Primary candidate forums underway
Election season is in full bloom with a crop of candidate forums popping up in Burnet and Llano counties. Candidates in key races in the March 5 primaries have already participated in several forums, but more are on the schedule before Election Day. Many of the Republican nominees will likely end up in office come 2025 due to a lack of Democratic opposition.
Below are a list of upcoming forums with times, dates, locations, and invited candidates.
BURNET COUNTY
Tax assessor-collector candidate panel
11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8
Reed Building, 402 E. Jackson St. in Burnet
Hosted by the Burnet County Republican Women. RSVPs required through the BCRW website to ensure space. Three candidates are vying for the position of tax assessor-collector: Susan Allen, Adrienne Feild, and Deanne Fisher. The tax assessor-collector is responsible for the assessment of property values in the county and collecting ad valorem taxes from residents.
Candidate forum and debate
6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8
Burnet Community Center, 401 E. Jackson St. in Burnet
Hosted by the Burnet County Republican Party. Features candidates for the following races: district attorney, county commissioner Precinct 3, county tax assessor-collector, and constable Precinct 2.
Candidates will be given time to introduce themselves and then asked five questions each. They will have one minute to respond and be given a one-minute rebuttal.
Candidates for the Texas House District 19 seat also have been invited. They will be given a three-minute speaking limit that can also be used by a proxy or a pre-recorded video.
Unopposed candidates will be introduced at the close of the event.
Bertram Chamber Forum
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26
Bertram Community Center, 340 S. Gabriel St. in Bertram
Candidates for Burnet County races. Takes place during the chamber’s regular monthly lunch.
LLANO COUNTY
Texas House District 53 candidate meet-and-greet
7:45 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8
Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk St. in Kingsland
Hosted by the Kingsland/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce. Features appearances from GOP candidates Hatch Smith and Wes Virdell. Each will give a 10-minute introduction. Following the intros, they will visit with attendees. This will be the first public appearance for both candidates in the same place in Llano County.
Star Republican Women of Horseshoe Bay candidate forum
1:30-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20
Quail Point Lodge, 107 Twilight Lane in Horseshoe Bay
Follows the regular meeting of the Star Republican Women. The forum will host candidates from the following races: House District 53, district attorney, Llano County sheriff, and justice of the peace Precinct 1.