October 21, 2024
Candidates Q&A - Mayor, City of Bandera
The Bandera Prophet invited the candidates for Mayor, City of Bandera, 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 mayor of City of Bandera?
Cindy Lou Coffey: I was the project manager representing the city and council. I served 12 years with my former city and seven months with Bandera finishing an unexpired term. I was the committee chair on the following projects:
a. Waste water treatment plant (plans, bids, builder liaison, budget management)
b. New community pool facility on West side of city with children’s area
c. New city hall (equipped with bullet proof desks and escape doors in council chambers and our own studio for meeting recording for a cable supported station.
d. New elementary school
e. New middle school
f. New high school
g. Shared gym with middle school for city functions 50/50 expense share (city owned land)
h. New Library
i. New Senior Center (with self-sufficient meals on wheels with a faith partnership)
j. Three new parks including pet park
k. Second new pool by high school (senior swim and summers)
l. State of the art public safety station with firefighter quarters, police response center and a FEMA regional command station (earthquakes, mudslides and floods)
m. Nineth Circuit Supreme Court unanimous decision protecting my small businesses from a Super Walmart that was moving into my city from a neighboring city as their free tax abatement was over. The absence produced blight and destroyed the strip mall creating a criminal environment. I created a citizen action committee and sued the developer, Walmart, the city manager, the city council as a group and individually.
I lost with the local jurisdiction but won the 9th Circuit. I was on CNN three times when it was good, got discovered by DC. The judgement was around 23 million and 50k a year for non-profit distribution.
n. I also negotiated a $28 million settlement (keeping out the feds, state and county) with my very first visual conference call with the board of Coca-Cola. They bought a local beverage company and the GM removed our protective filters for incoming waste and ruined our treatment plant. We relocated and built an even better one that produced amazing water that was so pure we sold it for agriculture. The revenue met our financial obligations relating to the operations including salaries and retirements.
o. Upgraded Boys and Girls facility providing after school support.
p. As the chair of the Parks and Recreating Commission, instead of cutting services I attended seminars to learn how to generate a profit thereby not using general fund money as so many cities do.
Denise Griffin: I was mayor for six years and served on the City Council for 14 years. I have taken multiple classes on managing and running city government and was appointed by the Governor to, and served, on the Alamo Area Regional Review Committee. I have completed the Texas Open Meetings Act and Public Information Training. But, first and foremost, I have common sense and the ability to listen to all sides and then come to my own conclusion.
Suzanne Schauman: I was elected to City Council in 2013. I was a business owner at the time and it just seemed like nothing was being done to improve the quality of life for our citizens and visitors. I was appointed Mayor Pro Tem in 2014 and elected to my first term as mayor in 2016. It was in 2014 that the TCEQ came down hard on our aging infrastructure. I got on the phone with TCEQ, TWDB (Texas Water Development Board), engineers, bond counsel, financial advisor and anyone else who would listen to me to keep the city out of receivership. The mayor’s most important role is that of a leader. I spent hours in meetings in order to present council with a cohesive action plan. During my three terms as mayor we went to work on infrastructure from the ground up. Yet there’s more to be done.
2. What do you feel are the most pressing issues facing the city, and how do you hope/plan to address them?
Coffey: Of course, the obvious a new water treatment plant (that I have experience with), business retention, more city involvement with local activities and explore new ones. Attendance is severely down with many of the current events and things need to changed up to bring in more business. Everything in the city needs to generate tax dollars, not be intrusive, be accountable and reviewed. The downtown needs to be expanded and developed for more opportunities with structures in existence. I have spoken with several local businesses who need more business from the activities. This is a shared problem with local organization who are trying as well as the city. The city needs to get over thinking let’s write a check without consideration for the outcome for the benefit of the city’s businesses and inconvenience to the residents. Bad planning and zero follow up results in no revenue hear that? That’s your property taxes getting increased again. Don’t be fooled by “lowering a minimum percentage when your values are going through the roof” that’s called bait and switch.
