p.m., at the San Marcos Activity Center and will post the debate videos on itswebsite www.sanmarcosmercury.com.

    INDEX

    Candidates. Pages 2-15

    List of special elections on the ballot... . Page 16

    Early voting locations and times..................... ............... .....Page 17-18Election day polling locations Page 20

    See the state Voters Guide at www.lwvtexas.org for the following races: President, U. S. Senator, RailroadCommissioners, Supreme Court Justices, Judges in Courts of Criminal Appeals, State Board of Education,Justices in 3rd Court of Appeals. Or try the new Texas LWV feature, www.Vote411.org. Enter youraddress to create a sample ballot which will include all the races that will be listed on your personal balloton Election Day. It can also give you the specific precinct and location where you will vote, as well asyour district and precinct numbers (numbers also found on your voter registration card).

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    2/20

    2

    U. S. Representative, District 21

    Please describe your specific areas ofinterest, education, experience, and otherqualifications for this office.

    Have you signed a pledge that will affectyour voice on any issue? Why or why not?If so, what legislation did you pledge tosupport or fight? Why?

    Political spending by corporations, unions, non-profitadvocacy groups, and individuals has increaseddramatically in recent years. Do you support: noregulations or limits on corporate spending; disclosureof funding sources; limitations on donations/spending;

    and/or some other related regulations. Please explain.

    Lamar Smith (R)www.TexansForLamarSmith.com

    After graduating from high school inSan Antonio and then YaleUniversity, I earned a law degree atSMU. I have served as a ranchmanager, state representative andcounty commissioner. I now chair theHouse Judiciary Committee. I stay intouch with my constituents and workhard to keep their trust.

    Earlier I signed a pledge to opposeraising the marginal income tax rate forindividuals and businesses and tooppose the reduction or elimination ofdeductions and credits unless matcheddollar for dollar by reducing tax rates.The pledge does not involve broadertax reform or closing loopholes. Butraising taxes puts a severe drag on theeconomy. Ultimately, it is the oath ofoffice and allegiance to theConstitution that determine my votes.

    The U.S. Supreme Court has shaped the groundrules for the funding of campaigns and I respectthe High Courts decisions. I think the Americanpeople would be better served by greatertransparency in campaign finance. Campaigncontributions and expenditures should be madepublic for all to see. Then voters can decidewhether or not to support a candidate.

    Candace E. Duval (D)www.candaceduval.com

    I attended Texas State San Marcos &later received an Associate Degree atBrazos Jr. College in 1991 withHonors. I served as an intern forComptroller Bob Bullock which ledto a permanent position in the TaxPublications Department. In Austin, Irun a consulting firm & hold 25 years

    of leadership.

    I will not make any pledge beyond theOath of Office. I will continue to voicemy support for legislation that alignswith my values and principles.However, I will not sign a broad pledgethat will obligate me to vote on aparticular issue without considering thefull context and circumstances of the

    legislation. I have signed my supportfor the non-partisan group, No Labels,12 Ways to Make Congress Work.

    I will make reforming our campaign financesystem a top priority. I will support common senreforms that improve disclosure and limit theinfluence of corporations including aConstitutional Amendment if necessary. Therecent Supreme Court decision in Citizens Unitedhas unleashed a flood of undisclosed corporatemoney into campaigns, strengthening the influen

    of the wealthiest special interest while drowningout the voice of the People.

    John-Henry Liberty (L)www.johnhenryliberty.comI am an entrepreneur and softwareengineer. I build systems using logicthat work together to creatively solveproblems. I felt compelled to run forcongress after a steady stream of billsand laws (ie SOPA and NDAA) wereproposed and enacted whichthreatened American's rights.

    I have made a pledge to every memberof my district that I will always operatewith integrity and act in their interest astheir representative. I have not signedany pledges from special interestgroups, nor do I plan to do so.

    Spending by non-person entities is growing at analarming rate. At the very least disclosure isneeded. Silently being able to buy an election iscounter-productive to the ideas of equality,freedom and democracy. The easiest way to solvthis problem is to cap the amount of campaignspending per election cycle.

    More LWV questions and candidate answers can be found for this race on www.vote411.org. Enteryour address to create a sample ballot which will include all the races that will be listed on your personalballot on Election Day. It can also give you the specific precinct and location where you will vote, as wellas your district and precinct numbers (numbers also found on your voter registration card).

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    3/20

    3

    U. S. Representative, District 25

    Please describe your specific areas of interest,education, experience, and other qualificationsfor this office.

    Have you signed a pledgethat will affect your voiceon any issue? Why or whynot? If so, what legislationdid you pledge to support orfight? Why?

    Political spending by corporations, unions, non-profit advocacy groups, and individuals hasincreased dramatically in recent years. Do yousupport: no regulations or limits on corporatespending; disclosure of funding sources;limitations on donations/spending; and/or someother related regulations. Please explain.

    Roger Williams (R)www.rogerforcongress.comAfter graduating from TCU I began a career insmall business. A family owned business that Ihave worked at for over 40 years ago. Iunderstand the challenges and tough decisionsthat come with balancing a budget. I alsounderstand how to create jobs, which is a unique

    qualification these days.

    Yes, I have signed pledgesthat are consistant with myvalues. For example, I havesigned a no tax pledge andas your representative I willrefuse to vote to raise taxes.

    I believe that every legal citizen should beinvolved in our political system. I don't believewe gain anything by trying to restrict anyone'svoice, whether it's individuals or corporations.

    Elaine M. Henderson (D)www.ElaineHenderson4CongressTX25.weebly.com

    Im from a farm family and worked at a citycollector office and in banking. Fullerton Jr.College AA, U of Houston, BS in Ed. Taught4th grade HISD. With a woman partner, I ran anaviation business for 8 years, Airport OperationsSupervision, Hobby Airport, Houston, retired.Mother, grandmother

    No pledges have beensigned. Legislators cannotknow what problems theymay face in two years andpledges should not ever beheld above keeping the oathto protect and defend theconstitution and the good ofthe nation.

