In my February 2024 article, I discussed the four opportunities to exercise your democratic right in 2024: the Primaries, City Council, and School Board elections, potential primary runoffs, and the general election in the fall. What’s at stake? Everything! These elections, especially the local ones, hold immense significance as they directly impact our daily lives. A few votes can sway the course of our local representation significantly.
Our next chance to make a difference at the ballot box falls between April 22nd and April 30th, with Election Day set for Saturday, May 4th. The City of Bastrop has Council positions 2 and 4 up for election. While Cynthia Meyer runs unopposed in Place 2, incumbent Jimmy Crouch faces competition from Kerry Fossler in Place 4.
With our Bastrop Independent School District, Places 1 & 2 are up for grabs. For Place 1 incumbent Rick Rivera has Carol A. Armstrong running against him for Place 1 and then Kellye Seekatz is unopposed in Place 2. The school district covers 433 square miles of this county, so it is an important race. The decisions made in these races will shape the future of our city and the education of our youth, impacting our workforce and business community significantly.
Furthermore, the outcomes of these elections will have far-reaching implications for various aspects of city governance and education. From addressing pressing issues such as infrastructure development, public safety, and affordable housing to shaping the curriculum and policies within our schools, the candidates elected will play a pivotal role in determining the future landscape of our city and our educational system.
Additionally, the state legislature introduced changes to the Bastrop Central Appraisal District. Previously, the five-member board was appointed by taxing entities. Now, three seats are elected directly by the people, making it a 9-member board. There are two people running for each position.
Following the May 4th elections, attention turns to the Primary Runoffs. Scheduled for May 28th (the Tuesday after Memorial Day), these runoffs, mainly on the Republican side, are pivotal for county governance. It’s another chance for those who voted in the Republican Primary or didn’t participate in the primaries to influence our county’s direction for years to come.
At the forefront of these elections is the opportunity for voters to make informed choices about the individuals who will represent them in key decision-making bodies. With the field narrowed down to a select few candidates, voters now have the chance to delve deeper into each candidate’s platform, qualifications, and vision for the future.
As we navigate through these electoral processes, it’s vital to combat political apathy and polarization by actively participating in local politics. Every vote counts, shaping our communities and counties profoundly. By engaging in the electoral process responsibly, we can ensure our voices are heard and our communities prosper under capable leadership.
As voters prepare to head to the polls not once but twice, it is crucial to approach these elections with a sense of responsibility and civic duty. By actively participating in the electoral process, we can ensure that our voices are heard, our concerns are addressed, and our communities thrive under the leadership of dedicated and capable representatives.
The outcomes of these elections will shape the future of our county, city and school board, making it imperative for every eligible voter to exercise their right to vote and help chart a course towards a brighter tomorrow.
The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce stands as a valuable resource through our BastropVotes.com initiative. We’ve hosted candidate forums to aid in informed decision-making, and we’re committed to providing resources to empower voters throughout this crucial period. Your vote matters. Do your homework before heading to the polls. Together, let’s shape the future of Bastrop’s business landscape and ensure its continued prosperity.
The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in Bastrop County, 5th largest in Central Texas and is Four-Star Accredited by the US Chamber of Commerce. We are located at 927 Main Street, in the heart of downtown Bastrop, and have been supporting businesses since 1922. Join us as we shape the future of Bastrop’s business landscape and ensure its continued prosperity.
Becki Womble, CCE, IOM President/CEO Bastrop Chamber of Commerce
Every month from September through May, community and business leaders gather in the heart of Bastrop County. Facilitated by the Chambers of Commerce throughout the county, the B.E.S.T. Leadership Class aims to cultivate and educate leaders aspiring to make an impact within Bastrop County communities.
Recently, the class convened in Smithville, in the community room of First National Bank, where they were welcomed by Erika O’Neal, the new CEO of the Smithville Chamber of Commerce, to prepare for the day’s focus, A Spotlight on Smithville.
Empowering Through Workforce Development
Transitioning to the Spotlight on Smithville agenda, Alan Butler, Bastrop County Coordinator, and Ronnie Holt, Case Manager, with the Smithville Workforce Training Center (STWC), provided the class with an overview of the certification programs and funding that shape their job skills training opportunities. The SWTC extends throughout Bastrop, Caldwell, Lee, and Fayette counties.
