City Clerk: Record Turnout in Early Voting for July 2 Runoff

It remains to be seen if this increase in early voting is a trend to avoid election day congestion, an increased interest in the political process or a result of a holiday weekend. It would be nice, but totally unexpected, if we could see 25% voters in the election this time.

I tend to believe that the larger numbers of "Early Voters" is a combination of both the upcoming 4th July Holiday and a desire by most to get this election behind them. From my conversations with local citizens, it sounds as though they are "READY FOR CHANGE" and they also want to get this over with. I've heard citizens make comparisons between our local elections and the Presidential election suggesting that "WE THE PEOPLE" are sick and tired of the "STATUS QUO" and that "WE THE PEOPLE" want "CHANGE!" I for one can say that I'm excited about the final election results on Saturday but I'm also looking forward to getting back to my normal routine. There have been a tremendous amount of opinions voiced about the Police Chief Election on this venue. Many for and many against these two candidates. This tells me that "CHANGE IS COMING!" At times the back and forth dialogue between those posting "RANTS" on this venue have become heated. However, I believe that this has been good for our community. It reinforces my belief that citizens of San Angelo, TX, love their community and they do care. The past few months have been one hell of a roller coaster ride! I've enjoyed it and I'm proud of those who have stood up for what they believe! THIS IS A GREAT CITY & I LOVE AMERICA! "JUST MY THOUGHTS"

You could very well be correct. I don't like the comparison to the presidential election since that one is fast becoming "hold your nose and pick the less of two evils" although I suppose you could say there will be other options. The current process of electing a police chief should be insane to anyone that full understands the benefits of getting politics out of the mix. Regardless of the outcome of the local election there has to be a renewed effort to better explain the appointed chief process and get it back up for a vote. Don't know what it will take but I am fully behind any effort toward that end.

Mr. Chinn, like I said, citizens here are ready for "CHANGE" and it is coming. Citizens are fed up with the "status quo" and are pushing for change until the very end. I just hope they will buy into more change down the road. For now though, they just want to get this election over with and I can't say I blame them. I live in SMD5 and regardless of the victor there, I fully intend to bring up the matter of how we currently place a Police Chief in office. I will be hounding he/she hard and heavy. This past year has been full of surprises and I don't see how any of the candidates can plan on moving into office and not expect to hear more from their constituents. No doubt that there will be more challenges ahead for all of us in San Angelo, TX! Take care my friend! "TIME WILL TELL"

Mr. Chinn, I am not embarrassed, nor am I ashamed of disclosing the candidates of my choice. I voted last week when "Early Voting" began. My vote for Police Chief went to "Tim Vasquez." My vote for City Council Member SMD5 went to "Lane Carter." Those were my choices and I don't give a rats ass if any one else out there agrees with me or not! I cannot force them to vote my way nor can they force me to vote their way. For those not in agreement with me, all I can say is "HAVE A COKE & A SMILE." "MY VOTES"