    I support limiting the amount of money anycandidate can spend, total disclosure ofdonations of more than $20.00, and passing anAmendment to the Constitution to reverseCitizens United v. FEC and end Super-PACads for or against any candidate or party issue.

    Betsy Dewey (L)

    www.votebetsy.comI grew up in Houston, TX & graduated fromVanderbilt Univ. with degrees in English,Creative Writing, and French. I received myMA from UNC. In 1987, I won the CarnegieHero Award. I have since been a businessowner, a homeschool mom, a musician, anauthor, a Constitutionalist & a member of theDAR.

    I signed a pledge to standagainst the death tax.

    I support transparency in all things political. Ialso support capitalism fully. People should beable to spend their money in any way they seefit.

    More LWV questions and candidate answers can be found for this race on www.vote411.org. Enteryour address to create a sample ballot which will include all the races that will be listed on your personalballot on Election Day. It can also give you the specific precinct and location where you will vote, as wellas your district and precinct numbers (numbers also found on your voter registration card).

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    4/20

    4

    U. S. Representative, District 35

    Please describe your specific areas ofinterest, education, experience, and otherqualifications for this office.

    Have you signed a pledge that will affect yourvoice on any issue? Why or why not? If so,what legislation did you pledge to support or

    fight? Why?

    Political spending by corporations, unions, non-profit advocacy groups, and individuals hasincreased dramatically in recent years. Do you

    support: no regulations or limits on corporatespending; disclosure of funding sources; limitationson donations/spending; and/or some other relatedregulations. Please explain.

    Susan Narvaiz (R)www.narvaizforcongress.com

    Three term mayor of San Marcos,small business owner with leadershipskills and common sense to balancebudgets,meet payroll, solveproblems,provide solutions and getresults. 24 yrs. experience creatingjobs, Community volunteer at church

    and Nonprofit Groups. Wife, Mom,Grand Mimi, Proud American.

    Yes. Repeal Death Tax as I do notbelieve we should be taxed twice ondollars previously taxed. Yes. To repealthe Affordable Healthcare Act. The HHSmandate infringes on religious freedom.This Act sets policies that take away ourrights to make purchasing decisions that

    impact our daily lives and ourpocketbook. It mandates what we mustbuy and taxes us whether we want it ornot. It has a very negative impact onbusiness and stops job creation.

    I support full disclosure of funding sources.

    Lloyd Doggett (D)www.votedoggett.com

    Preserving retirement security,strengthening education,promotingeconomic opportunity and servingveterans are my congressionalpriorities. Previously authored the

    Texas Sunset Act seeking greaterstate agency accountability andefficiency, and chaired the TXSupreme Court Judicial Ethics TaskForce

    Ive pledged to keep Social Security andMedicare strong, including affordableprescription drugs, and my efforts wererecognized with an AARP award. As topDemocrat on Human ResourcesSubcommittee, I pledge to resist further

    social safety net destruction. I supporteconomic opportunity for allwith mywork earning "Business Advocate of theYear" by Texas Association of Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce.Pledged to fight for tax fairness.

    Support DISCLOSE Act to reduce foreign-controlled corporate influence and to exposelobbyist electioneering. Support constitutionalamendment to limit special interests, likethose seeking to undermine Wall Streetreform, from dumping unlimited, secret

    monies to thwart the public interest. Secret,unlimited spending threatens our democracy.To help restore accountability. Americanshave the right to timely know the source ofmillions being spent.

    Ross Lynn Leone (L)www.rosslynnleone.com

    B. S., L. S. U. 1968, Managementand Marketing, 1 year of Graduatestudies Retired, 25 years servicewith IRS, Albert Gallatin Award

    (The IRS should be abolished, andthe Income Tax replaced with a 10%withholding or consumption tax. Godonly asks for 10%, why should thegovernment take more?

    I have pledged to work for repeal of theDeath (Estate) tax and to maintain Right-to-Work laws because I know the vastmajority of my Constituents supportthose principles. I also pledge myself to

    always vote to support a traditionalinterpretation of the Constituion and Billof Rights. I have also pledged torepresent the views of my Constituents onall issues.

    I personally support no corporate spending onelections and limits on all campaign spending.I am running a zero cost campaign. Those"other" parties are wasting unbelievablemillions to spread lies and deceptions at a

    time our country is broke.

    (Two additional candidates for this race

    are listed on the following page.)

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    5/20

    5

    U.S. Representative, District 35, continued from previous page.

    Please describe your specific areas of interest,

    education, experience, and other qualifications forthis office.

    Have you signed a pledge that will

    affect your vote on any issue? Whyor why not? If so, what legislationdid you pledge to support or fight?Why?

    Political spending by corporations, unions, non-profi

    advocacy groups, and individuals has increaseddramatically in recent years. Do you support: noregulations or limits on corporate spending; disclosurof funding sources; limitations on donations/spendinand/or some other related regulations. Please explain

    Meghan Owen (G)www.texasgreencandidates.com/meghanowen.html

    I'm an activist, where better to act thancongress? Beyond a standard High Schooleducation, I apprenticed 6 years in a tradebecoming a full tradeswoman. I spend muchof my free time studying various topics.Sadly, I never had both the time and money to

    go to school. Loans always looked like a trap

    I've not signed any pledges yet.None have grabbed my attentionas good things. I stand on myword, no pledges I've seen willstop a person from doingharmful things to this country.

    I'd rather be unhindered and freeto do the right thing, I don't needa pledge to do that.

