Bastrop, Tx–When the focus of political activity at the beginning of the 2010 election season appears to be the re-election bid of Bastrop County Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Bill Weddle, can boredom be far behind?
Dec. 3 was the first day candidates could place their names on political party ballots for primary elections in March 2010, and three of the five hopefuls who put their names forward are seeking the justice of the peace post. Weddle, of course is seeking a second term in office. But already he has two challengers, Donald “Dickie” Henderson and Donna Van Gilder, who is already erecting campaign signs.
Henderson is brother to Pct. 3 Constable Matt Henderson and son of the late Pct. 1 and Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Bill Henderson. Donna Van Gilder is married to Bastrop lawyer Derek Van Gilder who has previously sought election as Bastrop County judge–the county’s top administrative position–and twice stood for the GOP nomination for state district court seats. In 2008 he was the Republican nominee for the new 423rd District Court bench for Bastrop County but lost in November to Democrat Chris Duggan.
A second contested primary battle may also be emerging. Michael Flowers of Elgin has launched a bid for the Democratic nomination for the Pct. 4 county commissioner position. Veteran incumbent Lee Dildy is expected to seek re-election.
County Judge Ronnie McDonald, a Democrat, has also formally launched his re-election bid with no serious challengers in sight.
The other high profile county post up for election next year is for Bastrop County Criminal District Attroney. Republican incumbent Bryan Goertz said in an interview Dec. 3 he will be a candidate but has yet to file the necessary paperwork. Not even the rumor mill so far has suggested a potential opponent.