If name is underlined—click for Candidate's Statement—as  furnished to the Free Press.

(I) = Incumbant

Brown Files For School Board

Laura Brown filed for the DISD board of trustees and made the following announcement:

“I, Laura Brown, am seeking the position of DeLeon ISD trustee. I have lived in DeLeon the past 19 years and worked as a science teacher/coach at Perkins Middle School. I am a member and past president of the Comanche County American Cancer Society and the DeLeon Study Club, a volunteer at the hospital and the food pantry, and a member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association. I believe that in order to make our community the best possible, we must give the voters a choice.

I retired after 23 years of teaching in the public schools of Texas. My experiences as a classroom teacher will be an asset. As a member of the board of trustees, I will be able to relate to the day-to-day activities of the district, and, as a taxpayer, I will be opposed to any frivolous expenditures.

I am concerned as to why students are leaving our district. I would like to see a broader curriculum offered, mainly in vocational fields. Our students deserve strong administrators and strong teachers, and I think that trustees should be actively involved in the daily affairs of the school.

If elected, I pledge to work for the betterment of our students, faculty and facilities. I humbly ask for your vote on May 12.

Dickey Files for School Board

My name is Kelly Dickey, and I would like to announce my candidacy for re-election as a Board of Trustee for the De Leon Independent School District. Having served for two terms in this capacity, I had decided not to seek re-election. However, with the upcoming bond election, I felt it was my duty to run again.

I feel very strongly about the district’s need for new and improved facilities. I believe in our superintendent, our administration, our teachers, staff, and students, and I believe they all deserve the desperately needed improvements which would be afforded by the passage of this bond. We have such a wonderful district, and I believe we are definitely headed in the right direction. No district is perfect, but the care and attention our students are given is unsurpassed. Let’s work together as a community to do all we can to nurture these students, for don’t forget - - they are the leaders of tomorrow!

We as a board have not entered into this bond proposal without a tremendous amount of thought, study, and effort. I believe we can all agree that the improvements are necessary, and what better time than now? The state is proposing an incentive in which they would pay a large percentage of our overall debt (at last word, it looked like they would provide approximately 43 cents for every dollar spent.) If, for some reason, the legislature doesn’t pass this resolution, we have vowed NOT to go forward with the project. Therefore, I implore you all to look long and hard at this bond proposal, and if you agree with us, vote YES on May 12th.

I hope I have served you all well for the past six years, and I hope I can continue to serve you in the next three years. I believe in this town; I believe in this district; and I believe in you as voters. If you believe we should go forward, providing our students with the tools they need in the 21st century, I respectfully ask for your vote on May 12th as well.

 

Dold Files for School Board

Dwight Dold, of Desdemona, filed to run for a place on the school board.

Dold, an Indiana native, moved to Desdemona 15 years ago. He is a retired engineer for GTE. Currently, he’s chief of the Desdemona Volunteer Fire Department and works part-time for the Comanche County Medical Center as an EMT.

Dold and Patty, his wife of nearly 40 years, have two children and five grandchildren, two of whom attend DeLeon schools.

“I want to give the people of Desdemona a chance to have someone on the school board,” Dold said. “I want to give those folks a voice.”
 

Golden Files for School Board

My name is Becky Golden and I am seeking re-election to the Board of Trustees of the DeLeon Independent School District. I am married to Ronnie Golden and we have two children, Amber Bates a 6th grade Science teacher in Bentonville, AR, and Hunter Golden, currently a junior at DeLeon High School.

I have just finished my first tenure on the board. The last three years have been a valuable learning experience. I have worked diligently to attend board workshops in order to acquire the training hours that are needed as a board member. I feel as though I have gained much knowledge and experience needed to appropriately serve the DeLeon School District. During this time, the district has been able to increase its fund balance while purchasing needed capital expenditures.

I grew up on the property where the current new high school gym is located. My Grandmother (better known as Granny Burleson) owned and operated the Snack Shack where many of the students and faculty would eat lunch. I spent lots of time during my childhood at the Snack Shack and it was evident that Granny felt a strong compassion and concern for our school that I, too, have grown to share.

