THE SPECTATOR: UNCOVERING THE TRUTH IN OUR LOCAL ELECTIONS
Do you know who is really behind half of the candidates in the upcoming Brenham City Council and Brenham School Board races? Well, I’m about to tell you how a group of people got together and solicited their own candidates for both the City Council and the School Board. Then, they publicly said that after studying all of the candidates, they just happened to endorse the very people they had put up for election. This very same group of people are also holding a number of political forums under different names, without letting all of the candidates know that they are supporting and endorsing their opponents.
The Republican Club of Washington County, the Washington County Republican Women, The Texas Leadership Summit, the Texas Church Leaders, Citizens United for Brenham Schools, Let Our Teachers Teach, and Champion Fellowship Church. At first glance you might say that’s quite an impressive list of groups all supporting the same five candidates in this election. However, upon closer examination, you will find that all of those groups have many of the same members. And after recruiting their candidates, who most if not all attend Champion Fellowship Church, they want voters to believe they did a thorough review before throwing their support behind their own candidates. Mike Garner, David Jantzi, Walt Edmunds, Steve Soman and Alan Lehmann were all recently asked at a candidates’ forum whether they had “accepted any form of aid - financial, operational, strategic or otherwise – from political special interest groups.” All five answered that they had not. I’m not sure how they came to that conclusion considering these groups are buying advertising, printing cards and flyers, and passing out yard signs for them at their meetings and forums. Even the church had signs for them available in the church foyer.
Don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying these are not good people and good organizations. They are! But I believe there is no place for such a conspiracy in our local races, especially the City and School Board elections where no political parties should be involved. Voters deserve transparency from all of the candidates, just as we expect transparency should they be elected to office. I want my officials to be able to represent all of our community, not just one church or group. And I want them to be able to think on their own, not just do what they are told by the ones who recruited them as candidates. We have enough of that going on in state and federal government.
To be fair, I must mention the names of the five candidates who are not being supported by these groups…the ones who are running their own campaigns. They are Shawn Koonce, Justin Colley, Jared Krenek, Leah Cook and Shannan Canales.
I believe voters deserve to know the truth before they cast their ballots. And that’s the way it looks to this Spectator.
Bottom line: political signs in a church lobby or entry? Beyond inappropriate!
No one is AGAINST people of faith in public office or service, but candidates for public office should lead with their qualifications, not their religious affiliation.
By the way, the most truly faithful among us tend to speak the least about their beliefs. They are living and breathing examples of love in action. Their actions and conduct do the talking.
I have attended many churches in my 64 years, but I have NEVER seen political signs being distributed out of a church lobby! Such doings might be business as usual in this Brenham church, but this is jaw-dropping to me. Inappropriate, to say the least.
Though eroded by recent Supreme Court decisions emphasizing the free exercise clause over the establishment clause, there is a longstanding tradition of separation of church and state in this country, right? Certain political conservatives do not like to recognize this tradition these days, however. Just check out the dismissive comments by paragon of morality Lauren Boebert on the topic of separation of church and state.
I am a person of faith, but for candidates for school board or city council to lead with this facet of themselves strikes me as wholly irrelevant to any real qualification for doing the job and engaging in public service.
While I appreciate the Spectator’s concerns about transparency and fairness in local elections, I believe the characterization of the groups supporting certain candidates may oversimplify the situation. Community organizations often rally behind candidates who align with their values and priorities, which is a natural part of the democratic process. This does not necessarily equate to a conspiracy or undue influence.
The opinion piece suggests that these groups are misleading voters by endorsing candidates they recruited. However, endorsing candidates is a common practice among civic and political organizations, and it’s not inherently deceptive. Voters are capable of evaluating endorsements critically and making informed decisions based on their own research and values.
Additionally, the piece raises concerns about candidates receiving support in the form of advertising and promotional materials. It’s worth noting that such support is standard in elections and does not automatically imply a lack of independence on the part of the candidates. The candidates’ responses at the forum, where they denied receiving aid from special interest groups, should be taken at face value unless there is concrete evidence to the contrary.
The Spectator also emphasizes the importance of candidates representing the entire community rather than specific groups. While this is a valid point, it’s important to recognize that candidates often have diverse affiliations and supporters, which does not preclude them from serving the broader community effectively.
Ultimately, voters have the responsibility to scrutinize all candidates and their platforms, regardless of endorsements or affiliations. Transparency is crucial, but it’s equally important to avoid assumptions that may unfairly undermine the integrity of candidates or organizations involved in the election process.
Yes, we have evidence of what the editorial mentions. I certainly would not have written it if we did not. More to come this week.
