Candidates in the May 8th Elections

Candidates are listed in the order their names will appear on the ballots

We hope to have the "unofficial" results posted here by 8:am on the 9th.

DeLeon Mayor

Andre Koda

My name is Andre Koda and I am running for mayor.

There are some people in this town that have principles at the city’s expense. Well, I don’t think it’s right, because when I’m paying for the gas I want the driver to go where I want to, not the other way around.

How can we build a bridge to the 21st century when we don’t even see the road that leads to one, especially with the 19th century mentality.

It is time for us to join ranks of growing towns, not the stagnant ones with strong possibility for extinction.
 

Danny Owen   (Incumbent)

I am a candidate for Mayor of the city of DeLeon. DeLeon has been my home all my life, and I appreciate the citizens that make our city stronger year after year.

I have a strong interest in improving the future for everyone, no matter if you are a home owner or renter, everyone should have the same rights. My past four years as Mayor have had their challenges — and there will be many more in the future. I feel that the accomplishments made over the past four years make me a worthy candidate for Mayor.

Streets in many areas of town have been improved, sewer and water lines have been improved, equipment needs for city workers have been purchased, completion of the Community Park, and new waste water plant project underway. Drinking water improvements are being worked on at present time, and ordinances to control issues for our city and citizens.

I dedicate myself in making improvements for our citizens, as I have done in the past. I know that I can't make everyone happy, no elected official can. I feel that when elected to serve a community, all one can do is what they feel is best for the majority of the citizens, without any personal interests.

I have also made myself available to everyone I work for at my personal website: www.MayorDanny.com.

I would appreciate your vote in May.

DeLeon City Council – Place 1

Amy McClary

My name is Amy McClary. I have been a resident in DeLeon for 9 years this April. I am a full time student studying technical management with a specialty in Criminal Justice. I am 27 years old and feel I can be a strong voice for the young adults and youth of DeLeon. I am also a single parent and I believe that gives me the insight needed to understand others in my situation. My children are students in the DeLeon School District with my oldest daughter in Ms. Janek’s math class. My children love the DeLeon school and their teachers; and I volunteer to help out when I am needed. I have been blessed to experience first hand the needs of our teachers and of our students. I attended the last City Council meeting as a spectator because I am interested in the current events in our community. DeLeon has been good to me and to my children, and I want to give something back. I would greatly appreciate your vote for me for City Council Place One.

Fred Turner

In 1992 I was invited to move to DeLeon by the Mayor to be considered for a job with the city. He was seeking someone who owed no favors to anyone in town and was willing to work solely for the betterment of DeLeon.

I was hired as the City Manager by the City Council. I asked that my position title be changed to City Coordinator — to be on an equal level with the City Secretary and Chief of Police. When I was later given a raise in pay I asked that it be reduced and redistributed so the three of us were still at an equal level. This is all recorded in the city minutes records.

During my short time: Several streets were taken from dirt to pavement — they are still good today — check Bell from the RR to Hwy.6. The city hall water department office was modernized. A computerized meter reading program was installed. Stormwater drainage was improved — I do not believe that IGA, the Pentecostal Church, and a part of the HUD housing has flooded since the new horns, along and under Manchaca, were installed. A grant was utilized to improve wastewater flow to the plant — the old leaking above-ground line (crossing a branch of Austin Creek) was eliminated by a new buried line. An old city water tank was sold — the money used to purchase a modern sewer line cleaning machine — still in use today.

As far as I know, the city was not required to pay any utilities state penalties during the time I was employed.

Due to changes on the city council, in May of 1995, I decided to resign from city employment that October. Any projects I proposed after they were sworn in were defeated — regardless of their merit.

Charles Chupp also resigned as the Mayor.

Since that time I have remained as a citizen of my adopted town.

I am now seventy-one years of age and feel that there is a current need on the council for a person that has knowledge of the many aspects and needs of city government. I still owe no favors to any individuals or groups and only have a desire to do what I feel is best for the majority of my fellow citizens.

My number is in the phone book and I can be e-mailed at tdyt@cctc.net.

I would appreciate your consideration to allow me to again be of service to my community.