    I do NOT support NO limits on corporatespending. They already have more than enoughinfluence on congress through lobbying. The idthat money is free speech is in effectively tellinthe poor and middle class "your voice doesn'tcount". All money spent on an election should b

    disclosed, We should all be able to see who'sspending what on getting people into office.

    Simon Alvarado (Write-In)www.vote4simon.comDisabled combat veteran, bachelors degree

    and masters degree in Social Work from OurLady of the Lake University. Professionalexperience with community based healthcareagencies, drug, alcohol and mental healthprograms. Veterans' advocate for thosechallenged with VA disability claims process.

    In 1969 I took an oath to protectand serve this country againstany threats foreign and domesticwhen I volunteered for the USArmy. I stand committed tosupporting and purposinglegislation that would continue

    to preserve and protect thebenefits earned and promised byour country to our veterans.

    I support regulation and limits on politicalcontributions as well as full disclosure of fundinsources for the last 5 years prior to seekingoffice. I do not support any regulation thatundermines the integrity of our election processThe money special Interest groups inject in theelection process impacts candidates' equal acce

    to the electorate. While the lack of big donorslimits my access to the electorate, my vote is nofor sale.

    More LWV questions and candidate answers can be found for this race on www.vote411.org. Enter

    your address to create a sample ballot which will include all the races that will be listed on your personalballot on Election Day. It can also give you the specific precinct and location where you will vote, as wellas your district and precinct numbers (numbers also found on your voter registration card).

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    6/20

    6

    State Senator, District 21

    Please describe your specific areas of interest,education, experience, and other qualificationsfor this office.

    Have you signed a pledge that will affectyour vote on any issue? Why or why not? Ifso, what legislation did you pledge tosupport or fight? Why?

    Since 2006, state educational funding hasbeen reduced and student enrollment hasincreased. What measures would you proposeto restore adequate funding to Texas schools?

    Grant Rostig (R)www.grantrostig.com

    Studied computers, accounting and earned aChiropractic degree in college. Worked as aprogrammer, project manager, and ranseveral of my own small businesses incomputer consulting, Chiropractic,manufacturing and retailing. I also study

    health, agriculture, law, and economics.

    No, but I pledge to you, the voter, towork to lower unnecessary regulation,lower taxes, eliminate slush funds,eliminate corporate welfare and fraudfirst, increase liberty, increase schoolchoice and home schooling, and

    increase transparency andaccountability of officials in all aspectsof government including TXDOT. Thepeople must oversee and controlgovernment, or the elites will, as theyalready have. My number one priorityis jobs.

    Schools need to first master the universalbasics of reading, writing and science, notcondom use or political spin. We needcreative new approaches such as selfpaced internet or video learning alongwith an available teacher. Promote

    excellence via competition throughschool choice and vouchers whereparents get cash to educate their childrenin compatible schools. Allow homeschooled children to participate in somepublic school activities.

    Judith Zaffirini (D)www.judithzaffirini.com

    I am the second-longest serving senator,Chair of the Senate Higher Education

    Committee, and a member of theLegislative Budget Board and Financecommittees. I have cast 47,584 consecutivevotes and passed 725 bills, and I hold B.S.,M.A., and PhD degrees from from TheUniversity of Texas at Austin.

    I do not sign pledges. Instead, I reviewindividual pieces of legislation with the

    people of Senate District 21 and theState of Texas in mind.

    I propose more efficient use of stateresources and the elimination of waste in

    state government. Using Rainy Day fundsmust be considered seriously. I also lookforward to the comptrollers revenueestimates and hope the Legislature willfind additional resources to fund oureducation needs. We cannot continue tounderfund our schools, which forces localgovernments to raise property taxes.

    Joseph Morse (L)No response

    More LWV questions and candidate answers can be found for this race on www.vote411.org. Enteryour address to create a sample ballot which will include all the races that will be listed on your personalballot on Election Day. It can also give you the specific precinct and location where you will vote, as wellas your district and precinct numbers (numbers also found on your voter registration card).

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    7/20

    7

    State Senator, District 25

    Please describe your specific areas ofinterest, education, experience, and otherqualifications for this office.

    Have you signed a pledge that willaffect your vote on any issue? Why orwhy not? If so, what legislation did youpledge to support or fight? Why?

    Since 2006, state educational funding hasbeen reduced and student enrollment hasincreased. What measures would youpropose to restore adequate funding toTexas schools?

    Donna Campbell (R)www.donnacampbell.com

    Born on a naval base, I'm an emergencyroom physician who has spent a lifetime

    serving others through medicine andChristian ministry. I'm a longtime Texasresident, NRA member, and proud motherof four daughters. I have my masters degreein nursing and received my M.D. fromTexas Tech University.

    I have signed pledges to protect therights of the unborn, earning the

    endorsement of Texas Right to Life andTexas Alliance for Life. I'm the onlycandidate to sign both the Americansfor Prosperity Pledge and theGovernor's Budget Compact againstraising taxes. I also signed the TexasCitizen Patriot Pledge, which honorsfree market principles, limitedgovernment, personal responsibility,respect for the Constitution, and avirtuous America.

    Bureaucracy has been a burden on ourschools, with administrators now

    practically outnumbering teachers.Meanwhile, Texas students are strugglingto perform. It's time to slash thebureaucracy and drive more dollars to theclassroom, rewarding good teachers.School choice should also play afundamental role in our education system.No child should be forced to attend aschool that isnt up to communitystandards.

    John Courage (D)www.couragefortexassenate.org

    Teacher, Texan, Air Force veteran. BAdegree, American Studies and teachercertification, UTSA; MA, Education,Walden University; 20 years teachingexperience; served on boards of the AlamoCommunity College District, San AntonioTeachers Council, and San AntonioLiteracy Commission; member, NEA.