Thank you for publishing this. It reflects exactly what many of us in the community have seen building for some time. I’ve had personal experience with some of the individuals and organizations mentioned, and I can say this article aligns with what I’ve observed firsthand.
Tim Webb, pastor of Champion Fellowship and founder of the Texas Leadership Summit, has positioned himself and his affiliated organizations at the center of a coordinated effort to influence local elections. These groups—though appearing to be separate—are working together to promote a slate of candidates they personally recruited, then endorsed through forums and campaigns that give the appearance of neutrality.
This kind of influence, especially when not disclosed openly to the public, is misleading. Voters deserve to know when a candidate is being supported—strategically or financially—by the same individuals who encouraged them to run. Hosting political forums under various group names while quietly backing select candidates is not transparency; it’s calculated messaging.
It’s also disappointing to see church space being used to distribute campaign materials while denying any form of political involvement. Local elections should remain focused on serving all constituents—not furthering the reach of a particular church or leadership circle.
I’m grateful that other candidates—Shawn Koonce, Justin Colley, Jared Krenek, Leah Cook, and Shannan Canales—have chosen to run independent, community-centered campaigns. That takes courage and integrity.
This is not about attacking any one person or group. It’s about holding our public spaces and processes to a higher standard. Voters deserve clarity, honesty, and leaders who are accountable to the entire community—not just those who put them on the ballot.
Amen Suzy Q, Amen! Enough is enough from deceiving people. It’s a disgrace that they are not above reproach as they claim to be. Finally the truth is coming out, long over due and then some.
Separation of CHURCH AND STATE. Seems Mr. Webb does not understand that. He’s used his pulpit to politicize his church more than once, to the extreme of telling people to “vote them out.” Placing himself in strategic positions and seemingly “rubbing elbows” appearing as a “good ol boy” is manipulation at its core. Stick to being a pastor, or, maybe not!! Wake up Brenham!! Thank you Spectator!
John Jay, the first chief justice of the Supreme Court, wrote in a letter to a friend, “Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”
This notion of “separation of church and state” never existed in the first place, its just an anti-Christian dream and has no credibility. It’s not in the Constitution at all. For those of you that believe it is, please show us the quote, its easy enough to cut and paste.
In fact “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” if written in modern language, could easily say “Congress shall make no law that alters the beliefs of Christianity”. “Respecting an establishment” concerns big ideas like the Trinity, the commandments, the forgiveness of sins, debt, money, forgiveness as these are establish doctrine and the word “religion” is interchangeable with Christianity.
Here is George Washington’s prayer for the nation see how he uses the word religion, “I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Devine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation. Amen
More power to you Mike Garner, David Jantzi, Walt Edmunds, Steve Soman and Alan Lehmann.
The IRS doesn’t share that opinion.
Nor does the Supreme Court of the United States, as repeatedly evidenced over 250 years.
You people all sound crazy. You should read all of your comments aloud and tell me they don’t sound like your problem is that there are Christian conservative men running for office. You all must be members of the “party of tolerance and inclusion” that got us in (should I say, created) this whole mess in the first place.
Conservative is a good thing to be in these times of runaway spending. If you want spending to be curbed and lower taxes in the city, electing incumbents is not logical. Elect new people. Same goes for the School Board. Same for any election. If the new folks don’t do the job to your liking, repeat or run for office yourself. Just an observation- a person can be conservative, a Republican, a woman, a Christian, want to Let Teachers Teach, support choice thru vouchers AND want public schools fully funded, so her name wcould appear on membership lists of several of the mentioned groups.
I will not be voting for Tim Webb for anything and his name is on the ballot at least 4 times … just under different disguises.
This is why “Brenhamites” tend to have such a bad reputation. They can be cliquey, secretive, and protective of their own. Churches – to the extent they want to maintain their non-profit status – are supposed to stay out of politics. Sunshine is the best disinfectant.
CHECK YOUR FACTS
To be clear, Champion Fellowship Church does not endorse any of the 10 candidates running for this year’s school board and city council elections. What we do endorse—wholeheartedly and unapologetically—is the Word of God. At the core of our religious beliefs, we encourage our members to know it, live it, and lead from it—bringing God’s character into every area of life, including leadership roles in the community.
Far from a conspiracy, only three of the ten candidates are members of Champion Fellowship. At the recent Texas Leadership Summit School Board Forum held at our church, all six school board candidates were invited, attended, and answered the same questions. The candidates and the audience agreed to clear rules—including no campaign materials during the Forum itself. Afterward, all candidates were free to interact with attendees and share materials if they chose. None of the candidates raised concerns about the fairness of the event. The church had nothing to do with any signs, as alleged.