DeLeon is a community of support and love for the students, faculty and staff. I feel fortunate to live in a district that backs all areas of the DeLeon School District. Local clubs, associations, and businesses strive to promote pride by various donations to the elementary, middle, and high school. Academics, athletics, vocations, band, library, and many other needs are endorsed throughout the community. Many students benefit from the assistance given by these clubs, associations, and businesses.

Our teachers and administration are deserving of our support. Many teachers go the “extra mile” to ensure the students receive correct instruction, continued support, and a wonderful experience throughout the school day. For some students, school is the only positive, structured environment they know.

In addition to our regular elections on May 12, the Board of Trustees of the DeLeon Independent School District is asking for your vote in an $8.0 million bond election for the construction, renovation, acquisition and equipment of school buildings in the District.

We are facing a unique year with State Funding in what is called EDA, or Existing Debt Allotment. If the EDA passes through the legislature, up to 43% of our school bond debt would be paid by the State. This is a rare opportunity that we would have as a community to make the necessary improvements in our schools and, at the same time, receive this monetary assistance from the State. Therefore, I urge all voters to study this issue carefully, and then vote your conscience on May 12.

Thank you for the trust and support you have shown me for the past three years. I would be honored to serve you for the upcoming term, and for this reason I would appreciate your vote on May 12.
 

Sanders Files for School Board

I, Brad Sanders, am seeking the position of DeLeon ISD board of trustees member.

I was raised in DeLeon and have lived here most of my adult life. I am married and have two children, both attending school here.

I was a member of the facilities committee that recommended a lot of the changes addressed by the bond issue. I fully support the bond issue, and if elected will work with other members to carry it forward in a fiscally responsible manner.

I believe we have an excellent administration and faculty. If elected, I will work to maintain these standards and improve on them in any areas that the board finds an opportunity. I ask for your vote on May 12.

 

Morris Files for Council Place 3

I am Benny Morris and am running for Place 3 for the DeLeon City Council.
I have lived in DeLeon most all of my life, and I know that I can help make decisions that are best for DeLeon and its citizens. My wife, Janna Morris, and I have raised our two sons here and now have the opportunity to watch my youngest son raise our two grandchildren here in DeLeon.

If elected to the City Council, I will do my best to make fair and honest decisions that will be for the best of the City of DeLeon.

 

Quade Files for Council Place 3

Marion Quade filed for the DeLeon City Council Place 3 position currently held by Johnnye Howell, who has indicated that he will not run for re-election. Quade made the following campaign announcement:

“I really love living in DeLeon. I can’t imagine living in a big city again.

“I’ve been on the security staff at Tarleton State University for almost six years. I am a control center operator, which involves monitoring all activities and security systems in the University. I am the senior dispatcher for the TSU police.

“I’m married (for 17 years) to John Quade, the manager at Pate’s Hardware. I have two grown daughters and two granddaughters who are the apple of my eye.

“My background is law enforcement. I spent ten years with the Fort Worth Police Department. I’ve always had some type of job that worked with the public. I like people. I’m also very pro-police and fire services.

“I want to do what I can to further the growth of DeLeon. I would appreciate your vote.”

Turner Files for Council Place 3

Fred Turner filed for the DeLeon City Council Place 3 position currently held by Johnnye Howell, who has indicated that he will not run for re-election. Turner made the following campaign announcement:

“In 1992, the Mayor of De Leon invited me to move to De Leon and work for him to help take care of the city. I worked as the De Leon City Coordinator until my voluntary (30-day notice) resignation in late 1995.

“Since then I have made De Leon my adopted hometown.

“At the age of 68, I now survive on my long-paid-into Social Security benefits, and I reside at the De Leon Housing Authority. I do have a “cottage industry”—with Internet things—but it just makes enough to pay its expenses.

“I now feel I have the time to again try to offer my help to my adopted town. I can offer extensive experience, a willingness to fully examine any issue, and the ability to say ‘your thoughts are right—mine are wrong.’

