WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2014 VOLUME 104 ISSUE 36 www.UniversityStar.com
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ELECTION 2014
Midterm Elections 2014
MADELYNNE SCALES PHOTO EDITOR
Election Photos, Mayoral Race PAGE 3
State Elections
San Marcos Elections
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MAYORAL
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14%
21%
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Guerrero Sorenson Montgomery
Daniel Guerrero, mayor of San Marcos, watches the election results Nov. 4 at Palmers Restaurant Bar & Courtyard.
WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO VOTE. PATHETIC.” —PATRICK MONTGOMERY, MAYORAL CANDIDATE
64%
MADELYNNE SCALES PHOTO EDITOR
Daniel Guerrero elected to third term as mayor By Mariah Simank SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Incumbent Daniel Guerrero was re-elected as mayor of San Marcos Tuesday night with a predictable majority. The polls closed and the numbers rolled in, and Guerrero secured his third term with 64.08 percent of the vote. Opponent Jonathan Sorenson garnered 21.24 percent of the vote. Patrick Montgomery had 14.68 percent. Guerrero watched, surrounded by friends and family, as results came in at Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Grill. Guerrero spoke on the chal-
lenges throughout his campaign and attributed much of his success to those close to him. “I think we did our best to be efficient and consistent,” Guerrero said. “It was a tough campaign, it really was, but I have had tremendous support from my family and friends throughout the community, and I think that is really what helped us to be successful again for a third term.” Guerrero hopes to tackle issues ranging from infrastructure to economic development and housing. Guerrero said he appreciates his opponents’ “candor” and “willingness” to be part of a campaign. “(My opponents and I) did our
best to produce good, effective material during the campaign and really worked hard to not only ensure that we were reaching out to supporters that have been active for over a decade now but also identifying and attract new supporters,” Guerrero said. “I certainly hope they continue to participate in the community.” Guerrero’s experience stems from community involvement. He said engagement and understanding of the community were essential aspects of his campaign. Melissa Millecam, former director of communications and intergovernmental relations, said Guerrero has been devoted to and
passionate about the city and community. “Daniel Guerrero is a San Marcos native who grew up in the school district, attended the university and experienced every aspect of life in San Marcos,” Millecam said. “He is also a cancer survivor from when he was a small child, which I think has a big impact on how he looks at life.” Guerrero said he is “pleased” with the way the election turned out. “I think it speaks volumes of the support we have in the community,” said Guerrero. “There will be at least one new face on the council, so there will be a new dynamic there.”
City Council SAN MARCOS, TX
JANE HUGHSON (57.11%) WAYNE BECAK (42.89%) DENISE CATHEY ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
See HUGHSON, Page 2
Place 4
MIKE DAVIS (46.12%) JOHN THOMAIDES (58.33%)
Place 3
ANDRES RODRIGUEZ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
See THOMAIDES, Page 2
2 | The University Star | News | Wednesday, November 5, 2014
CITY COUNCIL
Election Results 2014
MAYOR
PATRICK MONTGOMERY (14.68%) DANIEL GUERRERO (64.08%) JONATHAN SORENSON (21.24%)
COUNCIL PLACE 3 MIKE DAVIS (46.12%) JOHN THOMAIDES (53.88%)
COUNCIL PLACE 4 WAYNE BECAK (42.89%) JANE HUGHSON (57.11%)
US SENATOR
JOHN CORNYN (55.53%) DAVID ALAMEEL (38.38%) REBECCA PADDOCK (4.27%) EMILY SANCHEZ (1.82%)
CITY COUNCIL
Incumbent John Thomaides re-elected to council place 3 By Alexa Tavarez and Exsar Arguello NEWS REPORTERS Glasses clinked and congratulatory hugs were exchanged as incumbent John Thomaides celebrated his reelection to the city council place 3 seat. Thomaides commemorated his victory over his opponent Mike Davis surrounded by family, friends and supporters at Vodka Street Bistro. Thomaides ran a non-partisan campaign against Davis taking 53.88 percent of the votes with Davis trailing behind with 46.12 percent. "It because of you I'm standing here tonight," Thomaides said in his victory speech to the crowd. "The vision we've talked about the past 90 days has been validated." Thomaides said San Marcos now has a