Griffin: The most pressing issues in the City of Bandera are getting the Waste-water treatment plant updated, helping to keep live music as an integral part of our community without stepping on citizens toes, and also sustainable and conservative growth of our small city. I believe in growth but it has to be kept in the cowboy traditions or we will lose our Cowboy Small Town appeal. All of these things can be accomplished with compassion, dedication and hard work and I am ready to put in the time to achieve these goals.
Schauman: Infrastructure has been my focus from Day One. Although great strides have been made to bring our infrastructure into the 21st century, we are lacking in the waste water treatment plant and our street improvements. The wastewater Treatment plant has stalled but I believe it is inching forward. I will try to build a fire under it and get it moving. Council had approved a seven-year street improvement plan that did not require outside funding. This plan fell to the wayside. The only street improvement plan on the table involves borrowing millions of dollars. The answer to the problem is not to throw more money at it and put the burden on our citizens and tax payers with more loans and debt service. I believe careful management of available funds will prove more than adequate to get the street project back on track.
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?
Coffey: Strengths in a city are always the employees, however without a knowledgeable council who doesn’t understand the various jobs, they don’t check in. As with any company lack of interest and direction from the people elected by the city results in problems that they have to deal with later after they become huge. We shouldn’t be in that position. As the only mayoral candidate that is self-employed, I can provide that staff support and if there is an issue requiring the council’s attention then I can place it on the agenda either in closed or open session whichever is required.
Just like strengths there are always weaknesses. I have observed weaknesses since I served on this City Council in 2016. After watching the news with the recent floods and hurricanes it dawned on me that there is no contingency plan. We are surrounded by river with part of the city where is the emergency action plan for city staff. In 2016 all of the city employees were on vacation (Memorial Day Weekend). I was called in at 3 a.m. by a new city administrator with no experience. I secured the perishable food from Shell and took to the middle school for kids since that was the dedicated shelter. We had no electricity. I kept the FEMA record (for reimbursement purposes), I helped a family tarp a roof and I am afraid of heights. The rescue crew arrived for the river rescues. We kept the people whose vehicles were pushed into trees comfortable in the fire station. It was awesome to see two city representatives and the firefighters work together and handle it. Most of our crew were unable to get into the city due to flooding on the roads.
This proves we need to have an exit plan, a master list of homeowner phones for texting, a master list of people who will need assistance for food, water or evacuation. Where is the siren? Where are exit signs to higher ground? How irresponsible inviting people into our community that is a potential death trap. That falls on your city.
Griffin: I believe that we have some great new- and long-time employees who work for the City of Bandera, but there is always room for improvement. I feel that City Hall is not as welcoming as I would like it to be. Understanding that safety of all employees must come first, City Hall seems a bit closed off to the public and I would like to see some changes. While there may be some who do not care for others, all employees will be required to be tolerant and polite at all times to each other and to the public. You do not have to be friends, but respect is a must to keep City Hall running smoothly. If we can't show respect at all times, how can we expect the public to show respect?
Schauman: So far I have addressed infrastructure, but another focus point for me is finances. I can’t even describe to you the chaos that was City Hall in 2013. I took one look at the budget and knew we were in trouble. The lack of concern that the adopted budget literally had blank lines and didn’t balance was mind boggling. There were no paper trails for expenses. All that was needed was a phone call and a check was made. The city was paying thousands of dollars in late fees. I made it my mission to see the city run like a business with transparency and accountability. After years of qualified audits (that is an audit that is ok, but has problems, so it’s a C-), the city has a six-year string of unqualified audits (that’s an A). I feel the strength of City Hall is hiring the right people for the right job and longevity in those positions. I feel the staff is a cohesive team serving the best interest of our city.