Regarding accusations of support from “political special interest groups,” Champion Fellowship Church is not a political group. We are a church compelled by God’s Word to engage our community for Jesus Christ, His gospel and His perfect representation of the character of God. Jesus is not a political special interest; He is our life. We are thankful to live in a country where our members are free to live out this faith. Mr. Whitehead, if you have concerns in the future, we welcome a personal conversation to clear up any misunderstandings before assumptions or accusations are made.
Steve Forman, JD, ThM
Executive Pastor
Brenham’s Champion Fellowship Church
Steve. I believe that is a conversation you should be having with your Senior Pastor.
I understand you’re more than likely right, but can you prove this with a simple explanation, and not expose your source? I think as readers we all need to know this. This is part of news, right?
This entire article is biased and misleading. The only reason that people are siding with the writer is because they agree with him. From all of these comments I see that the feathers have been ruffled. Everyone has an opinion. Not all of them smell very good! Remove what church these people go to. Remove political affiliation. Listen to the meat of what each candidate is saying. Listen without bias.
Unfortunately for many people, even in this little town that is lead by the old names and the long line of politicians from families, the who’s who of Brenham and Washington Co. to say it nicely, the lesser known candidate will never get a fair shake because they aren’t “related to” or does not “go to church with”. That is how the outsiders view this town. It is in politics here. It is in the school buildings here. People are protected by so many even when what they are doing is wrong. This is why people will come out in droves to support the candidates that may be the lesser known.
That’s the great thing about America. We are free to vote and make that choice while the nay sayers have their heads buried in the ground, follow the “flock” and “do what they have always done”. This right here is when they lose ground. They think they have it in the bag and the real voices gather to be heard. That is what happens at the polls. See you there.
Thank you for doing the research and putting it in easy to understand terms for the residents of this county. As you said, these positions are no place for such a conspiracy and no political parties should be involved in them! I’ve noticed many signs around town carry a political tag on them like “Conservative” or remark that they are “Christian”. It’s as if those running forgot they are meant to be nonpartisan and we can all bet that anyone branding themselves like that will not be.
It’s time for a change when we have had a drag queen show & LGBT books for children.
Our struggle is not against people, but spiritual forces of evil. It is past time for those who know truth to challenge the establishment that is ignoring it. Let those in power combat evil rather than those running against them.
Not surprised. I received an email from a church whose pastor is a member of the Texas Church Leaders listing names of the preferred candidates. In my opinion, this is a violation of the separation of church and state, and l said as much in my email response. Could churches lose their tax exemption status for these actions?
Thanks Spectator for shedding the light for all to see.
Some religious “entities” have lost their 501C3 fess than this! Thanks to the Spectator for reporting such activities!
Jesus would be flipping tables!
Thank you, Spectator. Let’s not forget the two most recent school board members, voted into office two years ago, were also supported by these same groups. They were hand picked, asked to “interview” in front of church leaders, and the Republican Party Chairman for our county, and large donors. They were required to pledge to uphold the views of these groups before they would receive support and donations. They both did. This is factual, as it was told directly to many, including me, that it happened. And it happened again this year.
As far as I can tell, they have made no real contribution to the School Board, other than to consistently vote against the others, and don’t yet know the limits and bounds of a school board….many of their “agenda items” are things the board cannot control, or are set by the state. The current candidates’ have platforms almost identical to the two from 2 years ago……interesting, isn’t it.
At least one of them is a mouth-piece for the Republican Party Chairwoman, who SHOULD NOT be involved with a school board candidate, as well as the church groups. The candidates should be free, independent thinkers and not a puppet for outside groups.
Are you trying to tell me that church members are not citizens of this community?
I say foul to that. If you are elected by constituents then you are hopefully voting the way your constituents want you to.
Thank you Spectator! For your courage to think independently and act out of what is in the best interest of the county.
Exposing the collusion created by the power of old money and partisan political pressures on the community is vital for its overall well being. We have no balance in too many counties, cities and the state. Balance.must exist in public service for the benefit of all citizens. It is as simple as a good and happy marriage which allows each partner to use their ideas and beliefs from two different points of view. Thus sharing promotes balance, mutual respect and a happy family. A single point of view for a city, county, state or country never ends in good for all.
I’m a member of this community and I’m for new leadership by electing new people to lead.
Thank you, Spectator for calling out these groups. There’s nothing fair about what they’re doing.
All is fair when it comes to our children.
