by John Waters, Publisher
In
unofficial election results released today by the Brewster County Election’s
office, Judge Val Beard soundly defeated her challenger Dr. Avi Rangra,
garnering 1078 votes compared to Rangra’s 723. Beard captured 59.85 percent of
the vote compared with Rangra’s 40.15 percent.
In
the race for Brewster County Commissioner of precincts 2 & 6, incumbent
Kathy Killingsworth received 317 votes (57.43 percent); challengers Andy Byrnes
won 162 (29.35 percent), and Bill Bourbon 73 (13.22 percent).
In
precinct 4, incumbent commissioner Wacky Pallanez won re-election with 290
votes, compared to challenger Van Neie’s 152 votes.
On
election night, about 50 Beard and Killingsworth supporters gathered at
Alpine’s Granada Theater for a victory celebration. Attendees burst into
applause and cheers when they heard Ray Hendrix of KALP Radio predict Judge Val
Beard would win re-election. Throughout the evening, the celebrants cheered as
election results were announced and when Hendrix predicted Commissioner
Killingsworth would also be re-elected.
The
Rangra Campaign did not hold any election night gathering.
“I’m
truly honored that such a large diverse group of people came together as a team
to work on this campaign,” Judge Beard commented today. “All of us can be proud
that our campaign was conducted as promised: it was positive, clean, and
genuinely home grown. Serving the citizens of this county has been a privilege
and I’m truly appreciative of the confidence which Brewster County citizens
have expressed in our commissioners court and in me. As always, the door to
this office is always open. Expect your commissioners court to keep getting
things done in the next four years.”
Challenger
Avi Rangra commented on the election: “I would like to express my appreciation,
and thanks for the time, energy, and hard work over the last several weeks that
the volunteers and the voters in our Brewster County invested to make the
democratic process function. I want to thank all my friends, and supporters who
believed in me, and my vision of open, accountable, and affordable county
business. I also want to thank our Republican friends for their active
participation in our Democratic Party’s primary.
I also wish to extend my
sincere congratulations to Val Beard on her win as a Democratic nominee to
continue to be the Brewster County Judge.
I feel extremely lucky to continue to
be a part of the greatest community: Brewster County. Thanks again for your
friendship. It means the world to me, and my family. God Bless us all.”
Incumbent
Commissioner Kathy Killingsworth was equally greatful: “I appreciate all of the
support of my voters in Brewster County Commissioner precinct 2 as well as all
of my supporters throughout the county. I am honored to be selected again to
serve Brewster County and all of its citizens for another four years.”
The
Gazette has contacted Andy
Byrnes and Bill Bourbon and is awaiting comment.
Voting
results for Pct. 2/6 Brewster County Commissioner were as follows:
Early
Voting:
Pct.
2: Killingsworth 160 votes; Byrnes 32; Bourbon 39.
Pct.
6 Killingsworth 42 votes; Byrnes 32; Bourbon 4.
Election
Day voting:
Pct.
2: Killingsworth 71 votes; Byrnes 18; Bourbon 18.
Pct.
6: Killingsworth 44 votes; Byrnes 80; Bourbon 12.
Totals:
Killingsworth 317; Byrnes 162; Bourbon 73.