“Prior to election day I can be reached by e-mail at tdyt@cctc.net .  I’m always willing to sit on a bench and listen to anyone.

“If elected—as just one member of the City Council—I couldn’t promise anything for anyone. But, I can promise that their thoughts would be heard at City Hall.  I do have a reputation of speaking out.

“And I’d always be willing to sit on a bench and swap thoughts.”

Carlisle for Council Place 4

I have lived in the DeLeon area for about 18 years. I have three kids, Rusty, Buster and Chalie, with my wife of 20 years, Ruby.

I am a member of the DeLeon Volunteer Fire Department and the Peach and Melon Festival committee.

I would like to be re-elected to the City Council so I can continue to try and help our community in any way that I can. I want to see some projects already in progress finished and then see if we can help our youth a little more than we have in the past. I would also like to help more people get involved in the community and feel a little pride in doing so.

 

Freeman Files for Council Place 4

The City of DeLeon is a population most of whom are on a fixed income. We have to be very careful how we spend our taxpayers’ money. I want to make sure that they are getting their money’s worth. That’s my main concern.

We need to get involved in civic affairs and get behind our city government and get behind the City of DeLeon. I am not running out of dissatisfaction with any present Council members. I just want to do my part and my civic duty.

I am retired and can devote all the time and effort required to perform the duties of a Council member. By way of qualifications, I have an accounting degree earned at Baylor University.
 

Stroud Files for Council Place 5

Even though I have no opponent for Place 5, I would like you to know that I will be honored to serve you as council woman. My desire is what it has always been and that is to serve the City of DeLeon to the best of my ability -- honestly and fairly.
I run on my past record and hope that you find that satisfactory. I will do all that I can to make our community the very best that it can be. Thank you for all the support you have given me in the past. It will be my goal to deserve the faith and trust you place in me.

 

Daugherty Files for Hospital Board Place 1

Gayland Daugherty, a Comanche County resident since 2002, has filed as a candidate for Director in the May 12 election for the Comanche County Consolidated Hospital District Board. Gayland and his wife, Royce, lived for many years in the Dallas-Fort Worth area where he had been involved in managed health care administrative and financial management since 1989 until their retirement in 2002.

Gayland graduated from high school at Lampasas in 1956 and received his kBBA degree in Accounting from Texas Tech University in 1960. After six years as a U.S. Air Force auditing officer, he spent two years as a product cost accountant with Dow Chemical in Freeport, and then worked for companies involved in defense and energy contracting with Federal and local governments for over 20 years prior to moving to managed health care, including Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care for military retirees and dependents. Health care experience includes time with the Harris Methodist Health System and with Aetna Health Plans.

Since moving to Comanche County after retirement, Gayland has been involved in numerous volunteer activities including CCMC Healthcare Volunteers, American Cancer Society, and United Methodist Church activities. In addition to teaching a Sunday School class at First United Methodist Church in Comanche, he is active in Outreach Mission activites at both District and Conference level.

“Comanche County citizens should be able to receive quality care and prudent financial management from the Comanche County Medical Center,” Daugherty said. “My experience in administrative and financial management, including health care, should be of significant benefit in making decisions that will lead to the most efficient and highest quality practices for years to come. After many years of receiving the benefit of learning, I want to put those learning experiences to use to help to help my neighbors and would appreciate your vote.”

McKinnon Files for Hospital Board Place 1

I am Marvin McKinnon and I have filed for place 1 for election to the Board of Directors of the Comanche County Consolidated Hospital District.

I am a native Texan, born in San Marcos and raised in Austin. I lived in Georgetown for 23 years previous to moving to Comanche. Sharon McCarty and I married in July 2005. Shortly afterwards I retired from Fedex and moved to Comanche. I am currently enjoying a new career in real estate.

My first visit to the new hospital was during the grand opening festivities. My reaction was an appreciation of a very impressive facility. I have since needed to become a patient of the clinic and have experienced some of the hospital diagnostic facilities.

