2024 February Election Preview Guide

ELECTION PREVIEW

KILLEEN DAILY HERALD | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024

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COUNTY, STATE, FEDERAL ELECTIONS ARE MARCH 5 Bell County voters to decide Early voting times and locations for the March 5 primary election

on new sheriff, judge

BY THADDEUS IMERMAN

Park, 1700 E. Stan Schlueter Loop Temple: Temple ISD Admin. Building, 401 Santa Fe Way Salado: Salado Church of Christ, 217 N. Stagecoach Road.

Harker Heights: Parks & Recreation Center, 307 Millers Crossing Morgan’s Point Resort: Morgan’s Point Event Center, 60 Morgan’s Point Blvd.

STAFF REPORT

KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

With several hotly contested races for Bell County seats in the March 5 primary, those who take to the polls will go a long way in deciding who their preferred candidate or — in some cases — winner of the race will be.

Early voting for the primary begins Tuesday.

From the county sheriff to judge positions, here is a look at who will be on the ballot.

Cooke

Harris

With early voting for the primary election starting Tuesday voters will need to know where they can cast a ballot.

The hours and locations for early voting are as follows:

Hernandez

HERALD | FILE

Killeen residents participate in the first day of early voting at the Killeen Seniors Center at Lion’s Park during a recent election.

BELL COUNTY

Feb. 20-23: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Feb. 24: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 25: noon to 6 p.m.

Feb. 26 to March 1: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Early voting will occur at: Belton: Bell County Belton Annex, 550 E. Second Ave. Killeen: Bell County Annex, 304 Priest Drive Killeen: Jackson Professional Learning Center, 902 Rev. R A Abercrombie Drive Killeen: Senior Center at Lions Club

CORYELL COUNTY

Feb. 20-23: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Feb. 24: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 25: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Feb. 26-29: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

March 1: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Early voting will occur at: Copperas Cove Early Voting Center, 508-B Cove Terrace, Copperas Cove Gatesville Annex, 801 E. Leon St., Gatesville

HERALD | FILE

Voters in Coryell County cast their early ballots at the Coryell County Justice Center at 210 S. First St., in Copperas Cove during a recent election.

aviation officer, field training officer, media relations officer and mental health officer. He has also received the sheriff ’s accommodation and meritorious award and the peace officer of the year in 2022.

Hernandez currently holds a master SHERIFF peace officer and a master jailer’s license, With no opposition from the Democrat- while also attending classes at Temple ic Party, whomever emerges from the trio Junior College and Angelina Junior of Republicans vying to fill Eddy Lange’s College for criminal justice and business seat as sheriff will ultimately win the management. general election in November.

After some speculation, Lange anDISTRICT ATTORNEY nounced late last year that he would not Three Republican candidates are atbe seeking reelection. tempting to succeed longtime incumbent Looking to succeed him are Bill Cooke, Henry Garza, who is not seeking reelecFred Harris and Frank Hernandez. tion, as Bell County’s district attorney.

Cooke is a former Justice of the Peace Those candidates are Stephanie Newell, whose tenure of public service in Bell Jeff Parker and James Stapler.

County spans three decades.

Newell is Bell County’s first assistant Cooke is a graduate of Baylor Univerdistrict attorney. sity and the Texas Department of Public Newell, 47, the mother of two boys, said Safety Service Academy, and he is a her 18 years of experience in the Bell decorated law enforcement officer.

County District Attorney’s office has preHis service as a Texas Highway Patrol- pared her to take the leadership reigns as man stationed in Bell County and his the county’s next top prosecutor. extensive investigative experience with Newell, who grew up in Fort Worth, the Bell County Attorney and District earned her law degree from Texas Tech Attorney’s offices led him to success as University. Next year will mark her 22nd the longest-serving justice of the peace year as a prosecutor, which includes in the history of west Bell County. many long days and nights preparing Harris — a Bell County native — has cases for trial. been a law enforcement officer since Parker is a graduate of Baylor Univer1999 when he graduated from the police sity, where he went for both his underacademy. graduate and law degrees.

Currently Harris works with the Office A longtime resident of Bell County, of the Inspector General, investigating Parker currently resides in Temple along criminal activity as it affects Texas Dewith his wife and his two children. partment of Criminal Justice programs, Parker said he has 24 years of experiresources and personnel. ence as an attorney, both as a prosecutor Prior to his current position, Harris and defense attorney. worked at the Killeen Police Department In the beginning of his career, Parker as both a patrolman and a detective worked in Bell County as an assistant before retiring in 2021. district attorney before he transitioned Hernandez is a former Bell County into criminal defense. He has since Sheriff ’s Office deputy for 17½ years. transitioned back and has worked as He said at a recent GOP debate that one an assistant district attorney in Coryell of the top issues facing Bell County is County for the past seven years. hiring and retaining quality deputies, Stapler a managing partner with the according to FME News Service.

