by BOB BARTON
For almost 60 years I have been opining on political matters in Hays County. It is one of the prerogatives of being the co-publisher and it is in keeping with the tradition started by Thomas Fletcher Harwell 109 years ago when he founded this newspaper.
Here are my observations regarding the county elections that will be held Nov. 4,when we also select our next president, a U. S. Senator, three congressmen who will represent parts of Hays County and a state senator and state representative.
I’ll start at the bottom of the ballot and work my way up.
Kyle Area Constable
James Kohler is a good man who has held this position for many years. He is a throwback to a different era, when fair and equal treatment of your fellow man and sympathy and support for folks at the bottom rung of the ladder were more important in political matters than educational achievements or public relations skills.
I have been a neighbor of James for most of my life. He handles teenagers who have broken rules and regulations with firmness and an innate fairness that comes from the heart and not from some rule book. He and his better half have positively affected the lives of scores of us in this community in many positive ways.
He provides escorts to funeral processions, a country custom that unfortunately has been abandoned by too many law enforcement agencies. He is deeply involved in helping organize and supervise the bussing of Hays students to various events. It’s not part of his official job, but he is a public servant in the best possible way, and his involvement is helpful to all involved.
The big push to elect the Bertram police chief who is the choice of the Republican establishment in Dripping Spring and Austin, ignores the fact that only Kyle area voters get to choose this position. It’s our decision and ours alone.
I say stand pat with someone we know and trust.
County Commissioner
Debbie Ingalsbe represents Pct. 1, which includes the eastside Kyle and Uhland precincts. She is the senior member of the Hays County Commissioners Court, and an energetic and caring public servant. A Democrat who serves with four Republicans, she is a good public servant. She is being challenged by Mary E. Gonzales, a perennial candidate who has little support and a blank record of service to the general public. This is a “no brainer.” Re-elect Debbie Ingalsbe, a good public official who works well with other community leaders.
In other county races I suggest the re-election of JoAnn Prado as one of our Justices of the Peace in San Marcos and also the re-election of David Peterson as constable in the San Marcos area.
More to come later on other political races.
