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October 21, 2024
Candidates Q&A - Bandera City Council
The Bandera Prophet invited the candidates for Bandera City Council to participate in a Q&A. Each candidate's response is published in alphabetical order by their last name.
The questions and answers were as follows:
1. What in your background qualifies you to serve as a member of Bandera City Council?
Jen Endresen: In my opinion, the city council should be representative of the residents. I feel strongly my background in various roles has well equipped me to listen to understand the needs of Bandera and to take action representing their preferences. In addition to serving as an advisor on the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce, secretary on a 501(c)3 board, I have served on several nonprofit boards and been a leader in scouting and sports programs. I’ve also been a leader in healthcare and healthcare IT organizations. Although I’m currently a small business owner and resident of Bandera, I’m also a nursing professor at Schreiner University. I’m a mom of four amazing children and am invested in the future of this town, while preserving the history.
Being married for 36 years has taught me compromise. Sometimes the fight is not worth the gain and there can be a mutual benefit with compromise and understanding of both positions with clear understanding and expectation of what is important to both sides.
Josie Evans: For 13 years, I’ve served as an executive for a nationally recognized online and destination business. My strengths include forming teams to execute tasks, asking the right questions and pushing for answers, providing solutions, and creating systems and workflows. Additionally, I’ve served on numerous city and county boards/committees, leading to connections throughout the Hill Country and the great state of Texas, for a “bigger picture” understanding, and a web of support for the community. I’ve taken action to preserve the historic elements and nostalgic feel of Bandera, and will work with the city to plan for responsible economic growth true to the Banderaen spirit. I invite citizens to learn more about my background qualifications and schedule a meeting at josieforbandera.com
Jeff Flowers: I have served as a councilman for Bandera for the past two years, during which time I’ve been committed to preserving our community’s values while addressing important modern challenges. As a conservative and Christian with deep roots in Bandera—my family has been part of this community for more than 35 years—I understand the unique needs of our city. My experience on the council has given me valuable insight into how to update outdated policies and ordinances, improve city infrastructure, and ensure responsible growth that benefits all residents.
Lynn Palmer: My experience and knowledge of the local city government process best qualifies me to continue my service representing the residents of the City of Bandera. My family has resided in the city of Bandera since 1990, my children and grandchildren graduated from Bandera High School. I served three terms from 2001 until 2007, appointed to the position in 2018 and elected in 2022. A small family business owner of Custom Glass and Mirror for 25 years, I am committed to being transparent with City Council decisions and preserving Bandera's history, values and quality of life. I am involved with various community organizations: Bandera Business Association, Bandera County Historical Commission, and the Bandera Economic Development Committee, which allows me to speak to business owners and hear their concerns.
2. What do you feel are the most pressing issues facing the city, and how do you hope/plan to address them?
Endresen: Growth is coming. Managing this growth is imperative. Most of our small businesses rely on tourism. Attracting tourism, while protecting our residents is crucial. I encourage our businesses to foster partnerships in this aspect. If we work together we can manage the imminent growth headed our way and thrive.
Evans: The most pressing issues for Bandera City Council are lack of funding and infrastructure - primarily the need for a new waste management facility. There have been talks about using “eminent domain” for this solution, which I will oppose. Council also has an upcoming TxDOT project on Main Street which could fundamentally change its look and parking spaces; I will work to preserve historic town elements and add beautification where possible. We really need road and park repairs and updates, let’s get that moving! I will support efforts to collect grants and outside funding opportunities as part of this solution. On Oct. 19, I will be attending the Rural Round Up Event to learn more about grant opportunities - “How to Win Big: Regional, State, and Federal Funds.”
Flowers: The most pressing issues for Bandera include the development of a new wastewater treatment plant, water conservation due to persistent drought conditions, and improving mobility and infrastructure. I plan to continue advocating for the wastewater treatment project to meet our environmental and growth needs. Addressing water conservation will require collaborative efforts to implement sustainable practices that preserve our water supply. Furthermore, improving mobility and infrastructure is essential for the safety and efficiency of our community. I will work closely with city officials and residents to ensure we make responsible, balanced decisions that address these concerns while preserving our quality of life.