Welcome to the real world! In Harris County and Houston, prominent people mail out flyers with their slate of recommended candidates. Fire, police, and other unions do the same. Any group of like-minded people is free to do the same, even if they’re (Oh my gosh!) religious. The same thing happens on the national level with the UAW, Teamsters, ‘Left-handed Short Peoples Commission’, etc. This all gets people involved. That’s a good thing. This brings other people’s perspectives into the mix to give you insight into where the candidate is likely leaning. That’s a good thing too.
Why not give us a reason that like minded groups of people cannot get together to try to make a change. The Tea Party did, The Squad does, LGBTQ does, mainstream media has in the last 3 presidential elections, FBI, CIA, DOJ they are all groups of people that want their people to run things. So why call out a local church that wants to see better stewardship of our schools and city government.
It has been said that money had no courage or conscience. Well we can take it from here Spectator thanks for the truth. I am so glad we still have some integrity left in this county!
Thank you for doing the research and confirming what appeared obvious in Monday night’s candidate forum. Just one session made it clear which candidates had the schools’ and City’s best interest at heart. I encourage all citizens of Brenham to listen to what the candidates have to say and not just vote for the “old guard”. If you do, I’m sure you will see that the obvious choices are Shawn Koonce, Justin Colley, Jared Krenek, Leah Cook and Shannan Canales to lead our community into the future.
Yep you want the status quo, same old same old Bisd deficits, bad decisions, same 5 against 2 voting, liberals verse conservative Christians. Been to enough Bisd board and council meetings to know the difference now it time for new blood to say no to the current way of operating our schools and City budget.
I highly advise you to educate yourself on the circumstances that have led to the deficit budget in BISD and many, many districts statewide. To place that blame on the Board is laughably ignorant. The school board is meant to be neither partisan nor religious. “New Blood” was the cry that got us the two newest members of the board, who, even after two years are hopelessly confused and have to be advised by puppet masters on how they should vote. Think.
I need to step in here – if you are implying that my husband, Jared, is a liberal – you are sadly mistaken. Please get to know him before you judge or put labels on anyone. He is a conservative. He is a HUGE Christian. Our house knows God. But he’s also here for our children, our students of the community – regardless of their background or beliefs. The students of this community are so very important to him.
The spectator nailed it. It’s a shame what this community has come to. If these groups think they have that much political pull, then why can’t they get a bond passed for a new Jr High.
A new Jr High?? You think these people really care ? Have you seen the shape of our “new” high school ? Have you seen our sports facilities compared to other districts in the area ? This is about rubber stamping the building permits for their real estate developing buddies. Politics at its best! Sad that a local church is heavily involved but not surprising. Very shady business at best.
That’s just it, they don’t want to pass any bonds for new facilities for public schools because they support vouchers. Candidates who oppose public schools have no right to be on a public school board.
Which school board candidates have said that they oppose public schools?
This is where the affiliation is problematic. The Texas Leadership Summit has hosted events that were highly critical and inflammatory towards public schools. Texas Church Leaders wrote a condemning letter to state legislators about BISD and public schools in general (they have since deleted it from their website, but it is still available to find via internet archive.) Moms For America is a nationwide movement that supports vouchers and has seeded turmoil in communities across the country. In accepting, both publicly and behind closed doors, the support of these organizations, these candidates have willingly accepted that baggage as well. When cards are being handed out that proclaim you as the choice of those organizations, it’s entirely reasonable to assume that those candidates also support those ideas. If they didn’t, they were given an opportunity at the Forum, and since then, to distance themselves from those ideas, leaders, and organizations. They have not done so.
The new Jr HS bond was voted down by the people not the board twice.
If there was any question as far as the intent behind these groups, it is worth noting that they have multiple layers of “shell” organizations, all featuring the same people with the same goals, but purposefully obfuscating their means.
The people on here and on Facebook who are upset are the ones either actively engaging in this deceit or would benefit from it. Shameful
Must be a slow news day. Great investigative work here. You uncovered the fact(s) that concerned members of our community are coming together to try and make change for the better. You singled out good Christian men who are standing up to try and help. Brenham is not growing with young families. It’s growing with retirees from out of town. The number of graduating seniors at BHS hasn’t changed too much for well over 20 years. Why? Parents are pulling their kids out of public school and homeschooling at a higher rate than ever. Why? If it weren’t for athletics and the extra curricular activities I believe you’d see more of this. Our school district needs help and needs change. More of the same isn’t the answer.
Several, all men by the way, have no children of their own, or no children in public schools.
Also, why are they secretive about their “meetings” and their single minded agenda?And, why would they have to pledge to act as they are told?