4. What are the needs and concerns you’ve heard expressed by citizens of the City of Bandera?
Coffey: Property taxes are out of control (I have the ability to remedy). Residents are not informed in a timely manner of issues that relate to the city. They feel that the city is nonresponsive to certain issues. Local businesses feel that there is no local support from the city or the EDC. A few claim that members of the public works department are not friendly. Important issues are being neglected and passed from council to council. Waste of public funds, priorities of the council are convoluted. Zero visibility from the majority of the council regarding community priorities. Lack of respect for community members who are attending council meetings feeling “dismissed” and while some residents are angry with the noise ordinance change and of course some don’t care all of them feel it should have been a community vote and placed on the ballot for city residents to decide without county or outsider influence.
Term limits put on the ballot will determine what the community wants. While this isn’t the entire list of my experience, I am determined to help this city. I have no desire to change the essence of Bandera.
I am a moderate conservative and don’t get hung up with the party labels. I can and will work with everybody for the betterment of my community. This is the last time I will be running for office in Bandera which has been my home since 2015. Time to reflect, do we want the same that has been going on with “partnerships” on council with personal agendas or do you want real caring candidates providing inclusive leadership with new ideas, community support who will listen to you and be available 24/7? Just like with our national election it’s now or never and the choice is yours. I truly appreciate your vote this election. Blessings to all.
Griffin: I have heard that we must take care of the City of Bandera's reputation as the Cowboy Capital of the World, because we are driven by tourism. We must be cognizant of how the public views our small town, inside the government, and as individuals in our daily lives. We have to have a positive outlook to be perceived in a better light. We must be professional, caring and honest, and I believe that people will respond in a positive manner.
A vote for Denise Griffin is a vote for progress while keeping our small town values!
Schauman: In a nutshell, I believe the citizens want to see improvement in their quality of life. This includes water they can drink, toilets that flush, streets they can drive on and let’s not forget the kids. My children and grandchildren grew up and went to school in Bandera. With the exception of the City Park and playgrounds for younger children, there’s nothing to do and nowhere to go. Let’s look to the future by continuing to focus on infrastructure and seeking some sort of healthy, safe environment for the kids. These will be the issues I will work on as mayor.
~ 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 mayor of City of Bandera?
Cindy Lou Coffey: I was the project manager representing the city and council. I served 12 years with my former city and seven months with Bandera finishing an unexpired term. I was the committee chair on the following projects:
a. Waste water treatment plant (plans, bids, builder liaison, budget management)
b. New community pool facility on West side of city with children’s area
c. New city hall (equipped with bullet proof desks and escape doors in council chambers and our own studio for meeting recording for a cable supported station.
d. New elementary school
e. New middle school
f. New high school
g. Shared gym with middle school for city functions 50/50 expense share (city owned land)
h. New Library
i. New Senior Center (with self-sufficient meals on wheels with a faith partnership)
j. Three new parks including pet park
k. Second new pool by high school (senior swim and summers)
l. State of the art public safety station with firefighter quarters, police response center and a FEMA regional command station (earthquakes, mudslides and floods)
m. Nineth Circuit Supreme Court unanimous decision protecting my small businesses from a Super Walmart that was moving into my city from a neighboring city as their free tax abatement was over. The absence produced blight and destroyed the strip mall creating a criminal environment. I created a citizen action committee and sued the developer, Walmart, the city manager, the city council as a group and individually.
I lost with the local jurisdiction but won the 9th Circuit. I was on CNN three times when it was good, got discovered by DC. The judgement was around 23 million and 50k a year for non-profit distribution.
n. I also negotiated a $28 million settlement (keeping out the feds, state and county) with my very first visual conference call with the board of Coca-Cola. They bought a local beverage company and the GM removed our protective filters for incoming waste and ruined our treatment plant. We relocated and built an even better one that produced amazing water that was so pure we sold it for agriculture. The revenue met our financial obligations relating to the operations including salaries and retirements.
o. Upgraded Boys and Girls facility providing after school support.
p. As the chair of the Parks and Recreating Commission, instead of cutting services I attended seminars to learn how to generate a profit thereby not using general fund money as so many cities do.