Palmer: The city of Bandera has many pressing issues, the priority is relocating the wastewater treatment site. This is vital for the health, safety and economic growth in the city. The Council is making progress and moving forward with this enormous project, we have identified several properties that will be suitable for the relocation, and are in the process of contacting the property owners. We also have a financial commitment from the Texas Water Development Board for acquisition and design in the amount of $4.4 million, a grant free money for $1.4 million and $3 million interest free loan, to be paid off in 25 years through our Water and Sewer Fund. This will be an agenda item for action in our first meeting in December 2024.
3. What do you feel are the strengths at Bandera City Hall, and how do you hope/plan to support that success? Likewise, do you feel there are any weaknesses, and if so, how to you hope/plan to improve them?
Endresen: The greatest strength of a leader is knowing the needs and values of the people they serve. This includes residents, business and surrounding communities. Being a servant of the people is understanding needs and challenges of those they serve. City council members are a voice of the people they represent. Our strengths are in our diversity, representing the people that reside in Bandera. I plan to continue to support the initiatives that keep our community safe, clean and successful. Our current weaknesses being shared to me by our residents include some of the people currently in elected positions on city council. What we’ve seen over the last few years is some those elected officials driving their own personal agendas and not representing the residents. It scares me how they’ve been operating and working behind the scenes without transparency. If elected, I’d like to be a voice of reason and bring the council back to listening, understanding, and representing the needs of our residents.
Evans: I believe Deb Breen and Nancy De Foster are star performers truly elevating City Hall. Deb Breen has an eye for detail, follows through, and seeks the truth. Nancy De Foster completed a massive reorganization for the Marshal’s Office, created all policy and procedures for her department, and continues to bring solutions to the table. I plan to support them both however I can.
Weaknesses I’ve noticed are: Simple fixes aren’t being implemented. I’ve emailed and verbally reported to the city since June of 2024 that they have two live websites: banderatx.gov (current correct one) and cityofbandera.com (legacy outdated one). Citizens could still be referring to the legacy site for ordinances, contacts and info that are outdated. I’d like to get this fixed. As a citizen, I recently motivated the City Council to get Public Works to install walkways so that people with mobility limitations could still enjoy the park when the city closes the gates every time it rains. On City Council, I will take immediate actions to process easy, common sense fixes whilst working with the team to accomplish larger, more complex agenda items.
Flowers: One of the key strengths at Bandera City Hall is our commitment to community collaboration. We’ve made strides in updating outdated policies and procedures, reflecting a willingness to evolve while preserving Bandera’s character. I plan to continue supporting this momentum by working with fellow council members and city officials to address critical issues in a transparent and open manner.
However, I believe we can always improve in areas such as communication and leadership. For example, hiring a city manager and restructuring the Marshal's Department with qualified leadership has been an important step forward, but there’s more we can do to reinforce oversight and ensure accountability across all city departments. I will focus on improving communication with citizens and increasing trust in city governance through transparency and active engagement.
Palmer: City Halls are a central hub for local government and community engagement. Our staff is strong in their knowledge and are qualified to be in their positions for each department. We can attract and retain long term employees by our competitive compensation and benefit packages, retention is the key to any successful business. The City has outgrown our current facility, the lease agreement with the county-owned building ends in 2029, city leaders will need to consider building our own City Hall.
4. What are the needs and concerns you’ve heard expressed by citizens of the City of Bandera?
Endresen: I’ve been hearing from our city residents and extended area frequent visitors, people are concerned about losing the identity of our unique city. Preserving the Cowboy Capital of the World and all that entails is very important to me, as well. Our locals, whether they are private citizens or small business owners, rely on the services that best suit the community while capitalizing on the tourist industry that helps our community survive. Balancing affordable living conditions coupled with strengthening our tourism will ensure that our community thrives.