    My only pledge is expressed in the oathof office required by the TexasConstitution. I will never sign a pledgethat would affect my vote on any issue.Such pledges lock an elected officialinto a static, unconditional position onpolicies. Changing conditions often callfor policy changes. Political leadersneed to have the flexibility ofresponding to change.

    Restoring adequate funding for publiceducation requires the political will tomake education the highest state priority.Money is available. The state comptrollerhas revised revenue estimates upward by$1.2 billion for the next biennium. TheESF has more than $8 billion on hand.Cutting wasteful spending could free upadditional funds by, for example,reducing costs for administeringstandardized tests

    More LWV questions and candidate answers can be found for this race on www.vote411.org. Enteryour address to create a sample ballot which will include all the races that will be listed on your personalballot on Election Day. It can also give you the specific precinct and location where you will vote, as wellas your district and precinct numbers (numbers also found on your voter registration card).

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    8/20

    8

    State Representative, District 45

    Please describe your specific areas ofinterest, education, experience, and otherqualifications for this office.

    Have you signed a pledge that will affect your voteon any issue? Why or why not? If so, what policy,issue or legislation did you pledge to support or

    fight? Why?

    Since 2006, state educational funding hasbeen reduced and student enrollment hasincreased. What measures would you propose

    to restore adequate funding to Texas schools?

    Jason A. Isaac (R)www.ISAACforTexas.comI am the current State Representativefor District 45, elected by the votersin 2010. My wife and I have twoyoung boys in public school in HaysCounty. I work in the truckingindustry, own a small business,coach youth sports, and lead a non-profit.

    I am proud to have signed a taxpayerprotection pledge because my constituentshave asked me to keep their taxes low and tovote against any bill that will raise their taxes.I have kept that promise that I made to them.The government needs to learn to live withinits means, just like the rest of us. The pledgeis a reminder of my promise to the citizens Irepresent.

    The premise of this question ismisleading. Over the past 20 years,expenditures for education have increased142% and Texas per-pupil costs haveincreased from $3,659 to $11,024 afteradjusting for inflation. This biennium,public education received an overallincrease of $125.2 million. We do nothave a funding problem, we have aspending problem.

    John Adams (D)www.johnadamsfortexas.comI have a BS in Computer Science, 30

    years at IBM as a programmer/mgrincluding Space Shuttle and SpaceStation programs, 6 years as schoolboard trustee, am a Master Trustee, 7years as advisory board member forComputer Science Dept. at TexasTech.

    No. It doesnt make sense to limit youroptions before you face potential problems.Representatives need to make use of all toolsafforded the office in order to adequatelyaddress issues as they arise. I would not use amechanic who decided not to use wrenches onthe day my car needed a repair. I wouldntwant my elected officials to limit their tool seteither.

    As a 6 year DSISD Trustee, I madeeducation a priority. Our currentlegislators prioritized politics over ourchildren when they cut 5 billion dollarsfrom the budget. I will work to restore theridiculous cuts to public education byclosing corporate tax loopholes. We mustprioritize our children's education inTexas because the future of the statedepends on it.

    Jim Duke (L)www.jthomasdukephotography.zenfolio.comI graduated with a BS Physics (minorin math and engineering) fromJacksonville State University in1983. Commissioned in the USAF1984 and spent 15 years as aninstructor pilot flying C-141B's andT-38's. I have spent over 14 years inTexas.

    No-I don't believe in pledges, other than theoath I swore to the Constitution of the UnitedStates. But my main concerns is the overreachof government into our financial and personallives. I am committed to reducing the size andcontrol of the State Government. My firstfocus will be on the unfair property taxsystem in Texas.

    There is no proven beneficial relationshipbetween education spending andeducation results. In fact it appears theballooning spending has actuallyexacerbated the problem. The problemwith education isn't the schools-it's thebreakdown of the traditional family andall the problems children have from thisbreakdown.

    More LWV questions and candidate answers can be found for this race on www.Vote411.org. Enteryour address to create a sample ballot which will include all the races that will be listed on your personalballot on Election Day. It can also give you the specific precinct and location where you will vote, as wellas your district and precinct numbers (numbers also found on your voter registration card).

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    9/20

    9

    District Judge, 22nd

    Judicial District

    Bruce Boyer (R), Unopposed

    (Additional questions and answers for this candidate are available on www.Vote411.org)

    Hays County Sheriff

    Gary Cutler (R), Unopposed

    (Additional questions and answers for this candidate are available on www.Vote411.org)

    Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector

    Luanne Caraway (R), Unopposed

    Hays County Commissioner, Precinct 1

    Please describe your specific areas of interest,education, experience, and other qualificationsfor this office.

    How would you use the countys existingauthority to regulate development in orderto balance competing interests?

    Are there any areas of overlapping servicesprovided by governmental entities that youbelieve should be consolidated to moreefficiently provide services to countyresidents?

    Mary E. Gonzales (R)I favor small government and more privatesector job opportunities. Having worked fornine corporations with 20 years of businessmanagement experience, I am a championof revenue creation. My experience andeducation is not paid for by tax dollars.

    I would use Hays' County authority toregulate development to protect ourenvironment and upgrade healthstandards. We need rules that requiredevelopers to help provide amenitiesfor the developments that they bring toour communities so that the tax burdenwill not fall on every citizen. I willwork for the even-handed ofenforcement of Hays Countysubdivision rules.

    We should be able to consolidate moreelections together. I would like to see theschool districts have their election alongside with the county and the city in allareas of the county thereby creating moreinterest and participation in the electionprocess. I will support any consolidationof services with intentions to savetaxpayer money.

    Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe (D)Have over 780 hours of county governmenttraining, attended SWTSU, am a licensedPeace Officer. Have a proven record &commitment of working well with othersproviding transportation needs, quality jobs& other services while keeping our tax rate

    low.

