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February 20, 2024
Candidates Q&A - Bandera County Commissioner Pct. 1
The Bandera Prophet invited the candidates for Bandera County Commissioner Pct. 1 to participate in a Q&A. Each candidate's response is published in alphabetical order by their last name.
The questions and answers are as follows:
1. Why are you running for Bandera County Commissioner?
Michael Devine: I am a native Texan who is fully invested in preserving traditional values of this country and wholeheartedly believe that serving in the community where I live is the first line of defense. I have faith in the constitution and subscribe to the warrior ethos set forth by our founding fathers. Both my grandfathers retired from the Army. One from the seventh Calvary. Both my sons served their country as Marines and my Grandson currently serves in the Active duty Navy. I know how to lead. I am a team player. And I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. As a successful advocate and negotiator, I am fully confident that I have the experience and skillsets required to preserve our community.
Troy W. Konvicka: I am running for County Commissioner Pct. 1 to be part of and involved in how the county is run and support the residents of the County. I feel there isn’t enough communication in Precinct 1 with the commissioner and the voters. I want to be the voice for my precinct in Court and support them and keep them informed of what is going on in the County. I feel I can bring ideals and represent the residents in decision and changes that directly impact them and their family. I love this County and want to be part of what makes it a great place to raise a family.
2. What would you like to see changed for the county, and how do you plan to implement those changes?
Devine: More accountability for the funds being appropriated for the county and transparent disclosure for how funds are used. If elected, I would establish effective avenues of communication that address issues with full disclosure. If necessary, I would set up periodic meetings for my constituents. I would request that they provide (in writing) their concerns. I would then prioritize those responses and begin to implement plans to fix it.
Konvicka: The communication and involvement with the commissioner and the residents. They elect the commissioner, and he works for them. I would like to have regular meetings not just to be available by phone or email, but in person in a group setting where everyone can discuss issues and have their views heard.
3. What do you believe is working well for the county, and how do you plan to preserve that?
Devine: The fact that growth is welcomed and conservative family values are at the forefront of daily life. People feel safe and it’s a small community. A grassroots effort to get constituents involved in the political processes of the community by helping them understand that this quality of life comes with hard work.
Konvicka: The team effect of the commissioners working together to best support the entire County and not just their Precinct. I want to be part of a group and team that looks out for the best interest for Bandera County and all its residents.
4. What are your biggest concerns for Precinct 1?
Devine: Most notable concerns are: infrastructure, budget, water usage, support for law enforcement, platting for properties, funding for services, emergency response times, rapid growth and development, traffic and roads, efficient communications from elected officials.
I have had many years to watch various communities grow and change. Bandera county is rapidly growing. With this rapid development, will come several attempts to erode the very foundation of this County. If there is not a seismic shift in the way this community is developing, my fear is that we will lose everything on which it was established. I am not a native of this county but I am a Native of the great state of Texas. I was born and raised here. I, if elected, have the upmost confidence that I can, on behalf of the constituents, accommodate growth and development while preserving historic community integrity.
Konvicka: The lack of employees or assets to properly support the county residents from the Sheriff’s Department to Road and Bridge, with a lot to do with low pay and lack of support or updated equipment. Communication and follow through with decisions made and why and how it will benefit the County to be safer and bring revenue to maintain and grow.
5. What makes you the best candidate for Bandera County Commissioner Pct. 1?
Devine: I have a strong financial background to include attaining a Securities and Exchange Commission License Series 7 and 63 while working in the financial industry. I was chairman of 100 million dollar Pension and 401K plan. I also served five years on the Council of Industrial Relations in Washington DC. Most notable, I was sole proprietor of a very successful management and amusement ride installation company which built roller coasters throughout the world. I currently serve the community by operating and managing the Pipe Creek Compactor and Recycling Station for Bandera County. Within months of taking over, I renovated the site and completely realigned daily operating procedures which averted monetary losses for the county and allowed rates to remain the same for county residents. With your support, I will take that same work ethic to commissioners court.
Konvicka: I have 22 years of military experience working with large groups and departments to accomplish a mission from small to large in scale. Where I worked with both U.S. and Foreign groups to accomplish Goals and build a better future. I can work with people and develop and execute plans, boards, and committees to address issues. I was an Operation Director for a large facility working with local and state governments to maintain compliance and regulations. I am from here with family here, so I have a vested interest in making Bandera a place you want to raise a family.
~ Early voting for the March 5 election begins Tuesday, Feb. 20 and continues through Friday, March 1.