Grace Everhart

My name is Grace Allsup Everhart and I am a candidate for Place 1 on the DeLeon City Council. I grew up mostly in DeLeon and love calling DeLeon my home. I would appreciate the opportunity to serve the community and be a part of making DeLeon an even better place to live. I believe Mayor Danny Owen and the City Council have done an exceptional job but I also believe as with everything there is always room for growth, change and compromise.

I graduated from DeLeon High School in 1982, joined United States Navy in 1983 serving 23 years before retiring in 2006. I loved the Navy; living and working in different places during those 23 years was an experience I would not trade. My one regret is that my children never had an opportunity to go to school in DeLeon or call DeLeon home during their formative years. But immediately upon retirement, my husband Jim and I returned home to DeLeon. Before the ink was dry on the retirement papers, I had applied and accepted a position in the DeLeon Tax Office. I worked for 2 ½ years under the guidance of Ms. Juanita Gray and due to very sad and unexpected circumstances became the Tax Assessor Collector when Ms. Gray passed away in April 2009.

The Tax Assessor Collector position required many hours of training. I completed the training and two major exams in less than 18 months; it’s generally a five year training plan. I don’t mention this with pride or to boast; it was important for many reasons to have a registered and certified tax assessor/collector for DeLeon and I did not want to let DeLeon down.

In my off time, I enjoy spending time with my Mom, good friends, my puppies, oh and my husband of 25 years! I enjoy being Grandma to one very precious little boy and precious baby girl. I am an active member of the DeLeon Study Club and DeLeon Book Club and enjoy attending most local events and programs.

DeLeon is a wonderful place to raise children and grow old! I would appreciate your support and your vote for Place 1, DeLeon City Council in May 2010.

Lee R. Childers   (Incumbent)

My name is Lee R. Childers and I am running for re-election for Place 1 on the DeLeon City Council. I have already served two years as a City Council member and I have received a lot of experience and knowledge pertaining to this position. I have also completed two different courses on government procedures. One of the courses was the Public Information Act and the other course was the Open Meeting Act. These courses were very helpful when taking care of city business. I also hold an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from North East Texas Community College at Mt. Pleasant Texas, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas. I am a member of the DeLeon Church of Christ and I am a Christian. I am a 100 percent disabled Viet Nam veteran. I received two Purple Hearts as a combat medic. I believe in this country of ours and in the great state of Texas.

During these last two years in office, I have tried to do the best for DeLeon I could. I admit I made some mistakes, but I tried to correct them the best I could. I know one thing, I love DeLeon. This is a great place to live and the people here can’t be beat. My wife and I are buying our home here, we have children and grandchildren living in DeLeon and Eastland. We still have a lot of work to do to keep on improving our city. We have some projects that need taking care of, like our new sewer system. We are still working on our new park and trying to make improvements. The park is getting a lot of notice from all of the country pertaining to the Tractor Pull, Rodeo and Peach and Melon Festival. When we bring people to DeLeon for these events the people spend money in our town and the money generates revenue for our city.

City Councilwoman Gayle Stroud and I are working with D.D.T. (Developing DeLeon Today) on the Ben Barnes project. The Ben Barnes project is Mr. Barnes wanting to donate money to DeLeon to renovate our city hall inside and outside. Mrs. Stroud and I have been working with D.D.T. now for about two years, but we can finally see some progress. The city council has hired a new police chief, Mr. Green, and we’ve also hired a new police officer to assist the officer we have on duty now. We are getting a new high school that we are all excited about and waiting patiently on the first day of class to begin for our students at their new school.

I would appreciate your vote in May so I can continue working with our City Council and Mayor. We still have a lot to do.

DeLeon City Council – Place 2

Cody Hodges

My name is Cody Hodges and I am running for Place 2 on the City Council. I have lived in or around DeLeon all my life. I would appreciate your vote. Thank You.

Pauline Villarreal   (Incumbent)

I Pauline Villarreal would appreciate your vote and support for my reelection to serve you in our City Council (Place 2) position. My two years as a council member have been constructive in making me more aware of the issues in DeLeon, aiding in the economic progress of DeLeon, and continuing in the planning for the future of DeLeon.

In my position I will strive for Fairness, Equal Opportunity, and Decision Making with an Open Mind. I will continue to pursue the development of DeLeon not only for our adults but for our youth as well.

