Local writer and horsewoman Susan Hull addressed the Bandera County Democratic Club at its monthly meeting on Saturday, July 12, sharing insights on political writing and civic engagement.
Hull, who was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, practiced clinical psychology in El Paso and San Antonio before retiring and moving to Bandera in 2019. Club member Laurence Doxsey introduced Hull and provided a brief biography of her life and career.
Hull, who writes for the Bandera Bulletin and describes herself as an independent, discussed her efforts to reach moderate voters across party lines. She used a bell curve graph to illustrate how her writing is geared toward voters in the political middle. In addition to her political column, she also writes creative non-fiction and memoirs.
Describing herself as an “introverted nerd,” Hull encouraged attendees to engage in the political process in ways that align with their personalities. She addressed the guilt some feel about not doing enough politically and emphasized that activism should be authentic and sustainable.
“When I write for moderates, it makes me go deeper about what’s happening, and how I communicate to my audience,” Hull said. She urged attendees to write thoughtful letters to the editor and recommended the “Five Calls” app as a tool for reaching elected representatives effectively.
The club approved the June meeting minutes and a treasurer’s report. There was no membership report, though one new member attended.
Public relations chair Jodi Sinclair requested that committee chairs share updates with her so press releases can be prepared. Rally chair Robert Rios reported that the planned July 5 rally in Kerrville was canceled due to flooding and related tragedy.
The club’s next trash pickup is scheduled for July 20.
Past President Essie Stewart opened a discussion about the annual coat drive held in partnership with the Nagel Clinic. She noted that other organizations are also hosting similar drives and asked members to weigh the pros and cons of continuing the project. The topic was tabled until the August meeting.
Bandera County Democratic Chair Lynn Oliver discussed upcoming training sessions for potential election workers, scheduled by County Elections Administrator Andrea Jankoski for July 22 and August 14. Oliver also invited members to a party meeting on July 28 at 3 p.m. at the Lakehills Library to discuss the selection of new precinct chairs or a new county chair.
Oliver highlighted the 17 constitutional amendments on the November ballot, which include measures related to property tax relief, water infrastructure, and parental rights. She encouraged members to learn more at www.texaspolicyresearch. com and to visit the Smithsonian exhibit at Bandera Middle School.
Oliver also urged members to follow the lieutenant governor’s race between Democrat Vicky Goodwin and incumbent Republican Dan Patrick. She closed her remarks by calling on members to “step up” and participate in the election process.
Member Tom Denyer provided an update on the Texas Legislature’s upcoming special session, which begins July 21. Topics include regulations for the THC industry, a proposed flood warning system, and potential gerrymandering in regions such as the Rio Grande Valley and Tarrant County.
The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.
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