Democratic Club hears from LULAC director, candidate

Editor’s Note: This story first appeared in last week’s e-edition, free to all subscribers at BanderaBulletin.com The Bandera County Democratic Club met Sept. 12 at the Silver Sage Dining Hall, following a morning protest at the courthouse that drew more than 30 participants.

The protest began at 9 a.m. and ended at 11 a.m., before the club meeting. Several groups joined the demonstration, which was centered on the theme, “What has he done for us? We need a change.” Participants held signs for passing motorists to read. Organizers also promoted the protest to supporters in the Kerrville and Boerne areas, including a carpool from Kerrville to Bandera.

Following a potluck lunch, Gabriel Rosales, Texas director of the League of United Latin American Citizens, spoke about the organization and its work. He said LULAC is involved in litigation, education and support of voting rights.

Rosales outlined the organization’s political perspective and said young people are a target audience for LULAC. He said the group is interested in Texas voters broadly and wants to help lead the state in a new direction.

“A lot of good people are out there. They need to support the state by stepping up and stepping out,” Rosales said.

Rosales also said voters need to “stand up and do something.”

According to Rosales, advocacy groups including the NAACP, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Southern Poverty Law Center and LULAC need to work collaboratively to ensure fair voting standards and equitable influence in government.

Kathyrn Hartmann, a former teacher and physical therapist who is running against incumbent Wes Virdell for Texas House District 53, also addressed the club.

Hartmann spoke about her background and outlined priorities she said she would pursue if elected. She said her main focus would be public education, particularly in remote rural school districts.

She emphasized that she is “not a politician. I am a server of the people.”

Hartmann said she opposes House Bill 2127, which she referred to as the “Death Star” bill. The legislation was passed during the 2023 session of the Texas Legislature. Hartmann said she would work toward its repeal.

Two representatives of Powered by the People also spoke about the organization and its focus. The organization was founded by former legislator and gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke.

According to the representatives, the group seeks to achieve Democratic victories through personal relationships with low-propensity voters. Its volunteer network works to identify, engage and turn out voters in close elections.

The club also held a discussion on opposition to artificial intelligence data centers and their potential impact on Texas water resources and small businesses.

After the minutes of the August meeting were approved, Patti Pyle gave the treasurer’s report.

Democratic County Chairman David Black reported on the activities of the party. He said the party’s focus is on registering voters for the upcoming midterm election and encouraging them to vote.

Membership Chair Anne Samuels gave a report on club membership.

Protest Committee Chair Robert Rios reported on the protest held earlier that morning. He said 30 people participated in the event and reported that another protest activity is scheduled for Oct. 10.

Pyle reported on the progress of the Highway Cleanup group. The next cleanup is scheduled for 7 a.m. Sept. 20 in Pipe Creek. She encouraged participants to bring a hat and wear long pants and gloves.

Following the cleanup, members of the group will meet at Mendoza’s Mexican Restaurant for breakfast. Jodi Sinclair reported on the group’s publicity activities.

There was no unfinished business.

Club President Anna Montague reported that the nominating committee for 2027 officers will consist of Veronica Ordas- Collazo, Robert Rios and Stephanie Ertle. The 2027 officer slate will be announced at the December 2026 meeting.

The next meeting of the Bandera County Democratic Club will be Oct. 10 at the Silver Sage Dining Hall. A potluck will begin at 11 a.m., with the meeting beginning at noon.