Bastrop County Conservatives, Author at Bastrop County Conservatives

2024 GOP Primary Voter Guide

Bastrop County Conservatives — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:01:54 +0000

Hey there, voters!

With the upcoming elections just around the corner, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the candidates vying for various positions. At Bastrop County Conservatives, we’ve taken our responsibility seriously by engaging in thorough discussions, meeting with candidates, and conducting internal voting to endorse those we believe will best serve our community.

After much consideration, we’re excited to announce our endorsements for the following six candidates:

Michael Cloud for Texas’s 27th Congressional District
Tom Glass for Texas House District 17
Elizabeth Beyer for 465th District Court Judge
Maurice Cook for Bastrop County Sheriff
Dominica McGinnis for Bastrop County Commissioner Precinct 1
Zachary Carter for Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2

We understand that navigating the ballot can be overwhelming, especially with contested races and multiple candidates to consider. To assist you in making an informed decision, we’ve prepared a grid that aligns with the order of your ballot. Simply start from the top left corner, move down the first column, and proceed to the next column.

It’s important to note that the grid only represents contested races; single-candidate races are not displayed. However, your vote in these races is equally significant, and we encourage you to exercise your civic duty responsibly.

To ensure you have this valuable resource at your fingertips, we’ve attached the grid to this blog post. Feel free to print it out and take it with you into the voting booth. Your vote matters, and being prepared will empower you to make a meaningful contribution to our democratic process.

Remember, democracy thrives when we all participate. Let’s make our voices heard and shape the future of our community together.

Happy voting!

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2024 Primary Endorsements for Local, State, and National State Races

Bastrop County Conservatives — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 14:54:58 +0000

Our Candidate Sourcing and Selection Committee had the honor to meet with many excellent candidates for the positions listed below. They had very productive meetings with almost all of the candidates where the candidates and Committee shared valuable and productive information. We sincerely appreciate the time the candidates were able to set aside for our meetings.

Our leadership team met and based on our meetings, Bastrop County Conservatives has endorsed the following candidates:

Michael Cloud

Texas’s 27th Congressional District

Tom Glass

Texas House District 17

Elizabeth Beyer

465th District Court Judge

Maurice Cook

Bastrop County Sheriff

Dominica McGinnis

Bastrop County Commissioner Precinct 1

Zachary Carter

Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2

We are proud and honored to be backing these candidates and will be meeting with them soon to determine how we may best assist with their campaigns. If you have an interest in assisting with one or more of these campaigns, simply reply back to this email and we will place you in touch with our candidate support team.

There are other contested primary race candidates we have not had the privilege to meet. We are working on scheduling those this week. More to come.

One point of information – we have been asked many times about BCC candidate support/endorsements and what if a member does not want to support a particular candidate. We are all individuals and, as such, we all support who we want. BCC support or endorsement is a reflection of the group as a whole. An endorsement indicates very strong support from our group. Said differently, BCC, as an organization, will support the candidates we endorse, although individual members may support their own candidates.

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Engage with Candidates in Our Upcoming Forum Series

Bastrop County Conservatives — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 04:38:18 +0000

We’ve organized several upcoming meetings to accommodate the multitude of candidates running. To ensure an effective and engaging session for both candidates and attendees, we’ve divided the forums into three distinct meetings—Federal, State and County; City; and Schools. This segmentation allows candidates ample time to articulate their views and address questions while ensuring that attendees can actively participate in shorter, more focused sessions. Keeping meetings concise is essential for maintaining productivity and engagement.

While we aim to evenly distribute the workload among the three meetings, adjustments may be made based on the dynamics of the first meeting. Currently, we have seven confirmed speakers for the January 15 meeting, spanning from Federal to County levels, with the possibility of two or three additional participants.

During the January 15 meeting, our County Constables will provide a brief overview of their roles, shedding light on the significance of the position. Additionally, we’ll take the opportunity to acknowledge all candidates running for office, irrespective of our support, spanning from the Federal to local levels. It promises to be a comprehensive and informative evening.

