By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Nine candidates for county and state offices got a chance to speak to voters and answer questions face-to-face during an event Thursday.
“Coffee With the Candidates” was hosted by the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce and held in the Sunblossom Room at the Ramada Inn of Del Rio for several hours Thursday.
Chamber Executive Director Blanca Larson welcomed those attending the event and said each candidate in attendance would be given a chance to speak at the podium.
Both candidates for the office of Val Verde County Sheriff were present. They are the incumbent and Democratic Party nominee, Joe Frank Martinez; and the Republican Party nominee, Rogelio “Roger” Hernandez.
Both of the candidates for the office of Val Verde County Tax Assessor Collector also attended. They are the incumbent and Democratic Party nominee, Elodia “Loly” Garcia; and the Republican Party nominee, Maricar Ortega Chattler.
Both of the candidates seeking to become the next Val Verde County Commissioner Pct. 1 were on hand. They are the Republican Party nominee, Alfinio “Al” Flores and the Democratic Party nominee, Kerr Wardlaw.
Fernando Garcia, the Republican Party nominee for the office of Val Verde County Commissioner Pct. 3, attended. Garcia is running unopposed in the Nov. 5 General Election.
The event also drew both candidates for the Texas House of Representatives, District 74. They are the incumbent and Democratic Party nominee, Eddie Morales of Eagle Pass; and the Republican Party nominee, former Del Rio Mayor Robert Garza.
All of the candidates spoke briefly to the audience, making their election pitches.
Tables were set up for each candidate to meet with attendees and answer questions face-to-face.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.