Early voting locations are at the:
Ray Mauer Courthouse Annex, 403 12th Street, Bandera: Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 24: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 25, 1 - 7 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Feb. 26 to March 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lakehills Area Library, 7200 FM 1283, Lakehills: Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Feb. 26 to March 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Medina Annex, 161 E. Parker Street, Medina: Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Feb. 26 to March 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Election Day by precinct is Tuesday, March 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please see more election information at https://www.banderacounty.org/page/elections.current.elections
The questions and answers are as follows:
1. Why are you running for Bandera County Commissioner?
Michael Devine: I am a native Texan who is fully invested in preserving traditional values of this country and wholeheartedly believe that serving in the community where I live is the first line of defense. I have faith in the constitution and subscribe to the warrior ethos set forth by our founding fathers. Both my grandfathers retired from the Army. One from the seventh Calvary. Both my sons served their country as Marines and my Grandson currently serves in the Active duty Navy. I know how to lead. I am a team player. And I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. As a successful advocate and negotiator, I am fully confident that I have the experience and skillsets required to preserve our community.
Troy W. Konvicka: I am running for County Commissioner Pct. 1 to be part of and involved in how the county is run and support the residents of the County. I feel there isn’t enough communication in Precinct 1 with the commissioner and the voters. I want to be the voice for my precinct in Court and support them and keep them informed of what is going on in the County. I feel I can bring ideals and represent the residents in decision and changes that directly impact them and their family. I love this County and want to be part of what makes it a great place to raise a family.
2. What would you like to see changed for the county, and how do you plan to implement those changes?
Devine: More accountability for the funds being appropriated for the county and transparent disclosure for how funds are used. If elected, I would establish effective avenues of communication that address issues with full disclosure. If necessary, I would set up periodic meetings for my constituents. I would request that they provide (in writing) their concerns. I would then prioritize those responses and begin to implement plans to fix it.
Konvicka: The communication and involvement with the commissioner and the residents. They elect the commissioner, and he works for them. I would like to have regular meetings not just to be available by phone or email, but in person in a group setting where everyone can discuss issues and have their views heard.
3. What do you believe is working well for the county, and how do you plan to preserve that?
Devine: The fact that growth is welcomed and conservative family values are at the forefront of daily life. People feel safe and it’s a small community. A grassroots effort to get constituents involved in the political processes of the community by helping them understand that this quality of life comes with hard work.
Konvicka: The team effect of the commissioners working together to best support the entire County and not just their Precinct. I want to be part of a group and team that looks out for the best interest for Bandera County and all its residents.
4. What are your biggest concerns for Precinct 1?
Devine: Most notable concerns are: infrastructure, budget, water usage, support for law enforcement, platting for properties, funding for services, emergency response times, rapid growth and development, traffic and roads, efficient communications from elected officials.
I have had many years to watch various communities grow and change. Bandera county is rapidly growing. With this rapid development, will come several attempts to erode the very foundation of this County. If there is not a seismic shift in the way this community is developing, my fear is that we will lose everything on which it was established. I am not a native of this county but I am a Native of the great state of Texas. I was born and raised here. I, if elected, have the upmost confidence that I can, on behalf of the constituents, accommodate growth and development while preserving historic community integrity.
Konvicka: The lack of employees or assets to properly support the county residents from the Sheriff’s Department to Road and Bridge, with a lot to do with low pay and lack of support or updated equipment. Communication and follow through with decisions made and why and how it will benefit the County to be safer and bring revenue to maintain and grow.
5. What makes you the best candidate for Bandera County Commissioner Pct. 1?
Devine: I have a strong financial background to include attaining a Securities and Exchange Commission License Series 7 and 63 while working in the financial industry. I was chairman of 100 million dollar Pension and 401K plan. I also served five years on the Council of Industrial Relations in Washington DC. Most notable, I was sole proprietor of a very successful management and amusement ride installation company which built roller coasters throughout the world. I currently serve the community by operating and managing the Pipe Creek Compactor and Recycling Station for Bandera County. Within months of taking over, I renovated the site and completely realigned daily operating procedures which averted monetary losses for the county and allowed rates to remain the same for county residents. With your support, I will take that same work ethic to commissioners court.
Konvicka: I have 22 years of military experience working with large groups and departments to accomplish a mission from small to large in scale. Where I worked with both U.S. and Foreign groups to accomplish Goals and build a better future. I can work with people and develop and execute plans, boards, and committees to address issues. I was an Operation Director for a large facility working with local and state governments to maintain compliance and regulations. I am from here with family here, so I have a vested interest in making Bandera a place you want to raise a family.
~ Early voting for the March 5 election begins Tuesday, Feb. 20 and continues through Friday, March 1.
Early voting locations are at the:
Ray Mauer Courthouse Annex, 403 12th Street, Bandera: Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 24: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 25, 1 - 7 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Feb. 26 to March 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lakehills Area Library, 7200 FM 1283, Lakehills: Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Feb. 26 to March 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Medina Annex, 161 E. Parker Street, Medina: Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Feb. 26 to March 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Election Day by precinct is Tuesday, March 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please see more election information at https://www.banderacounty.org/page/elections.current.elections