Killeen law firm of Corbin, Stapler & Positions held by Hernandez include Clapper.

SWAT team officer, a spot on the narcotics task force, honor guard, police PLEASE SEE BELL, B6

In Coryell County, Republicans vie for sheriff, constable positions

BY THADDEUS IMERMAN KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

With early voting beginning Tuesday in the March 5 primary election, voters in Coryell County will effectively decide two contested races and help decide the nominees for a federal election. In the case of the contested races in Coryell County, the winner of the primary will also inevitably win the General Election in November. No Democrats filed to run as challengers to Republicans in Coryell County, meaning the Republican winners will run unopposed on the November ballot.

All three candidates for sheriff and both candidates for constable for Precinct 1 in Coryell County met with dozens of potential voters at a barbecue restaurant in Copperas Cove recently.

Each candidate spoke on why they are seeking election or reelection and what makes them the best candidate in their respective race.

COUNTY SHERIFF

The incumbent, Coryell County

Buster

Suniga

Williams

Sheriff Scott Williams, is seeking reelection to a third term. He spoke succinctly about why he is running.

“I’m running again because I don’t think I’m finished. I think there’s a lot more that needs to be done in the county,” the sheriff said. “And the second part of your question, what makes me the best candidate is I’m the one that’s tested and has the most experience.”

Williams has served in law enforcement since 2010 and was first elected to the sheriff ’s position in 2016.

Williams’ Republican opponents, J.C. Buster and Danni Suniga, say they feel like change is needed.

“I want change and I want better PLEASE SEE CORYELL, B4

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ELECTION PREVIEW

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024 | KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

Three candidates running in DA Republican primary race

BY ELLIOT HEMSTREET FME NEWS SERVICE

Three candidates are running for Bell County district attorney in the Republican primary election to replace the retiring Henry Garza.

The candidates —Stephanie Newell, Jeff Parker and James Stapler — participated in a Bell County Bar Association forum on Feb. 9 at the 146th District Court at the Bell County Justice Center.

The forum featured a question and answer format in which candidates were given a set amount of time going up to two minutes to answer. Kyle Watkins, president of the Bar Association, moderated the forum.

Garza, who spent decades in office as the county’s top prosecutor, declined to seek another term.

CANDIDATE QUALITIES

Newell, Parker and Stapler were asked why they are the right person to serve as Bell County district attorney.

Parker discussed his unique career path as one of his biggest strengths.

“I’m the only candidate that has been both a defense attorney and a prosecutor. I’m proud of that fact. I can see it from both sides,” Parker said. “I understand the needs of both sides and that’s that knowledge is what equips me to understand what we need to do to move cases more efficiently through the system. It’s that kind of experience that you need as district attorney.”

Stapler credited his endorsers and his expansive career in law.

“The people that have experience working with this office and law enforcement? They’re endorsing me to take this job and help them fight crime for Bell County,” Stapler said. “I’m the best person because they support me, but also because I’ve got all that different experience in all of these different counties and Bell County in federal court and state court.”

Newell identified her dedication to justice and the accolades she received as a result.

“That’s easy. Three words: experience, integrity and leadership … I’ve involved myself in public service beyond the doors of the district attorney’s office. When I leave today, I don’t go to my car and head home. I go straight up back to my office and continue to work.

In that, my experience, my integrity and my leadership have been proven and I can move forward into this position with the same set of skills that I’ve been serving Bell County with for 18 years,” Newell said.

CANDIDATE WEAKNESSES

Watkins asked the candidates to explain their biggest weakness.

Parker mentioned and praised his current employer in his answer.

“Obviously, the greatest weakness I have is I don’t have the experience Ms. Newell has in a larger office. The office I’m in right now, we have 16 total employees in the Coryell County District Attorney’s office. We do a heck of a job

Newell

Parker

Stapler

with what we got and I’m very proud of the job we do.”

Stapler mentioned his work experience.

“I was a prosecutor for a brief year in my career when I first started. My biggest weakness is not spending a lifetime as a prosecutor and not spending a lifetime here in this office.”

Newell’s dedication to helping victims of crime was a weakness, she said.

“I can tell you that the only weakness would probably be my focus on victims because I’m not concerned that a defendant gets out of jail quicker if that’s not justice. I have always spoken for victims,” she said. “Our office is one that has the strongest victim coordinators anywhere in this area and that is what we do is we represent the state and we’re always going to have the victim come first.”

POLICY CHANGES

Candidates were asked what policies or procedures they plan to change once elected.

