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February 4, 2020
Bandera County Candidates Q&A
The Bandera Prophet invited the candidates for Bandera County Commissioner Precinct 3 to participate in a Q&A. Each candidates’ response is published in alphabetical order.
The questions were as follows:
1. Why are you running for county commissioner?
2. What responsibilities does a county commissioner have?
3. What issues in your precinct do you think need to be addressed, and how do you plan to address them?
4. If you were given a $1 million grant to use for the county any way you choose, what would you do with the money and why?
5. What makes you the best candidate?
Leannes Beauxbeannes:
1. Why do I want to be a County Commissioner? An old friend said to me when she found out that I was running for office, “Leanne, I didn’t know you have a political bone in your body!” I don’t believe I do but I do have the heart of a public servant. It’s not a high paying job, and as a matter of fact I will have to take a pay cut from my current job with the county if I am elected. It’s just that I know I have something special to offer my community that has provided me with so much friendship and happiness. I am ready willing and able. I have knowledge skills and abilities that can best be utilized in as a member of the Commissioners Court. In fact, I can’t wait to get started.
2. What are the duties?
A commissioner is a part of the governing body of the County. In the case of Bandera, the county is divided into 4 precincts each with an equal number of citizens. The County Judge presides over the court and can only vote to break a tie. This is very important to remember: No Commissioner has power on their own. The Commissioners Court does not make laws. I am now studying the laws that the State of Texas has handed down saying what a Commissioner may or may not do.
In the case of Bandera County, the duties are wide and varied. The financial business of the county, the tax rate, the budget, the employee benefits and payroll must all be approved by the court. Department heads are involved in this process but their input must be approved by the court. Some hiring and appointing of special personnel as well as the paying of county bills must be considered and approved by the Commissioners Court. The Precinct 3 Commissioner manages Mansfield Park. I believe that we need to take better care of what we have and I have a vision and plans to do that with a non-profit friends’ group of volunteers. I have the experience needed to do that.
One thing that impresses me about Commissioners’ Court is that when the court meets twice every month they give time at the beginning for a public forum. Any citizen may fill out a short form in advance to participate. You would then be called on to come forward and address the court. You are listened to and notes are taken in the minutes. At that time no member of the court may make comments nor discuss your issue nor take any action that day. To have your voice heard in the safe setting of the court is a right and a privilege of living in a Democracy. I want to be a part of that. I am a good listener.
3. Issues in Pct. 3:
My Precinct is the home of the headwaters of the beautiful Medina River. Historically, the two areas up- stream from the town of Medina were known as the North Prong and the West Prong. Many tributaries come from the hills to feed these two and almost every named Creek has a road named after it. Other names of creeks and roads come from the geological descriptions that were formed by this powerful force of nature. After meandering through other neighborhoods, the Medina River leaves my precinct just below the City Park dam in Bandera. When the creeks and this river are in their banks they provide a beautiful setting for recreation and a clean water source for stock and crops. Other times the River rages and has caused great lost of lives and property. I am interested in keeping the river clean and, also in the early flood warning systems being developed along the river now. My current employment in the Emergency Management office have given me some insight into these issues and I plan to use this and inform the public about how to be warned prepared.
4. The million-dollar question
I was raised to be a conservative spender. I have definitely been a back slider in my time but I was taught: “Do with what you have”; “A penny saved is a penny earned”; “Waste not, want not”. But what would I do if a million-dollar grant were given to me to spend… I’ve decided to focus on one issue since a million doesn’t go that far.
I would survey of employees, including supervisors, to see what can be done to solve the high rate of turn-over in the area of 9-1-1 dispatchers and law enforcement and such frustration in some of our volunteer fire departments. If money can fix it, let’s spend the million dollars there.
These jobs cannot be done by computers or robots. The number of real people who are willing and able to do these life- saving jobs is limited. They are basically working short-handed with long shifts, and hours other than 8-5 M-F. They may have outdated or insufficient equipment and many are basically underpaid having to take second jobs to make ends meet. Can money help the county attract and keep the people charged with saving our lives and our property? If so, let’s spend it there…And by the way folks, thanks a million.
5. Why choose me?
I am your best choice because I am a public servant who loves this county and its people. I came here by choice and have always tried to be a good neighbor. I will continue to pitch in and help wherever and whenever I can.