Save the date:

From County to Capitol: Candidates Forum
- Date: Monday, January 15th, 2024, 5:30 pm networking, 6:30 pm meeting
- Speakers: Candidates running for County, State and Federal offices
- Location: Elgin, TX – Southside Market & Barbeque, 1212 US 290
City of Bastrop Candidates Forum
- Cancelled
School Board Candidates & City Council Candidates Forums
- Date: Monday, March 18th, 2024, 5:30 pm networking, 6:30 pm meeting
- Speakers: Candidates running for School District Boards & City Councils
- Location: Bastrop, TX – Casa Chapala, 1800 Walnut Street

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October 16 Meeting Summary

Bastrop County Conservatives — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 02:21:02 +0000

Friends of Bastrop County Conservatives,

Casa Chapala was the site of the “Bastrop County Conservatives” organization meeting on Monday night, October 16, 2023. It was literally standing room only. Many arrived early to meet with other, like-minded conservatives on a variety of issues. Following dinner, that’s when it got really interesting!

This meeting wasn’t just an opportunity for candidates to meet constituents, but was also very informative, with City Managers from both Elgin (Thomas Mattis) and Bastrop (Sylvia Carrillo) giving conservatives an update on the incredible growth both municipalities are experiencing—and how that growth is being managed. There are a lot of moving pieces to all of this growth, and expert management is called for. The detail by which both managers addressed the situations was impressive. Though the city manager for Smithville (Robert Tamble) was busy in Smithville this evening, Lela Derr did a great job going over his presentation, again emphasizing the growth that Bastrop county is experiencing.

Finally, what most were waiting for, was an update from the Bastrop County Tax Assessor/Collector, Ellen Owens. The special session of the Texas Legislature passed legislation to address property tax rates and Ms. Owens was incredibly thorough in explaining what all of this meant and that more changes will likely occur in 2024. Finally, Ms. Owens walked the audience through a sample property tax statement—which in the best of circumstances can be daunting.

The response to this meeting has been overwhelmingly positive and the Bastrop County Conservative organization is looking at doing more of these in the future. What/who would YOU like to see/hear from?

Regards,

BCC

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November 7th – Constitutional Amendment Breakdown

Bastrop County Conservatives — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:34:28 +0000

Serving the counties of District 2:
Kaufman, Navarro, Rockwall, Van Zandt, and parts of Dallas, Ellis, and Collin County

November 7, 2023 Constitutional Amendments

There are 14 constitutional amendments on the ballot. In order to make the ballot, these measures received a vote of 2/3 of all members of the legislature. It is up to you to determine whether these measures ultimately go into effect. Below is a brief summary of each proposition:

Proposition Number 1 (HJR126)

HJR 126 proposes a constitutional amendment to protect a person’s right to engage in generally accepted farm, ranch, timber production, horticulture, or wildlife management practices on real property that the person owns or leases. The proposed amendment would not affect the authority of the legislature to authorize the regulation of these practices by: (1) a state agency or political subdivision as necessary to protect the public health and safety from imminent danger;

(2) a state agency to prevent a danger to animal health or crop production; or (3) a state agency or political subdivision to preserve or conserve the natural resources of the state under the Texas Constitution. Additionally, the proposed amendment would not affect the legislature’s authority to authorize the use or acquisition of property for a public use, including the development of natural resources under the Texas Constitution.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management.”

Proposition Number 2 (SJR64)

SJR 64 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the governing body of a county or municipality to exempt from property taxation all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility. The proposed amendment would authorize the governing body to adopt the exemption as a percentage of the appraised value of the property, but that percentage could not be less than 50% of the appraised value of the property. The proposed amendment also would allow the legislature to define the term “child-care facility” and to establish additional eligibility requirements to receive the property tax exemption.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility.”

Proposition Number 3 (HJR132)

HJR 132 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from imposing a tax based on the wealth or net worth of an individual or family. The proposed amendment also would prohibit the legislature from imposing a tax based on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows:“ The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual wealth or net worth tax, including a tax on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family.”

Proposition Number 4 (HJR2-Second Special Session)

HJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to modify certain provisions of the Texas Constitution related to property taxes. The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to temporarily limit the maximum appraised value of real property for property tax purposes in a tax year. The proposed amendment also would increase the mandatory homestead exemption for school district property taxation from $40,000 to $100,000. The proposed amendment would require the legislature to provide for a reduction in the amount of the limitation on school district property taxes imposed on the residence homestead of the elderly or disabled. Additionally, the amendment would exempt appropriations not dedicated by the Texas Constitution and used for property tax relief from being considered as appropriations when determining whether the rate of growth of appropriations in a biennium has exceeded the constitutional tax spending limit. The proposed amendment would further authorize the legislature to provide that members serving on an appraisal board in a county with a population of at least 75,000 serve terms not to exceed four years.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes; to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads from $40,000 to $100,000; to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the board of directors of certain appraisal districts.”