Parker’s answer involved speeding multiple processes along for the sake of efficiency, including having full, unredacted discovery available to the defense counsel as soon as it’s available.

“That’s the only way we can move these cases if they know what’s going on and then we have to make the best clear offer as quickly as possible to move that case,” Parker said.

He said Bell County should be like Williamson County in having its own drug lab, getting results in six weeks instead of six months from the Department of Public Safety lab. He noted it will cost a little bit of money, but we’re going to save a lot in the long term.”

Stapler had a similar answer to Parker and referenced his expansive work experience in his answer.

“I’ve seen what’s bad and good in all sorts of DA offices. There’s too much that needs to change in this DA’s office, but ultimately … it’s case handling and case management that are going to affect our jail population and our security and safety. My policy would be to fix all those,” Stapler said.

Newell defended the Bell County District Attorney office’s current policies and clarified why they work.

“I’m here to tell you that our office works efficiently and our assistant district attorneys are working tirelessly,” Newell said.

“Every county that was just listed by my opponents has a higher dismissal rate than the Bell County District Attorney’s office because we screen them on the front end,” she said. “We are not charging our citizens before we have the evidence to support it and

that’s what needs to continue for justice to be done.”

BACKLOG ISSUES

Watkins asked how candidates would minimize case backlogs in an evergrowing Bell County that stems from the COVID-19 pandemic, when courts were either shuttered or operated in a reduced capacity.

Newell expanded on her previous answer by explaining how the Bell County District Attorney’s office operates.

“This backlog doesn’t exist in cases as they move through the office,” Newell said. “The backlog are (sic) jury trials because we have one trial going in one court and that’s all we can resolve and my office is trying those cases and getting convictions and getting life sentences. There are ways that we can streamline some of our processes (though).”

Stapler pointed out one of the Bell County District Attorney office’s flaws.

Stapler said, “In other counties that I work in, we get discovery upfront.

That’s the key to getting these things moving. This is a stubborn blockade office. Let’s fix it.”

Parker compared statistics between Bell County and Coryell County.

“Bell County has a fine clearance rate.

Bell County’s clearance rate last year was 113.3% of a backlog index of one.

There’s no problem there. I agree with

that. The problem though is you talk about higher dismissal rate. Well, last year … Coryell County dismissed 169 cases. Bell County dismissed 1,200 if they’re not taking a hundred of them upfront,” Parker said. “That’s so many more cases. Yeah, the dismissal rate is lower if you’re not counting cases that were never filed. So, I take issue with that. Obviously, the backlog is not the issue. The actual issue is moving cases as quickly as possible and that’s what needs to be done.”

DEPARTMENT ISSUES

The final question to the candidates was to identify the Bell County District Attorney office’s biggest challenge and their approach to solving it.

Newell identified that more resources will be needed in the future and credited her persistence toward helping the district attorney’s office to adjust during the coronavirus pandemic.

Both Parker and Stapler explained that case management and case resolution are the biggest issues in the Bell County District Attorney’s office and both mentioned housing prisoners for too long as a problem.

ELECTION DATES

Early voting will begin Tuesday and continue to March 1 at various countywide polling sites.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, March 5.

ELECTION PREVIEW

KILLEEN DAILY HERALD | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024

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Congressman John Carter has multiple opponents going into primary Pfluger unopposed

decisions,” Whitlow said, according to pick a new representative.” the DonateWay website. “Finally, climate change is real; we must prepare for it and Abhiram Garapati Primaries are heating up for the Texas reverse it.”

Abhiram Garapati is the 31st Congressional District, which enfounder of an Austin-based compasses much of Bell County, includREPUBLICANS real estate investment firm, ing parts of Killeen, and Coryell County.

John Carter and whose primary issues The Democratic and Republican primaRep. John Carter, of are illegal immigration, ries will take place on March 5. Early Round Rock, the incumbent, the national debt and term voting begins on Feb. 20. has been a congressional limits. He himself is an imHere is a rundown of the candidates up representative since 2003.