Jack Moseley:
1. The question should be, why did I run for office my first term? The previous commissioner was trying to change the Bandera County Junior Livestock Show Association (show barn) building into an event center. I was against that mainly because the building belongs to the BCJLSA and does not belong to the county and other reasons After working on a 20 month economic impact study on Mansfield Park, I found that Mansfield Park generated $3.2 million dollars with only holding six events (2018-2019). It’s pretty obvious the more events that we hold the more of an impact it will have for the county.
I have been working on covering the arena, adding bathrooms and concession stands. So that it can become a multi event center. Such as:
Rodeo’s, bull ridings, ropings, barrel races, equestrian events, dog shows, gun and knife shows, concerts, etc.
For the past 10 months I have been in consultation with a firm to market and manage the whole park: arena, rec hall (for meetings, birthday, weddings etc.) and the rv park which is needed for multi-day events and camping. More rentals also benefit the BCJLSA (show barn), as people will also rent their facility.
I am also talking with them about funding thru naming rights. Example: Wrangler Arena at Mansfield Park, or Justin Boot Arena at Mansfield Park.
Another reason I am running for a second term. Since September of 2018 I have been working on a bill in Austin that affects Bandera County only. Also, a few months ago I have started working on a state-wide legislation that will keep Texas red for years to come.
But, mainly I am running again because I really enjoy meeting with a lot of really nice constituents. I enjoy trying to help them resolve issues or concerns. I like driving and checking our roads and working with the Road and Bridge Department. Precinct 3 has 112 miles of roads, 55 of which are still dirt.
There are so many little things I do as commissioner that I really enjoy.
2. Besides attending Commissioners’ Court twice a month, addressing the posted agenda. The county budget is the main and first focus of the Commissioners’ Court. Setting the budget consist of funding: personnel, offices, operating facilities and the fiscal operations of the following departments:
County Judge
County Tax Assessor – Collector
County Clerk
County Treasurer
County Attorney
County Surveyor – Engineer
County Auditor
Sheriff Department
Justice of the Peace (4)
Constable (4)
District Clerk
District Attorney
Elections Officer
Road and Bridge Department
EMS Department
Public Health and Welfare
Juvenile Probation
And other unfunded mandates passed down by the U.S. govt. and the state govt.
After all of this, we have grants for our libraries (4), Meals on Wheels and other organizations that are not mandatory to fund.
After the budget is set you pass a tax rate to pay for the budget and hopefully the voters will accept. We have not raised county taxes since I have been commissioner and several years prior.
Answering phone calls, text messages, emails and meeting with constituents one on one.
Checking county-maintained roads and working with Road and Bridge to solve problems.
Operation of the Precinct 3 garbage collection station (Medina Dump) and the operation of Mansfield Park.
3. I don’t think Precinct 3 is much different than the rest of the county. Most of our problems come from Washington D.C. and Austin in unfunded mandates and some regulations, making it difficult for commissioners to provide the public with all of the things we would like to.
In Precinct 3, I would like to tackle trash abatement, but it is very difficult to control. With personal property rights and the fact that once it gets to court most of the time nothing is done to help the problem.
There are a few dirt roads in Precinct 3 that I would like to get paved, most being in the western part of the Precinct. At this time, according to our road superintendent, there are 434 miles of county-maintained roads. 167 miles are unpaved. The cost of paving (2019) one mile of road is $81,000. Material only, labor not included, Bandera County Road and Bridge employees provide labor. Since they get paid the same no matter what duties they perform. Bandera County paves the roads ourselves, we don’t contract it out as some counties do.
4. I would use the money for a trash abatement program. I don’t know if $1 million is enough to for a comprehensive plan and institute the program. It would be a major project with a lot of different issues to take on.
5. Most of my adult career I have been in private sector business management, 13 years in county government on the employee side (Road and Bridge Department) and 3 years as your County Commissioner. Which makes me uniquely qualified to be commissioner. I am very good at planning and organizing people and projects.
Precinct 3 is basically two different communities Bandera and Medina both very different. Growing up in both communities, I know and have known many people, their kids and grandkids.
My primary qualification is, I have extensive experience with the Precinct 3 road issues. My experience and knowledge of county-maintained roads qualifies me to consult with our superintendent when a constituent has an issue. You can only do so much with the funds and limited employees we have available.
If you look at my accomplishments:
Phone: 830-522-1500
Email: [email protected]
Please include your phone number. I will return your call and/or set up an appointment.
The questions were as follows:
1. Why are you running for county commissioner?
2. What responsibilities does a county commissioner have?
3. What issues in your precinct do you think need to be addressed, and how do you plan to address them?
4. If you were given a $1 million grant to use for the county any way you choose, what would you do with the money and why?
