Introducing our Candidates’ Forum
The Wilson County News presents its candidates’ forum in advance of the May 6 general elections and special elections.
Candidates in contested races for area school boards and city councils were invited to participate in this forum.
They were asked to submit their own, individualized 200-word message to voters, including some background, and outline some of the things they’d like to achieve in the office they seek, if successful in their bids for office.
Early voting began April 24 and runs through May 2; please see information on these pages for places, times, and venues for casting ballots.
Nixon City Council
Justin La Fleur
I was born and raised in Gonzales and grew up in a farming and ranching family, which taught me the value of hard work and the value of a dollar.
I am a 2002 graduate of Gonzales High School and a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science.
From 2007 to 2011, I was a science/history teacher at Industrial ISD. Other duties included coaching varsity baseball and varsity football.
Since 2011, I have been employed by Geonix Oilfield Products in Nixon. My duties there are maintaining and increasing profit and budgeting material/ inventory costs. Geonix has an annual revenue of $20 million.
While in Nixon, I coached the Nixon
Little League Senior division.
In 2017, I will coach the Senior CFPO division for Nixon CFPO.
My wife, Becky (Martinez), and I live in Nixon and are members of St. James/St. Joseph Catholic Church. I also am a member of Knights of Columbus Council 5090. We are expecting our first child in June.
I am running for Nixon City Council to restore Nixon to a beautiful community, for the sake of my family and all other families of Nixon.
Roy Peña
My name is Roy Peña and I’m running for Nixon City Council.
I’m the youngest of five children and graduated from Nixon-Smiley High School in 2001. Immediately after high school, I sought a career in the corrections field, where I continue to be employed. I’m married to an amazing woman, and together, we have a beautiful 10-year-old daughter. We’re active members of a new and growing church, Nations Christian Fellowship.
Growing up in Nixon, I always wanted to serve in improving my community. Now, I feel that the opportunity has arrived. My intention is to assist in boosting the morale of Nixon’s citizens.
I believe that we can improve in the ethical, economical, and spiritual areas. It’s time to take a stand and guide our town into a bright positive future. Together we can take action to ensure that the City of Nixon is properly preserved for the future generations.
I truly believe that Nixon has the potential to become a model city that others will admire. I want to be given the opportunity to serve and work hard to see great things come to pass.
Your support and vote would be greatly appreciated.
Roy Peña, “Change You Can Trust.”
Patsy Vigil Scherrer
A lifelong Nixon resident, graduate of Nixon-Smiley CISD, and Bee County College graduate, many know me through my business and volunteer work. My husband is Michael Peter Scherrer.
A mother of four and grandmother of six, I obtained my Zumba Fitness license in 2011 and promote health and wellness. I originated and administer “What’s Happening In Nixon Texas” on Facebook.
In 2013, I was instrumental in creating the Passion For Paws Memorial Animal Shelter.
A member of the Nixon Chamber of Commerce, I have strong ties to the business community, with 15 years in the insurance industry.
Nixon is not just a place to reside, but an extended family.
I have had opportunities to relocate, but I have chosen Nixon as my home. Thus I feel a commitment to make it a better place for all.
Developing a clear, open dialogue with the community will be the key to my success formula. As an active member of the community, I know the importance for everyone to have a voice, and listen and respond accordingly.
“Public service” is more than just a slogan; it is a thought process and a way of life.
Contact me at patsyscherrer@yahoo.com.
Poth ISD
Donnie Beasley
I am a 1984 graduate of Poth ISD. My wife Kim and I have seven children and six have attended Poth schools. I own a small building services and consulting company.
Kim is a paraprofessional at Poth Elementary School in special education and LIDS.
I am running because I have concerns regarding the majority of the current trustees. I believe that our school is run by a few of these trustees for the sole benefit of themselves, their families, and their friends. This is not fair to our kids and it is not right. I am not running to get my kids special privileges or my wife a job she isn’t qualified for.
In the past six years, we have had four superintendents, three athletic directors, and eight principals. The decisions made by these trustees are lousy and costly, because they are made for their benefit only. I will have an open path of communication with the taxpayers regarding all board activities, regardless of any arbitrary rule. My vote as a trustee (if elected) will be cast in the best interest of all students, employees, and taxpayers of Poth ISD. I appreciate your vote.
