AN EDITORIAL FROM RON CLARKE

Thanks to the Bandera GOP for hosting all of the public information forum and thanks to all attended.

Recently I attended a Bandera County GOP-sponsored political forum in Medina. I attended others all over Bandera County over the last four month. Like many neighbors, I went for one simple reason: to hear directly from candidates—not through social media, rumors, or secondhand opinions, but face-to-face.

That matters in a rural county like Bandera.

Political forums are often confused with debates, but they serve a different purpose. A debate creates winners and losers. A forum creates conversation. It allows residents to shake hands, ask unscripted questions, voice concerns, and hear directly from the people asking for their vote.

That kind of access is becoming rare. In larger cities, candidates can hide behind media campaigns and consultants. Here, we still have the opportunity to look someone in the eye and ask: What do you stand for, and how will you serve our county?

Which is exactly why these forums matter.

Social media has become filled with anonymous accounts, rumors, attacks, and misinformation. Fake profiles and manufactured outrage create division while hiding behind screens. Whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent, voters should ask themselves a simple question: Why trust unknown voices when you can hear directly from candidates themselves?

Forums cut out the middleman.

They also reveal something important: who is willing to show up.

Candidates who regularly attend forums and community events demonstrate a willingness to listen—not just speak.

When candidates repeatedly avoid those opportunities, voters naturally begin asking questions. Public service is about engagement. Listening matters just as much as campaigning.

Rural communities like Bandera County face issues different from larger cities: water, growth, land use, taxes, preserving our culture, and protecting our way of life. Forums give residents a chance to ensure those concerns are heard.But there is another issue worth discussing: unity.

Too often politics becomes personal. Disagreements turn into divisions, and loyalty to individuals outweighs commitment to principles. The Republican Party talks frequently about "red," Democrats about "blue," but what about the people in the middle—the "purple" voters? The independents, the undecided, and neighbors simply trying to decide who deserves their vote?

What do they see when they look at us?

Do they see a party focused on ideas and solutions? Or one consumed by internal fights, personal grievances, and negativity?

Personal opinions matter. Voting your conscience matters. But political parties and communities move forward when people place shared goals ahead of personal disagreements. Supporting the process—even when your preferred candidate loses—is part of civic responsibility.

This is why, I personally will support anyone who gets elected and does the job they promised to do!

That is democracy.

Veterans fought and sacrificed to protect our right to vote. That right is personal and sacred. Cast your vote based on character, qualifications, and who you believe can best serve the county—not friendships, rumors, or online noise.

In my opinion, Bandera County works best when we focus less on personalities and more on improving our community.

Let’s spend less time chasing power and more time building trust. Less time arguing and more time listening.

And maybe, just maybe, we can bring a few more “purple” folks onto our Bandera County ranch front porch conversation.

Because moving Bandera County forward should matter more to all of us than who gets personal credit for doing it.

Backnote:

Bandera NewzJunky and Bandera Prophet held a structured debate on 2/13/26.  Prior to the debate, this is what the candidates for County Judge stated:

Dennis Fitzgerald stated “I look forward to all engagements where I can receive input and feedback from our community members. I will answer questions to the best of my ability and look forward to seeing everyone.”

Col. Susan Junker stated "I look forward to sharing my experience, community commitment, and my capabilities to serve as the next Bandera County Judge. This is an equally important opportunity to learn more about our voters' concerns and expectations of their leadership. It would be an honor to continue to serve Bandera County."

Kim Manglberger added “I’m looking forward to the debate because it gives voters a clear look at how candidates think, lead, and handle difficult issues, while focusing on what matters most to Bandera County families—conservative values, transparency, and respect for the people who rely on our county government. Open dialogue is how trust is built, and I’m ready for that conversation.”