In our great democracy, any citizen who meets the qualifications of age, citizenship and residency can sign up to run for office. It is then our duty and privilege to vote for the one candidate who we feel is the most qualified and has those qualities most important to us, like character, integrity, honesty, experience, etc.
The only way to really know if a candidate possesses the qualities that you feel are important is to meet him one on one, look him in the eye and ask the tough questions.
Duane Peters, candidate for Brazos County judge, invited registered voters to come meet him face to face, one on one, look him in the eye and ask their questions. More than
200 people showed up and took advantage of his invitation. At his meet and greet, Peters positioned himself front and center, hiding behind nothing. He personally met everyone and answered their questions.
I challenge you, before you vote, call all the candidates, especially the one you might be thinking about voting for, meet with him face to face, and ask your questions and get to know him. Then you can make an informed decision.
Duane Peters has set the standard. Duane Peters has my vote for Brazos County judge.
BILL LERO
Bryan
I have known Mark Conlee for nearly 50 years. In that time I have come to admire his honesty and commitment to the betterment of our community.
At heart, Mark is a businessman and would run Brazos County with the same fiscal conservatism that has served him in business and helping direct the business of the city of Bryan as mayor.
Like me, Mark thinks that facilities such as the Brazos Center and the Expo ought to pay for themselves. Neither do, or will.
Mark's integrity will prevent him from becoming one of the courthouse cronies. Meet him, ask him some questions and join me in voting for Mark Conlee for county judge.
RUSTY RUSH
College Station
Most Republican voters can attest that change is not always a good campaign promise or premise.
One place we do need change is our representative to Congress. Chet Edwards has voted with Pelosi and the Democrat leadership more than 95 percent, and they can count on his vote whenever they really need it. We cannot count on him to truly represent us.
Republicans have several good candidates to choose from, but I think Dave McIntyre is the best prepared to win and to serve. Retired Army Col. McIntyre has credibility to draw military veterans and Aggie voters away from Edwards, who has betrayed their values many times.
Change isn't needed in the governor's office. The appointees of any Texas governor could be called cronies. Rick Perry's critics mainly dislike the governor's holding his appointees accountable to follow his priorities while seeking the best for all Texans. The alternative is to let those unelected appointees become czars over state agencies to pursue their own personal agendas.
Change isn't needed in our state senator or state representative. Steve Ogden and Fred Brown both have represented our values and interests well. The next state budget may be the most difficult since the 1930s. Any freshman senator or representative would be unable to match Ogden's or Brown's influence to protect Texas A&M, the prime economic engine of our county.
Change isn't needed that would put a novice in the office of Brazos County judge. Commissioner Duane Peters has been there doing the tough work of preparing the county budget alongside our retiring Judge Randy Sims. Unlike a city mayor who has a city manager and all city staff reporting to him, the county judge and commissioners must deal with independently elected department heads to set financial priorities. Only Peters has shown he can do that.
RODGER LEWIS
College Station
I deeply respect and appreciate the community service that three candidates for county judge have shown as elected officials. I have had the opportunity to get to know all three over the years and hope that each will continue to take a leadership role in our community regardless of the outcome of the race.
That said and because of my experience, I feel it is important to convey to others whom I think would best lead Brazos County and why. I am supporting Mark Conlee, current mayor of Bryan, for county judge. I believe he has the right mix of fiscal conservatism and a responsible economic development stance that would keep our taxes low. Mark has a proven record by never voting to raise taxes, as well as economic development successes, such as the Health Science Center, that will demonstrate a great return on investment for the taxpayer.
I also believe that Mark has the right vision for the county. He knows the importance of utilizing technology, and has already shown a commitment to making government transparent and accessible through the Internet.
Mark has the relationships necessary to tackle critical problems with our infrastructure. Past examples include increased cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation, resulting in better roads and intersections, not to mention the federally funded parking garage in downtown Bryan. Imagine what these relationships might bring to the county as a whole,
Finally, I think Mark has the leadership skills that Brazos County needs. He has experience leading in both municipal government and business, a winning combination in my opinion. Although Mark's official experience is in Bryan, he has many supporters from College Station, including myself. It is this inclusiveness and willingness to find solutions across boundaries that makes Mark Conlee our best choice for county judge.
CHRIS SCOTTI
College Station
We are proud to say we have known Mark Conlee more than
40 years. Through hard work and perseverance we have seen him help this community grow.