Anthony Cantu
My wife, Cheryl, and I moved to Poth ISD in 2011. We felt it was important to have our sons attend a small school and Poth was a clear choice for our boys. Matthew, a Poth graduate, attends Texas State University. Luke is a junior at Poth High School and a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, and is committed to athletics.
I graduated from Poth in 1984. I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas State University; I’m scheduled to receive my Master of Science in Economic Crime Forensics from La Salle University in May. Cheryl teaches at Poth High School and comes from a family of educators. Education is important to our family and I believe all students can succeed, if given the opportunity.
I am a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Poth and a member of the Knights of Columbus. I am a proud original board member of the Poth Education Foundation.
A Poth trustee for the past three years, I have found it vitally important to attend all meetings to be engaged in the decisions that have a positive impact on students and the district.
I ask for your vote.
Keri Cooper write-in candidate
It has been an honor to serve as a Poth ISD trustee for two years. My entire family are proud Poth High School graduates. My husband and I have three children; one graduates this year. We look forward to the education our other children will receive in Poth. In public education for 20 years as a teacher, principal, and currently director of special programs in Pleasanton ISD, I understand the challenges public schools face with academic accountability and maintaining fiscal integrity.
I believe we need to support the educational needs in our area by guiding our district to reflect the changing opportunities in the job market. This impacts the choices we make about Poth’s academic and career and technical education programs. Advocating for education, I firmly believe in preparing our students for all aspects of life after high school.
Poth is a highly respected district; to continue this tradition, we need people on the school board that will support retaining our teachers while hiring new teachers who are highly qualified to educate our children, that will protect the investment of our taxes, and that will increase the value from our investment in our children’s education.
I appreciate your support May 6.
Les Miller
Thank you for your confidence in me three years ago. It is a great honor to serve this outstanding school district. We could not be more proud of the many accomplishments made by the students of Poth. These efforts are undoubtedly due to a number of factors. The solid upbringing from family, the commitment to faith, and the tireless efforts from the teachers all continue to be the reason that Poth is a leading district.
We have taken a conservative approach over the last three years in an effort to provide the tools and facilities that are needed. We quickly tackled the vacancy in the superintendent position by keeping the process in-house and saving thousands of your dollars. We selected solid leadership that shares our beliefs in providing for the students and teachers. We will continue to inject smart money-saving policies and technologies that will enable us to provide more opportunities for our students. We are working to make much-needed improvements to our current buildings, so that more opportunities can be provided to students in career fields.
Poth will continue to lead with strong teachers and determined children! We need to give them all we can.
Falls City ISD
Barbara Braune
As a lifelong resident and graduate of Falls City High School and retired teacher of FCISD, I am asking for your support and vote in the upcoming election for the Falls City ISD school board. With an undergraduate degree in business administration, as well as being a teacher, I feel my background has me well equipped to bring a new perspective to the board.
I currently hold an active role in the Falls City Education Foundation and the Karnes County Retired Teachers Association, which is reflective of my relentless dedication and commitment to the community, school, and its students. As a retired teacher, I can attest that to be successful you need to find the facts, think on your feet, listen and work diligently and effectively, with a clear vision of always putting the child first.
I would like to serve my community, our students, and teachers by contributing my leadership, talents, and passion to help our students achieve educational excellence. I’d like the opportunity to serve on a school board of an exemplary school that focuses on academic achievement and still excels in athletics.
Sandy Oaks City Council, Place 5
Douglas Tomasini
I have been employed in the criminal justice field since 1984 and am now employed with the Bexar County Community Supervision and Corrections Department.
I previously served as alderman for the city of Sandy Oaks from 2014 to 2016. I did not run for re-election in November 2016; however, I have now entered as a candidate in the May 2017 election.
I am seeking the position of alderman to improve the city of Sandy Oaks, Texas. Our city will require effective leadership to make the citizens safe, prosperous, and family-oriented.
As alderman, I will work to improve public safety by supporting the establishment of a marshal’s office and improve animal control. In addition to improving public safety, my goal will be to restore and improve the park for the enjoyment of Sandy Oaks’ citizens. Road maintenance will also be a priority during my term as alderman.
