The following Blanco citizens filed for candidacy for the three city council seats in the upcoming May election. The open positions are at-large, meaning that the three candidates with the most votes will be elected. The names are listed as they will be presented on the ballot:

•Pamela Capps

•Bob “Bobby Mack” McClung

•Danny Ray

There is only one cadidate on the ballot for mayor.

•Christina “Tina” M. Gourley

Voting will be held at the Byars Building, located at 308 Pecan Street, Saturday, May 9. The polls will be open all day, beginning at 7:00am and closing at 7:00pm.

Meet the Mayoral Candidate

Christina (“Tina”) M. Gourley

Personal:

Seventeen-year Blanco resident, married to Blanco-native Tom Gourley

• Step-son Clay Gourley, daughter-in-law Kelly, and granddaughter Kingsley, Austin, TX

• Son Trey Thomas Gourley, daughter-in-law Sarah, and granddaughter Madelyn, Plano, TX

• Daughter April Christine Gourley, Plano, TX

Education:

Concordia University at Austin • Graduated Magna Cum Laude - GPA 3.83 Aug 2001

BA in Business Management with an Emphasis in Accounting

Professional:

As an internal auditor for the State of Texas with twenty (20) years State service, I have regularly prepared written reports with an audience as diverse as state agency executive and division management, and the Governor’s Office of Budget & Planning, the Legislative Budget Board, the Sunset Advisory Commission and the State Auditor’s Office. I am uniquely equipped to be an effective mayor for the City of Blanco. In addition to a desire to serve, my skills and experiences will provide me with the tools to:

• Examine and update policies and procedures to ensure efficient, effective use of taxpayer dollars;

• Analyze processes to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, statutes and administrative rules;

• Communicate clearly and effectively orally or in writing.

Professional Certification / Memberships / Support:

• Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)

• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

• Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors

• Member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

• President / Director of the Blanco Historic Cemetery Association

• Treasurer of the Blanco Woman’s Club

City Of Blanco Highlights:

• Drafted contracts for partnership between the City of Blanco and the Blanco Chamber of Commerce for:

• Economic Development: – i.e., to work on strategies for Blanco, compatible with the goals already outlined in former city documents and compatible with a Chamber’s role in economic development such as: tourism, business recruitment (including programs to keep and/or attract our young people back to Blanco to raise their families and conduct business), and existing business retention and expansion

• Blanco Tourism (HOT Money): – i.e., to “bring heads and beds to Blanco” and increase our tax base, ultimately improving our tax base used to provide services to Blanco residents.

Goals For Blanco:

• Planning our Future; Preserving our Past

• Responsible growth in accordance with our city’s Blanco Comprehensive Plan, 2005, and to the Blanco Historic Preservation Action Plan.

• Immediate attention needs to be given to our City’s sewer plant;

• Added support for our Police, Fire and EMS, which provide such value, and are so essential, to our community;

• Re-let for bids for the long-awaited City Police office, which will provide much-needed space at the City offices on the Square.

I encourage your input, as the Blanco City Council should be your voice in city government.

Meet the City Council Candidates

Pamela Capps - I come from a family of civic minded people. My grandmother volunteered for the Red Cross as a young woman and went on to become the first female mayor of her town. Her brother, my Uncle Ben, charted the course of our family back to the Spanish Land Grants and ran for governor of California.

My mother became a member of NOW, National Organization of Women, long before it was fashionable and inspired me to pay attention to the leaders of our nation beginning when I was seven.

I have lived in many different places, but recognized my home in Blanco. As a citizen of Blanco, I cherish the spirit and culture of my town and value the real sense of community here. To preserve these qualities, I volunteer in a number of organizations whose primary goals are protecting and preserving the history and quality of life here.

My resume includes helping launch the Houston Festival, which began with a group of eight of us, into the Houston International Festival. I managed the local Wall Street Journal office in Austin for six years. My efforts and dedication to animal control and rescue in the early ‘90s were instrumental in the creation of the citywide networking for animal rescue Austin now has. Also, I have volunteered for the Annual Trash Off and River Clean Up in Blanco for the past five years. Presently, I am working on a grant to procure free spaying and neutering for dogs and cats whose owners may not be able to afford vet care for their pets.

What makes a candidate worthy of your representation? I believe that the person must have the best interests of their community at heart. It really is that simple.

Bob “Bobby Mack” McClung - Born in Ft. Worth Texas 1954. Attended The University of Texas at Austin. Blanco County resident since 1990. Married with two children, both recent graduates of Blanco High School. Founded Momentum Online in 1996. Currently Executive in charge of ISP operations for ERF Wireless, Inc.

Named Texas Music Ambassador to the World by the Texas Senate in 1985. Named Four Star Admiral in the Texas Navy by Governor Mark White.

Blanco, with its unique geographic position, is already experiencing the pressures of growth from Austin and San Antonio. As a member of the City Council, I will be committed to maintaining Blanco’s rural character and the sense of community inherent in our citizens. I support the steps already taken to bring controlled growth to Blanco and will continue in that effort. I will work to see that the City Council moves in a positive direction for Blanco and follows through on actions promised to the community.

Danny Ray - I was originally appointed to the City Council in 2005, elected in 2006 and reelected in 2007 for a two year term.

Being on the council has had its ups and downs, but in general it has a been a good experience.

I think we have a good council in place. Every member has the town’s best interest in mind when the votes are cast.

Now that its election time you have, what I see, as three good people to choose from. I must say I was disappointed when Bobby McClung was not reelected last time. He did his homework, spoke intelligently and was what I saw as one of our best council members.

I have not met Pamela Capps, but I’ve heard she’s upbeat and has a friendly personality which are both good attributes for a council member.

In conclusion, at our last council meeting the annual audit confirmed that the city is in good shape financially. In these days, it is the exception and not the rule. We owe this financial rating to the city staff, the City Council, and especially Mayor Rodrigue for his leadership over the years.