Garapati migrant from India. for election in both primaries: His major issues include im“I listen to the same commigration, abortion and gun ments again and again, the vital issues DEMOCRATS rights. that we must tackle for the U.S. to survive Rick Von Pheil Carter “Serving the patriotic as the country it was designed to be, and Rick Von Pheil, origipeople of my district in the that we hold dear — and as the place we nally from Taylor, is a Baylor United States Congress is an honor of want our children to inherit,” Garapati University graduate with a lifetime, and there’s still more work said in a press release. a bachelor’s and master’s to do,” Carter said in a November press degrees in finance. release. “I’m energized to keep holding Mack Latimer His platform includes the Biden administration accountable Mack Latimer is a small eliminating district gerthrough the power of the purse, get the business owner who graduPheil rymandering, adding new Secure the Border Act that I co-wrote ated from West Point and term limits, voting rights across the finish line, and cut governwas previously stationed at protections and congressional reforms. ment waste. Central Texans want results, Fort Cavazos with the 3rd “We need to fix Congress if we are and with my position as a conservative Cavalry Regiment. to save our democracy,” Pheil said in a chairman in the House, member of the His central issues are the news release. “We can do that if we will influential Steering Committee, and Latimer national debt, gun rights, just work together on common sense seniority in the Texas delegation, I’m pro-life abortion issues and reforms.” delivering.” foreign policy.

BY KEVIN LIMITI

KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

Brian Walbridge Brian Walbridge is a consultant, according to the Texas Secretary of State website. His platform includes improved access to healthcare, abortion rights, jobs and wages and military Walbridge support.

“To the best of my knowledge and as a former diplomat, I am the only District 31 candidate with direct government work experience supporting multiple federal agencies and the military,” Walbridge said in a statement.

“I am the only District 31 candidate with over 15 years of subject matter expertise in corporate taxation and other financial regulatory matters.”

William Abel William Abel is an Army retiree and former vicecommander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8577 in Copperas Cove.

Some of his important issues which are listed on Abel his website include reducing the national debt, restructuring the tax code to create a fairer tax rate, gun control and border control.

He’s against letting trans girls and trans women compete in girls and women’s sports and against puberty blockers.

John Anderson John Anderson describes himself as a “center-right” Republican who works in the oil and gas industry. His major issues of concern is the border, gun rights and support for the military.

Anderson “John Carter, the current representative for TX-31, is 82 years old and still running,” Anderson said in a statement. “I think that’s too old to be making decisions for the district at the national level. There’s five Republicans running against him in the March primary so now is the perfect time to

Stuart Whitlow Stuart Whitlow of Round Rock is an attorney who says he will “save our constitution” on his campaign website.

“I am 100% dedicated to running an all-out campaign Whitlow to defeat “Judge” Carter in order to uphold our democracy and to stop politicians from meddling in reproductive healthcare

Buckley, Richardson unopposed in primary; set for November showdown As was the case a year ago, Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, faces no challengers in the Republican Party primary, so his role as nominee for the party appears to be secure. Buckley, a Killeen ISD graduate and Killeen veterinarian, is seeking his fourth term in Austin. He has faced Democratic opposition in all elections dating back to when he won the seat in 2018. It appears the same will be true for 2024.

Running unopposed in the Democratic

Buckley

Richardson

primary is Dawn Richardson, a military spouse and retired educator with over 36 years of experience in public and private

education.

Barring anything unforeseen, it appears Buckley will face Richardson in the Nov. 5 general election.

Staff report

Mike Williams Mike Williams is a retired Austin firefighter and holds a degree in Business Administration. He grew up in Beaumont and enjoys fishing, hunting and running.

“If the voters of Central Williams Texas want a paradigm shift in Washington, they can’t keep sending the same person back year after year,” Williams said. “They need to send a fresh perspective. I’m that fresh perspective.”

in primary; faces independent challenger in November

BY THADDEUS IMERMAN KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

Congressman August Pfluger, RSan Angelo, appears to be a shoe-in for the Republican Party nomination in his reelection bid for U.S. House District 11.

He has no primary challengers on March 5 or Democratic Party opposition in the general election on Nov. 5 He does, however, have competition in the Pfluger November election from an independent candidate, Ron Medina.

Medina is an Army veteran who lives in the Lampasas County side of Copperas Cove. He is currently studying nuclear engineering.

Medina Pfluger has held the seat since 2021. He has represented Killeen in Congress since 2023 when the new district boundaries came into play.

Pfluger is a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

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ELECTION PREVIEW

CORYELL FROM PAGE B1

leadership and servitude to the county,” Buster said. “I think everybody should be able to reach the sheriff and I think the sheriff should be out there with the members of the public.”

Buster said his law enforcement experience makes him the best candidate.

“I have the experience and I have the leadership skills; it’s been proven,” he said.

Buster has worked one year in the Coryell County Sheriff ’s Office, 12 years in the Gatesville Police Department and five years at the Jonesboro Police Department.

He served many roles in the Gatesville Police Department, including being the DARE officer, community relations, Taser instructor and patrol officer.

“I want to bring all that to the sheriff ’s office — all that I’ve learned there and move forward,” Buster said.

Suniga had similar remarks.

“I’m running for the change that’s needed,” said Suniga, who is a former deputy of the county’s sheriff ’s office.