Denise Griffin: I was mayor for six years and served on the City Council for 14 years. I have taken multiple classes on managing and running city government and was appointed by the Governor to, and served, on the Alamo Area Regional Review Committee. I have completed the Texas Open Meetings Act and Public Information Training. But, first and foremost, I have common sense and the ability to listen to all sides and then come to my own conclusion.
Suzanne Schauman: I was elected to City Council in 2013. I was a business owner at the time and it just seemed like nothing was being done to improve the quality of life for our citizens and visitors. I was appointed Mayor Pro Tem in 2014 and elected to my first term as mayor in 2016. It was in 2014 that the TCEQ came down hard on our aging infrastructure. I got on the phone with TCEQ, TWDB (Texas Water Development Board), engineers, bond counsel, financial advisor and anyone else who would listen to me to keep the city out of receivership. The mayor’s most important role is that of a leader. I spent hours in meetings in order to present council with a cohesive action plan. During my three terms as mayor we went to work on infrastructure from the ground up. Yet there’s more to be done.
2. What do you feel are the most pressing issues facing the city, and how do you hope/plan to address them?
Coffey: Of course, the obvious a new water treatment plant (that I have experience with), business retention, more city involvement with local activities and explore new ones. Attendance is severely down with many of the current events and things need to changed up to bring in more business. Everything in the city needs to generate tax dollars, not be intrusive, be accountable and reviewed. The downtown needs to be expanded and developed for more opportunities with structures in existence. I have spoken with several local businesses who need more business from the activities. This is a shared problem with local organization who are trying as well as the city. The city needs to get over thinking let’s write a check without consideration for the outcome for the benefit of the city’s businesses and inconvenience to the residents. Bad planning and zero follow up results in no revenue hear that? That’s your property taxes getting increased again. Don’t be fooled by “lowering a minimum percentage when your values are going through the roof” that’s called bait and switch.
Griffin: The most pressing issues in the City of Bandera are getting the Waste-water treatment plant updated, helping to keep live music as an integral part of our community without stepping on citizens toes, and also sustainable and conservative growth of our small city. I believe in growth but it has to be kept in the cowboy traditions or we will lose our Cowboy Small Town appeal. All of these things can be accomplished with compassion, dedication and hard work and I am ready to put in the time to achieve these goals.
Schauman: Infrastructure has been my focus from Day One. Although great strides have been made to bring our infrastructure into the 21st century, we are lacking in the waste water treatment plant and our street improvements. The wastewater Treatment plant has stalled but I believe it is inching forward. I will try to build a fire under it and get it moving. Council had approved a seven-year street improvement plan that did not require outside funding. This plan fell to the wayside. The only street improvement plan on the table involves borrowing millions of dollars. The answer to the problem is not to throw more money at it and put the burden on our citizens and tax payers with more loans and debt service. I believe careful management of available funds will prove more than adequate to get the street project back on track.
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?
Coffey: Strengths in a city are always the employees, however without a knowledgeable council who doesn’t understand the various jobs, they don’t check in. As with any company lack of interest and direction from the people elected by the city results in problems that they have to deal with later after they become huge. We shouldn’t be in that position. As the only mayoral candidate that is self-employed, I can provide that staff support and if there is an issue requiring the council’s attention then I can place it on the agenda either in closed or open session whichever is required.
Just like strengths there are always weaknesses. I have observed weaknesses since I served on this City Council in 2016. After watching the news with the recent floods and hurricanes it dawned on me that there is no contingency plan. We are surrounded by river with part of the city where is the emergency action plan for city staff. In 2016 all of the city employees were on vacation (Memorial Day Weekend). I was called in at 3 a.m. by a new city administrator with no experience. I secured the perishable food from Shell and took to the middle school for kids since that was the dedicated shelter. We had no electricity. I kept the FEMA record (for reimbursement purposes), I helped a family tarp a roof and I am afraid of heights. The rescue crew arrived for the river rescues. We kept the people whose vehicles were pushed into trees comfortable in the fire station. It was awesome to see two city representatives and the firefighters work together and handle it. Most of our crew were unable to get into the city due to flooding on the roads.