We are so fortunate to have this state of the art health care facility in our area. We must do all we can to support the doctors, nurses and staff by providing the best opportunity for them to successfully take care of patient needs.

In years past I have served on various public service boards and understand the need for citizens willing to give back to the community. Comanche County is where I have chosen to live and I would like the opportunity to serve in an area that can impact the residents of the county in a positive manner.

Morris Files for Hospital Board Place 1

I am Janna Morris, a Comanche County resident since 1964, and have filed for place one on the Comanche County Consolidated Hospital District Board of Directors election.

My husband, Benny Morris, and I have raised two sons in Comanche County and are now enjoying watching our two grandchildren grow up in this same community. I am actively involved at St. Joe Baptist Church of DeLeon and served a term on the DeLeon City Council. I also was part of the committee that researched information regarding the grant received to have computers placed in various locations throughout DeLeon. I am very community-minded, having served ten years on the bike ride committee for the Peach & Melon Festival.

I was raised in Gorman and have been a DeLeon resident now for the past 43 years. I was employed by the DeLeon Hospital for 17 years and then at Comanche County Medical Center for a year and a half. With 18 years of experience in the healthcare field, I can serve the county from two perspectives: the employee’s view and the view of our community.

We MUST keep our hospital open for many reasons; the main one being that we do not need to travel 25 miles or more to get medical help in emergency situations.

We need CCMC to be available to us. Just last Sunday, my grandson fell, hit his head, and needed staples to repair the damage. The incident wasn’t life threatening, but his parents were thankful that they only had to drive eight miles to the emergency room, versus 25 miles, with a bleeding head wound.

Moreover, there have been many times when our community care flight has provided emergency care locally for our friends and family and was able to get them the help they needed in time to save their lives. If our hospital had not been available, then the reality would be that some of these dear ones would not be with us here today.

We desperately need a viable, long-term hospital in our county, one that is thriving and growing. We are very fortunate to have a great facility and are blessed with the best of doctors, and we as a community need to focus on keeping the hospital functioning. By controlling expenses, creating a good working rapport with our doctors, along with a support system for all employees, we will continue to take this hospital to the top.

I can, and will, work equally and fairly to keep this hospital in operation while working with ALL residents in our county.

Furthermore, I can provide information from a point of view that needs to be a part of our board as a healthcare employee. Having 18 plus years in healthcare and having worked directly with EVERY department in the hospital gives me the first-hand knowledge that comes only from the opportunity given by working alongside each department in the hospital. I know and understand Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, managed care and its costs, insurance, and how and why we receive the revenue we do. I have experience with healthcare and know that this will be of benefit to the hospital board and county as a whole.

While employed at the hospital I was a member of the THA of Texas, a society of all the hospitals across Texas. As a member of the THA of Texas, I was elected president of the Texas Hospital Association Materials Management Society of Texas from 1998-2000 by my fellow peers throughout the state. During my tenure as president of the THA society, I had the honor of receiving the W.W. Gerhke Award in 1999. The great honor was that I was the first person to receive this award in the small and rural hospital in Texas. This award had previously only been awarded to hospitals of at least 100 beds or more. I also served on other boards with the THA and had the privilege of spending time with my peers who represented the smallest to the largest hospitals in Texas.

My contacts with other members of the THA of Texas have been of significance to our hospital and medical center. We have been very fortunate to have access and networking of information provided to us from any hospital in Texas. Furthermore, my contacts enabled me to attend a meeting in Austin to discuss various software programs. I knew the program would be a huge step for our hospital and asked that DeLeon be awarded this software program and become a pilot hospital for others to view the software program. My asking paved the way for our hospital being awarded a software program that was selling in excess of $35,000 plus provided at no charge to us. Also, my contacts with various hospital administrators and purchasing agents enabled me to save our hospital literally thousands upon thousands of dollars by having medical equipment, office equipment, supplies, and even furniture donated to CCMC.

My actions were for the sake of our hospital and for our community. Quality and integrity count at all levels, and our hospital is deserving of such things, and I’m thankful that I could benefit our new facility in such a manner.

