Dear Editor:

Sorry Democrats!! I apologize to you for having to, FOR THIS ELECTION ONLY, DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY 2012, close the polling places in Richland Springs, Cherokee and Bend and have only one polling place at the Arrowhead Bank, 301 E. Wallace, San Saba, TX.At the last primary, 2010, there was no interest in Cherokee, in fact I had to use people from San Saba to man the polling place. There was a lot of paper work and telephoning to find someone to hold the election in Richland Springs. The only polling place that I have not had a problem was at Bend. I am sorry that Bend is being included in this decision; but, because of a lack of funds (no local people filing for any position as a "Democrat"), I am forced to do this. I was issued a small amount from the Secretary of State's office. This amount is barely enough to pay a minimum staff to operate the one polling place.If I sound upset and bitter, I am. I do not like making unpopular changes but I have been forced to do so. I have taken the necessary legal steps to make this change with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.I certainly approve the right of any American to not only choose the candidate of your choice, but your political party, and I believe in a two party system, but I do not understand the lack of interest in working to keep a two party system in our community.Pat GrusendorfDemocratic County Chair