    Continue to work with all interestedparties to ensure we are listening andunderstanding all needs and issues. Wemust grow responsibly, providing goodquality development for a fast growingdiverse population while protecting the

    beauty of our county's heritage, waterresources and existing neighborhoods.

    Over the past few years, the county andother law enforcement, Fire, EMS & ESDagencies have met to discuss theirsupport, commitment and benefits of aConsolidated 911 & Emergency DispatchCenter. Some benefits include: shared

    resources with reduced costs, improvedquality of service, cross-training ofagencies and increased staff, on-site, tocover major incidents.

    An additional question and answer for this race is available on www.Vote411.org.

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    10/20

    10

    Hays County Commissioner, Precinct 3

    Will Conley (R), Unopposed

    (Additional questions and answers for this candidate are available on www.Vote 411.org)

    Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 1

    Please describe your specific areas of interest,education, experience, and other qualificationsfor this office.

    If elected as Justice of the Peace, whatwould be your highest priority?

    What is the role of the Justice of the Peace inthe county justice system?

    Amy Lea Akers (R)

    It is my mission to make a difference. Afterfive years into the construction industrybuilding homes, churches and elderly carefacilities I began law school. With a lawdegree from St. Marys University I amready to serve Hays County citizens.

    As Justice of the Peace my highestpriority will be that everyone enteringthe court receives respect and justice inthe law. Whether acting as magistrate,presiding over criminal or civil cases,and, most importantly, when a juvenileis in front of the court, my mission willbe to ensure that everyone is treatedwith dignity and respect; applying thelaw as written.

    JPs have many roles in the county justicesystem including presiding over class Cmisdemeanors (traffic, truancy, animal,alcohol and tobacco violations),evictions, other minor civil suits, andexamining trials. Often they also have theduties to magistrate (determine bonds,issue warrants and protective orders),conduct administrative hearings andperform inquests.

    JoAnne Prado (D)Graduated from SMHS in 1981 and havebeen continously employed with HaysCounty since 1984. 28 yrs employment withHays County and the over 500 hours ofjudicial education with the Texas StateTraining Center makes me the mostqualified candidate.

    To continue to be a fair and impartialjudge who presides over the variety ofcases that are filed. My open doorpolicy will continue and I am easilyaccessible. I magistrate on a daily basisand I understand that the decisions Imake in setting bonds affect many. Mycommitment to consider every situationcarefully and to set fair bonds is myfirst and highest priority.

    The JP has jurisdiction over minor civilsmall claims matters as well as Class Cmisdemeanors. Effective and appropriateinterpretation of the law as it applies tothe cases filed with the court. The JP isthe closest judicial officer to the people. Iwill continue to work diligently torepresent the people of Hays CountyPrecinct 1-1. I ask for your continuedsupport.

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    11/20

    11

    Constable Precinct 1

    Please describe your specific areas of interest,

    education, experience, and other qualificationsfor this office.

    In your opinion, what are the most

    important responsibilities of the Constablesoffice, and what will be your priorities, ifelected?

    What are the advantages or disadvantages of

    having service of process handled by theCounty Constables office rather than by aprivate process server?

    Stephen A. Velasquez (R)My specific interest is to bring back theexperience , commitment, service and opendoor policy to the citizens,,,my education isthat i have over 1200 hours of continuous inservice classes ,my experience is 19 yearswith Hays County Constable Pct. 1.

    The most important responsibilities ofthe Constable's office is making surethat each and every civil process paperand hot check warrants that are sent tothe Constable's agency are being servedin a timely manner and returned backto the courts, if elected as your

    Constable, is to serve the public as theConstable should be doing and to gainthe trust of the public.

    The advantages of having the Constableserve civil process is accessibility, shoulda defendant have a question, he or shecan call your Constable as long as thequestion is not a legal question and civilprocess servers are limited on what theyare able and not able to serve,for

    Constable's do have continuousjurisdiction into other counties to alsoserve civil process

    David Peterson (D)I have over 25 years of law enforcementexperience in Hays County. I have a MasterPeace Officer License through The TexasCommission on Law EnforcementStandards and Education. Most of all, Ihave been a citizen of Hays County for over58 years.

    The most important responsibilities ofthe Constable Office are serving thecommunity of Hays County byproviding civil process, enforcing thelaw, educating citizens on safety andproviding community service. Ifelected, my priorities will be to offer

    the Constable Office's services to thefullest extent of my ability.

    In my opinion, only advantages occurwhen service of process is handled by theConstable. Constables are certified peaceofficers and are able to be identified toresidents. A safety issue may arise inwhich a Constable and his deputies arehighly trained law enforcement officers.

    Constables are required to complete a 20-Hour Civil Process Course each trainingcycle.

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    12/20

    12

    Constable Precinct 2

    Please describe your specific areas of interest,

    education, experience, and other qualificationsfor this office.

    In your opinion, what are the most

    important responsibilities of the Constablesoffice, and what will be your priorities ifelected?

    What are the advantages or disadvantages of

    having service of process handled by theCounty Constables office rather than by aprivate process server?

    Ron Hall (R)

    To utilize my 19 years of experience as apeace officer and administrator to provide aprofessional service to my community. I ama Master Peace Officer, a FBI NationalAcademy Graduate and have over 2400hours of training recorded with the State.

    The Constables Office primary role isto provide civil process service for thecourts. I would like to develop arelationship with the community, othercounty agencies and city agencies toidentify other needed services. Thismay include assisting with patrolservices, calls for service or attending

    community events.

    The County Constables are truedisinterested parties in civil litigation. APrivate Process Server is what the titlesuggests; a person who acts in aninterested capacity for litigants of a causeof action.

    James H. Kohler (D)I have been serving and protecting everyonein Hays County in 34 years of learning andexperience in this office.

    My duties as Constable is to serve andprotect the citizens of Hays County.