I want to thank you for letting me serve you and look forward to the future opportunity.

Varence Dupre

I am Varence J. Dupre, candidate for Place 2, DeLeon City Council.

We moved to DeLeon Oct. 31, 1997, after being elected to serve as pastor of the United Pentecostal Church, where we continue to minister. My wife, Ruby, and I have been married 23 years and have two daughters and two grandchildren. We own our home at 132 W. Hampton Ave.

I’ve worked several local jobs while pastoring and have enjoyed working with the town people. Currently, I am employed at Comanche County Medical Center as the shuttle bus driver and in maintenance.

Before moving to DeLeon, I managed a railroad switching operation in Alabama for eight years. There I received extensive experience dealing with people and other issues.

We have enjoyed living in DeLeon, pastoring a small, but wonderful group of people and making many lasting friendships. It has been my desire to make a difference in our community. If elected, I look forward to working with Council members and Mayor to maintain and improve our city operations.

I would appreciate your support and vote in the coming election for Place 2, DeLeon City Council.

DeLeon ISD Board (3 Places Open)

Cloyd Teague

No Statement or photo furnished.

Barry Hooker

My name is Barry Hooker and I am requesting the opportunity to serve as a DeLeon ISD school board member.

I was raised in DeLeon, graduated from DeLeon High School, and have worked here my entire life. My wife, Mandy, and I have chosen to live, work, and raise our two children in this community. I have deep-rooted pride in our community and school, and a sincere interest in the strength and longevity of DeLeon, which I believe begins with our kids.

There is a significant amount of responsibility that comes with making decisions that affect our children’s education. I am committed to being fair and giving thoughtful consideration to all my decisions, so that every student has the opportunity to achieve success through the education provided to them.

Brad Bettis

As a graduate of DeLeon High School (1986), I was provided the tools to enter and graduate college. This opened many doors and opportunities in my life. It is time now to give back to my community by serving on our Deleon ISD board. I was born in DeLeon and reared in a family of educators from my grandmother, parents and now my wife. I have been active in school activities since my college graduation. I entered into private business in 1996 and have learned a great deal about how to work with people of many different backgrounds and situations.

This background combined with independent thinking lays the foundation that I believe will make a solid board member. Most of all I desire every student to have the opportunity to excel in the classroom and in all areas of extra curriculum activities.

It would be a privilege to be able to serve and represent you as a member of our DISD board.

Brad Sanders   (Incumbent)

No Statement or photo furnished.

Peter Fagan

My name is Peter Fagan and I am asking for the opportunity to serve the young people of DeLeon as a DeLeon ISD School Board Member. As a physician I have been involved in the care and development of kids for 38 years. My interest in the youth has led me to coaching, refereeing, working at Cal Farleys Boys Ranch in Amarillo, and sponsoring various youth activities since I was in college.

My wife, Susie, and I have had a home in DeLeon for 15 years. We have two children. Our son is a Lt Col in the Marine Corps and our daughter is an attorney. We were deeply involved in their school system and I believe that my past experience would be of value as a school board member in DeLeon.

As my children are not enrolled in this school my feelings and decisions will not be biased to their agenda. Any and every decision I make will be without a personal bias towards the faculty, administration, students, or any parents. My view is that all students should have an equal opportunity to develop to their fullest potential through the formal education process along with extra-curricular activities. Our goal should be to provide an environment where each student is prepared for and believes they can be a success.

I know that we have a very good school system but our responsibility is to continue to find ways to improve. With the building of the new High School we are on the verge of a new era for DeLeon students. We need to continue to progress and to develop our youth for the future; their future. I truly believe I can make a positive contribution to the students of DeLeon.

Junior Gerth

No Statement or photo furnished.

Josh Thayer

My name is Josh Thayer and I would like your vote in the DeLeon School Board election. I served our country for 7 years as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force. I am married to Maggie Sadberry Thayer and we have three children; two currently enrolled in school and one who will be soon.

Following an honorable discharge in 2006, Maggie and I moved our family back to DeLeon in order to raise our children in a community filled with family values and good schools. I have been involved in coaching youth sports for the past seven years, first at Dyess Air Force Base and then here in town. This service has allowed me to form bonds with kids and families from all types of backgrounds. The bonds with these kids, as well as concern for my own children, have led me to seek a greater role in the school system.