Proposition Number 5 (HJR3)

HJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to redesignate the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund (TUF), and to appropriate funds from the economic stabilization fund to the TUF. The proposed amendment would appropriate to the TUF an amount equal to the interest income, dividends, and investment earnings attributable to the economic stabilization fund for the preceding state fiscal year. The appropriation amount could not exceed $100 million for the state fiscal year beginning September 1, 2023, or an amount adjusted for the increase in the general price index, not to exceed two percent, in subsequent state fiscal years. The proposed amendment also would prohibit any state university that is entitled to participate in dedicated funding provided by Article VII, Section 18 of the Texas Constitution from receiving money from the TUF.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.”

Proposition Number 6 (SJR75)

SJR 75 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Texas water fund. The Texas water fund would be a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund, administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) or its successor to assist in financing water projects in the state. The proposed amendment would direct the Texas water fund administrator to use the fund only to transfer money to other TWDB funds or accounts. The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to appropriate money for deposit to the water fund to be available for permitted transfers. No further legislative appropriation would be required for the water fund administrator to transfer money from or restore money to the fund, including the transfer of money to or the restoration of money from certain designated TWDB funds and accounts. The water fund would consist of: (1) money transferred or deposited to the fund by general law; (2) other revenue that the legislature by statute dedicates for deposit to the fund; (3) investment earnings and interest earned on amounts credited to the fund; (4) money from gifts, grants, and donations to the fund; and (5) money returned from any authorized transfer. The proposed amendment would require the legislature, by general law, to provide for the manner in which money from the Texas water fund may be used. The proposed amendment also would require that at least 25% of the money initially appropriated to the Texas water fund be transferred to the New Water Supply for Texas Fund.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment creating the Texas water fund to assist in financing water projects in this state.”

Proposition Number 7 (SJR93)

SJR 93 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas energy fund. The Texas energy fund would be a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund, administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) or its successor. Money in the Texas energy fund could be used, without further appropriation, only by PUC or its successor to provide loans and grants to finance or incentivize the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities necessary to ensure the reliability or adequacy of an electric power grid in the state. The proposed amendment would require PUC to allocate money from the fund for loans and grants to eligible projects for electric generating facilities that serve as backup power sources and in each region of the state that is part of an electric power grid in proportion to that region’s load share. The Texas energy fund would consist of: (1) money credited, appropriated, or transferred to the fund by or as authorized by the legislature; (2) revenue that the legislature dedicates for deposit to the fund; (3) the returns received from the investment of the money in the fund; and (4) gifts, grants, and donations contributed to the fund.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas energy fund to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities.”

Proposition Number 8 (HJR125)

HJR 125 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the broadband infrastructure fund. The broadband infrastructure fund would be a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund, administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (Comptroller). Money from the fund could be used, without further appropriation, only for the expansion of access to and adoption of broadband and telecommunications services. The broadband infrastructure fund would consist of: (1) money transferred or deposited to the fund by the Texas Constitution, general law, or the General Appropriations Act; (2) revenue that the legislature by general law dedicates for deposit to the fund; (3) investment earnings and interest earned on money in the fund; and (4) gifts, grants, and donations to the fund. The proposed amendment would authorize the Comptroller to transfer money from the broadband infrastructure fund to another fund as provided by general law, and the state agency that administers the fund to which any money is transferred could use the money without further appropriation only for the expansion of access to and adoption of broadband and telecommunications services. The broadband infrastructure fund would expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended by adoption of a joint resolution of the legislature. Immediately before the expiration of the fund, the Comptroller would be required to transfer any unexpended and unobligated balance remaining in the broadband infrastructure fund to the general revenue fund.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment creating the broadband infrastructure fund to expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects.”

Proposition Number 9 (HJR2)

HJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to eligible annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). The proposed amendment also would authorize the legislature to appropriate money from the general revenue fund to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to pay the cost-of-living adjustment.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.”

Proposition Number 10 (SJR87)

SJR 87 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to exempt from property taxation tangible personal property held by a medical or biomedical manufacturer as a finished good or used in the manufacturing or processing of medical or biomedical products.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation equipment or inventory held by a manufacturer of medical or biomedical products to protect the Texas healthcare network and strengthen our medical supply chain.”