Evans: Bandera citizens, rightly, have high expectations for the City of Bandera and its government. People have communicated the need for additional kid friendly community spaces, like a splash pad or bike park, new businesses, streets repaired, street sign maintenance, city beautification, housing, a safe community, and no more big box stores on Main Street. People are struggling to afford life and cannot sustain higher bills nor taxes. I plan to work with the mayor to get the right policies in place and the right items on the agenda whilst working to identify grants and outside funding opportunities for our grant specialist. I will also ensure citizens’ constitutional rights, namely the first amendment, are honored by the city’s processes. The government serves its people.
Flowers: Citizens have shared various concerns, with common themes centered around water conservation, infrastructure improvements, and the development of the new wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, residents want to be sure their voices are heard and that they can trust their city officials to make decisions in the best interest of the community. Many also express a desire to avoid unnecessary economic burdens and maintain the quality of life that comes with living in the Hill Country. I plan to continue engaging with citizens directly, ensuring their concerns are addressed, and working to create a balance between growth and preserving the essence of Bandera.
Palmer: I will continue my work to address the city's infrastructure, traffic mobility on Main Street, law enforcement of our city, ordinances, and state laws. It is paramount to remember the residents of the City of Bandera elect the council members to represent them, open communication with constituents is important.
~ Early voting for the Nov. 5 Election begins Monday, Oct. 21, and continues through Friday, Nov. 1.
The mail ballot application deadline is Friday, Oct. 25.
Early voting locations are at the:
* Ray Mauer Courthouse Annex, 403 12th Street, Bandera: Monday through Friday, Oct. 21-25, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 26: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 27, 1 - 7 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
* Lakehills Area Library, 7200 FM 1283, Lakehills: Monday through Friday, Oct. 21-25, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
* Medina Annex, 161 E. Parker Street, Medina: Monday through Friday, Oct. 21-25, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Election Day by precinct is Tuesday, Nov. 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 were as follows:
1. What in your background qualifies you to serve as a member of Bandera City Council?
Jen Endresen: In my opinion, the city council should be representative of the residents. I feel strongly my background in various roles has well equipped me to listen to understand the needs of Bandera and to take action representing their preferences. In addition to serving as an advisor on the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce, secretary on a 501(c)3 board, I have served on several nonprofit boards and been a leader in scouting and sports programs. I’ve also been a leader in healthcare and healthcare IT organizations. Although I’m currently a small business owner and resident of Bandera, I’m also a nursing professor at Schreiner University. I’m a mom of four amazing children and am invested in the future of this town, while preserving the history.
Being married for 36 years has taught me compromise. Sometimes the fight is not worth the gain and there can be a mutual benefit with compromise and understanding of both positions with clear understanding and expectation of what is important to both sides.
Josie Evans: For 13 years, I’ve served as an executive for a nationally recognized online and destination business. My strengths include forming teams to execute tasks, asking the right questions and pushing for answers, providing solutions, and creating systems and workflows. Additionally, I’ve served on numerous city and county boards/committees, leading to connections throughout the Hill Country and the great state of Texas, for a “bigger picture” understanding, and a web of support for the community. I’ve taken action to preserve the historic elements and nostalgic feel of Bandera, and will work with the city to plan for responsible economic growth true to the Banderaen spirit. I invite citizens to learn more about my background qualifications and schedule a meeting at josieforbandera.com
Jeff Flowers: I have served as a councilman for Bandera for the past two years, during which time I’ve been committed to preserving our community’s values while addressing important modern challenges. As a conservative and Christian with deep roots in Bandera—my family has been part of this community for more than 35 years—I understand the unique needs of our city. My experience on the council has given me valuable insight into how to update outdated policies and ordinances, improve city infrastructure, and ensure responsible growth that benefits all residents.