    There is no disadvantage of having civilprocess served by the Constables office.As for the private process server, it isbetter with the Constable department andthere own area to serve citations that needto be served because most of the time thepeople in our area know who we are andwe get more friendly response eventhough some of the people do not want to

    be serve.

    Constable Precinct 3

    Darrell W. Ayres (R), Unopposed

    Constable Precinct 4

    Ron E. Hood (R), Unopposed

    Constable Precinct 5

    Matt Mancillas, III (R), Unopposed

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    13/20

    13

    Mayor, City of San Marcos

    Please describe your specific areas of

    interest, education, experience, and otherqualifications for this office.

    What economic incentives should be offered to

    attract new business or keep existing business inSan Marcos?

    As the Mayor, what important changes would

    you like to institute in the City of SanMarcos?

    Daniel GuerreroI am a 35 year resident of San Marcos,with degrees from SMHS, Tx StateUniversity, St. Edward's University andACC. I have served in volunteerleadership roles within the city,SMCISD, county and non-profitgroups. My family roots are embeddedin SM.

    Through the Greater San MarcosPartnership the city has access to state andlocal resources to provide incentives forbusiness recruitment and retention. We willcontinue to use combinations of taxincrement financing, 380 agreements,enterprise funds, state resources and localproperty tax abatements to create and retainjobs with the review of our ED board andcouncil.

    As a council, we will improve ourrelationships among our neighbhorhoods,business leaders, school district, countyofficials, student and universitycommunities to resolve communitychallenges. We must work collectively toaddress our urgent needs in housing,water resource, education/work forcedevelopment, transportation and jobcreation. We will become change agents.

    Thom PrenticeHometown San Marcos. Intellecty'all,Symbologist, Deconstructioneer,blogger, writer, reader, scrivener,scribbler, thinker, lifelong learner,Public Intellectyall, eskewer ofutopian, totalitarian ideologies. Justrunning for Mayor, not against

    Hometown San Marcos. Whatever helpskeeping locally owned Authentic AdamSmith Capitalism small business stayingand multiplying in San Marcos.Synchronizing traffic lights. Why notpromote Victory Gardens and exploreother economic models such as encouragingco-operatives and artists. Why not use theLexington and Concord/European/model

    Hometown San Marcos. What is SanMarcos doing to help the 39% of thepopulation who bring home $20,000 orless per year? Let's not focus on the nexttwo months or two years, but 10, 20, 50years from now. Is the city prepared todeal with the looming collapse of Non-Authentic Adam Smith EmpireCapitalism? What about the loomingglobal crisis of Climate Change

    ON ELECTION DAY: Many precinct boundaries have changed, so be sure to

    check voter registration cards before going to vote at the correct polling location onElection Day.

    Voters will find precinct numbers on their voter registration card next to the birth

    date, or may call the Hays County Elections Office, 512-393-7310, to ask whatprecinct their address is located within. Or they may choose to use online services

    such as www.Vote411.org, entering their address to be given precinct and districtnumbers, plus information similar to this Voters Guide content, with additions.

    Early voting locations and dates, as well as election day polling locations are on thelast four pages of this Voters Guide.

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    14/20

    14

    San Marcos City Council, Place 5

    Please describe your specific areas of interest,education, experience, and other qualificationsfor this office.

    How can the city balance the need for morestudent housing with protection of singlefamily neighborhoods?

    How would you propose to diversify theCitys income with sources other than salestax revenue?

    Ryan ThomasonLived in San Marcos since 1983.Graduated SMHS. Majored in Finance atTexas A&M. Co-founded localconstruction company. 3 year Planningand Zoning Commissioner. Elected CityCouncil Place 5 Dec. 2009. Mayor ProTem 2011 and 2012.

    If we're going to fit 40,000 students intoSan Marcos, we need to get peoplewalking and riding their bike. Builddenser developments near campus anddowntown to encourage a lifestyle thatisn't dependent on cars. Familyneighborhoods are our communitysbackbone. We need to protect the oneswe have and build more of them.

    San Marcos' huge retail sector is ablessing that few other cities have. But italso makes us too dependent on that cashregister ringing at the outlet malls. To getmore property tax revenue withoutraising taxes on our citizens, we needmore commercial development. TheSmartCode we implemented last year wasa good step.

    Melissa Derrick Write In

    I have a degree in journalism. I haveworked at Texas State University for 17years. I am an expert at managing largebudgets, interpreting and implementingcomplex budget regulations, filing federalgrants, and monitoring grantspecifications.

    I will adhere to the existing master planuntil a new one is adopted. Creation ofthe new plan has included much citizeninvolvement, bolstering the plans cloutand credibility. My participation in thisprocess gives me confidence that a newmaster plan that incorporates citizen inputwill balance the needs of homeowners,students, business owners, and ourenvironment.

    As a result of the soon-to-be-openedSTAR Park, Pike Powers is working withthe GSMP to bring tech firms to SanMarcos. The city should contributeundeveloped parcels of land to theproject, help build infrastructure, and inreturn, the city would increase its revenuebase through job creation, property taxes,and sales and business-related taxes.

    Information from the Hays County Elections Office website about applying for

    ballots by mail, curbside voting, and other kinds of assistance with voting can be

    found on pages 18 and 19 of this Voters Guide. Early voting locations are on page17 and 18, and Election Day polling locations are on page 20.

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    15/20

    15

    City Council, Place 6

    Please describe your specific areas of interest,education, experience, and other qualificationsfor this office.

    How can the city balance the need for morestudent housing with protection of singlefamily neighborhoods?

    How would you propose to diversify theCitys income with sources other than salestax revenue?