5. What makes you the best candidate?
Leannes Beauxbeannes:
1. Why do I want to be a County Commissioner? An old friend said to me when she found out that I was running for office, “Leanne, I didn’t know you have a political bone in your body!” I don’t believe I do but I do have the heart of a public servant. It’s not a high paying job, and as a matter of fact I will have to take a pay cut from my current job with the county if I am elected. It’s just that I know I have something special to offer my community that has provided me with so much friendship and happiness. I am ready willing and able. I have knowledge skills and abilities that can best be utilized in as a member of the Commissioners Court. In fact, I can’t wait to get started.
2. What are the duties?
A commissioner is a part of the governing body of the County. In the case of Bandera, the county is divided into 4 precincts each with an equal number of citizens. The County Judge presides over the court and can only vote to break a tie. This is very important to remember: No Commissioner has power on their own. The Commissioners Court does not make laws. I am now studying the laws that the State of Texas has handed down saying what a Commissioner may or may not do.
In the case of Bandera County, the duties are wide and varied. The financial business of the county, the tax rate, the budget, the employee benefits and payroll must all be approved by the court. Department heads are involved in this process but their input must be approved by the court. Some hiring and appointing of special personnel as well as the paying of county bills must be considered and approved by the Commissioners Court. The Precinct 3 Commissioner manages Mansfield Park. I believe that we need to take better care of what we have and I have a vision and plans to do that with a non-profit friends’ group of volunteers. I have the experience needed to do that.
One thing that impresses me about Commissioners’ Court is that when the court meets twice every month they give time at the beginning for a public forum. Any citizen may fill out a short form in advance to participate. You would then be called on to come forward and address the court. You are listened to and notes are taken in the minutes. At that time no member of the court may make comments nor discuss your issue nor take any action that day. To have your voice heard in the safe setting of the court is a right and a privilege of living in a Democracy. I want to be a part of that. I am a good listener.
3. Issues in Pct. 3:
My Precinct is the home of the headwaters of the beautiful Medina River. Historically, the two areas up- stream from the town of Medina were known as the North Prong and the West Prong. Many tributaries come from the hills to feed these two and almost every named Creek has a road named after it. Other names of creeks and roads come from the geological descriptions that were formed by this powerful force of nature. After meandering through other neighborhoods, the Medina River leaves my precinct just below the City Park dam in Bandera. When the creeks and this river are in their banks they provide a beautiful setting for recreation and a clean water source for stock and crops. Other times the River rages and has caused great lost of lives and property. I am interested in keeping the river clean and, also in the early flood warning systems being developed along the river now. My current employment in the Emergency Management office have given me some insight into these issues and I plan to use this and inform the public about how to be warned prepared.
4. The million-dollar question
I was raised to be a conservative spender. I have definitely been a back slider in my time but I was taught: “Do with what you have”; “A penny saved is a penny earned”; “Waste not, want not”. But what would I do if a million-dollar grant were given to me to spend… I’ve decided to focus on one issue since a million doesn’t go that far.
I would survey of employees, including supervisors, to see what can be done to solve the high rate of turn-over in the area of 9-1-1 dispatchers and law enforcement and such frustration in some of our volunteer fire departments. If money can fix it, let’s spend the million dollars there.
These jobs cannot be done by computers or robots. The number of real people who are willing and able to do these life- saving jobs is limited. They are basically working short-handed with long shifts, and hours other than 8-5 M-F. They may have outdated or insufficient equipment and many are basically underpaid having to take second jobs to make ends meet. Can money help the county attract and keep the people charged with saving our lives and our property? If so, let’s spend it there…And by the way folks, thanks a million.
5. Why choose me?
I am your best choice because I am a public servant who loves this county and its people. I came here by choice and have always tried to be a good neighbor. I will continue to pitch in and help wherever and whenever I can.
Jack Moseley:
1. The question should be, why did I run for office my first term? The previous commissioner was trying to change the Bandera County Junior Livestock Show Association (show barn) building into an event center. I was against that mainly because the building belongs to the BCJLSA and does not belong to the county and other reasons After working on a 20 month economic impact study on Mansfield Park, I found that Mansfield Park generated $3.2 million dollars with only holding six events (2018-2019). It’s pretty obvious the more events that we hold the more of an impact it will have for the county.
I have been working on covering the arena, adding bathrooms and concession stands. So that it can become a multi event center. Such as:
Rodeo’s, bull ridings, ropings, barrel races, equestrian events, dog shows, gun and knife shows, concerts, etc.