Proposition Number 11 (SJR32)

SJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the authority of the legislature with regard to conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County. The Texas Constitution permits conservation and reclamation districts in certain counties across the state to issue bonds to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities but does not currently provide this authority to El Paso County. The proposed amendment would add conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to those districts currently allowed, if authorized by general law, to issue bonds supported by property taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities. The proposed amendment would not limit the powers of the legislature or of a conservation and reclamation district with respect to parks and recreational facilities as those powers currently exist.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.”

Proposition Number 12 (HJR134)

HJR 134 proposes a constitutional amendment to abolish the office of County Treasurer in Galveston County. The amendment would authorize the Galveston County Commissioners Court to employ or contract with a qualified person or designate another county officer to perform any functions that would have been performed by the County Treasurer. The proposed amendment would take effect only if a majority of the voters of Galveston County voting on the proposition favor the amendment.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office of county treasurer in Galveston County.”

Proposition Number 13 (HJR107)

HJR 107 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory retirement age for

state justices and judges. Currently, the Texas Constitution establishes that justices and judges of the appellate courts, district courts, and criminal district courts must retire on the expiration of the term during which they reach the age of 75 years or an earlier age, not less than 70 years, as the legislature may prescribe. The proposed amendment would change the mandatory retirement age for justices and judges of the appellate courts, district courts, and criminal district courts to 79 years or an earlier age, not less than 75 years, as the legislature may prescribe. The proposed amendment also would remove the provision stating that justices and judges may only serve until December 31 of their fourth year in office if they reach the age of 75 years in the first four years of a six-year term.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory age of retirement for state justices and judges.”

Proposition Number 14 (SJR74)

SJR 74 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the centennial parks conservation fund as a trust fund outside the state treasury. The fund could be used, in accordance with general law, only for the creation and improvement of state parks. The centennial parks conservation fund would consist of: (1) money appropriated, credited, or transferred to the fund by the legislature; (2) gifts, grants, and donations received by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) or its successor for a purpose for which money in the fund may be used; and (3) investment earnings and interest earned on amounts credited to the fund. The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to appropriate money from the centennial parks conservation fund to TPWD or its successor for the creation and improvement of state parks.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be used for the creation and improvement of state parks.”

You can find information about the amendments and voting in Texas at VoteTexas.gov.

Please note the voter registration deadline for the November 7, 2023 Election is October 10, 2023.

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Make Your Vote Count

Bastrop County Conservatives — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 18:53:14 +0000

Review your selection on the screen before printing your ballot
Review your ballot before depositing it into the ballot box at the voting location
Voting accuracy is your responsibility

On Thursday, Oct 27 one of our supporters participated in early voting. After reviewing the voting screen, before printing their ballot, they noted that three of their selections were different than they intended. This was most likely an “over” selection as there were two columns of candidates next to each other and it is easy to accidently select other candidates as you move down the second column. As you might imagine, this caused great concern, as it may have been easily missed.

After speaking with a poll watcher and the Elections Administrator, there was no clear answer. It was probable that the voter accidently touched the screen in the wrong column as they were wrapping up the voting process. No way to know for sure.

Key take away – after you vote, review your selection on the screen before printing your ballot, then ensure that you check your printed ballot for accuracy before placing it in the ballot box. This is a crucial part of the process.

This is being pointed out as other counties have had voting integrity issues. We know of at least one county where an independent sample indicated that some votes were not recorded, and other votes were not for the party they intended.

Having said that, historical voting in Bastrop County has been extremely accurate. It has been tested on several occasions in the last two years. See our Election Integrity blog for details. There is no reason to believe the accuracy of Bastrop County elections has changed, BUT you must be diligent. That includes you voting accurately, checking your vote each step of the way, and questioning unusual or strange trends.

You should immediately notify the election judges and/or poll watchers at the voting location if you have concerns and contact our Elections Administrator for disposition. She may be reached at Kristin.Miles@co.bastrop.tx.us or at the Elections Administration office at (512) 581-7160.

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Recap of the Election Integrity Discussion with Seth Keshel and David Clements

Bastrop County Conservatives — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 17:00:26 +0000

Pictured left to right: Seth Keshel, Mel Cooper, Dave Clements, and Venkat Varada

Seth Keshel and David Clements gave outstanding presentations. The meeting lasted three hours and the audience would have stayed longer. We had representatives from five counties.
Key take away – elections tracked with computers are subject to fraud and, in many counties, the statistics overwhelming support the conclusion that fraud occurred.
The speakers provided solutions for the near-term, mid-term, and long-term.

