The Bandera Democratic Club met at the Silver Sage Dining Hall on Saturday, Aug. 8, with Keven Sittenauer, a regional organizer for the Gina Hinojosa campaign for governor, serving as the guest speaker.
Sittenauer spoke about the campaign, comparing the governor’s race in Texas to a national presidential campaign. He described the campaign’s organizational structure and his role as regional organizing director for San Antonio and Corpus Christi.
He said, “Texas is not a Republican state, it is a non-voting state.” He also emphasized that the Hinojosa campaign is focused on rural counties.
Sittenauer said he is confident Hinojosa is running a strong campaign and will carry South Texas. He said she is within one point of incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott.
Independent candidate Leah Peterson, who is running for justice of the peace in Precinct 3, also spoke briefly to the group. She discussed her qualifications and said she would focus on fairness in office.
Kevin Sittenauer, regional organizing director for the Gina Hinojosa campaign for governor, speaks to members of the Democratic Club of Bandera during the club’s Aug. 8 meeting at the Silver Sage Dining Hall. Sittenauer discussed the campaign’s organization, its focus on rural Texas and the upcoming governor’s race. BULLETIN PHOTO/ Tracy Thayer
The club approved the minutes from its July meeting and the treasurer’s report. David Black, the new Democratic county chair, gave his report and emphasized the need to get people in Bandera County out to vote. He also encouraged the group to register more voters.
Former County Chair Lynn Oliver and Club Chair Anna Montague reported on their experience at the Back to School Bash. They said they handed out 40 voter registration forms to parents.
The group discussed ways to get information to voters. Members unanimously agreed that houseto- house canvassing was impractical for Bandera. Black said precinct chairs should have business cards available to give to contacts. Members also discussed the use of QR codes.
Anne Samuels gave a membership report. Robert Romano provided information about the next scheduled public protest. The protest is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, on the Bandera Courthouse lawn. The theme is “What has he done? We need a change.” The event is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m.
Patti Pyle reminded members that the next highway cleanup is scheduled for Sept. 20, depending on the weather. Volunteers will clean up Highway 16 from Country Accent Antiques to the Highway 1283 intersection. The group will have lunch at Mendoza’s following the cleanup. Pyle asked volunteers to wear hats and long pants.
Publicity Committee Chair Jodi Sinclair spoke about her upcoming article in the Bandera Bulletin.
Under unfinished business, the group briefly discussed not meeting during the summer months. Members also discussed attending James Talarico’s upcoming speaking engagement in Kerrville on Monday, Aug. 31, from 7 to 9 p.m. Attendees must sign up to attend the event, and Romano can assist with registration.
Under new business, the club voted to donate to Hinojosa’s campaign. Members also discussed increasing the club’s visibility through a fundraiser. A committee will look into the possibility and report back in September.
Member Tom Denyer spoke at length about ways the club could encourage people to vote. He said many Democrats stayed home because of confusion surrounding Kamala Harris’ late entry into the race. He noted that postcards are available to send to friends and neighbors encouraging them to vote and said 1,000 people voted Democratic in the last election.
For more information, contact the Democratic Club at P.O. Box 1741, Bandera, Texas 78003.
.png)
