By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
It’s official.
Val Verde County Commissioners Court members voted unanimously to accept the results of the Nov. 5 General Election in Val Verde County.
Counting of outstanding ballots in the election was completed on Wednesday, and the commissioners court met in special session today with only one item on its agenda: discussion and possible action to canvass the Nov. 5 General Election.
County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr., County Commissioner Pct. 3 Beau Nettleton and County Commissioner Pct. 4 Gustavo “Gus” Flores were present at the start of the meeting.
Owens called the meeting to order, determined a quorum was present and led those present in reciting the pledges of allegiance to the U.S. and Texas flags.
Owens then announced the sole item on the court’s agenda, and Nettleton made a motion to approve, with Flores giving the second.
“Any questions? Any discussion? We’re good?” Owens said before calling for the vote.
Nettleton’s motion passed unanimously.
Under the “commissioners’ comments” portion of the agenda, Nettleton said, “I want to congratulate everybody on their election, and the people that won, I wish you all the best in your endeavor. It takes a lot to put your name on the ballot and jump into this. So, congratulations.”
Under “county judge’s comments,” Owens said, “Those in the local races that won county seats, welcome to the family. Thank you all, congratulations.”
The meeting was then adjourned, and members of the court spoke informally with some of the winning candidates who were present, including County Tax Assessor Collector Elodia “Loly” Garcia and County Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez, who both won their re-election bids, and Fernando Garcia, who was elected the new Precinct 3 County Commissioner.
Garcia spoke with Nettleton, whom Garcia will succeed after he is sworn in on Jan. 1, 2025. Nettleton opted not to seek re-election to another term on the court.
County Commissioner Pct. 1 Martin Wardlaw and his son, County Commissioner Pct. 1-elect Kerr Wardlaw joined the meeting after it had been adjourned, saying they had just come from a food distribution event.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
