Vetting statement: Brannon's got character and conservative principles

Our sources emphasize Sam’s integrity, determination, and positive, can-do attitude. They also noted that his sincere “look you in the eye” leadership approach was key to the project successes they achieved together

Editor's note: Imagine that, an actual committee of peers – 13 in all – has checked the background, professional and personal references, of a candidate for public office in Hays County and has found the candidate to be not only in good standing but well suited for the office he seeks. This is the committee's "vetting statement" for all to see and read. In our memory, we don't recall a candidate undergoing such a test and then releasing a public statement about the results. Endorsements from politicos and business leaders are the usual fare, and typically come at some price, but a background check is a true and welcome rarity. Mr. Brannon is challenging current Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley in the March 6 Republican primary. Conley is expected to announce his intention to seek re-election to a third term.

Below the signed statement, in answer to a question from the RoundUp, Brannon explains more about the members of his campaign steering committee who participated in his background vetting.

Send your comments and questions to roundup.editor@gmail.com, to Sam at sam_brannon@hotmail.com, 512.925.2592, to steering committee chair Col. Charles Walts at charleswalts1@yahoo.com, or click on the "comments" at the bottom of the report. For more information, visit the Sam Brannon for county commissioner website

Sam Brannon

Vetting Statement

The Campaign Steering Committee is fully convinced that Sam Brannon will provide a new standard for strong, conservative leadership on the Hays County Commissioners Court as Pct. 3 Commissioner.

In order to better understand Sam’s professional and personal background, the members of the Campaign Steering Committee initiated a formal vetting process, interviewing a number of individuals who knew Sam at various stages in his life.

The following information was obtained from these sources.

Sam Brannon was born at Charleston Naval Base, Charleston, South Carolina, in 1964. At the time, his father and mother were both members of the United States Air Force assigned to Military Airlift Command. Sam’s parents were raised during the Great Depression, and their influence played a major role in the development of his character and conservative principles.

In 1969, the Brannon family moved to the Houston area. In 1983 Sam graduated from McCullough High School in The Woodlands, Texas, where he was a highly respected member of the community. He was elected President of both his junior and senior class, was recognized as an All-District football player, and was the recipient of scholarships from the Rotary Club and InterFirst Bank of Conroe.

Sam then attended the University of Texas at Austin where he was a member and Special Projects Chairman of the Texas Wranglers, an honorary service organization. Sam also played for the university Rugby Football Club, and worked part-time jobs to finance his education. Sam earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance in 1989.

Sam spent 17 years in business, working in corporate financial services and supply chain software and consulting. The clients, peers and supervisors we interviewed describe Sam as a principled and respected leader, diligent in his research and intelligent in his analysis, and as one who created effective solutions to complex business problems.

Our sources emphasize Sam’s integrity, determination, and positive, can-do attitude. They also noted that his sincere “look you in the eye” leadership approach was key to the project successes they achieved together.

The Steering Committee has a high level of confidence in the validity and sincerity of the sources we contacted. Their insights confirm our conclusion that Sam Brannon possesses the professional credentials, conservative principles, and strength of character to be the New Standard for Fiscal Responsibility, Transparency and Local Decisions in Hays County as Commissioner Pct. 3.

Signed,

Col. Charles Walts, Sam Knutson, Powell & Mary Hinson, Al & Macel Sullivan, Larry & Sue Diegelman, Edward Sullivan, Justin Padgett, Lee & Sandy Schroeder, Lenee Lovejoy

________________

Brannon:

The committee members are all Hays County Republicans. I chose them, and they gladly accepted. I've gotten to know them through the Hays Citizens Budget Project I led last winter and spring, and they've closely followed my other work with the Commissioners Court. They fully understand how much is at stake in this race for Pct. 3, and they're in it for all the right reasons. They're not political operatives or hobbyists ... Just good, very respectable neighbors doing what they know is right. My kind of people.

Our Campaign Chairman is Col. Charles Walts, U.S. Army (Retired). Col. Walts is a Vietnam-era veteran, a former SMCISD school board member, and a member of Oath Keepers. He's also frequently published in the San Marcos Daily Record. Our Campaign Treasurer is Powell Hinson. Powell is a retired from the aerospace business, an engineer and CPA, and he is very active in the community. He's also the Treasurer for Friends of the San Marcos Library and other organizations. Mary Hinson is a local angel spreading the love through her volunteer work, and is active in the community.

Macel and Al Sullivan are well-known San Marcos residents and Republicans. Al just retired as professor from Texas State. Macel is a former Justice of the Peace here. Edward Sullivan is their son, and a wonderful guy. Sam Knutson is a WWII veteran, a practicing attorney, and the former City Attorney for the City of Kyle.

Larry Diegelman is a retired Air Force staff officer with experience in communications intelligence, management analysis, and manpower management/budgeting. Post military, Larry has worked as consultant/project manager in the private sector, at the State of Texas and at Texas State University. Sue Diegelman is a retired health care professional with experience in hospital management, and home health services, and director in a full service senior retirement community. In retirement, she spends her time as a staff trainer and Zumba instructor, is President in the auxiliary at CTMC, and is chairperson of the deacons at First Christian Church San Marcos.

Lee Schroeder is a former Hays County Republican Chairman and an investment advisor. Sandy Schroeder is yet another angel, and she organizes the Sunrise Breakfast Club that I attend. Justin Padgett and Lenee Lovejoy are degreed professionals of my generation, and are highly regarded for their work keeping up with the current county issues. They're great resources.

In short, I couldn't have better human beings guiding our campaign. These are folks we all love to have as neighbors, and this group has some reach. There are still 2-3 important spots I'm working to fill, and I'm pretty sure we'll fill them well.