Cindy Coffey
- What distinguishes you from the other candidates in this race?
What sets me apart is my belief that leadership is not measured by promises, but by whether residents can see and feel the results. As mayor, I would listen to people across our community, set clear priorities, and be honest about what the city can accomplish—and what it will take to get there.
One priority is the condition of our streets and roads. We need a long-term plan to maintain and improve them, rather than waiting for problems to become emergencies. That work should begin with a comprehensive map of the city’s infrastructure: pipes, cleanouts, and other underground structures that could cause problems in the future—or may already be contributing to issues residents face today. Better information will help the city plan repairs, set priorities, and use public funds wisely.
We should also look for ways to strengthen the local economy and increase city revenue. Tourism, community events, and shopping locally can bring more people into our city and support the businesses that make it special. Our businesses deserve an environment where they can grow and succeed, not one where owners are constantly worried about meeting monthly expenses. Supporting local businesses benefits workers, families, and the community.
Our residents also need to know whether their concerns will be addressed. I would work toward developing a family resource center to help people facing a temporary financial setback in life that can happen to anyone. A little timely assistance, along with connections to useful services, can help a family get back on its feet with dignity.
City government should be practical, responsive, and accountable. I will be available to hear from residents in every part of the city, explain decisions clearly, and report honestly on progress. No mayor can solve every challenge alone; the job requires collaborating with residents, city council, city employees, businesses, community organizations, and other local leaders—even when people disagree.
I respect the other candidates and the perspectives they bring. What I offer is a steady, inclusive approach: listen, plan for the long term, make decisions in the public interest, and follow through. My goal is to be a city where infrastructure is thoughtfully managed, local businesses thrive, families can find support when they need it, and residents can trust that their concerns matter.
- What experience or expertise do you bring to the position, and why should voters trust you to serve?
I bring a practical, community-focused approach to the mayor’s position. I understand that being mayor means more than setting a vision: it means listening to residents, asking informed questions, setting priorities, managing public resources responsibly, and following through.
The issues I have identified, streets and roads, aging underground infrastructure, support for local businesses, tourism, community events, and offering assistance for working families facing a temporary hardship—require careful planning and cooperation. I would work with city staff and residents to develop a clear infrastructure map and long-term maintenance plan, explore ways to strengthen local revenue, and pursue a family resource center that connects people with timely support.
Voters should trust me to serve because I will take their concerns seriously, communicate openly, and be accountable for the decisions I make with a supportive council and staff. I will not pretend every problem has an easy or immediate solution. I will work to understand the facts, explain the choices, and keep moving toward practical results for the whole community.
As a business owner, property developer, and active community supporter, I bring practical experience and a strong commitment to the people and future of Bandera. Through professional conferences, prior council service, and real-life experience, I have developed knowledge in fiscal accountability, responsible growth, economic development, event coordination, homelessness programs, community engagement, and wastewater treatment plant oversight.
That combination of business leadership and community involvement has shaped how I approach the challenges facing our city: listening to the people affected, understanding the facts, planning carefully, and using public resources responsibly. Strong city leadership means looking beyond immediate needs to make decisions that serve Bandera over the long term.
One priority is a sustainable plan for maintaining our streets and roads—one guided by infrastructure needs rather than shifting political interests. That includes developing a comprehensive map of city pipes, cleanouts, and other underground structures so we can identify existing problems, anticipate future ones, and make informed repair and maintenance decisions for our roads, underground infrastructure, and current water treatment plant.
I want to help strengthen Bandera’s economy and city revenue by supporting tourism, events, and local shopping. Our businesses should have a real opportunity to grow, attract customers, and contribute to a healthy local economy. And because temporary financial hardships can happen to anyone, I will work to develop a family resource center that connects residents with assistance and useful services when they need a hand getting back on their feet.
Voters should trust me to serve because I bring relevant experience, a commitment to listening, and a practical approach to planning and problem-solving. I will collaborate with residents, city staff, city council, businesses, nonprofits, local organizations, and the county by communicating openly, and remain accountable for my decisions. My goal is to lead Bandera thoughtfully, responsibly, and with the well-being of the whole community in mind.
- What is your position on the use of Flock cameras in Bandera?
Public safety matters, and so does the public’s trust. I believe Bandera residents deserve clear information and a meaningful opportunity to weigh in before the city adopts technology that collects or shares information about people’s movements.
As I understand the proposal, the license-plate cameras and the additional Flock cameras were separate parts of the project. Concerns raised by the public about who could access information collected by the cameras, how it might be shared, and how long it would be kept. Residents were also concerned about privacy and the possibility of data collected by Flock Cameras accessed or used in ways they did not expect.
In my view, a project with these implications should begin with multiple town hall meetings—not a rushed decision. I understand that council members requested public meetings, but none were scheduled by the city staff before the council voted against the additional cameras. I also understand that Mayor Griffith authorized the camera installation to be installed 3 days after the council voted “NO”. Raising concerns about public input, council decision-making, and accountability. The reported $17,001.00 obligation to the flock company should be verified through city records and explained publicly prior to payment. Additionally, the money needs to be cut from the current budget where necessary.
I do not support invasive surveillance without strict safeguards. Unfettered access should be limited to designated local law-enforcement officials for legitimate purposes; data should not be retained longer than necessary; and the city should require clear rules, regular audits, and public reporting. Residents and council members need reliable information about the technology, its costs, its capabilities, and its risks.
Before considering such a system again, I would support thorough public education and multiple town hall meetings. If the community is asked to approve installation, I believe that decision should require a supermajority vote on the next ballot of the people. The community should have the final say on whether this technology belongs in Bandera.