This proves we need to have an exit plan, a master list of homeowner phones for texting, a master list of people who will need assistance for food, water or evacuation. Where is the siren? Where are exit signs to higher ground? How irresponsible inviting people into our community that is a potential death trap. That falls on your city.
Griffin: I believe that we have some great new- and long-time employees who work for the City of Bandera, but there is always room for improvement. I feel that City Hall is not as welcoming as I would like it to be. Understanding that safety of all employees must come first, City Hall seems a bit closed off to the public and I would like to see some changes. While there may be some who do not care for others, all employees will be required to be tolerant and polite at all times to each other and to the public. You do not have to be friends, but respect is a must to keep City Hall running smoothly. If we can't show respect at all times, how can we expect the public to show respect?
Schauman: So far I have addressed infrastructure, but another focus point for me is finances. I can’t even describe to you the chaos that was City Hall in 2013. I took one look at the budget and knew we were in trouble. The lack of concern that the adopted budget literally had blank lines and didn’t balance was mind boggling. There were no paper trails for expenses. All that was needed was a phone call and a check was made. The city was paying thousands of dollars in late fees. I made it my mission to see the city run like a business with transparency and accountability. After years of qualified audits (that is an audit that is ok, but has problems, so it’s a C-), the city has a six-year string of unqualified audits (that’s an A). I feel the strength of City Hall is hiring the right people for the right job and longevity in those positions. I feel the staff is a cohesive team serving the best interest of our city.
4. What are the needs and concerns you’ve heard expressed by citizens of the City of Bandera?
Coffey: Property taxes are out of control (I have the ability to remedy). Residents are not informed in a timely manner of issues that relate to the city. They feel that the city is nonresponsive to certain issues. Local businesses feel that there is no local support from the city or the EDC. A few claim that members of the public works department are not friendly. Important issues are being neglected and passed from council to council. Waste of public funds, priorities of the council are convoluted. Zero visibility from the majority of the council regarding community priorities. Lack of respect for community members who are attending council meetings feeling “dismissed” and while some residents are angry with the noise ordinance change and of course some don’t care all of them feel it should have been a community vote and placed on the ballot for city residents to decide without county or outsider influence.
Term limits put on the ballot will determine what the community wants. While this isn’t the entire list of my experience, I am determined to help this city. I have no desire to change the essence of Bandera.
I am a moderate conservative and don’t get hung up with the party labels. I can and will work with everybody for the betterment of my community. This is the last time I will be running for office in Bandera which has been my home since 2015. Time to reflect, do we want the same that has been going on with “partnerships” on council with personal agendas or do you want real caring candidates providing inclusive leadership with new ideas, community support who will listen to you and be available 24/7? Just like with our national election it’s now or never and the choice is yours. I truly appreciate your vote this election. Blessings to all.
Griffin: I have heard that we must take care of the City of Bandera's reputation as the Cowboy Capital of the World, because we are driven by tourism. We must be cognizant of how the public views our small town, inside the government, and as individuals in our daily lives. We have to have a positive outlook to be perceived in a better light. We must be professional, caring and honest, and I believe that people will respond in a positive manner.
A vote for Denise Griffin is a vote for progress while keeping our small town values!
Schauman: In a nutshell, I believe the citizens want to see improvement in their quality of life. This includes water they can drink, toilets that flush, streets they can drive on and let’s not forget the kids. My children and grandchildren grew up and went to school in Bandera. With the exception of the City Park and playgrounds for younger children, there’s nothing to do and nowhere to go. Let’s look to the future by continuing to focus on infrastructure and seeking some sort of healthy, safe environment for the kids. These will be the issues I will work on as mayor.
~ 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