ALL of the school board candidates this year are men, but I’m not sure why that matters. Is having children of one’s own, whether or not they are in public school, a prerequisite to serving on the school board? I should hope not. But for the record, all 3 of the candidates mentioned in this article are fathers AND have had kids in Brenham ISD.
You do realize that having a child in BISD is not a requirement to run for school board? What’s secretive about these alleged “meetings”? Is it “secretive” because you weren’t invited? How is their “agenda” single minded? How do you know about said “pledges”? Were you there? BISD is not in a good place and needs change. The fact that people are making an issue of nothing is mind boggling. You have good men running for a non-paying position in order to make our community better.
Yes sir. Political parties and any Church group should not be involved for these local boards.
I am so glad that you have brought this to the community’s attention.
Great job!
Why not give us a reason that like minded groups of people cannot get together to try to make a change. The Tea Party did, The Squad does, LGBTQ does, mainstream media has in the last 3 presidential elections, FBI, CIA, DOJ they are all groups of people that want their people to run things. So why call out a local church that wants to see better stewardship of our schools and city government.
Simply because they have biased opinons and agendas based on their version of the truth from their particular religious denomination.
There are many religions that people follow, or don’t follow at all.
Religion has no place in politics or in city mattes or in public schools, Period.
Keep the Church for yourself and to yourself. Matters of the operations of the city and of the public school has NOTHING to do with your religious group.
That’s why.
Thank you so much for doing the research and informing the public about what is going on behind the scenes. I know for a fact that one of the candidates was kicked out/asked to leave a Coffee with the Candidates event hosted by one of these groups because he was not one of the candidates that they were endorsing. He was told that the breakfast event was “a training session for their 3 candidates.” The particular candidate said that he would be more than happy to leave, but that his first phone call was going to be to the press/KWHI and let them know what happened. A bit of crawfishing occurred and this candidate was told that he could stay and give a quick introduction of himself and his beliefs, but then they would appreciate it if he left. I encourage everyone to do their due diligence, learn about each of the candidates and get out and vote! Brenham deserves the best!
Thank you for this revealing report. It would be helpful if we knew who and where the event was hosted. Was it a local non profit or perhaps a church?
Sounds a lot like the recent Reformers Church group. I’m sure many of them are a part of this as well! Secret meetings but yet these people proclaim to be Christians! So sad!
Thank you Spectator!!
As a former member of Champion Fellowship, this does not surprise me and is one of the primary reasons I left.
Good article, Spectator! Thanks for the “truth”. A version of this “truth” has been a LONG standing tradition in local politics for as long as you and I have been alive. Nothing has changed with the exception that other “groups” have gained the power to speak and promote their version of the “truth”. The only ones crying now are the ones who are losing their grip on said power! Businesses value having an administrative employee on the BISD School Board or City Council. It gives them an inside ear and leverage that, perhaps, others do not have. No one is transparent in politics, ever! It is a fallacy to assume or expect that anyone would be. And for the record, not one politician represents “all of the people”. This is impossible considering all of the differing political viewpoints, social & religious affiliations and cultural agendas that exist in this big “little” town with the small town vibe. You should have noticed that “Government of the people, by the people, for the people” has simply ceased to exist. This is government of “special interests” and whomever holds the purse strings or the popularity or can tell the best lies with a straight face will win elections. Lying and being deceitful is part of the job description for a politician. The average voter is clueless as to what really goes on politically in their city & county and these xenophobic, sexist, racist and misguided secret societies prefer it to be that way. Moderator, there is nothing new under the sun! The sun just so happens to be shining on a different part of the universe, for now. People will expose the things they disagree with or can no longer influence and control when said things no longer serve their special interest. That’s the way it is. Let’s get some popcorn, sit back and watch the clown show.
Thank you, Spectator! It is worth noting that at one of those select-candidates-only forums in February, Moms For America flew in a National Level political strategist to aid their campaigns. Do we really want out-of-state dark money flooding into our elections?
Local government gladly accepts “out-of-state dark money” in the form of grants, donations and gifts from out of state corporations! Money never flows in a direction that it cannot influence! As long as our fair little town sits on the same earth that all other nations & countries do as well, we might want to think GLOBAL. We CAN see Russia from here!
Thank you so much for pulling out the interesting choices of the candidates from some of these groups. And those all seem to have one thing in common.. and the ones that are standing alone and doing what they need to be doing. and yes, I’ve heard a couple of them speak and really hate to say I was not very impressed but there’s still time and we can get this done so that Washington County will always be a great place supported by great people in these offices.
Where do you suppose Beto ORoark and activist district attorney’s campaign funds come from? Hollywood and Soros.