Seth Keshel and David Clements provided statistical information that left no doubt that elections are subject to fraud from many fronts and most all have been used over the years. Mail-in ballots are harvested and fraudulently voted, fictitious people vote where voter identification is not required, votes are changed by election computers, votes are omitted by election computers, and more. Dinesh D’Souza’s documentary 2000 Mules focused on rampant voter fraud through the mail-in voting process. If you haven’t seen it, you must. This presentation focused on statistical anomalies attributable to election computers.

Election Computers

As long as we use computers to capture and tabulate our votes, there is a chance for fraud.

No matter how many checks and balances, or how well managed an elections office might be, as long as we use computers to capture and tabulate our votes, there is a chance for fraud. The fraud the speakers referred to is from outsiders, people who access the computers for fraudulent purposes. While there may be no fraud today, as discussed below, computers can be breached and data accessed for the wrong purposes when we least expect it.

The Bastrop County tabulation computer, the one that compiles our votes, is not connected to the internet. It has been represented to the Elections Office by the machine provider that connectivity hardware is not installed on the machine. Wi-Fi connectivity has been tested which confirmed no connection was active at the time of testing.

Our speakers noted that these same representations were made to election offices in other States, and it was later discovered in public testimony that their computers did in fact have this internet connectivity hardware and it was used from time to time. This is where the problem lies. Most election computer users are not programmers or hardware experts and have to trust third parties. We have heard allegations about numerous election machine providers and how their access gives them the opportunity to alter votes with no audit trails. Any time an outside third party has access to an election computer, we are subject to being compromised. Controls do not apply to malicious computer experts determined to access the data.

Solutions

1. Short-term

Short-term it is best to vote on election day, preferably in the afternoon.

Although a statistical presentation by our speakers made it easy to conclude that material voter fraud occurred in certain counties, the speakers offered solutions. Short-term it is best to vote on election day, preferably in the afternoon. Why? The computer algorithms need to “know” the vote count in order to activate vote manipulation. The sooner the algorithm can identify a voting trend the sooner it can start manipulating the trend, thereby spreading the fraudulent votes over more days making an issue harder to identify. Vote on election day.

The computer manipulates the votes by tracking your votes primarily during early voting ballots, but also votes submitted early on election day. Then, systematically, the computer algorithm alters the election outcome by omitting or changing votes. Many times, this manipulation can be seen in the recorded voting trends the afternoon of election day when one candidate or the other suddenly begins to receive a noticeably larger and unusual percentage of the votes. This should trigger a hand ballot count.

One of the real-time statistical analyses presented allowed the attendees to watch a certain election while the total votes actually increased and decreased, and votes for one candidate decreased while another increased. In a properly run process, this would have been impossible. If this happens, you have a problem, period. This was a glaring example of voter fraud through computer generated vote manipulation.

Another short-term action you can take is to volunteer to serve as an election judge or poll watcher to assist in the accuracy of our electoral process. These functions are crucial to the process. Your local Republican party or Election Administration office can assist you in making arrangements to serve in these positions.

2. Long-term

You can contribute to a longer-term solution by letting your election administrator and county commissioners know that you want the computers removed.

Longer term, counties need to:

Limit mail-in ballots (except for military and similar voters)
Eliminate computers
Return to counting paper ballots
Require voter identification.

Bastrop County requires voter identification. This is crucial to election integrity. A common objection to paper ballots is the financial cost. Yes, it will be more costly without computers, but what is the integrity of our elections worth?

You can contribute to a longer-term solution by letting your election administrator and county commissioners know that you want the computers removed. Hand counts are the solution, not a perfect solution but the best available today. Their primary benefit is they are not subject to manipulation by third parties. Many counties have already taken the step and moved to hand counted paper ballots. To people who say Bastrop County cannot do this, see the recount information below. It has already been done and was performed efficiently and effectively.

Real Examples

1. Williamson County

We appear to have issues in Texas, even close to home in places like Williamson County.

Two of the attendees at our meeting stated that they walked the streets and roads in Williamson County and spoke with hundreds (probably over 1,000) of residents. They discovered a certain percentage of the residents who stated they voted in 2020 but the County voting records did not reflect their votes. And a percentage of the residents’ votes were not cast for the person they intended.

