Early votes heavy for Bland ISD, City of Commerce elections

By BRAD KELLAR
Herald-Banner Staff

May 08, 2008 12:49 am

— The early voting was heavy for Saturday’s elections in the Bland Independent School District and the City of Commerce, both of which have major bond issues pending.
A $15 million bond issue is the only item on the Bland ISD ballot. The bonds, if approved, would be used primarily for the construction of a new elementary school. School district officials said if the Existing Debt Allotment (EDA) state aid is rolled forward, the district would build a new middle school adjacent to the new elementary school with the anticipated $2.4 million in state aid. The expected tax rate to pay for the schools is $1.54 per $100 valuation, which would increase property taxes for an average-valued home in the district by $23.48 per month.
A total of 86 early votes had been cast before Tuesday evening’s deadline, according to Superintendent Bryan Clark.
In the City of Commerce election; Tim Johnson, John Sands, and Quay Throgmorton are running for Mayor; while Elmer Hall, Chris Eliason and Billie Biggerstaff are seeking the Council Place 2 seat and Bob Monday, Russell Lutes and Billy Taylor are vying for the Place 4 spot. Voters in Commerce are also deciding the fate of a $3 million bond package for street improvements.
Commerce City Secretary Marty Cunningham said 128 people voted early for the election.
Polls will be open between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. Lists of polling places for the various elections, along with sample ballots, will be featured in Saturday’s editions of the Herald-Banner