council that will listen to the people. City council has changed but will still keep some consistency, he said. "Your affluence doesn't equal your influence at city hall anymore,” Thomaides said. “Tonight is not the end but just the beginning." Before results came in, Davis’ family, friends and supporters dined and conversed at a watch party in his home while two TVs displayed the local San Marcos races as well as the national elections. “At the end of the day, I feel very positive about the way I ran my campaign,” Davis said. “We ran a clean campaign, and that’s all that matters. I never attacked my opponent, and I simply want to make a difference on the community from a business standpoint.” When the results came in, support-
ers of Davis’ campaign applauded him for his efforts and commitment to the race. Thomaides said sometimes citizens are content when city council passes a vote. However, they are not always happy. Serving on city council is the “hardest of hard” and the “easiest of easy” jobs, he said. "It's a very difficult position because you see your neighbors in H-E-B the night after you take a vote on their issue," Thomaides said. Thomaides was excited to remain in "the rhythm of things" and focus on working with council. "A reelection is a review of your job performance," Thomaides said. "Every three years the voters get to decide if I kept my word, if I was honest, and that's what the results showed." Local races make a difference and affect the community for years to come, said Diana Hendricks, Davis’ campaign coordinator. Students will support and try to affect local politics once they understand city races make a difference, she said. The College Democrats at Texas State attended Thomaides’ watch party after endorsing him weeks before. When Thomaides’ victory was announced, the students cheered and chanted his name. Colleagues, community members and students expressed their confidence in Thomaides' victory over Davis. "John understands this community," said Councilwoman Lisa Prewitt, Place 1, at Thomaides’ watch party. "He's worked really hard to deliver the
See THOMAIDES, Page 5
Jane Hughson takes council place 4, defeating incumbent Wayne Becak
By Benjamin Enriquez and Jon Wilcox NEWS REPORTERS Jane Hughson defeated incumbent Wayne Becak for the city council place 4 seat with 57.11 percent of the votes. For the first time ever two women will serve on the San Marcos City Council. Hughson said her victory is about the people of the city, not her. “It’s about San Marcos and what’s going to be good for San Marcos,” Hughson said. Hughson said winning feels wonderful and this term will mean more to her than the last one, when she served from May 1996 to 2002. “Oh, Lordy, this is so much better ‘cause I know what I’m getting into,” Hughson said. “I know what I can do for the citizens of this town.” Friends and supporters of Hughson attended her watch party at the LBJ Museum on The Square. Councilwoman Lisa Prewitt, Place 1, said she feels honored to be able to work with Hughson. “She’s willing to dig in and roll up her sleeves,” Prewitt said. An intimate group of friends, family and supporters of Becak gathered at Cody’s Bistro & Lounge to watch election results. Becak spent the majority of the night lounging in an overstuffed leather couch with a bottle of Dos Equis in hand, stoic and seemingly indifferent to the
election results. “I originally intended to only serve one term as councilman, but people convinced me to run again,” Becak said. “After a while on city council, people start to not like you.” Becak’s wife and two of his children sat with him, quietly chatting and watching the election results on an overhead projector in a tuckedaway corner of the restaurant. “It’s all good,” Becak said before the results were finalized. “If I don’t win, I’ll have more time for fishing, kayaking, bow hunting and time for my wife and grandchildren. It’s also my birthday.” Hughson said when Becak voted for two different 1,000-bed apartment units that would congest traffic and overlap longstanding neighborhoods within the community, she decided to step in. “That’s when I started thinking, ‘Oh Wayne, I voted for you, now you’re embarrassing me,’” Hughson said. “I said, ‘Somebody’s gotta run against ya,’ and nobody stepped up, so I did.” Earlier in the night, just as polls across San Marcos closed, Becak said he was confident in the results. “I’m always optimistic,” Becak said before the votes were in. Melissa Derrick, Hughson’s friend, said she knew Hughson would win the race.