In the best interest of the citizens of Sandy Oaks, I will work diligently with council members and the mayor. As alderman, I will listen to citizens with an open mind, respect citizen opinions, and be truthful.
La Vernia ISD, Place 1
Cynthia Buerkle, CPA
We moved our family to La Vernia in 2009 with two young daughters so that they could grow up in a small town and be able to have different experiences than they would in a large city environment. In 2011, I moved my certified public accounting practice to La Vernia in order to have the ability to be more involved in the community where we live. I have volunteered with various activities and committees within the school district over the years, in addition to serving on the boards of the Greater La Vernia Chamber of Commerce and the La Vernia Education Foundation. My skill set, business and finance, is not currently represented on the school board. The focus of my business is working with a variety of large companies, helping guide executives to make choices based on wants versus needs, financial ability, and creating the pictures to help them understand the benefits or implications of their decisions.
As the district moves forward, with significant decisions both financially and educationally, I would like to see that we are making the best choices possible supporting all students in order to provide them a positive education experience.
Janette K. Chall
My name is Janette K. Chall and I am running for LVISD Board of Trustees, Place 1. My husband, Erik, and I have been married for 23 years. We have two children. Hayden is a freshman at Texas A&M University and Kyra is a sophomore at La Vernia High School. We have lived in La Vernia for 16 years.
I have worked in the field of education for 25 years as a teacher, educational diagnostician, and consultant. I am currently a second-grade teacher for ECISD.
I have served as a member of the LVISD board of trustees since May 2013. Many changes have occurred during the last four years, some easy and some not. I have tried to make decisions that would best serve students in our schools. I would like to continue serving this community as I see my vision for LVISD as a work in progress and I feel committed to serve.
If I am re-elected, I plan to continue to push for academic excellence, ensure financial stability, and especially address the student health and welfare issues we are currently facing.
Thank you for letting me serve! Please get out and vote on May 6!
La Vernia ISD, Place 2
John G. Bilicek
Hello, my name is John G. Bilicek. I am running for La Vernia ISD school board, Place 2.
Together, my wife Mary Jo and I have raised two children who have both graduated from LVHS and Texas A&M University. Our youngest daughter is currently in the eighth grade.
First and foremost, the most important item to me is the safety of our children while they are at school. La Vernia ISD kids are the best!
The financial integrity of our district is a concern. Refinancing old debt to help save taxpayers thousands of dollars as well as maintaining a healthy fund balance is essential to the everyday business of the district.
I do not have any family employed by LVISD. I feel this is important in making critical and non-biased decisions. I have over 20 years’ experience working in the public school system.
Teacher retention is very important. The district needs to create a budget to ensure raises or stipends for this valuable resource.
We need to create an awesome learning environment which will allow the kids of LVISD to achieve all of their dreams and become successful citizens.
I am asking for your support on May 6. Thank you.
Drew Herley
My name is Drew Herley and I’m running for LVISD board of trustees, Place 2. I’m a lifelong resident of La Vernia and have a daughter, Sophia, who attends kindergarten in LVISD; my wife, Caylin, is a teacher.
I received my bachelor’s degree from UNT in 2010. After being elected executive board chairman for the Local 500
chapter of IBEW in 2013, I worked diligently to help my CPS Energy co-workers, and gained knowledge of union regulations, procedures, and laws. I have vast business experience from running our real estate investment company for the last 10 years, as well as beginning our business, Circle N Maze, here in La Vernia in 2016.
Growing up on our farm, Circle N Dairy, has instilled a lifelong love of agriculture, and I look forward to further supporting our ag program. LVISD students and their education are my priority.
My grandfather, Ross O. Scull, served on the LVISD board many decades ago and attended school in the original school, which is now the LVJH 100 building. It’s important to me to continue that legacy of community service, and keep La Vernia the great school district for all future generations of La Vernia children.
La Vernia ISD, Place 4
Ryan Doege
My name is Ryan Doege and I am running for LVISD board of trustees, Place 4. As a lifelong resident of La Vernia, I understand the pride and capabilities of this community. My wife, Kellie, and I have two amazing daughters, Kensie and Kate.