It is exciting to see the economic development happening because of Mark's leadership. We admire his positive attitude in getting things done.
We believe Mark would continue to offer a great vision for Brazos County. Please join us in voting for Mark Conlee as Brazos County judge.
MIKE and SHARON REECE
Bryan
In its recommendation for Precinct 2 commissioner, The Eagle noted Hugh Seale retired as longtime coach at Allen Academy. The recommendation, however, omitted that he worked at a local bank for seven years in a high profile marketing capacity.
Then, for 17 years, he worked at Fields Financial Services, a software and data management company. While there, he sold and implemented software systems to banks across the USA. It was a privilege to work with him while I was there as a vice president.
Hugh has a broad business background that would serve him well as commissioner. I know he is also involved with the Boys Club, United Way, Parks and Recreation Board and various other civic organizations.
He is a lifelong resident, leader and promoter of Brazos County and faithful member of his church. This is a good, trustworthy man who cares deeply about the people of our community.
I hope you hear my heart and know more about Hugh's.
ROB BROWER
College Station
Over the next four years, we will hand our commissioners a blank check for $150 million per year. Sammy Catalena has a
45-year successful track record in business and the proven ability to manage large budgets. We need someone with his experience and expertise to represent Brazos County.
I know Sammy to be conservative, honest and above reproach. He would perform the job with the highest level of integrity.
Please cast your vote for Sammy Catalena for county commissioner Precinct 2.
ADRIAN McDONALD
Bryan
I am shocked that The Eagle would recommend for Precinct 2 commissioner Sammy Catalena, a fine man who has so many business interests that it is unlikely that he could be a full-time county commissioner, as befits a $60,000 salary from taxpayers.
At the same time, The Eagle left out Hugh Seale's most important qualifications and had to run it as a clarification the next day, an item I doubt many readers noticed.
The taxpayers deserve a full-time commissioner, and Hugh Seale can be that. In addition, Hugh Seale said that when it comes to budget cutting, he would start with his own salary.
Commissioners, including the county judge, are overpaid. Let's elect someone who agrees with that. Vote for Hugh Seale.
JIM BUTLER
Bryan
What makes Bryan-College Station a great place to live and raise our families are people such as Sammy Catalena. More than 20 years ago, Sammy had a vision that has affected the lives of thousands of our local youth.
While serving as the chairman of the Brazos County Go Texan Committee, he helped establish an endowed scholarship to Texas A&M University. Brazos County youth are still benefiting from Sammy's commitment to our community and our young people.
Sammy is a true public servant. That's why I am supporting Sammy Catalena for Brazos County commissioner, Prescient 2.
CHERRY RUFFINO
Bryan
Republicans should be encouraged by the caliber of their candidates in the Congressional District 17 primary race. While it appears each possesses qualities and views voters consider admirable and necessary for the job, I believe Bill Flores of Bryan has the unique combination of personal traits, experience and a grasp on issues that would better serve us in Congress at this time in our history.
Bill worked his way from humble beginnings to achieve high success in the competitive oil and gas industry which deals with government regulation and financial challenges daily. He can read a budget with many parts and understands how to cut, save, balance and meet the payroll -- making all the parts work better.
He's a team builder and understands that one man can't affect the direction of this country without building strong coalitions of like-minded representatives. He recognizes the corrupting influence of too many years in office and believes in term limits.
Bill's values are our values. Like so many of us, he has rural roots, a Texas A&M education and traditional family values. Bill listens to people and contributes to our community.
After getting to know Bill and his wife, Gina, I believe Bill Flores has the strength of character to say "no" to the big shots in Washington, yet is wise enough not to be antagonistic. This unique characteristic would give him a greater opportunity to build coalitions that will put our country back on the right course.
JEANIE KILLGORE
Somerville
For years now, our congressional district has sent to Washington a "representative" who fails to represent the values of our district. We don't need a "representative" who votes with Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama 97 percent of the time, or who waits for permission to cast a meaningless vote. Thankfully, the incumbent no longer has us fooled.
We have an opportunity to send a representative to Congress who will represent the conservative values of the people who live here, rather than those of liberals and Washington insiders.
Rob Curnock is a conservative small business owner with the values and character to find out what we want and fight for it. In 2008, no one thought he had a chance, and he was the only person who stuck his neck out for us. Let's send Rob Curnock back to finish the job. Please join me in voting for Rob Curnock.
RUSTY ADAMS
Bryan
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