Tucker addresses Republican Women

The Bandera Bulletin General Manager/Managing Editor Daniel Tucker spoke to the Bandera County Republican Women at their monthly meeting. Tucker briefed the club on the fundamentals of the newspaper business and the specific guidelines from parent company Granite Media Partners. He emphasized that the newspaper was interested in being more involved in community events. Tucker is a seasoned journalist in both print and electronic media.

Tucker was asked to explain his views on media bias. He emphasized that it is important to gather information from a variety of different sources in order to get a well-rounded picture of the events of the day. Tucker remarked that the evolution into a 24- hour news cycle had greatly impacted the media coverage of events. Maintaining fair coverage and honesty were hallmarks of what Tucker saw as his job at the newspaper.

The PAC Financial Report was approved and the minutes from the December meeting were deferred for approval until the February meeting. Janeen Irrgang gave a report on the progress of the scholarship committee. The Club will be able to give 2 one-thousand-dollar scholarships to Bandera County seniors in May. The essay topic has been selected and the applications will be distributed to county high schools in late January or early February.

President Dede Skoglung reported that a space for the Republican Headquarters had been secured and that the site would be open beginning February 4. The Republican Women and the Bandera County Republicans would be sharing the responsibility for manning the office.

Melanie Burns, Membership Chair, said that applications were available to join the club and that a sheet was ready for members to sign up for times to work the February 12 Bake Sale in front of Boyle’s Hardware. Burns also requested that members tally their volunteer hours in preparation for turning them over to the club. President Skoglund reported that the club officers would be attending a Leadership Conference in San Marcos.

First Vice President Laura Briscoe spoke about two upcoming events in Bandera. She reported that noted conservative humorist and speaker Chad Prather would be appearing at the 11st Street Bar on February 16. Christin Bentley, president of the Texas Freedom Coalition, will also be speaking in Bandera on February 17.

Campaign Activities and Correspondence Chair, Brandi Conover, recommended the Club join the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce. She said that the $75 yearly membership fee would be more than made up with the public relations opportunities from membership. The club approved the expenditure of funds to join the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce.

Skoglund reminded the club that several more committees needed chairs. There are Refreshments, Bylaws, and Audits. Susan Junker volunteered to head the Bylaws committee.

Two candidates for election spoke to the group. BHS graduate Dana Zavorka spoke about her reasons for running for the U.S. 21st Congressional District. She explained that she was running on a strong Second Amendment stance and against federal vaccine mandates. Pete Flores from Pleasanton spoke about his run for the District 24 seat vacated by Dr. Dawn Buckingham. Flores is a former Texas Game Warden.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 PM. The next meeting of the BCRW will be on Thursday, February 3.