See HUGHSON, Page 5
US REP. 21
LAMAR SMITH (67.73%) RYAN SHIELDS (15.17%) ANTONIO DIAZ (17.10%)
US REP. 35
SUSAN NARVAIZ (39.43%) LLOYD DOGGETT (56.04%) CORY BRUNER (3.43%) KAT SWIFT (1.09%)
ANDRES RODRIGUEZ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
DENISE CATHEY ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
GOVERNOR
GREG ABBOTT (59.3%) WENDY DAVIS (38.9%) KATHIE GLASS (1.93%) BRANDON PARMER (0.41%) SARAH PAVITT (0.02%)
¦¤¤¥¥¤ ~~}~
LT. GOVERNOR
DAN PATRICK (52.01%) LETICIA VAN DE PUTTE (43.57%) ROBERT BUTLER (3.61%) CHANDRAKANTHA COURTNEY (0.81%)
PROP. 1
FOR (74.10%) AGAINST (25.90%)
EAA BOARD DISTRICT 11 AMY LEA AKERS (45.23%) KEN DORAN (14.42%) MARK TAYLOR (40.35%)
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The University Star | News | Wednesday, November 5, 2014 | 3
MAYORAL
Sorenson, Montgomery concede to Guerrero in 2014 mayoral race By Anna Herod, Carlie Porterfield NEWS REPORTERS Supporters joined mayoral candidate Jonathan Sorenson to await the outcome of the election in which Sorenson ultimately conceded to Daniel Guerrero Tuesday night at the Westfield Apartments clubhouse. Although Sorenson only won 21.24 percent of the vote, he is not discouraged looking to the future. “This is not the end for me—it’s only the beginning,” Sorenson said. “I think taking 1,100 of the less than 4,000 votes cast this year is pretty significant and nothing to be ashamed of.” Sorenson said he thinks it’s fantastic and promising that Jane Hughson and John Thomaides won for city council places 3 and 4 because they had the same platform he did. “We ran on protecting our river, on protecting the general heritage of our city and having a smarter and more responsible growth,” Sorenson said. “I’m proud to have at least been connected to John and Jane.” When Sorenson first made the decision to run for mayor, the advice he got the most was to always have hand sanitizer because he would be shaking
a lot of hands, he said. “You don’t typically win your first election, but you can get close and make a statement,” Sorenson said. “If I don’t win, it won’t be the last you see of me. I grew up in San Marcos, and I plan to continue to live in San Marcos and retire in San Marcos, regardless.” Sorenson’s main focus would have been on San Marcos’ comprehensive plan, he said before the results were announced. “It’s incredibly important because the comprehensive plan is the voice of the voters and the citizens of San Marcos and if we don’t get it right and correct now, then we’re going to be in trouble in the future,” Sorenson said. Deborah Smith, Sorenson’s sister, said Sorenson has her support not only because of their familial connection, but because of what he stands for. “I think his platform and his views on responsible growth are really important,” Smith said. “I’ve lived in San Marcos for a long time, and I’ve seen it grow and maybe in ways it shouldn’t, especially when it comes to growth around the rivers and the environment.” Sorenson surprised his family with the amount of time and energy he has put into his campaign, Smith said.
HARON SAENZ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jonathan Sorenson talks to his niece and nephew, Alaura and Jason Harrelson, at his watch party Nov. 4 at Westfield Apartments clubhouse.
“
“He’s not going away,” Smith said. “He’ll continue to pursue local politics and really trying to get his message out there.” Prior to Sorenson’s defeat, Miles
“
He’s not going away. He’ll continue to pursue local politics and really trying to get his message out there.”
2014
Election Photos Lara Schon, a German exhange student, experiences her first American election Nov.4 at Kent Black’s BBQ Republican watch party.
—DEBORAH SMITH, SORENSON’S SISTER
Smith, Sorenson’s brother-in-law, said the first change residents would notice if Sorenson became mayor is the attention they would receive. “(Sorenson) will start talking about (residents) and to them and talking about interests of not just one particular group but of all of the residents,” Smith said. Interaction with residents of San Marcos has been the best part of campaigning, Sorenson said. “It has been a pleasure to meet people that I haven’t ever met before or that I haven’t seen in very many years and rekindle those relationships through my campaign,” Sorenson said. Patrick Montgomery fell short to Daniel Guerrero and Sorenson with 14.68 percent of the vote. “We need more people to vote,” Montgomery said. “Pathetic.” Although Montgomery did not host a watch party he was available for comment on future elections. “I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it,” Montgomery said. Montgomery said he didn’t have any political aspirations prior to his campaign. “I was just trying to get a voice to be heard and I guess to some degree, it was,” Montgomery said.
DENISE CATHEY ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Alan Cameron, Hays County Veteran’s Court coordinator, watches the election Nov. 4 at Railyard Bar & Grill.
MADELYNNE SCALES PHOTO EDITOR
Betsy Singleton attended Jane Hughson’s watch party Nov.4 at the LBJ Museum.
I was just trying to get a voice to be heard and I guess to some degree, it was.” DENISE CATHEY ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
—PATRICK MONTGOMERY, MAYORAL CANDIDATE
(7-2, 6-0 SUN BELT)
#BeatGS
(5-3, 3-1 SUN BELT)
4 | The University Star | News | Wednesday, November 5, 2014
GOVERNOR
Greg Abbott elected governor of Texas By Kelsey Bradshaw NEWS EDITOR For the first time in 14 years, a new governor will hold the gubernatorial office at the Texas State Capital in Austin. Greg Abbott, Republican candidate, beat out his Democratic opponent Wendy Davis in the gubernatorial race. Abbott garnered 59.3 percent of the vote and Davis lost with 38.9 percent. Abbott’s watch party was held at the Moody Theatre in Austin and drew in over 2,000 people. Rick Perry, Abbott’s predecessor, John Cornyn, senior U.S. Senator for Texas and Ted Cruz, junior U.S. Senator for Texas, were all in attendance to support the Republican candidate as the votes were tallied. Taylor Gage, psychology junior and secretary for the College Republicans at Texas State,
was excited to be with Abbott’s campaign during the election season and at his watch party. “This (election) will affect all of our lives,” Gage said. Early in the night, Cruz predicted Republicans would sweep the senate by the time results came in. “We are fixing to take the senate,” Cruz said. Cruz spoke about President Barack Obama while at the watch party. “It’s time for Republicans to stand together,” Cruz said. “Obama’s lawlessness is over.” Cornyn also discussed the Obama administration at the Republican-dominated event. “Under Obama, the last six years have been a failed experiment in big government,” Cornyn said. Abbott consistently ranked higher than Davis in the preliminary polls throughout Election
Day. “When there is a fight, Texas doesn’t run (away), we run to the fight,” Cornyn said. After the votes were officially tallied, Perry tweeted a photo of himself speaking at Abbott’s watch party. “Excited for the future of Texas and confident our leaders will continue to set the standard for prosperity nationwide,” Perry tweeted. Abbott thanked his supporters after the results were in. “Whether you voted for me or not, I will work to keep Texas the best state in America,” Abbott said. Abbott will govern alongside Dan Patrick, the new lieutenant governor. Patrick ran against Democratic opponent Leticia Van de Putte. Van de Putte would have been the first female lieutenant governor in Texas history. Patrick received 52.01 percent of the vote compared to Van de Putte’s 43.57 percent. Once it was clear that Abbott held the majority, he tweeted out his thanks. “Thank you Texas for electing me governor,” Abbott tweeted. “With honor and dignity I will fight for you and your future. God Bless Texas.” —News reporter Houston York contributed to this article
HOUSTON YORK NEWS REPORTER
Greg Abbott poses for a photo with an unnamed woman at his watch party Nov. 4 in Austin.
STATE
Texas Democrats remain positive in face of defeat By Carlie Porterfield and Naomi Lovato NEWS REPORTERS Texas Democrats remain hopeful for future elections despite the overwhelming defeat of Wendy Davis in the gubernatorial race. Davis and Leticia Van de Putte, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, lost Tuesday night to their Republican counterparts. “I’m very disappointed in the turnout,” said Representative Donna Howard, District 48. “It’s a very difficult road right now in Texas.” Texas has had a strong history of not electing Democrats statewide for the past 20 years, said Diane Henson, Democrat candidate for Chief Justice for the Third Court of Appeals. “We’re looking at a difficult year,” Henson said. “In political trends, the middleyear election of a president who’s been in for two terms is usually not good for that party. So that’s kind of a problem (for Democrats).” Jan Soifer, Travis County Democratic Party chairwoman, hopes to get Democrats elected in Texas in the future by encouraging more people to vote. “We believe Texas is not a red state,” Soifer said. “It’s a non-voting state. In fact, we have one of the lowest proportions of turnout of eligible voters in any state in the country.” The apathy in voters can be traced to disenchantment with Texas politics, Soifer said. “Part of what I believe, and what the research shows, is that with the 20-plus years of Republican rule in this state, that a lot of people think there’s no point in voting because they have no chance,” Soifer said. Jesus Mares, an Austin
resident, also cited voter marginalization as a possible reason for a lack of Democratic votes. “There’s a lot of Hispanics that didn’t vote, so that probably played a role in (the election),” Mares said. Mares hopes Democrats in Texas will continue with the momentum gained in the election. “It was a legitimate effort,” Mares said. “We’re on the way. We’ve got to keep (the momentum) going.” Despite the loss, the campaign made strides in “getting the issues out there” and creating conversations about concerns like healthcare access and marriage equality, Howard said. “I think this campaign has allowed us to talk about things publically more than we would have otherwise,” Howard said. “Without these visible candidates, there wouldn’t be much conversation.” Howard is looking forward to the state legislature session in January, she said. She hopes to continue to fight for issues on Davis’ platform. “I want to get more funding in education and expand healthcare coverage,” Howard said. “These kind of things will make Texas stronger.” The Texas Democrats remain positive about future elections. “I think they did a hell of a job to get votes,” said Allie McCleary, an Austin resident. “We’re in an upward spiral.” The loss has not weakened Democratic resolve in Texas, Howard said. “The outcome wasn’t what I wanted, but I think the conversations will serve us well in the long run,” Howard said. “I’m disappointed but hopeful.”
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Republican candidate elected as lieutenant governor By Houston York NEWS REPORTER Dan Patrick defeated Leticia Van de Putte in the race for lieutenant governor despite minimal campaign effort. Austin musician Cory Spears said Patrick’s win will bring changes to Texas and is not a surprise. “Texas is a red state, and generally Republicans are going to win,” Spears said. “The Republican candidate would really have to screw up or the Democrats would have to have a very good candidate for the outcome to be different. A Republican really doesn’t have to campaign.”
Texas State alumnus Daniel Gonzales said as a Hispanic, he has always supported Van de Putte until last night. “I saw a Dan Patrick promotion that said she voted for Common Core being adopted in Texas, and because of that I changed my vote,” Gonzales said. “I have seen her grow through the years in Texas politics, but because of that one decision, it changed my perception of her.” However, Gonzales said he thought Van de Putte would be the new lieutenant governor. “I honestly thought she had a legitimate chance,” Gonzales said. “She has been in the Senate as long as I can remember, (and) she is experienced.