Interestingly, the percentages of issues discovered in this test matched the percentages Keshel and Clements found in other counties, in and outside of Texas. Clements stated that this was a commonly designed machine algorithm, either pre-built into the machines themselves or used by malicious people who accessed the machines later. Coincidence? The Chairman of the Republican Party of Williamson County vehemently denies that there are any issues in the County.

2. Bastrop County

On the other hand, you have Bastrop County. It certainly appears to have had accurate elections based on recent hand re-counts:

November 2020 – Donna Snowden/Cheryl Reese – Commissioner Precinct 4 (approximately 25% of the County re-counted) – paper ballot recount and machine count match exactly
May 2021 – Jimmy Crouch/Cheryl Lee – Bastrop City Council – count was for the city of Bastrop – paper ballot recount and machine count match exactly
March 2022 – Tom Glass/ Stan Gerdes/Paul Pape – Texas House District 17 – recount was for the entire County – paper ballot recount and machine count reflect one under-vote

Bastrop County can feel comfortable with past election results based on the foregoing. Several compliments by politicians and workers were given to the organization and responsiveness of the Bastrop County Elections Administration office run by Kristin Miles, Elections Administrator.

The morning after our meeting, Keshel and Clements addressed Bastrop Commissioners’ Court and shared their concerns and solutions.

Summary

Based on the data presented, there is election fraud taking place in the country. Due to the increased fraud in the 2020 election, people are now more aware than ever and are getting involved, such as serving as elections judges or poll watchers during the voting process, and some counties have moved to paper ballots. Although not all counties are experiencing election integrity issues, many are. It is up to us to stop the trend.

Reference

The following information was referenced at the meeting:

Speakers

Seth Keshel

Seth Keshel, MBA, is a former Army Captain of Military Intelligence and Afghanistan veteran. His analytical method is known worldwide and has been recognized by President Donald Trump. Seth is at the forefront of the national election integrity movement and lives in Weatherford, Texas. Seth is active in conservative grassroots efforts in Texas.

captk.com | @RealSKeshel on Truth Social

Dave Clements

David Clements has spoken in at least 25 states and at more than 60 different events since Jan. 6, 2021 on voter integrity and was a voter integrity activist in the New Mexico elections. Clements is an attorney, former award winning business law professor and prosecutor. During his legal career, Professor Clements was a leader in trial teams that secured eight first degree murder convictions, including members of the “AZ Boys” drug trafficking organization. Professor Clements now applies his vast evidentiary and courtroom experience to the realm of elections. His advocacy has led to audits and canvassing operations being implemented across the country, with some efforts resulting in elimination of election machines that facilitate fraud.

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Lee County Republican Party and Bastrop County Conservatives Abbot/Beto Watch Party

Bastrop County Conservatives — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 20:17:32 +0000

Joint meeting with Lee County Republican Party
Watched Beto/Abbot debate
Uneventful debate, neither candidate gained ground

We had a great meeting for an uneventful debate between Abbot and Beto. Had a good mix of people from Lee and Bastrop County. We used the opportunity to meet and talk with new friends. Good comradery, good BBQ. Although it was a well-run debate and some of Beto’s statements were questionable, consensus was that neither side gained ground as a result of the debate. We all need to vote in November.

The post Lee County Republican Party and Bastrop County Conservatives Abbot/Beto Watch Party appeared first on Bastrop County Conservatives.

Monuments – Bastrop County Commissioners Court

Bastrop County Conservatives — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 01:27:06 +0000

Liberals and conservatives attended a recent Bastrop County Commissioners Court meeting to speak regarding the monuments currently in place on the Courthouse grounds
Liberals had one speaker for moving the monuments and conservatives had four speakers in favor of leaving the monuments in place
No actions taken by Commissioners Court

Sep 26, 2022 – The recent Commissioner’s meeting covered a variety of topics, with one of those being the Capital Improvement Plan (“CIP”) where it was rumored that a discussion was to be held on moving the monuments currently located on the Courthouse lawn. As it was interesting that this was a potential topic to be held under the CIP section of the agenda, there were concerns that the county may be considering CIP dollars to move monuments. Bastrop County Conservatives (“BCC”) is against using tax dollars to move monuments and stated so in a video clip captured by KXAN News “What’s the latest with the Confederate monuments in Bastrop County? | KXAN Austin”.

