Former Tom Green County GOP Chair Endorses Speck for Justice of the Peace

SAN ANGELO – Former Tom Green County Republican Party Chairman Jeff Betty Monday endorsed Stacye Speck in the GOP Runoff for Tom Green County Justice of the Peace Pct. 3.  

The following is Betty's endorsement letter:

Today marks the first day of the early voting period for the runoff elections here in Tom Green County. Tom Green County voters can early vote at the Edd B. Keyes building in downtown San Angelo. For those of you who don’t follow local politics there are three important races to be decided. County Judge, County Commissioner for Precinct 4 and Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3 are up for grabs. As the County Judge and County Commissioner are both jobs that get to decide how much you pay in taxes, and you just might be in front of the Justice of the Peace,  it is always a good idea to learn about the candidates and vote.

It is common to hear Americans question the political process and the usefulness of political campaigns. As a student I wondered whether a candidate with the most money or best support was really the best person to hold public office. Having run for office and been around the process now for a number of years, I am a bit surprised to say that the campaign process actually fulfills an important role assisting voters in making the best choice with limited information and time. The correlation isn’t immediately obvious, but after observing it up close I have come to appreciate how our process works.

In the current campaigns the candidates have now had to be on the campaign trail for most of a year. The strain of such a long campaign has taken its toll on the candidates. It is instructive that Stayce Speck, Shawn Nanny and Lane Carter have all seemed to grow more active and confident throughout while their opponents seem to have done less and less. While attendance at political debates, the holding of campaign events and the ubiquitous phone calling, walking and sign placement are not themselves required and may be of dubious efficacy, it does tell the voter who has the organizational skills, drive and support that you like to see in your candidates and office holders.

Having known most of the candidates personally, I have to say I have been surprised at the almost belligerent and combative behaviors of some. Having known and worked with Stayce Speck’s opponent for a quarter of a century and called him friend, I have been shocked to find both my wife and I the target of attacks. Surely a person seeking judicial office can understand that our support for Stayce is not meant as an attack on him? As I said before, the campaign process does so often expose character flaws not otherwise immediately apparent.

I wish all of the candidates well. For most of the last decade I worked to help Republican candidates be the best they can be to show voters they can trust and rely on Republicans to work for the people to make government the least intrusive least expensive of necessary evils. Now that I am not in charge of the Republican Party, I am free to choose who I support and to hopefully help others with my observations. Please consider voting for Stayce Speck this week. With 27 years in the Sheriff’s office having just about every certification and having been promoted by just about every Sheriff we have had there is no doubt about her professional qualifications. As a friend I can attest to her generous and compassionate nature despite the tough ‘cop’ exterior. As a political observer there can be no doubt she has the demeanor and patience we need as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3.

Jeff Betty

Early voting runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 16 to May 20 in the Keyes Building downtown.  Election Day is May 24, 2022.  

San Angelo LIVE! will have live streaming election coverage election night.