    Shane ScottAir Force Veteran, Texas State Graduate,Single father involved in our educationsystem, Small business owner, 25 yearresident in San Marcos, Current councilmember Place 6, Awarded BronzeCertificate in Leadership, Supported by theSMPFFA

    Rebuild dilapidated apartments, Createtransition zones, Build sidewalks andbike paths to promote walk-ability,Enforce current codes, Promotecommunity involvement, Work withneighborhood associations, Promoteour current ACT program

    Redevelopment on blighted buildings,Incentives to owners to restore buildings,Airport expansion projects, Continueprivate-public partnerships

    Greg Frank

    My leadership and communication skillswere refined by the U.S. Marine Corps. Mydegree from Texas State and appreciation ofneighborhoods and the natural environmentof San Marcos prepare me to guide growthin our city.

    One of my main goals is to preserveand protect the quality of life andproperty values of San Marcosneighborhoods. There is a defined goalin the citys comprehensive master planbeing updated right now, and its states:encourage development of studenthousing in appropriate areas and createa plan to accomplish this vision. Thiswill be one of my focuses on Council.

    Bringing high paying jobs to San Marcosis a top priority for me. To accomplishthis, we should focus on several key areasof recruitment such as bio-medicalresearch and clean manufacturing. Weshould continue our expansion of the SanMarcos airport and our current efforts ofsports, retail and eco-tourism. I supportall initiatives to achieve educationalexcellence.

    City of San Marcos Non-binding Propositions

    No. 1: Shall the city council be authorized to acquire the Capes Camp area of 70 acres,more or less, for parks and recreation purposes, at a price not to exceed fair market valueas determined by an appraisal?For or Against

    No. 2: Shall the city council be authorized to use the power of eminent domain, ifnecessary, in order to acquire the Capes Camp area of 70 acres, more or less, for parksand recreation purposes?

    For or AgainstNo. 3: Shall the city council be authorized to raise property taxes, if necessary, toacquire the Capes Camp area of 70 acres, more or less, for parks and recreationpurposes?

    For or Against

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    16/20

    16

    OTHER SPECIAL ELECTIONS WILL BE LISTED ON THE NOVEMBER 6TH

    BALLOT FOR VOTERS IN PARTS OF HAYS COUNTY, INCLUDING:

    General Election, City of Buda, City Council positions and 14 propositions.

    Special Election, City of Buda, re an alcoholic beverage proposition.

    General Election, Austin Community College trustees.

    General Election, Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Directors.

    City of Austin Special Election, 18 propositions.

    Reunion Ranch Water Control and Improvement District, 2 Bond propositions.

    (Voters may wish to contact the entities listed above to obtain copies of the propositionsor other information regarding those elections. A sample ballot can be found on the HaysCounty Elections Office website, which lists the text of the propositions, and names ofcandidates running for each office. The sample ballot is listed under the November 6thGeneral Election, www.co.hays.tx.us/index.php/government/elections-and-voting/.)

    ________________________________________________________________________

    For more information on voting or elections, call the Hays County Elections

    Administrator at 512-393-7310, or visit the website.

    www.co.hays.tx.us/index.php/government/elections-and-voting/.

    See the website list of frequently asked questions for information about voting bymail, and many other subjects. The Elections Office is at the Hays County

    Government Center, 712 S. Stagecoach off Wonder World Drive.

    For additional voting information, see the website of the Secretary of State at

    www.VoteTexas.gov, or call their office in Austin toll free at 1-800-252-VOTE.

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    17/20

    17

    NOVEMBER 6, 2012 Election

    EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE

    Location, Dates & Hours of Main Early Voting Polling Place:

    Government Center Conference Room, 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, San MarcosOctober 22 - October 26, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.October 27, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.October 28, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.October 29 - November 2, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    In addition, temporary branch early polling places for early voting by personal

    appearance for the election are established at the following locations:

    Location Date Time

    Old Election Office October 22-26 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    401-C Broadway St. October 27 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.San Marcos October 28 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

    October 29 - November 2 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    Hays County Pct. 4 Office. October 22-26 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.195 Roger Hanks Pkwy. October 27 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Dripping Springs October 28 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

    October 29 - November 2 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    Live Oak Academy October 22-26 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.4820 Jack C. Hays Trail October 27 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Kyle October 28 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

    October 29 - November 2 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    Wimberley Community Center October 22-26 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.14068 Ranch Rd. 12 October 27 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Wimberley October 28 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

    October 29 - November 2 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    First Baptist Church - Wimberley October 22 and 23 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.15951 Winters Mill Pkwy.Wimberley

    Texas State University October 22 - 25 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.LBJ Student Center700 Student Center DriveSan Marcos

    Buda City Hall October 26 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.121 N. Main Street October 27 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Buda November 2 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    (more locations, next page.)

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    18/20

    18

    (Early Voting locations, continued)

    Kyle City Hall October 26 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.100 W. Center October 27 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Kyle

    Belterra Clubhouse October 29 and 30 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.801 Belterra DriveDripping Springs

    Seton Medical Center Hays October 31 and November 1 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.6001 Kyle ParkwayKyle

    BALLOTS BY MAIL

    Early voting by mail ballot is conducted in accordance with applicable provisions of the Texas

    Election Code. Early voting could really be termed convenience voting, since city registeredvoters can vote at any city early voting location, according to the Hays County ElectionsAdministrators Frequently Asked Questions, found on the county website:www.co.hays.tx.us/index.php/government/elections-and-voting/.

    You may apply for a ballot by mail if you:1. will be away from Hays County on Election Day and during early voting;2. are disabled;3. are 65 years of age or older on Election Day; or4. are confined in jail.

    For more information call the Hays County Elections office at (512) 393-7310 for an application.For specific information about special voting procedures available for members of the militaryand U.S. citizens overseas, see: www.votetexas.gov/military-overseas-voters/.If you are a college student, and you have chosen to register in your hometown as your permanentresidence, you may apply for a ballot by mail in your home county, if you will not be there onelection day or during early voting.

