The candidates below are seeking election to their offices as incumbents or unopposed primary candidates. All are on the Republican ballot in Dickens County for the March 5, 2024 primary election. All candidates—even in those in unopposed races—have been invited to participate in a Meet the Candidates forum this Thursday night, Feb. 15, at the Spur Community Center at 6 p.m.
DENNIS WYATT, running for Dickens County commissioner, precinct 1, incumbent
CHRIS HORN, running for Dickens County commissioner, precinct 3 (currently held by Charlie Morris, who is not running for reelection)
RHONDA BRENDLE, running for Dickens County Tax Assessor-Collector (currently held by Rebecca Haney, who is not running for reelection)
STELLA CARTER, running for Dickens County Justice of the Peace after being appointed to an unexpired term in 2023
AARON CLEMENTS, running for Dickens County Attorney, incumbent
EMILY TEEGARDIN, running for 110th Judicial District Attorney, after being appointed to an unexpired term in 2023
RHONDA BRENDLE
Office sought: Dickens County Tax Assessor-Collector City of Residence: Dickens, Texas Hometown: Shallowater, Texas Education: I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business education from Texas Tech University.
Occupation: I currently teach at Guthrie Common School District. This is my 29th year in public education.
Family: My family consists of my husband, Kevin Brendle (we have been married and have resided in Dickens County for 29 years); son Kaleb Brendle, who lives in Austin; and daughter Rachel. She and her husband, Elliott, live in San Angelo. Kevin’s parents, Ken and Rita Brendle, and my mother, Bobbie Scott, also live in Dickens County.
Interests: I enjoy reading nonfiction and fiction novels. I also enjoy taking my dogs on walks.
Key campaign messages: (1) I plan to continue the exemplary work currently demonstrated in the Tax Office to ensure accuracy and reliability in maintaining a healthy financial position for Dickens County taxpayers. (2) I know that the tax office in Dickens County is responsible for collecting taxes for all the entities in the county. I will continue to work cooperatively with all the entities in calculating accurate tax rates and remitting those funds in a timely manner. (3) I know that paying property taxes is not a popular endeavor. I believe that I possess the skills needed to continue to receive everyone into the tax office warmly and with the understanding of the anxiety that paying property taxes can evoke.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? I believe that the availability of adequate housing is a deficiency in our community. I will do my part to embrace the industries that are locating to Dickens County that can raise our tax base and lower the property tax rate. A lower tax rate can attract the purchasing of land and the building of new homes that can improve our standard of living.