The primary focus of STWC is to develop training programs based on high-demand skill sets and jobs by partnering with local businesses to understand their employment needs. Funding for the programs comes through a variety of sources, each with its own allocation and reporting requirements. Community funding through businesses, foundations, and ministries is also key to STWC’s resources and wraparound student services. Ronnie shared about the wraparound case manager services provided by STWC, which aim to support graduates throughout their program and one year after program completion.
Programs include certifications and career mobility pathways in:
• Medical/Allied Health
• Skilled Trades
• Public Safety
• Finance
• Internet Technology
The class closed with a Q&A session, followed by a short walk to see the CNA class in action and their clinical training rooms. It was wonderful to see a full class of learning donned in scrubs and preparing for their career in healthcare.
Exploring Smithville: A Walking Tour
Despite the weather preventing ride on the Ann Powell Train, the class continued a walking tour led by Mitchell Jameson, class participant, Smithville resident, and City Council member, who led the class on a quick community tour to see historic homes and Smithville’s Central School, holding its first class in 1907 until its last class in 1973.
The walking tour ended at the Chamber Office and museum, where Chamber board member Caroline Noya and W.O. Wood, retired MKT and Union Pacific Engineer, greeted the class. Mr. Wood, a fantastic historian, shared how the establishment of a depot facility at Smithville came to be with the first passenger train arriving in town on July 4, 1886. He then shared memorable stories of his time on the Missouri-Katy-Texas (MKT) line and how rail transportation has evolved over the years.
The class headed to lunch, which was a savory time together. They enjoyed the Farm to Table scratch kitchen at the Fat Cat Lounge on Main Street. Lori
JACKIE JOHNSTON M.A., SHRM-CP, CPC
Huffington the owner, and Rob Thomas the General Manager graciously hosted the large group, providing a meal and an experience showcasing Smithville’s local flavors and hospitality.
Gaining Insight into Community Infrastructure: Crawford Municipal Airport
The Spotlight on Smithville wrapped up with a visit to the Smithville-Crawford Municipal Airport, the only airport in Bastrop County owned by the City of Smithville. Mr. Sandy Myerson, Airport Operations Manager and Chairman of the Airport Advisory Board, greeted the class and provided insights into the airport’s history and role in economic development for the community as an FAA-supported airport.
Albert Crawford was the Mayor of Smithville in 1975, the same year the 62-acre tract that is now the Smithville-Crawford Municipal Airport was purchased. The airport continues to invest in the development plan, leveraging grant funding for improvements, most recently upgrading the fueling system. The lack of available hangar space is evidence of the growing demand for leasing airplane storage.
In addition to private users and flight instruction, the airport hosts several users in the interest of community emergency preparedness and training. Some of these partners include Texas A&M Forest Service, Parks and Wildlife, Department of Public Safety, Air Ambulance, and the Air National Guard.
Cultivating Community Leadership: Inspiring Stories of Impact
One of the day’s highlights was the opportunity for the class to reflect and debrief on their community service project. Small groups came together to share their experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of giving back and positively impacting their communities. As a facilitator, one of the highlights was the community service project debrief with the class participants.
While talking through the successes, challenges, and new awarenesses, the gold was in the human stories of influence and impact. It was inspiring to hear how their project touched the lives of those in Bastrop County. The class project was to increase aware-
ness, education, and access to register new voters. The impact came through sharing stories -kindness in action, including assisting an 80-year-old woman registering to vote for the first time! It is never too late to make a difference. Bilingual participants helped bridge language gaps, reaching out to those who speak languages other than English and ensuring everyone had a voice.
Thank you to the Bastrop County Elections office for coordinating time for training the class as Volunteer Deputy Registrars (VDRs).
Fostering Strong Communities Through Engaged Leadership
The day was a testament to the power of community engagement and leadership across our rural communities. Programs like the B.E.S.T. Leadership Class, organizations like STWC, and active city leadership are crucial in empowering individuals and building strong, vibrant communities.
As the class concluded its day in Smithville, it left with a renewed introduction to the community, an appreciation for the economic development challenges, and an opportunity for sustainability and growth through participation.
Next month, the class moves the Spotlight to Elgin as we approach the second to last session.
The B.E.S.T. Leadership Class offers a unique opportunity for community leaders in Bastrop County to come together, learn, and contribute to improving their local government and community.
Applications for the B.E.S.T. Leadership Class 20242025 can be found at:
https://www.bastropchamber.com/b-e-s-t-leadership-program/ or by calling the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce at 512-303-0558. Class size is limited.