    Ballot applications and ballots voted by mail by those registered in Hays County may be sent to:

    Hays County Elections Administrator

    712 S. Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666

    Attention: Early Voting Clerk

    The request must state the address at which you are registered to vote, one of the aboveconditions for requesting a ballot, the address to which you want the ballot mailed, andyour signature. If the ballot is not to be mailed outside the County and not to the addressat which you are registered, you must give an explanation as to the address such asnursing home, hospital, etc.

    (More information re applications for ballots by mail follows on the next page.)

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    19/20

    19

    Applications for ballot by mail may not be submitted more than 60 days before ElectionDay and must be received by the Elections Office no later than the 7th day beforeElection Day. All voted ballots that are returned on or before Election Day will becounted. Voted ballots mailed from outside the United States may be counted if clearlypostmarked on or before Election Day and received by the Elections Administrator not

    later than the fifth day after Election Day

    Special conditions are available for persons who become hospitalized or suffer a death in

    the family after the close of the regular application deadline. Specific guidelines must be

    met to be eligible. Please contact Hays County Elections Office for further information.

    Assistance with Voting

    All polling locations are handicapped accessible. The eSlate (electronic voting device) is fullyaccessible and has an audio feature which allows any voter to listen to the ballot. You are alsoentitled to receive assistance if you cannot read or write, or have a physical disability thatprevents you from reading or marking the ballot.

    Tell the election official that you need help to vote. You do not have to provide proof of yourdisability. You MAY be assisted by any person of your choice, OR one election worker duringearly voting, OR two election workers on Election Day. You may NOT be assisted by youremployer, OR an agent of your employer, OR an officer or agent of your union.

    The person assisting you must read you the entire ballot, unless you ask to have only parts of theballot read. The person assisting you must take an oath that he or she will not try to influenceyour vote and will mark your ballot as you direct. If you choose to be assisted by polling placeofficials, a poll watcher and/or state election inspector present in the polling place may observethe voting process to be sure that the ballot has been marked as you wanted. If you ask to beassisted by a person of your choosing, no one else may watch you vote.

    Interpreters at the polls: If you cannot speak English, or communicate only with sign language,you may use an interpreter to help you communicate with election officials. You may select anyregistered voter of your county to be your interpreter. If you cannot read the ballot, yourinterpreter may translate the ballot for you in the voting booth, after taking the Assistant Oath.

    CURBSIDE VOTING

    If you are unable to physically enter the polling place, you may ask that an election officer bringan eSlate (electronic voting device) to you at the entrance to the polling place or to a car atcurbside. After you vote on the eSlate, give it to the election officer who will re-connect it to theJudges Booth Controller and your vote will be counted. If you plan to go alone to vote curbside, itis wise to call ahead so election officials will expect you. The Hays County Elections Office willbe able to reach each precincts voting location and alert them, 512-393-7310.

  • 7/31/2019 League of Women Voters Guide | November 2012

    20/20

    Polling places will be open on election day, November 6, 2012 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    PRECINCT # ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACES IN HAYS COUNTY

    110New Life Christian Center, 4000 Hwy. 123, San Marcos

    111 and 112

    Dunbar Center, 801 MLK Drive, San Marcos

    113 Old Elections Office, 401-C Broadway St., San Marcos

    120 San Marcos Housing, Residents Office, 820 Sturgeon St., San Marcos

    125 Chapa Middle School, 3311 Dacy Lane, Kyle

    127 Tobias Elementary School, 1005 E. FM 150, Kyle

    129 City of Kyle Fire Station #2, 150 Bunton Rd., Kyle

    221 Performing Arts Center, 979 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle

    223 Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center, Kyle

    224Buda City Hall, 121 N. Main St., Buda

    225Hays High School, Bales Gym, 4800 Jack C. Hays Trail, Buda

    226 Hays Hills Baptist Church, 1401 N. FM1626, Buda

    228Tom Green Elementary School, 1301 Old Goforth Rd., Buda

    229County Line Water Supply, 131 S. El Camino Real, Uhland

    230, 232, 236 and 238Southern Hills Church of Christ, 3740 Ranch Road 967, Buda

    234Goforth Water Supply, 8900 Niederwald Strasse, Niederwald

    301 and 315First Baptist Church San Marcos, 325 W. Mc Carty Lane, San Marcos

    316 and 317Hernandez Elementary School, 333 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos

    318 , 330 and 334Crockett Elementary School, 1300 Girard St., San Marcos

    332 Travis Elementary School, 1437 Post Road, San Marcos

    333First Baptist Church - Wimberley, 15951 Winters Mill Parkway, Wimberley

    335Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Rd. 12, Wimberley

    336Horizon Bay at San Marcos, 1720 Old Ranch Rd. 12, San Marcos

    337VFW Post 6441 Hall, 401 Jacobs Well, Veterans Park off RR 12, Wimberley

    339Hays Fire Station #3, 8301 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos

    413Old Fish Hatchery Bldg., 201 C. M. Allen Parkway, San Marcos

    414Allenwood Homes Auditorium, 1201 Thorpe Lane, San Marcos

    415City Firehouse, River Ridge Parkway, San Marcos

    416, 417 and 418Blanco Vista School, 2951 Blanco Vista Blvd., San Marcos

    419, 420, and 421Wallace Middle School, 1500 W. Center St., Kyle

    440Henley Baptist Church, 200 Henley Loop, Dripping Springs

    441Dripping Springs Church of Christ, 470 Old Hwy. 290 West, Dripping Springs

    442Friendship Creekside Fellowship, 14455 FM 1826, Austin

    443Belterra Clubhouse, 801 Belterra Drive, Austin

    444Sunset Canyon Baptist Church, 4000 E. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs

    447 Promiseland Church, 1650 Lime Kiln Rd., San Marcos

    449 Dripping Springs ISD Admin. Office, 510 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs