The San Saba County Property Owners' Association monthly meeting was held Tuesday, January 29th at the Seniors' Center. After a short business meeting, candidates for city, county, and state offices were introduced by POA President Harold Yates, and given five minutes each to address the crowd of almost 70 attendees, regarding their respective positions for office.

Eight candidates or their representatives were present to address the crowd. Congressman, Mike Conaway, sent his regrets that the tax incentive debate was keeping him in Washington. However, his Senior Assistant, Randy Wright, was here and highlighted some of the Congressman's background and accomplishments. Mr. Wright pointed out that Conaway represented 36 Texas counties, of which San Saba was in the center of his District. He also highlighted the Congressman's unique background as a successful CPA in Midland prior to his election, and his earnest desire to keep an open door and hear from all constituents at anytime. Mr. Wright related that Conaway asks for our support for reelection.

Representative Harvey Hildebrandt also was unable to attend, but his Chief Assistant, David Griffith, was here to highlight his accomplishments. He pointed out that Hildebrandt's District (53) includes 15 counties and that since first elected in 1988, the Congressman has been rated in the top ten percent of Texas Representatives by his peers.

Troy Frazier sent his regrets as he had some prior commitments that he was unable to cancel.

In the 33rd District, Judge Gil Jones is running unopposed. Tim Inman, candidate for County Attorney, is also running unopposed.

Two men are running in the Republican primary for commissioner of Precinct 3 - Kenley Kroll and Randy Gray. Mr. Kroll is currently holding the office. He was appointed to the position due to the resignation of Commissioner Wayland Perry. Kroll is from Cherokee, and has done welding and other repairs to the local jail. He pledges to buy everything in San Saba if he can.

Kroll's opponent, Randy Gray, pledges to be fair and open to everyone. He says that, if elected, he will be available at all times and solicit help from all citizens in his area.

Otis Judkins is running unopposed for reelection in Precinct 1. He says that he will continue to put emphasis on the county roads, and reported that the project on County Road 228 is now complete.

Three candidates are running for Sheriff: Allen Brown, City police officer; Deputy Harold Yates; and former Senior Highway Patrolman, Ross Cox, Sr. Mr. Cox was unable to be present as he was in Dallas at a school for law enforcement certification. However, he was represented by Jan Huffstetler, who read a prepared statement from Mr. Cox.

Police Officer Brown has worked patrol and narcotics for the last 10 years since coming to San Saba and he also works with the Fire Department and EMS. Officer Brown believes in hands-on law enforcement, working with the Department of Public Safety, Texas Wildlife, municipal JC, Grand Juries, and neighboring law enforcement agencies. Early on, he created the Junior Sheriff's Posse, and has worked with every school in the county. Officer Brown is most proud of the fact that he was able to shut down over 30 meth labs in the first two years he was here, and that every school kid in San Saba knows his name and greets him when he visits. He has taught self-defense courses for the ladies at the local telephone company and as a result, two new computers were donated to the police department.

Deputy Harold Yates believes in putting service before self. He came to San Saba after a very successful career in the oil industry. Mr. Yates has been a rancher in the area for 33 years and has been a civic leader in a number of areas, including the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Director of the Soil and Water Conservation District, as well as President of the POA and Deputy Sheriff. He is a graduate of the University of Texas with both bachelor's and master's degrees. Mr. Yates is a licensed police officer by the State of Texas and promises a management style in the Sheriff's office, if elected. He has a zero tolerance toward drugs, and if elected, promises a fair and equal administration to all citizens.

The meeting adjourned with refreshments and the opportunity for all present to meet and talk with the candidates. The next meeting will be at the Rylander Library on February 26th.