4. What do you consider the most pressing issue facing Bandera, and what would you do to address it?
I consider Bandera’s aging infrastructure, especially our streets, roads, underground utilities, and wastewater treatment plant—the most pressing issues facing the city. These systems affect residents every day, and postponing maintenance can turn manageable repairs into larger, more expensive problems.
I would begin with a thorough assessment of the city’s infrastructure and develop a comprehensive map of pipes, cleanouts, and other underground structures. We need to understand what we have, where problems already exist, and which areas are most at risk. That information should guide a long-term, sustainable maintenance and repair plan, including the needs of the wastewater treatment plant development.
The plan should set clear priorities based on safety, condition, urgency, and available funding—not changing political interests. I would work with city council, city staff and qualified experts to estimate costs, identify responsible funding options, and conduct improvements in manageable phases. Residents should be informed about priorities, expenses, timelines, and progress.
Since I am self-employed, I tend to be more available for conferences and state workshops than my councils as most have employment obligations. This results in less missed opportunities, full information
provided to senior staff and fellow council members including copies of all attendance packet information and providing discussion options for future opportunities available for our city.
As a former council member, a business owner with a flexible schedule, and property developer, I understand the importance of planning ahead and being accountable for how city resources are allocated. Bandera needs a practical, consistent approach to infrastructure—one that addresses today’s problems while protecting the city’s future. As in the past I was always ready to serve on every committee necessary to protect the interests of my city and residents, including all voices affiliated with local community and businesses with an open door and open heart. Let us do this together!
Denise Griffin
- What distinguishes you from the other candidates in this race?
I currently hold the Mayoral seat and also was from 2002-2008. So I have almost 8 years of experience with this position for the City of Bandera. I also served for more than 10 years on the Bandera city council so I see both sides of how these positions work. I feel well equipped to help lead our small town into the future with controlled growth while also preserving our small town vibe.
What experience or expertise do you bring to the position, and why should voters trust you to serve?
Years of dedication to this city and being a member of this community for 40 years now. I feel that my experiences here have helped me to learn what Bandera needs and wants to make us all prosperous and happy. I have taken many courses within the TML system for small cities and also financial courses for small cities in Texas.
- What is your position on the use of Flock cameras in Bandera?
Contrary to what some people think, I did not vote to get Flock cameras installed and I am not for or against them. If they are around or not around, it really does not bother me one way or the other. I have never pushed for or against them. I simply try to follow the laws and regulations on contracts that the City Council voted on and approved. By paying a bill that was legally due, this does not make me for LPRs, it makes me financially responsible. Cancelling a contract that ultimately cost the city $14,000 in unpaid grant money was not my decision either. - What do you consider the most pressing issue facing Bandera, and what would you do to address it?
I feel that the waste water treatment plant is first and foremost at the top of things to get accomplished. We must get this done to stay in compliance with TCEQ. Secondly our streets and infrastructure must be upgraded and repaired.
Timothy Galarnyk.
1. What distinguishes you from the other candidates in this race?
My entire career has been in infrastructure and problem management. I have considerable education, training, and over 50 years of experience dealing with people, problems, and providing solutions. I know how to plan, fund, and complete projects efficiently and practically. I am not a politician who says many words and promises many things and then fails to deliver. I am a "straight shooter" who will do what I say and say what I will do. This City has many needs and has not delivered much to the residents of Bandera. Bandera residents must come first and the Mayor must bring the Council together for the best interests of Bandera.
2. What experience or expertise do you bring to the position, and why should voters trust you to serve?
My career resume is attached. I am proud of my experience and qualifications in infrastructure and public works. I know how to communicate with county, state and federal officials to better serve the citizens of Bandera. I have actually prepared plans for infrastructure repairs, renovations, and replacements. I know how to implement changes and perform street work. I have managed up to 1,300 people regarding safety and employment issues, and overseen dozens of construction projects simultaneously, with values up to $50 million.
Editor’s Note: According to his attached résumé, Tim Galarnyk has nearly 50 years of experience in construction, infrastructure and risk management. He founded Construction Risk Management Inc. in 1996 and previously served as a corporate risk manager, human resources director and general manager of railroad construction operations. His experience includes roads, bridges, dams and railroad infrastructure, as well as construction project management, workplace safety and regulatory compliance. He has overseen projects in the United States and internationally, inspected more than 700 railroad bridges in Estonia, and hosted the History Channel series “Inspector America.” Galarnyk holds a bachelor’s degree in safety from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and an associate degree in emergency medical sciences from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
3. What is your position on the use of Flock cameras in Bandera?
There is no real good answer to this question. While applying technology to assist law enforcement in keeping people safe is important, respecting the privacy and sensitivity of the people is critical. Flock is a single company intending to profit from the installation and operation of its cameras. Was this a good idea given how it was handled? NOT AT ALL. Hopefully, Flock is history. It is important to explore alternative systems to see what benefits the community while still protecting our people's privacy.
4. What do you consider the most pressing issue facing Bandera, and what would you do to address it?
The current condition of our infrastructure - the water, sewer, and roads as well as the future of our wastewater treatment—is by far the most expensive issue facing our city. Many homes need repairs and many people cannot afford to complete them. We need to attend to the needs of our residents, not only listen to them, but also get things completed in the best interests of the entire City. I intend to determine the priorities of our current condition and establish the correct way to repair, renovate, or replace our streets so we avoid a band-aid approach. When we do something, it must be durable and last as long as possible. We need to examine the wastewater treatment plant's current status and determine what is really needed to provide an efficient, technologically effective solution to our current problem. If I am elected Mayor, I will seek an appropriate level of funding and then get things moving toward a better Bandera. I have a successful track record of a no-nonsense and wide open approach to solving problems. The residents of Bandera deserve a much better City. I intend to deliver this to everyone.
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