I graduated from La Vernia High School in 2002. I received my BBA and BS in accounting from TLU in 2007. Currently, I’m employed at Joeris General Contractors, where I serve as the controller. I have also served different roles on the board of ABC–South Texas over the past three years, most recently as treasurer and second vice chair.
I’m hoping to build a safe, secure, and strong foundation for students to thrive and excel. I want our students, teachers, administrators, staff, and community members to be able to express concerns they have, openly and in a constructive manner. My goal is to help LVISD be fiscally responsible and build trust in the decisions being made, however difficult they may be.
I believe that I have a skill set that is not currently represented on the LVISD board and that my experience can help guide the district in positive ways over the next four years.
Cody Miller
I have served on the school board for the past four years because my wife and I have five children and we want La Vernia ISD to be the best it can be for them and for all of our children. We want them to get the best possible education and have multiple opportunities to shine academically and through extracurricular activities.
Having worked as a teacher and school principal for the past 17 years, I know what is possible and allowable. We have done much to improve hiring practices, compensation for employees (particularly hourly employees), board policy, and to shift the district focus to academics.
If elected, I will continue this work and will keep our students at the forefront of our decision making. I will continue to seek ways to expand opportunities as we have done with the addition of soccer, the dual-language program, and our partnership with Alamo Colleges. We will also continue to monitor and improve our employee satisfaction through the district climate survey. Finally, we will also continue to reduce the district debt and work toward a long-term facility plan that our community supports.
La Vernia ISD, Place 3
Clint Askins
An educator for the past 20 years, I’ve taught or been the campus administrator in several school districts, serving as a vocational agriculture teacher and elementary, middle, and high school principal. Currently, I am the director of special education for the Floresville ISD. My experience in education has given me the opportunity to see excellent educational systems and programs in many settings and districts throughout the state. This guides my vision for where schools of the 21st century are going. As school choice/voucher programs are heavily debated and public education is scrutinized, the need for experienced school leadership is at an all-time high. Experiencing many educational challenges, I’ve had the opportunity to work through those by including students, community members, teachers, and campus administration, always placing the needs of students first. My philosophy relies heavily on the support of our classroom teachers. As public schools are the backbone of a community, teachers are the backbone of our school system.
If elected, I will work with the school board, superintendent, campus administration, and teachers to increase the support of early literacy programs in the elementary schools, dual-credit courses at the high school, initiate STEM programs, and provide workforce programs.
Harvey B. Clark
Harvey B. Clark is a candidate for election for the LVISD board of trustees, Place 3. He and his family have been residents of the La Vernia community since 1997.
Retired from the U.S. Air Force, retired Texas Peace Officer, and former State Technical Hazard Planner to the governor of Texas, he is currently a federal civil service employee. He has served on several boards for the LVISD, booster club officer positions, Odyssey of the Mind coach/ judge, Little League commission officer/ coach/umpire, and 4-H coach and program lead over the years. His life of public service has spanned the entire world except two continents.
Platform: a. Texas Education Code CH 12 — Modify the LVISD School of Innovation charter (passed 21 March) to include the state-mandated “Behavior Coordinator” on every campus (Given LVISD today, how can we not?) b. LVISD employees are paid commensurate or better than their peers around us. (You offer good pay, you can attract/ keep good employees.) c. Accountability of the school district to every citizen (parent, resident, child).
Come down and vote.
Susan Reinhard
My name is Susan Reinhard and I am running for La Vernia ISD trustee, Place 3. My husband is Scott, and we have three children. Tyler is a La Vernia graduate and currently attends Texas A&M University, majoring in mechanical engineering. Walker, a sophomore, is active in Teen ACTS at St. Ann’s, and plays basketball and football.
Emily is an eighth-grader who plays volleyball and basketball and participates in track and VASE. I hold a master’s degree in communication disorders from Southwest Texas State University. I worked as a speech language pathologist in La Vernia ISD for 16 years and currently work in the rehabilitation department at Country Care Manor in La Vernia.
I have served on the board of trustees for the past four years as secretary. In the past four years, many changes have been made to improve communication and transparency. The main focus has been improving the quality of education for our students and remaining financially sound. Every decision made has been student-centered, with a focus on integrity, discretion, and continuing to move our district forward. I will continue to ask critical questions and advocate for our students and employees.