“I worked under the current sheriff since he took office, so knowing from where it started to where it is now, there’s definitely a change that needs to be made — putting people in positions that have those leadership capabilities, not the ‘buddy system’ or the ‘good ol’ boy system.’”

Suniga now works for the Bosque County Sheriff ’s Department.

It is her experience in many facets within the county’s sheriff ’s office that makes her the best candidate, Suniga said.

“I’ve worked in several departments within the office,” she said. “I’ve got a very good knowledge and well-rounded view of how those need to be ran. I’ve got a great working relationship with the courts, a good relationship with the district attorneys, county attorney’s office. Those are relationships that have been broken and need to be fixed for the system to actually work back together for it to be best for the citizens.”

CONSTABLE RACE

For incumbent Coryell County Precinct 1 Constable Guy Beveridge, the reason to run for reelection is simple.

“I’ve been the constable for 13 years and my constable office is more of a legacy,” he said. “Roger Faught was the constable prior to me; I was his deputy.

Voters in Coryell County will effectively decide two contested races and help decide the nominees for a federal election.

He passed away while in office (and) his family asked for me to run, and that’s kind of what his wishes were. So I’m running as a legacy to carry on the legacy of Roger Faught.

“I don’t think I’m done with that yet.

Roger was a good Texas lawman, and that’s what we bring to the citizens here in Coryell County is just good, compassionate service and devoted protections for the citizens here.”

According to Beveridge, what makes him the best candidate is his experience. A military veteran, Beveridge has served in law enforcement for 25 years.

“I went overseas to Iraq for a little while as a contractor and worked in the corporate world and Fortune 500 companies, helping them set up their safety and security,” he said. “For me, the position of constable here in Coryell County, I hit a red-line item on a budget in the county every single year. So, my job is to reduce that — or at least come close to being even — and not have the citizens pay a lot of money for the constable’s office.”

Beveridge’s opponent, Robert Taylor, is an officer with the Gatesville Police Department.

He said he is running because he feels he can devote the time to the job.

“I’ve been here off and on for 26 years now, and one thing that I’ve noticed is (for) most of the constables, it’s a parttime position,” Taylor said. “Whenever

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024 | KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

I worked for the sheriff ’s office, I had to serve a lot of civil (cases) when I was a patrol deputy.

Beveridge Taylor Even when I was a mental health officer, I still had to go out and do some civil every now and again. So there’s a lot of things that go into that and that’s only part of the job. Not taking away anything from the constables, but I don’t have another business that I have to worry about — let alone two businesses that I have to worry about.”

Taylor has several years of experience in law enforcement, and though he did not speak specifically to what makes him the best candidate, he spoke about what he wants to focus on.

“I want to focus on mental health,” he said. “I want to focus on getting that deputy that has to serve civil documents to — the civil process deputy — to not have to worry about nearly as much in this precinct so he can free himself up to do other parts of his job like taking care of livestock, etc.”

Constable Precinct 1 covers much of the southwest part of Coryell County.

It covers everything in Copperas Cove generally west of Georgetown Road, south of West Avenue D, northwest of Courtney Lane and west of North Farm-to-Market Road 116 to the Lampasas County line. It goes as far north as County Road 113.

To view the full map, go to https:// www.coryellcounty.org/upload/ page/9015/Constable/constables-precinct-map.pdf

UPCOMING DEBATES

The Coryell County Republican Party, according to its Facebook page, has scheduled two debate-style events for

the candidates as well as those for Congressional District 31.

Sheriff, constable and congressional candidates will be at the Copperas Cove Public Library, 501 S. Main St., at 6 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 19, to field questions on issues.

A few days later, on Feb. 22, sheriff and congressional candidates will be at the Gatesville City Auditorium, 110 N. Eighth St. at 6 p.m. to field questions on issues.

UNCONTESTED PRIMARIES

Incumbents in other Coryell County seats up for election will face no opposition in either the primary or the general election.

Candidates for those races are: 52nd District Court Judge Trent Farrell (R) (I) District Attorney Dusty Boyd (R) (I) County Attorney Brandon Belt (R) (I) Tax Assessor-Collector Justin Carothers (R) (I) County Commissioner, Pct. 1 Kyle Matthews (R) (I) County Commissioner, Pct. 3 Ryan Basham (R) (I) Constable, Pct. 2 Shawn Camp (R) (I) Constable, Pct. 3 Jimmy Daniel (R) (I) Constable, Pct. 4 Teddy Brock (R) (I) Republican Party County Chairman Colton Buckley

KILLEEN DAILY HERALD | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024

ELECTION PREVIEW

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State House District 55: Shine trying to defend seat in heated race limited, leave the choice up to the parents In the State House District 55 race, inand benefit cumbent Republican Rep. Hugh Shine of the children.”

