Statement from Democratic Primary Candidate County Commissioner Precinct One Brenda Silva Bentley

Hello, everyone.

This is the second statement received by me from one of our local candidates in the upcoming Primary Elections taking place March 1st. Turnout in these local elections is very low,smoking every vote counts. Precinct One includes the eastern part of Marfa and runs all the way down the eastern side of the County to Presidio. It's a varied bunch of potential voters and has traditionally only had several hundred people voting in total. Brenda Silva Bentley lives in the Marfa neighborhood Sal Si Puedes and is running against incumbent James White III for the Democratic nomination in the Precicnt One race. The Democratic Primary is expected to decide the election as a whole.

On March 1, 2016, the citizens of Presidio County will have the opportunity to go to the polls and let their voices be heard.  My name is Brenda Silva Bentley, and I am seeking the Democratic nomination for the office of Presidio County Commissioner Precinct 1.  

I am a lifelong resident of Marfa and Presidio County.  I attended Marfa schools and graduated from Marfa High School in 1990.  Shortly after graduation, I attended Sul Ross State University.  

My husband Joel Bentley and I have 3 children, Bryanna, 12; Andru, 9; and Mikayla, 4, all students at Marfa ISD. 

I started my career as a secretary for the Presidio County Treasurer in 1996, and later went to work for the Presidio County Appraisal District.  When long-time clerk, Ramona Lara made the decision to retire, I sought the nomination for Presidio County & District Clerk.  In January of 1999, I was elected and took office.  I served as Presidio County & District Clerk for 2 full terms, until December of 2006.  After the birth of our first child, I made the decision not to seek re-election and be a full-time, stay-at-home mom until my kids were all school age.  During that time, I have assisted the Presidio County Attorney and the Presidio County Judge, who were in need of someone to fill in temporarily for their full-time help.  I currently assist the City of Marfa, and both Presidio ISD and Marfa ISD with elections.  I am also currently contracted by Big Bend Title Company, where I am scanning and digitizing Presidio County land records for the Marfa facility.   

I feel that with my varied and well-rounded experiences, I have gained an abundance of knowledge and insight that will be beneficial if I am elected as Presidio County Commissioner Precinct 1.  I have dealt directly with budgets, courts, county records, elections, administrative duties, commissioner’s court meetings, other elected officials and the public.  My goal is to provide an atmosphere of professionalism, respect, unity and transparency.  I feel that we need to create a civic culture of mutual respect that will work to the benefit of our communities.  I am open to diverse opinions and vow to consider different options in order to make sound decisions for the county.  I will do my best to represent the best interest of the people and show regard for the taxpayers.  I am a levelheaded individual with compassion, character and an unbridled love for this county.  I ask for your vote, trust, and the opportunity to serve my community in the capacity of Presidio County Commissioner Precinct 1.  Your support is greatly appreciated.