One speaker spoke in favor of moving the monuments and stated that $50,000 was raised to move the monuments and the Commissioners were not honoring a commitment to move the monuments now that funds were available. This was a misrepresentation. $50,000 is not adequate to move the monuments even one time, much less the two times certain people are requesting, from the current location to storage and then to a final resting place.

The intent of the monuments was not to honor slavery, it was to honor fallen soldiers from Bastrop County, albeit Confederate soldiers. Several people I spoke with before the meeting suggested that we preserve history by leaving the monuments where they are and adding a plaque clearly explaining the Civil War and the positions taken by the North and the South. As we look back, every American today agrees that slavery was wrong, in every way. Whites, blacks and other minorities all sold or had slaves and it was wrong. However, this is history, and we need to learn from history, so it is never repeated.

The video clip above from KXAN shows me talking. Unfortunately, KXAN chose to show the least moving and passionate speech, mine. Four other people spoke against moving the monuments and their speeches were worthy of the moment. I have left their names off this blog intentionally and will leave it to them to share their names as they wish. One of the speakers stated that there is a monument in Smithville with his name on it commemorating the battles in which he fought. He stated, accurately, that if we move these monuments now, what is to stop people in 50 years from calling him a criminal because they don’t agree with the war he was in and tearing down the monument with his name? His speech, and the others, were great. If anyone is aware of where we can obtain a video of the entire meeting, we can attach it to this blog.

Did we all accomplish our goal at the meeting? I believe so. We let the Commissioners know our position. What they do now is up to them. Our group certainly demonstrated that there are conservatives in the County who have a voice. This has not been the case in the past. A few hard-core people have shown up and taken stands but had very little support. Thanks to BCC supporters, military organizations and other members of conservative groups who attended, we had a presence. We probably had twenty-five or more people attending, primarily from BCC, compared to fifteen or fewer liberals. We demonstrated that conservatives care, will vote, have a voice and will be heard. Mission accomplished.

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Senator Charles Schwertner

Bastrop County Conservatives — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:29:53 +0000

Senator Schwertner spoke at our September 21, 2022 meeting
What a great speaker and strong conservative
Discussed legislative actions, property taxes, border security

Sep 21, 2022 – What a great meeting. Senator Schwertner went from table-to-table meeting and talking with each and every person in attendance. His presentation covered legislative actions, property taxes, border security. His presentation and question and answer question combined were an hour and a half of very important information.

Senator Charles Schwertner is a physician, family man, business owner, and a life-long fiscal and social conservative. In 2010, Schwertner was first elected to serve the people of House District 20 as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. There, he quickly earned a reputation as a measured and effective legislator, working with his colleagues to pass one of the most conservative legislative agendas in Texas history. In 2012, Schwertner won the Republican Primary for the Texas Senate (District 5) with nearly 75 percent of the vote. Senate District 5 is a ten-county region of Central and East Texas that includes Brazos, Freestone, Grimes, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Robertson, Walker and Williamson Counties.

Throughout his time in the Texas Senate, Senator Schwertner has fought for the families in his district by supporting retired teachers, working to make higher education more affordable, and protecting children from abuse and neglect by reforming the Department of Family and Protective Services. Schwertner has also worked to protect our seniors by authoring legislation to improve nursing homes and punish bad actors in the industry. In the Senate, Dr. Schwertner serves on the Senate Committees on Business and Commerce, Veteran Affairs & Border Security, Agriculture, and Transportation, as well as serving as the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

For his leadership in the Texas Legislature, Senator Schwertner has been named a “Taxpayer Advocate” by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, a “Fighter for Free Enterprise” by the Texas Association of Business, a “Courageous Conservative” by the Texas Conservative Coalition, a “Lone Star Conservative Leader” by the Texas Conservative Roundtable, and “Senate Freshman of the Year” by Texas Monthly magazine. Additionally, Senator Schwertner has been named a CASA Champion for Texas Children, YMCA Champion, and Legislator of the Year by the Texas Assisted Living Association.

Charles comes from six generations of farming and ranching in Texas. In addition to his role in the Texas Legislature, Dr. Schwertner also works as a practicing orthopedic surgeon, treating thousands of patients each year. He and his wife Belinda (an obstetrician/gynecologist) reside in Georgetown with their three sons: Carson, Zachary, and Matthew.

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