Dem club talks community recycling, election prep

The Democratic Club of Bandera held its monthly meeting Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Silver Sage Community Center dining room. The featured speaker was local resident Bob Brischetto, who discussed his involvement in community recycling efforts in Bandera County.

Brischetto began his career as a professor at the University of Texas at El Paso, Trinity University, and Our Lady of the Lake University. In 1982, he joined the William C. Velasquez Institute, an organization that promoted voter registration education and drives for Latino and other minority voters. He served as the institute’s executive director from 1986 to 1995.

Seeking a home closer to nature, Brischetto and his wife, Barbara, moved to Medina Lake in 1995. He began volunteering with the Silver Sage Meals on Wheels Program in Lakehills, assisting clients who needed help cleaning their homes and properties.

While continuing work in the political sphere, Brischetto contributed regularly to the San Antonio Express-News on current political issues and matters affecting minority communities.

He has authored more than five dozen publications, including his most recent book, Mexican American Civil Rights in Texas (2021). He is a strong advocate for voter rights.

Democratic Party Chair Lynn Oliver introduced Brischetto, calling him a good friend and an active member of Don’t Make Waste Bandera. “Bob knows how to be political and of service to our community,” she said.

Brischetto said his presentation was especially relevant amid current partisan polarization. He referenced the July 4, 2003, flood in which no lives were lost but much property was damaged, and the 2001 Medina River Clean Up. He emphasized the importance of engaging citizens collectively in nonpartisan efforts.

Brischetto shared photos of Meals on Wheels clients, noting that some were elderly or disabled and needed help improving their living conditions. His volunteer work inspired deeper involvement in recycling programs across the county. “It became a success that we could build on,” he said.

During the business meeting, members approved the minutes from June and heard the treasurer’s report from Ann Valentino.

Oliver reported on party activities in preparation for the November election, including a countywide Democratic Party meeting scheduled for late September and upcoming redistricting in Texas. One new member attended, joining several who had recently joined in June.

Public Relations Committee Chair Jodi Sinclair spoke about the Declaration of Independence, warning about the rise of party systems and leaders who act as “princes.” Democratic Party Rally Chair Robert Rios discussed planning a rally in Bandera with support from Democrats in Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and Boerne. Secretary Josh Greene proposed creating a phone tree to contact Democrats throughout the county.

In new business, member Tom Denyer suggested a resolution supporting Nancy Pelosi’s statement on redistricting and recommended backing TXDemocrats.org and Powered by the People.

He encouraged club members to support Texas Public Radio and the Texas Billboard Project in Kendall, Gillespie, and Blanco counties. Denyer also recommended the club purchase 250 postcards with postage ($204) for outreach efforts.

The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.