The Lead’s Editorial: Four years of Rich Paces’ chaos is enough
For four years, Kerr County taxpayers have funded Paces’ personal crusade against facts, expertise, and democratic accountability.
For four years, Kerr County taxpayers have funded Paces’ personal crusade against facts, expertise, and democratic accountability.
Candidates Jack Stewart, who is running for county judge, and Precinct 1 candidates Clayson Lambert and George Baroody—a persistent Kerrville City Council gadfly and former councilmember who routinely accuses the city of baseless illegality—seemed bent on depicting the county budget as wasteful and that county residents are overtaxed by the county.
In a county where Republican primary winners become the de facto officeholders representing all 52,000 residents, this responsibility matters. The party should host candidate forums, organize debates, and provide transparent information that helps voters make informed decisions.
The Eastlands have sent a letter to the members of the newly formed Senate and House General Investigating Committees on the July 2025 Flooding Events inviting them to tour Camp Mystic in person. In addition, tours for the families have occurred and continue to occur. When they do come, they learn what our investigation has revealed.
When flash floods hit the Texas Hill Country, plans put in place by the Eastland family, which runs Camp Mystic, instructed Chloe and Katherine to "stay in place" with their cabin of 8- and 9-year-old girls. They obeyed authority, and it killed them.
While Patrick accused Kelly of being "nowhere to be found" on July 4th, the real question voters should ask is where Patrick's leadership was during the 88th and 89th legislatures when flood infrastructure investments could have prevented this tragedy.
The legislative hearing into Kerr County's deadly floods quickly devolved into unfair attacks on our most dedicated public servants
The departing superintendents have set high bars. Their successors should be chosen not just for their credentials, but for their commitment to maintaining the upward trajectory these districts have achieved. The communities of Ingram and Center Point deserve nothing less than leaders who will build upon these strong foundations rather than start over.
However, the underlying message was that America appeared to be caught up in a Republican squabble, making an attack seem less likely. Again, this was merely a ruse; many right-wing figures in Congress who opposed an attack were unwittingly aiding this deception.
Budget reforms must lead with a “do no harm” approach. We must protect the economic, physical and mental health of our state.