Temple faces three challengers this year Although in the primary, with Hillary Hickland, school vouchwho is endorsed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Estrada Ford Hickland Lee Shine ers sound running against him along with Jorge good on paper Estrada, a small business owner from ence to school vouchers — also called ed- to Estrada, he said it gives the Texas govTemple, and Davis Ford, active in local ucation savings accounts — that Abbott ernment more opportunities to meddle Tea Party politics. has prioritized over the past year but has with finances.

The district covers central Bell County been unable to get enough support in the “With that comes waste, fraud and and includes portions of Killeen, Belton, state House of Representatives. Now Ab- abuse, so I don’t trust it,” Estrada said.

Temple and Harker Heights. bott is targeting 21 Republicans, includ“My solution would be for the money to Abbott will attend a political rally in ing Shine, by endorsing Hickland — one follow the kid. But it should be based on Belton on Monday to support Hickland. of three challengers for the District 55 the number of enrolled students. Again, Hickland is among two Texas House seat running against the incumbent in it’s not the ultimate ‘This is it,’ but it’s District 55 candidates who have been the Republican primary. something that we should think about. making their rounds at local schools as Under the proposed program, parents It should create a dialogue and then we they continue to emphasize their differwould be allowed to take the money need to hammer out a deal that is really ences on education. that would have funded their children’s benefiting the children and not the learning at a public school, about school system and not the government.”

EDUCATION $10,500 annually, and spend it instead on Shine — named by Temple ISD as alternative schooling options such as SCHOOL CHOICES “Educator of the Day” in late January private schools.

“I had the honor of touring a local when he toured several campuses — has Priority Charter School campus and been a staunch supporter of public OTHER CANDIDATES reading to some classes full of delightful education in Bell County, while HickAlthough a majority of Bell County students,” Hickland said. “School choice land — who read to classes at Priority organizations have either backed Shine is about options and for many students, Charter School in West Temple for more or Hickland, two others — Jorge Estrada charter schools are the best fit. This than two hours on Jan. 30 — has placed and Davis Ford — are also primary chal- school is right to be proud of the acaan emphasis on empowering parents lengers running for District 55. demic achievements of their students.” with education freedom.

Estrada is open to the concept of However, the Belton resident high“While our local teachers are the finest school choice but not under the models lighted how there will always be a need in the state, parents must retain the God- that have recently been proposed in the for public schools. given right to choose what is best,” Hick- Texas Legislature, while Ford said he is “I’d love to see efforts and resources land, a mother of four, said when she in full support of school choice. go towards recruiting, retaining and announced her candidacy in November.

“This is not a black and white issue rewarding good public school teach“No one knows and loves their children with a simple solution,” Estrada said ers,” Hickland told one voter of how she better than the parents. We must allow in a recent video he posted to YouTube. would support public schools. parents to be the decision makers when “We need to bust open the program Shine, a Temple resident, is among it comes to their children’s future.” and get into every nook and cranny of those at the Texas State Capitol who like That freedom she alluded to is in refer- it, so that we can keep the government to see investments in education at play.

BY JOEL VALLEY FME NEWS SERVICE

“Being involved with our public schools on a regular basis means attending classes to observe our students as they learn, watching teachers interact with their students and sometimes getting to teach a class,” he said.

POLITICS

Like Hickland, Shine is well aware that education is not a one-size-fits-all model.

“At the end of the day, I’ve had strong concerns with the voucher bill for a number of reasons, including transparency, accountability, and above all, fiscal soundness,” Shine said.

Those concerns led the Temple legislator in being among the 21 Republicans who supported an amendment, in an overall 84-63 vote, to strip school vouchers from an education funding bill during the fourth special session of the Texas Legislature — a decision many believe is linked to Abbott traveling to Temple in early December to officially endorse Hickland as his candidate of choice.

“I’ve known Hillary for a while now,” Abbott said at the time. “She actually was a part of my state of the state address this past February when I was talking about school choice and I was talking about how some parents are angry. Angry about woke agendas being forced on their kids in school and I specifically mentioned the name Hillary Hickland as one of those angry parents that wants to see a change where we do not have kids being indoctrinated in our schools.”

Local educator Jennifer Lee is the lone Democrat running for House Seat 55.

She will face the winning Republican on the Nov. 5 ballot.

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ELECTION GUIDE

BELL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024 | KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

He has degrees from Texas A&M University and Texas Wesleyan School of Law. Minick holds a reverence for the Constitution, a deep-rooted patriotism, and a commitment to his community and family that make him a beacon of hope for our system of justice, according to his website.

ans and law enforcement.