Lynn Palmer: My experience and knowledge of the local city government process best qualifies me to continue my service representing the residents of the City of Bandera. My family has resided in the city of Bandera since 1990, my children and grandchildren graduated from Bandera High School. I served three terms from 2001 until 2007, appointed to the position in 2018 and elected in 2022. A small family business owner of Custom Glass and Mirror for 25 years, I am committed to being transparent with City Council decisions and preserving Bandera's history, values and quality of life. I am involved with various community organizations: Bandera Business Association, Bandera County Historical Commission, and the Bandera Economic Development Committee, which allows me to speak to business owners and hear their concerns.
2. What do you feel are the most pressing issues facing the city, and how do you hope/plan to address them?
Endresen: Growth is coming. Managing this growth is imperative. Most of our small businesses rely on tourism. Attracting tourism, while protecting our residents is crucial. I encourage our businesses to foster partnerships in this aspect. If we work together we can manage the imminent growth headed our way and thrive.
Evans: The most pressing issues for Bandera City Council are lack of funding and infrastructure - primarily the need for a new waste management facility. There have been talks about using “eminent domain” for this solution, which I will oppose. Council also has an upcoming TxDOT project on Main Street which could fundamentally change its look and parking spaces; I will work to preserve historic town elements and add beautification where possible. We really need road and park repairs and updates, let’s get that moving! I will support efforts to collect grants and outside funding opportunities as part of this solution. On Oct. 19, I will be attending the Rural Round Up Event to learn more about grant opportunities - “How to Win Big: Regional, State, and Federal Funds.”
Flowers: The most pressing issues for Bandera include the development of a new wastewater treatment plant, water conservation due to persistent drought conditions, and improving mobility and infrastructure. I plan to continue advocating for the wastewater treatment project to meet our environmental and growth needs. Addressing water conservation will require collaborative efforts to implement sustainable practices that preserve our water supply. Furthermore, improving mobility and infrastructure is essential for the safety and efficiency of our community. I will work closely with city officials and residents to ensure we make responsible, balanced decisions that address these concerns while preserving our quality of life.
Palmer: The city of Bandera has many pressing issues, the priority is relocating the wastewater treatment site. This is vital for the health, safety and economic growth in the city. The Council is making progress and moving forward with this enormous project, we have identified several properties that will be suitable for the relocation, and are in the process of contacting the property owners. We also have a financial commitment from the Texas Water Development Board for acquisition and design in the amount of $4.4 million, a grant free money for $1.4 million and $3 million interest free loan, to be paid off in 25 years through our Water and Sewer Fund. This will be an agenda item for action in our first meeting in December 2024.
3. What do you feel are the strengths at Bandera City Hall, and how do you hope/plan to support that success? Likewise, do you feel there are any weaknesses, and if so, how to you hope/plan to improve them?
Endresen: The greatest strength of a leader is knowing the needs and values of the people they serve. This includes residents, business and surrounding communities. Being a servant of the people is understanding needs and challenges of those they serve. City council members are a voice of the people they represent. Our strengths are in our diversity, representing the people that reside in Bandera. I plan to continue to support the initiatives that keep our community safe, clean and successful. Our current weaknesses being shared to me by our residents include some of the people currently in elected positions on city council. What we’ve seen over the last few years is some those elected officials driving their own personal agendas and not representing the residents. It scares me how they’ve been operating and working behind the scenes without transparency. If elected, I’d like to be a voice of reason and bring the council back to listening, understanding, and representing the needs of our residents.
Evans: I believe Deb Breen and Nancy De Foster are star performers truly elevating City Hall. Deb Breen has an eye for detail, follows through, and seeks the truth. Nancy De Foster completed a massive reorganization for the Marshal’s Office, created all policy and procedures for her department, and continues to bring solutions to the table. I plan to support them both however I can.
