Meet the Candidates

Russell Jonas, BISD Trustee, encouraged the citizens to “get out the vote”. Sherry’s Shots On April 14, 2010 at the Buffalo Civic Center the Buffalo Press provided a venue for candidates in the Buffalo School Board and Buffalo City Council to voice their platforms and rationalize their views. Thirty-eight, including the Bison Concert Band, attended the event.

The forum was open to every candidate for both elections but only one candidate for the Buffalo City Council, John Maneval was present. Maneval is a challenger for one of the three positions open on the Council. Also running but not present were challenger Brent Reeder; incumbents Dorothy Farmer, Bob Winn and Jerry Salazar.

The City Council election is an “at large” race where five people are running for three spots. Those three garnering the most votes get the privilege of serving the citizens of Buffalo. Council members whose terms are not expired and therefore not running for reelection are Diane Ryder and Tim Ezell.

Jim Scott, President of the BISD Board: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Sherry’s Shots Showing for the Buffalo School Board was somewhat better with incumbents Jim Scott, Russell Jonas and Gene Pruitt, Jr. taking a place on the dais. The school board election is specific races where Jim Scott is challenged by Scott Glick; Russell Jonas is opposed by Jeff Jones; and Gene Pruitt is contested by Jerrod Jones. Board members not facing re-election are Ron Goodwyn, Jennifer Humphries, Willie Gilliam and Jack Helmcamp. Before the meeting began early arrivers were to a medley of patriotic songs by the Buffalo High School concert band directed by Todd Baker.

The meeting was a forum format where the candidates were allowed approximately five minutes to introduce themselves and state their platform. During a ten minute break questions were submitted and once convened the candidates took turns answering the questions.

Gene Pruitt, Jr. says he “is on the school board because I want to make a difference.” Sherry’s Shots Following the question / answer period each candidate was allowed a few minutes to sum up their message.

CITY COUNCIL

John Maneval served as City Commissioner in W. University Place, an affluent suburb of Houston, and having spent a career in real estate and construction management, brings a wealth of experience to the proverbial table. His goals include improvement of purchasing and payment procedures; improvement of budgeting procedures; serious planning and legislation into how development is allowed in the city; communication that is open with minutes and agenda available on the internet; be specific about responsibilities and accountability of council members; encourage citizens to participate in city government. “Among other things I want to increase the appeal of Buffalo and to increase public trust where people feel more satisfied with what is going on.”

John Maneval, City Council candidate, wants to “bring appeal to Buffalo”. Sherry’s Shots SCHOOL BOARD

Gene Pruitt, Jr. and his wife own and operate Pruitt’s Cleaners in Buffalo. The couple has three children who are not yet school age but Pruitt says it is an important service to be on the school board and one he does because he wants to make a difference. “I would like to say that I hold no ill feelings toward those who are running against me. I respect them and I will continue to do the best that I can do to better the students of BISD.”

Mac Shadix, publisher of The Buffalo Press. served as host and moderator for the event. Sherry’s Shots Russell Jonas owns the Buffalo Animal Hospital in Buffalo. He and his wife have four children who attend Buffalo schools. Jonas stated that there are approximately 900 kids in the district and he hopes the board represents each of them. Jonas challenged the group to get out the vote. There are approximate 2000 registered voters in the district and about 20% will vote. He passionately said “I am proud to be from Buffalo. We chose to live here and raise our family here.”

Jim Scott is President of the Buffalo Independent School Board and has served since 1994. He says he serves because he loves kids and public education is one of the best things this country has going. He stated that the board must face major decisions all the time, and “like it or not”, this city will grow. “Where there is no vision, the people perish. I am proud of Buffalo and proud to be a member of the School Board,” Scott concluded.

Questions from the audience were addressed exclusively to the school board members and covered the timetable for moving into the new high school, teacher hiring and firing practices and teacher salaries compared to other districts in the county.

The Buffalo Press wishes to thank the Buffalo High School band members and director as well as those who participated in the forum and looks forward to similar events planned for the future.