The Lead’s Editorial: Vela, Longenbaugh deserve the chance to serve this county

The Kerr County Lead endorses Denise Vela for county clerk and Amber Longenbaugh for district clerk.

Both candidates bring essential experience to positions that require deep institutional knowledge and operational expertise. Vela has served as the elections administrator and chief deputy county clerk for 4.5 years, gaining hands-on experience across all departments of the clerk’s office. Longenbaugh has worked in the district clerk’s office for more than a decade, currently serving as criminal court supervisor, passport supervisor and jury clerk.

The county clerk position deserves particular attention. The office has been subjected to a prolonged assault by those who, without evidence, are convinced that Kerr County elections have been compromised. If Vela wins, she would be the fourth clerk in four years — a troubling instability for an office responsible for maintaining the integrity of county elections and records.

The fact that Vela received a “reservations” rating from the Kerr County Republican Party, rather than a recommendation, speaks to her qualifications. She refused to pledge party loyalty over her duty to serve all county residents fairly and neutrally. That independence is exactly what the clerk’s office needs.

Longenbaugh receives our endorsement for much of the same reasons. She is a longtime public servant in a critically important position overseeing the courts. Like Vela, she also received a “reservations” rating from the Republican Party for refusing to prioritize partisan loyalty over professional duty.

Her opponent, while well-meaning, accepted a $300 campaign contribution from Harley Belew, the disgraced former Precinct 1 commissioner and radio DJ who was removed from the court when it was revealed he was a convicted felon. There is something that does not sit right with us that a candidate for a key legal position — one who will oversee felony case filings and court records — would accept money from a felon.

Vela and Longenbaugh understand the technical demands of their respective offices and have demonstrated their commitment to professional, nonpartisan public service. They earned these endorsements through experience, not politics.