Weaknesses I’ve noticed are: Simple fixes aren’t being implemented. I’ve emailed and verbally reported to the city since June of 2024 that they have two live websites: banderatx.gov (current correct one) and cityofbandera.com (legacy outdated one). Citizens could still be referring to the legacy site for ordinances, contacts and info that are outdated. I’d like to get this fixed. As a citizen, I recently motivated the City Council to get Public Works to install walkways so that people with mobility limitations could still enjoy the park when the city closes the gates every time it rains. On City Council, I will take immediate actions to process easy, common sense fixes whilst working with the team to accomplish larger, more complex agenda items.
Flowers: One of the key strengths at Bandera City Hall is our commitment to community collaboration. We’ve made strides in updating outdated policies and procedures, reflecting a willingness to evolve while preserving Bandera’s character. I plan to continue supporting this momentum by working with fellow council members and city officials to address critical issues in a transparent and open manner.
However, I believe we can always improve in areas such as communication and leadership. For example, hiring a city manager and restructuring the Marshal's Department with qualified leadership has been an important step forward, but there’s more we can do to reinforce oversight and ensure accountability across all city departments. I will focus on improving communication with citizens and increasing trust in city governance through transparency and active engagement.
Palmer: City Halls are a central hub for local government and community engagement. Our staff is strong in their knowledge and are qualified to be in their positions for each department. We can attract and retain long term employees by our competitive compensation and benefit packages, retention is the key to any successful business. The City has outgrown our current facility, the lease agreement with the county-owned building ends in 2029, city leaders will need to consider building our own City Hall.
4. What are the needs and concerns you’ve heard expressed by citizens of the City of Bandera?
Endresen: I’ve been hearing from our city residents and extended area frequent visitors, people are concerned about losing the identity of our unique city. Preserving the Cowboy Capital of the World and all that entails is very important to me, as well. Our locals, whether they are private citizens or small business owners, rely on the services that best suit the community while capitalizing on the tourist industry that helps our community survive. Balancing affordable living conditions coupled with strengthening our tourism will ensure that our community thrives.
Evans: Bandera citizens, rightly, have high expectations for the City of Bandera and its government. People have communicated the need for additional kid friendly community spaces, like a splash pad or bike park, new businesses, streets repaired, street sign maintenance, city beautification, housing, a safe community, and no more big box stores on Main Street. People are struggling to afford life and cannot sustain higher bills nor taxes. I plan to work with the mayor to get the right policies in place and the right items on the agenda whilst working to identify grants and outside funding opportunities for our grant specialist. I will also ensure citizens’ constitutional rights, namely the first amendment, are honored by the city’s processes. The government serves its people.
Flowers: Citizens have shared various concerns, with common themes centered around water conservation, infrastructure improvements, and the development of the new wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, residents want to be sure their voices are heard and that they can trust their city officials to make decisions in the best interest of the community. Many also express a desire to avoid unnecessary economic burdens and maintain the quality of life that comes with living in the Hill Country. I plan to continue engaging with citizens directly, ensuring their concerns are addressed, and working to create a balance between growth and preserving the essence of Bandera.
Palmer: I will continue my work to address the city's infrastructure, traffic mobility on Main Street, law enforcement of our city, ordinances, and state laws. It is paramount to remember the residents of the City of Bandera elect the council members to represent them, open communication with constituents is important.
~ Early voting for the Nov. 5 Election begins Monday, Oct. 21, and continues through Friday, Nov. 1.
The mail ballot application deadline is Friday, Oct. 25.
Early voting locations are at the:
* Ray Mauer Courthouse Annex, 403 12th Street, Bandera: Monday through Friday, Oct. 21-25, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 26: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 27, 1 - 7 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
* Lakehills Area Library, 7200 FM 1283, Lakehills: Monday through Friday, Oct. 21-25, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
* Medina Annex, 161 E. Parker Street, Medina: Monday through Friday, Oct. 21-25, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Election Day by precinct is Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please see more election information at https://www.banderacounty.org/page/elections.current.elections