For the past two years Fisher has worked as a FROM PAGE B1 veteran outreach employment transition coordinaStapler announced his candidacy in tor for the Texas Military December saying he has practiced crimiDepartment and My Career nal law primarily for the past 20 years Fisher Path Staffing. Prior to that and has been with his current firm since job, Fisher worked for more 2007. than six years as a freeWhomever wins the Republican Party 146TH DISTRICT COURT JUDGE lance private investigator. nomination will face Kurt Glass, the lone Due to inJohnson, 62, has worked Democratic Party candidate for the race, cumbent Judge in the law field for 41 years, in the November election.

Jack Jones having started in high announcing he school working for the local 27TH DISTRICT COURT JUDGE is not seeking district clerk.

Two Republireelection, two Johnson Over the years Johnson cans are vying Republicans has spent seven years workfor the 27th Bennett Russell filed to succeed ing with a criminal lawyer, District Court him as judge 16 years with a civil lawyer, judge position. of the 146th District Court in Bell County. six years with a real estate Debbie GarAshley Clapper Bennett and Mike Rusattorney and is now in her rett, who serves sell both announced their candidacy last 10th year as a court coordiGarrett Minick as an assistant summer. nator. district attorClapper Bennett told supporters before Taylor currently works as ney in the county, announced in Decema campaign launch that she is one of Taylor the chief deputy constable ber that she would run for the position only nine board-certified attorneys in in Bell County’s Precinct 3. that is currently held by Judge John Bell County. She has also served on the In the Army, Taylor attained the rank Gauntt, who is not seeking reelection. board of Foster Love and the board of of staff sergeant, working as a satelOver the past 16 years, Garrett said CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties. lite communications technician parathat she has worked as a prosecutor, Russell is a Temple lawyer. During a trooper. handling both misdemeanors and felony campaign kickoff in August 2023, Russell After leaving the Army, Taylor joined cases. told supporters that his practice spans the Bell County Sheriff ’s Department Garrett said that before she came to a variety of civil matters, including as a jailer, eventually moving up to work in Bell County she worked for the contract, personal injury, trusts and become the chief deputy constable.

Gregg County Criminal District Attorestates, torts, real estate, employment, ney’s Office for 11 years. In that office and family law.

COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 3 she also worked as an assistant district A crowded race for Precinct 3 on the attorney.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 3, PLACE 1 Commissioners Court pits six RepubCheyenne Minick also announced durThree Republicans and one Democrat licans seeking the nomination for the ing the filing period that he would seek hope to fill the seat of Justice of the race to succeed Bill Schumann, who is the seat.

Peace, Precinct 3, Place 1, a seat curnot seeking reelection.

Minick, according to the State Bar of rently held by Keith Reed.

Republican candidates for the seat Texas, is an attorney with the Harris The Republicans vying for the are Isen Ismaili, Lamar Lewis, Greg Law Office in Killeen. nomination in the primary are Rosanne Reynolds, Paul Romer, Dennis Smith He has four years of experience as a Fisher, Velva Fay Johnson and Timothy and Wayne Tyroch. criminal district magistrate judge, 25 Taylor.

The candidate who succeeds in securyears in criminal and civil law and has Prior to announcing her candidacy, ing the Republican Party nomination been a criminal defense attorney and Fisher has worked multiple jobs in Cen- for the seat will face off against Terris special prosecutor. tral Texas, including those with veterGoodwin, the lone Democratic Party

candidate, in the November election.

CONSTABLE PRECINCT 2

Two Republicans are vying for the Constable Precinct 2 race. The winner of the primary will win the general election since no Democrats filed for the race.

The two Republicans are Chris Bazar and Jesse Mondragon.

UNCONTESTED PRIMARIES

Several candidates will also face no opposition in their party’s primary.

Some others will face no opposition in either the primary or the general election.

Candidates for those races are: County Attorney Michelle Cummings (D) Jim Nichols (R) (I) Tax Assessor-Collector Brandy L.L. Byrd (D) Shay Luedeke (R) (I) Commissioner, Precinct 1 Marianne Miller (D) Russell T. Schneider (R) (I) Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 1 Gregory Johnson (D) (I) Jonathan Okray (R) Constable, Precinct 1 Pat Duffield (R) (I) Constable, Precinct 3 Devin Rosenthal (R) (I) Constable, Precinct 4 Martha Dominguez (D) (I) Democratic Party Chair Jonathan Hildner

WEEK IN REVIEW

KISD moves to renovate new HQ; Cove ISD orders $175M bond election HERALD STAFF REPORT

Transforming Teleperformance into KISD HQ could cost up to $40M Killeen ISD has purchased a building for its new headquarters, but a lot of work needs to be done to get the building ready for the district’s top officials.