UNIVERSITY
Texas State students watch election results at George’s By Nicole Barrios ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Texas State students and political science faculty gathered at George’s in the LBJ Student Center to watch election results roll in Tuesday night after a month of campaign signs littering campus. The Political Science Department sponsored the election night watch party as part of this year’s Discourse in Democracy event series. The department has hosted watch parties for past elections, said Don Inbody, political science senior lecturer. The event featured pizza, a raffle drawing and a big screen broadcasting CNN with continuous election results. Tables were filled with students wearing red, white and blue plastic leis and “I Voted” stickers. “There’s all the predictions, but now’s the night where you get to see how people actually vote and what’s going to happen,” Inbody said. “It’s just exciting to see the results of people actually going to the polls.” Political science professors offered extra credit to students who attended the event. Students said they came to engage in discussion and fellowship over the political process. About 150 students came to George’s to see the results of the election come in and engage in discussion with professors, Inbody said. “It’s not drinking or smoking, but it’s good to just be involved and think about stuff like that
because it matters,” said Jasmine Cherry, nursing freshman. Inbody predicted Greg Abbott would win the race for Texas governor. “The question is, ‘By what percentage does (Abbott) beat Wendy Davis?’” Inbody said. “If Wendy Davis can get more than 40 percent, that’ll be very interesting for the Democratic party, but if she doesn’t get 40 percent, then that tells me there’s some other things going on, that maybe the Democratic Party is weaker than they hope they are.” Abbott won the election with 59 percent of the votes and Davis lost with 38 percent. Cherry said she attended the campus watch party for extra credit but also was interested in the election results. Cherry said she did not watch the local elections but closely monitored the gubernatorial race. Students should want to take part in the political process, Cherry said. Inbody said he was “thrilled” students were interested in a midterm election that usually garners a lower voter turnout than presidential elections. Keylan Sneed, nutrition freshman, said this was the first election in which she was of voting age. She was excited to exercise that right. “I’m pretty excited to see how things work—just to be a part of everything,” Sneed said. Watch parties help students to get involved in current issues, Sneed said.
“Not many people care too much,” Sneed said. “They like to voice their opinion but they don’t actually see it through,” Sneed said. Justin McNutt, political science graduate instructional assistant, said campus watch parties help students know they can be involved in politics and gain an understanding of the process. “This is definitely our biggest event of the semester,”
McNutt said. Political Science Department officials reserved George’s in July and have been planning the event for months, McNutt said. Nick Crespo, political science junior, said he attended the party hoping the race for Texas governor would be closer this year. “I think when it comes to economics, it’s harder to say whether (Davis) or Abbott is better, but social issues is what guided me to-
ward (voting for) Wendy Davis,” Crespo said. The more politically educated society is, the better, Crespo said. Events like watch parties on campus help students know their votes matter, he said. McNutt predicted the Republican Party would gain a majority in the senate. “So they’ll control Congress, so we’re going to have divided government,” McNutt said.
MADELYNNE SCALES PHOTO EDITOR Sarah Muennink, business accounting freshman, and Justin Bedia, enineering technology sophomore, attend a watch party at George’s Nov. 4 in the LBJ Student Center.