This is an exciting time in our district’s history. The current board and administration have brought some wonderful opportunities to the school through new facilities, aligned curriculum, and by putting cutting edge technology in the hands of our students and teachers. I will continue this commitment to excellence.

I believe that a school board member holds a serious responsibility to our teachers and students to ensure a productive and safe school environment. I will be a school board member who will listen to the concerns of parents and will stand up for what is right.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to continued service to the youth of our community.

James Edwards

My name is James Edwards and I am seeking the opportunity to serve the community, the parents, and our youth as a DeLeon ISD school board member. I am married to Tina Edwards and we have one daughter currently enrolled in DeLeon ISD, Sarah Edwards.

I have been a Natural Resource Specialist for the state of Texas for the past fourteen years. As of this July, seven years will have been served right here in DeLeon. Some of my responsibilities are to work with youth through hands on opportunities and educational presentations at various schools. This has allowed me to work with a diverse group of young people and to see the various needs of these youth as it pertains to their continued and higher education.

I understand that the effectiveness of the school board is dependent upon the board as a whole working together to achieve the goals of the community and the education of our young people. I would strive to respect the opinion of others and listen to our community on any concerns they might have.

Remember that any local board of education has one of the most important responsibilities of our society- helping plan the education of the children in that community. Its decisions affect the lives of the students, parents, district employees and ultimately the entire community. This is a good thought to remember when electing any local official.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to serving our community in every way possible.

CCMC Hospital Board – Place 2

Randy Bryan McCamey

My name is Randy McCamey and I am running for a place on the Comanche County Hospital District Board. I grew up in Comanche county (CHS class of 1976) and make my home in Duster with my wife of 31 years, Vickie Schuman McCamey. While in high school, I worked for Dave and Dorothy Sears of Proctor where I learned the value of “sweat equity” and what it really takes to make a good crop. I am currently a professor of Management at Tarleton where my studies in leadership have taught me that dedication, perseverance, and “working smart” were the keys to success. I own and operate Shea Creek Photography. Running my own business keeps me grounded in just what it takes, and how hard it can be, to run and grow a profitable business in both good times and bad. I also provide strategic planning and fiscal oversight as a member of the Board of Directors of Texas Neighborhood Services, an organization that provides children’s services, job training, utilities assistance, and other social services to low income families. Having experience on a large-scale community-based board helps me see the “big picture” while maintaining a close eye on the details. As your representative on the Comanche County Hospital District Board, I will use my education and experience as a teacher, business owner, and board member to help the Medical Center achieve its vision – a vision of being the recognized provider of excellent and compassionate healthcare in both our community and in the eyes of our peers in the health care industry. I would appreciate your vote on May 8 and I thank you for the opportunity to serve you on the CCMC Hospital Board.

Karen Petty   (Incumbent)

Karen Petty was elected to the Comanche County Hospital District Board of Directors in 1997. She is a life long resident of the county and has owned and operated Karen’s Tax Service for the last 40 years, since 2001 she has owned CJ’s Diner on the square and in 2009 opened Jay Jax Trophies & Treasures. In 2006 her husband had a heart attack, due to the hospital’s excellent care he was stabilized then transferred and after bypass surgery he made full recovery. Her mother, children and grandchildren live in the county so she is very proud of the care they have and will be able to receive in the future. She donates to local organizations and charities and is a member of the Order of Eastern Star of Comanche Chapter #310, Kiwanis and Chamber of Commerce.

She states, “The hospital has made great progress over the last few years. I would like to continue to provide the necessary support to our Administration, Doctors, and Nursing staff to have the best technology available. It is my goal to continue to move forward with the changing technology. Our hospital is one of the greatest assets a community has. We are very fortunate to have professional caring doctors, and excellent skilled nursing staff and a facility that attracts doctors and nurses to move to this rural area.

I would appreciate your support and vote on May 8th.

CCMC Hospital Board – Place 6

Shannan Burch

No Statement or photo furnished.

Billy Ray Evans   (Incumbent)

No Statement or photo furnished.