And, that work to renovate the old Teleperformance building into KISD’s new headquarters could cost up to $40 million, according to the district.

Killeen school board members on Tuesday approved commissioning Huckabee Architects to take the lead on plans for the future Killeen ISD Central Administration Building Renovation Project.

The property at 777 N. Twin Creek Drive in Killeen was previously owned by Teleperformance, a customer service callcenter service that, at one time, employed over 1,000 people.

The current KISD administration building in the 200 block of North W.S. Young Drive, was built in 1977, encompasses 18,525 square feet and houses about 65 employees. The school board holds its meetings there.

HERALD | FILE

Renovations of the former Teleperformance in Killeen, which is slated to become the new administration headquarters for Killeen ISD, could cost around $40 million.

Greater Killeen Housing Alliance nonprofit to one of the KHA bank accounts.

After a financial crisis, including criminal allegations, came to light last year, KHA transferred its federally funded rental assistance voucher system over to the Central Texas Council of Governments. KHA has $3 million in debts with no revenue to pay it off. The only thing it can currently do is sell its assets and off its debt. It is not a funcOnce led by accused embezzler, pay tioning housing authority.

Greater Killeen Housing DeAdra Johnson, the former executive director of KHA who Alliance resurfaces at KHA was arrested last month by the A Killeen housing organizaFBI on embezzlement charges, is tion has resurfaced after a vote still listed as executive director this week by the Killeen Housing for the Greater Killeen Housing Authority board, which is still Alliance on her LinkedIn page. reeling after a rocky 2023 fraught with infighting, resignations and Copperas Cove ISD school revelations of criminal activity board orders bond election and financial collapse.

The Killeen Housing AuthorThe Copperas Cove school ity Board of Commissioners board unanimously approved voted 3-0 Thursday to add the a bond proposal effectively

placing a $175 million measure for school improvements on the May 4 ballot.

The bond, if passed by Copperas Cove ISD voters, would include improvements to all 11 Cove ISD campuses, including needed renovations to Copperas Cove High School.

Copperas Cove ISD is two years from paying off its last bond, which was approved in 2005 at a cost of $20 million

Killeen ISD reaches pre-COVID crime rates With more assaults and illegal activities increasing at Killeen ISD schools during the last school year, it seems that “criminal activity” at local schools has returned to pre-COVID levels, according to school district’s police chief.

During a Killeen school board meeting Tuesday night, Killeen ISD Police Chief Erik Hydorn presented a six-year major case

TOP 10 STORIES The top 10 most read stories on kdhnews.com from Feb. 11 through Feb. 17 were:

1) “ADMIRAL discusses 1st Cavalry Division’s efforts in helping Army recruiting gap” — http://tinyurl.com/ mpu4wftp 2) “KILLEEN man dies in vehicle wreck near Fort Cavazos” — http://tinyurl.com/33st6ekf 3) “CITY of Killeen’s multiple legal battles costing hundreds of thousands in lawyers’ fees” — http://tinyurl. com/5n8cpbkx 4) “AN increase in thefts in Killeen and Lampasas” — http://tinyurl.com/9njp4jvv 5) “RETIRED warrant officer working to serve fellow veterans” — http://tinyurl.com/28hekcdt 6) “AGGRESSIVE dogs kill pet yorkie in Killeen” — http:// tinyurl.com/4s73y7z9 7) “NEW hotel opening up in Killeen” — http://tinyurl. com/4d87wxn7 8) “FROM training with horses to traveling around the nation, local military spouse is now a businesswoman” — http://tinyurl.com/yxummaj8 9) “BIG Project: Transforming Teleperformance into KISD HQ could cost up to $40M” — http://tinyurl. com/3empz6dp 10) “KILLEEN disputes claim that senior centers forces residents to pray before lunch” — http://tinyurl. com/2kbfpurt

comparison with statistics from district campuses which were summarized into several categories.

At the top of the report were assaults. In the 2021-2022 school year, there were 86 assaults at Killeen ISD schools. That number jumped 43% to 123 assaults during the 2022-2023 school year, which is the most recent year in the report.

There were 125 assaults at KISD schools in the 2019-20 school year, which is when COVID hit late in the school year.

New hotel opening in Killeen A new hotel is opening up in

Killeen, officials announced Wednesday.

StayAPT Suites, featuring apartment-like furnishings, is at the intersection of Lowes Boulevard and Florence Road, close to several other hotels along Interstate 14.

The 53,000-square-foot property had an estimated construction cost of $5.2 million, according to city officials. The permit was filed in October 2021.

“The three-story, 76-room property is near several key locations, making it an ideal choice for short-term and long-term stays,” according to a news release from the company.