Finally, I would like to continue being a part of CCMC and keeping CCMC a viable physicality for us all. I am a woman of honor and integrity and truly have the best interest of CCMC in mind.

I know what it means to work in the hospital with the people who make up the hospital. I’ve worked with doctors, secretaries, administrators, cafeteria personnel, housekeeping, medical records, purchasing, nurses, etc. and know what it means to be a local concerned citizen. I want to do everything in my power to ensure that the hospital moves in a positive direction and stays open, not only for the hospital personnel, but also for me and my family, and especially for my children and grandchildren.

If elected, I commit myself to you, the public, to prayerfully consider what is best for all involved with our community hospital.

Locke Files for Hospital Board Place 4

I'm Joe Locke and I am running for re-election to the Comanche County Consolidated Hospital District Board of Directors.

I am running unopposed for Place 4 on the board so I will use this space to thank everyone in the district for the comments, complaints, and encouragement during the last 3 years and I hope you will continue to trust me with your ideas and thoughts.

I would also like to encourage everyone to exercise your responsibility to research the candidates and other issues on the ballot and cast your vote May 12 for what you believe is the best for the City, School, Hospital, and all other Items that will be decided.

Remember, you will have to live with the results so you might as well have your say in the selection process. Thanks for your support.

Bettis Files for Hospital Board Place 6

Betty and I purchased a small peanut farm in 1956 in the Rucker community. It wasn’t until 1963 that we moved to this farm. We have enjoyed being part of this area for 44 years. Our two children established careers in health related fields, and one of our five grandchildren has become a surgeon in the U.S. Navy.

I attended Tarleton Junior College and transferred to Southwest Texas State University, earning my degree in 1953. I coached for 12 years earning my Masters degree in Public School Administration from Baylor University. Since that time, I have worked as school superintendent, as a high school principal, and as a director of special education, serving seven different schools. My teaching fields are history, and state and national government. I retired in 1990 after 34 years in the education field. I believe that these experiences have prepared me to serve the citizens of Comanche County as a hospital board member.

After several months of retirement, I realized just how much I needed to be useful to the community. As a family, we believed we were created to serve God and mankind in any way possible. I found myself teaching Sunday school and serving as church treasurer for several years. Betty and I took the management of the DeLeon Food Pantry, under the direction of the Ministerial Alliance, for eight years.

I view the position of a hospital board member as an opportunity to serve the people of Comanche County.

I would like to share with the voters some of the beliefs I have about being a production board member. There is not a particular order of importance, but are to be combined as a servant of the county.

1. I don’t have “an axe to grind.” I only want our hospital to be a place where the best medical services possible are available for the area.

2. I believe the board should set the policies under which the hospital operates.

3. I believe no individual board member has any authority except in legal meetings of the board.

4. I believe the board should not try to “micro manage” a hospital.

5. I believe a key responsibility of the board is to employ the best administrative team possible and let them operate the hospital according to established policies.

6. The board should work very hard to see that a dollar spent has a dollar value for the hospital.

7. The Comanche County Medical Center exists because of the concerns of the citizens of Comanche County. The board should be receptive to their concerns and encourage them to work with the board and administration to improve their hospital.

If you as a voter endorse these fundamental beliefs, I ask you for your vote on Election Day. I will be honest and professional in my service.

Evans Files for Hospital Board Place 6

Billy Ray Evans, of Proctor, filed for Place 6, of the hospital board. Evans made the following campaign announcement:

“I believe that I can represent all of Comanche County equally. My vocation has always been based in agriculture, first as a peanut farmer, second as a dairyman, and finally as a principal in the family business of Evans Farms Registered Angus.

“Two main areas of concern in having a viable long-term hospital in good condition are doctors and expenses. A sound, satisfying relationship with the doctors on staff is a necessity. Control of administrative expenses and support costs are a must.

“It has been my privilege to lead a great group of dedicated people that make up our Hospital Foundation. We hope to continue to enhance our hospital equipment and improve our ability to serve the needs of Comanche County.

“I pledge my honesty and integrity to the people of Comanche County if elected to serve.”