The University Star | News | Wednesday, November 5, 2014 | 5
REPUBLICANS
Local Republican group celebrates Abbott’s victory
DEMOCRATS
College Democrats ‘not giving up without a fight’ in Texas
students vote,” Halbardier said. “There is a negative stigma (towards voting).” Kinney said the College RepubSupporters dressed in red filled licans at Texas State have been Kent Black’s BBQ as the Hays working with his organization on County Republicans watched the block walks and phone banks to results pour in from races all over attract support for candidates. “College Republicans are one the state and nation. Some in attendance were cer- of the strongest groups at Texas State,” Kinney said. tain Abbott The Republiwould win the cans in Texas are governorship a “strong group,” and started she said. to leave the “People of Texrestaurant as as are too smart his lead in the to vote for Demorace became crats,” said Brian clear. McAuliffe, Hays C h e e r s County Republicould be heard —BRYAN MCAULIFFE, HAYS can. in response to the confirmaCOUNTY REPUBLICAN Halbardier said education, border tion Abbott would take over as governor after security and immigration reform will be addressed quickly when Rick Perry’s 14-year tenure. “We are winning,” said Linda Abbott is in office. Abbott will be Kinney, Republican Party pre- more of a “reach-across-the-aisle” cinct 444 chair. “(The Demo- governor than Perry, Halbardier said. crats) are losing,” “Rick Perry was a very conKinney said she doesn’t think Texas will be a blue state. How- servative candidate,” Halbardier ever, Kinney thinks exercising the said. San Marcos District Attorney right to vote is important. “People who stay at home on Wes Mau was also in attendance Election Day are doing them- and said Abbott represented his people well as attorney general. selves a disservice,” Kinney said. Westley Halbardier, Hays Coun“I’m optimistic with Abbott ty Republican Party supporter, as my governor because he repsaid both parties have to find a resents the people of Texas the way to increase voter participa- best,” Mau said. “Abbott will not tion among students and citizens. cease to indicate what holds the “It is absolutely important that best for the future of Texas.”
By Jake Goodman NEWS REPORTER
THOMAIDES, from page 3
HUGHSON, from page 3
By Nicholas Laughlin, Sierra Holmes NEWS REPORTERS
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People of Texas are too smart to vote for Democrats.
requests and the desires of the community for years." Thomaides has been involved with projects in San Marcos and is a "huge asset" to the community in the current “transition period,” Prewitt said. "John is very committed to this community because he loves San Marcos and sees how much potential this city has," Prewitt said. Thomaides will not put a contract in the hands of developers who will taint water sources and exploit green spaces, said Michael Taylor, San Marcos resident, at Thomaides’ watch party. "He's stands for something, for the common people," Taylor said. "He's more of a friend to the people than a
politician." Thomaides was the voice of the citizens when they felt "powerless" against city council about an apartment complex development in their neighborhood, said Bob Holder, San Marcos resident. "If your candidate didn't win, I am your councilman now, and your concerns are important to me," Thomaides said. Davis said despite his loss, running for office was a learning experience. He is happy with how he presented himself. “Being a lifelong resident of this community and a Bobcat, this will not in any way affect my work,” Davis said. “Regardless of this election, I will continue to work to making San Marcos a better place.”
The College Democrats at Texas State headed to Railyard Bar and Grill on election night to watch as Wendy Davis fell short to Greg Abbott in the race for governor. For the first time in 14 years, a new Texas governor was elected and tensions were high at Railyard. The Hays County Democrats were also in attendance for their watch party. “(The College Democrats are) really nervous about the national races,” said Amanda Guillen, president for the College Democrats, prior to official results. “I’ve been avoiding looking at them, but I feel confident in the county elections,” Josh Martinez, College Democrats events coordinator, said he expected that Wendy Davis would lose the governor’s race and felt that the Republicans would probably win the Senate when the night began. “This is one of those elections where you just try and hold on to what you have,” Martinez said. “This election
is about seeing how close Davis can get to Abbott.” Also in attendance was former San Marcos mayor and city council member, Frank Arredondo. “It’s going to be a tough run for the Democrats,” Arredondo said. “We’re optimistic but we have to have some more
“I wouldn’t be shocked if the Republicans took the Senate, but from what I’m seeing it looks like they’re still close,” Martinez said. The College Democrats were upset after Davis gave her concession speech. “The Wendy Davis defeat probably hurt the most,” said Zacharey Garcia, College Democrat. The College Democrats were upset by Davis’ loss but vowed to come back stronger than ever. “I think we showed the Re—JOSH MARTINEZ, COLLEGE DEMOCRATS publicans we were not going Democrats in county offices.” down without a fight and we’re Phoebe Rankin, College the people’s party that wants Democrat, worked hard dur- to enfranchise people instead ing the campaign season to of dis-enfranchising them,” get people out to vote. said Victoria Ogden, College “It’s been good, but it’s also Democrat. been a lot of hard work and Ogden said the Democrats busy weekends,” Rankin said. learned what they needed to “I’m ready for (election sea- do to win elections in the fuson) to be over because of the ture. She said in the next eleclast three months.” tion, Democrats need to reach When CNN projected Ab- out to more minority and rural bott’s victory for governor, voters. the College Democrats began “I think that when people shouting and asked for clari- see we fought hard, we should fication until it was revealed get more support and sponthat the projection was only sorship because we’re not based on two percent of the giving up without a fight,” total vote. Guillen said.