For the past 10 months I have been in consultation with a firm to market and manage the whole park: arena, rec hall (for meetings, birthday, weddings etc.) and the rv park which is needed for multi-day events and camping. More rentals also benefit the BCJLSA (show barn), as people will also rent their facility.
I am also talking with them about funding thru naming rights. Example: Wrangler Arena at Mansfield Park, or Justin Boot Arena at Mansfield Park.
Another reason I am running for a second term. Since September of 2018 I have been working on a bill in Austin that affects Bandera County only. Also, a few months ago I have started working on a state-wide legislation that will keep Texas red for years to come.
But, mainly I am running again because I really enjoy meeting with a lot of really nice constituents. I enjoy trying to help them resolve issues or concerns. I like driving and checking our roads and working with the Road and Bridge Department. Precinct 3 has 112 miles of roads, 55 of which are still dirt.
There are so many little things I do as commissioner that I really enjoy.
2. Besides attending Commissioners’ Court twice a month, addressing the posted agenda. The county budget is the main and first focus of the Commissioners’ Court. Setting the budget consist of funding: personnel, offices, operating facilities and the fiscal operations of the following departments:
County Judge
County Tax Assessor – Collector
County Clerk
County Treasurer
County Attorney
County Surveyor – Engineer
County Auditor
Sheriff Department
Justice of the Peace (4)
Constable (4)
District Clerk
District Attorney
Elections Officer
Road and Bridge Department
EMS Department
Public Health and Welfare
Juvenile Probation
And other unfunded mandates passed down by the U.S. govt. and the state govt.
After all of this, we have grants for our libraries (4), Meals on Wheels and other organizations that are not mandatory to fund.
After the budget is set you pass a tax rate to pay for the budget and hopefully the voters will accept. We have not raised county taxes since I have been commissioner and several years prior.
Answering phone calls, text messages, emails and meeting with constituents one on one.
Checking county-maintained roads and working with Road and Bridge to solve problems.
Operation of the Precinct 3 garbage collection station (Medina Dump) and the operation of Mansfield Park.
3. I don’t think Precinct 3 is much different than the rest of the county. Most of our problems come from Washington D.C. and Austin in unfunded mandates and some regulations, making it difficult for commissioners to provide the public with all of the things we would like to.
In Precinct 3, I would like to tackle trash abatement, but it is very difficult to control. With personal property rights and the fact that once it gets to court most of the time nothing is done to help the problem.
There are a few dirt roads in Precinct 3 that I would like to get paved, most being in the western part of the Precinct. At this time, according to our road superintendent, there are 434 miles of county-maintained roads. 167 miles are unpaved. The cost of paving (2019) one mile of road is $81,000. Material only, labor not included, Bandera County Road and Bridge employees provide labor. Since they get paid the same no matter what duties they perform. Bandera County paves the roads ourselves, we don’t contract it out as some counties do.
4. I would use the money for a trash abatement program. I don’t know if $1 million is enough to for a comprehensive plan and institute the program. It would be a major project with a lot of different issues to take on.
5. Most of my adult career I have been in private sector business management, 13 years in county government on the employee side (Road and Bridge Department) and 3 years as your County Commissioner. Which makes me uniquely qualified to be commissioner. I am very good at planning and organizing people and projects.
Precinct 3 is basically two different communities Bandera and Medina both very different. Growing up in both communities, I know and have known many people, their kids and grandkids.
My primary qualification is, I have extensive experience with the Precinct 3 road issues. My experience and knowledge of county-maintained roads qualifies me to consult with our superintendent when a constituent has an issue. You can only do so much with the funds and limited employees we have available.
If you look at my accomplishments:
- Obtained an $18,000 grant for an cconomic impact study on Mansfield Park. Showing a $3.2million dollar impact to the county with only 6 events.
- Led the effort to change the County Subdivision Rules and Regulations. To make it possible for COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ONLY to allow well and septic permits on less than 5 acres. Example: the new D’Spain Sales and Service facility.
- Led the effort to convert Road and Bridge water truck to make them compatible with all of our VFD trucks. To facilitate delivery of water in emergencies.
- Chaired a committee to set a criteria for the Champion Cowboy monument on the courthouse lawn.
- I am liaison to the Bandera County Historical commission. In the past year we have restructured operations and are we working on new bylaws.
- Organized a group of volunteers to decorate the courthouse lawn Christmas decorations.
Phone: 830-522-1500
Email: [email protected]
Please include your phone number. I will return your call and/or set up an appointment.