Stopping the Collapse - Local

Here’s a clear, localized roadmap for political engagement in Nacogdoches County, Texas — focusing on races and organizations where your involvement can truly matter. These targeted actions help prevent institutional erosion and safeguard vital systems like Social Security, economic transparency, and democratic governance. --- 🗳️ Local Races to Watch (2025) City of Nacogdoches – May 3, 2025 Mayor: incumbent Randy Johnson vs. Brigette Kozash. A Chamber-hosted forum took place April 24 to help voters compare platforms. City Council Wards: Northeast Ward: Kathleen Belanger (unopposed) Northwest Ward: Brad Maule (unopposed) Southwest Ward: Chad Huckaby Southeast Ward: Blane Williams School Boards – May 3, 2025 Nacogdoches ISD At-Large: Cheryl D. Brady, Demond Jackson, Damon Ruckel. District 1: James A. Ervin. Also elections in Chireno and Garrison ISDs. School boards shape local budgets, education policy, and leadership hires. Open Seats – Nacogdoches Hospital District Board Election for three directors (At‑Large, Precinct 1, Precinct 3) on November 4, 2025. Filing begins July 21 through August 18, 2025. --- 🏛️ State-Level: House District 11 & Beyond Texas House District 11 (covers Nacogdoches County): Rep. Joanne Shofner (R), currently in her first term after defeating Travis Clardy in 2024. She’s the critical state-level seat for your community. County Commissioners: All four precincts and the County Judge wield influence over budgets, elections, tax rates, and emergency oversight. These judges and commissioners are key guardians of local governance structures. --- 🤝 Civic & Voter Engagement Organizations Local & Statewide Local Groups: Nacogdoches County Democrats: Active grassroots group for voter education, volunteer opportunities, and supporting candidates. State & Regional Groups with Texas Reach: Texas Democratic Party, Jolt Initiative, MOVE Texas, NextGen Texas, Battleground Texas, Texas Progressive Caucus – these groups focus on voter registration, turnout, and empowering underrepresented communities statewide. Election Integrity Advocates: While not local, groups like the Texas Civil Rights Project support fair elections, legal oversight, and protecting voting rights—especially relevant if local officials compromise election transparency. --- 🛠️ How to Get Involved — Concrete Steps 1. Attend the Nacogdoches County Dems meetings and volunteer — door‑knocking, calling, voter registration. 2. Support or organize senior-focused pro-democracy engagement groups: seniors are a reliably voting bloc. 3. Attend or help promote forums like the Chamber’s Candidate Forum on key races. 4. Ask candidates directly about protecting institutional independence, Social Security, election transparency, data integrity. 5. Engage with state-level initiatives: assist groups like MOVE Texas or Battleground Texas as organizers or canvassers. 6. Watch commissioner court agendas and city council meetings, attend public comments to advocate accountability. --- 🔍 Why These Races Matter City and school board leaders have direct control over budget priorities, infrastructure bonds, education policy, and public welfare. Hospital district trustees oversee local health services—especially important for vulnerable seniors. State rep (HD‑11) holds influence on fiscal policy, healthcare, and institutional oversight at the legislature. County commissioners control election administration, tax rates, and county-wide policy direction. --- ✔️ Your Next Action Plan Step Action 1 Join Nacogdoches County Democrats 2 Attend candidate forums (Mayor & School Board) and raise issues about government accountability 3 Volunteer in voter outreach, especially to seniors or unregistered individuals 4 Prepare questions or statements for local meetings around data integrity, election rights, and preserving public benefits --- By engaging at the city, school, county, and state-house levels — and helping amplify local pro-democracy efforts — you can leverage your voice to preserve transparency, checks and balances, and stable governance. Ensuring these systems remain accountable is one of the best defenses against Argentina-style erosion of trust. Would you like help finding contact info or meeting times for any of these groups or races?