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This is one of those elections where you just try and hold on to what you have.
“Big money and development is going to lose to Jane Hughson, and it’s good,” Derrick said. “This means that the citizens of San Marcos have been heard, have spoken with their votes and demand representation.” Sam Brannon, resident and citizen reporter for LoveHays. com, said he chose Hughson because he loves San Marcos and its rich set of attributes but believed all that was being endangered. “It’s like they’re putting a big ‘For Sale’ sign on this town, and it shouldn’t be,” Brannon said.
“People live here.” Councilman Shane Scott, Place 6, was one of the first to arrive at the restaurant to visit with Becak. The two shared drinks and company as the results filtered in. Local business owners Bucky and Pam Couch made an appearance at the restaurant later in the evening to show their support for Becak. “(A win for Hughson) is a win for Kyle, for Buda, for Martindale, for New Braunfels,” Bucky Couch said. “It’s a win for anybody but San Marcos.” Pam Couch said unlike San
Marcos, other cities in Hays County have aggressively pursued business and housing growth to their benefit. “This election puts a shroud over San Marcos,” Pam Couch said. “It sets the city back 20 years.” Hughson said her first order of business will be “tweaking” the preferred scenario amendment process. “We need more categories,” Hughson said. “We need more details. Before I can vote for something that’s going to move forward, I need more information.”
UNIVERSITY
Students discuss voter efficacy, apathy on midterm election night tention to local elections as much as they do presidential,” Zehani said. The College Democrats and College Republicans at Texas State worked throughout the semester to make sure students were informed and registered to vote. Thomas Demiranda, Texas State alum, said registering to vote should be made easier. “I went to go vote and was turned away because I wasn’t a registered voter of (a specific county),” Demiranda said. Demiranda said his liberal friends do not vote because their voices won’t be heard “due to how Republican Texas is.” San Marcos residents aren’t very politically active, Demiranda said. This fact is related to the city’s demographics. “Most of the population (in San Marcos) is students
By Nicholas Laughlin NEWS REPORTER Students sat in Tantra Coffee House on election night studying and talking with friends instead of watching election coverage. Students at Wake The Dead Coffee House and Tantra Coffee House Tuesday night were wrapped up in their studies and upcoming tests and seemed less than concerned with election results. Students said voting should be easier and it is a “waste of time.” “I think a lot of students think that voting is timeconsuming,” said Lorissa Soto, exercise sports science senior. “We have more important things to do.” Maggie Zehani, political science senior, knew the “monument” of the year’s elections, but she felt voting was “pointless.” “People do not pay at-
and old people,” Soto said. “There really is no in between.” Demiranda said graduates of Texas State move away, leaving San Marcos without support from younger generations. “A lot of students are not that knowledgeable of what is going on in politics,” Soto said. Zehani attributes the lack of voting to students’ laziness. “We (as students) believe change will happen overnight by us not taking action,” Zehani said. “We have to get out and prove to ourselves that we want our voices to be heard.” Student involvement at the university can only progress further. “Surely change will be impactful for the involvement of our community, but I cannot be sure for what is evident today,” Zehani said.
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