Incumbents in; challengers out

A dramatic race for the Precinct 1 constable seat finally came to an end Tuesday night with Steven Brennan being voted in for a fifth term with more than 75 percent of the vote.

“Like I said in the beginning, the voters will decide who they want as their constable,” Brennan said. “They returned me for a fifth term. They gave me an overwhelming vote of confidence.”

The race became heated during a political debate held at Odessa College Feb. 26.

During his closing, challenger Jeff Schwende stated that he was the only person running for Precinct 1 who did not have a criminal record.

According to Brennan, he was arrested in 1978 under the name Steven Cupp for evading arrest. He served six months probation and paid a fine. The blemish on his record obviously didn’t affect voters’ opinion of him.

“That stuff has been public knowledge since I started running for public office,” Brennan said. “It wasn’t anything serious enough to hold me from running for public office.”

Brennan took a total of 1,569 votes, or 76.76 percent. His challenger, Schwende, brought in 475 votes, or 27.24 percent.

“Well, obviously I am somewhat disappointed, but I am glad I had the opportunity to serve the public,” Schwende said. “I wish my opponent all the luck in the world.”

In the race for constable of Precinct 2, incumbent David Lewallen was voted to represent the Republican Party defeating challenger Ty Bermea.

“You’re always apprehensive, but it kind of turned out the way I figured it would,” Lewallen said. “I appreci-ate (Bermea) for running a clean race.”

Lewallen took 3,915 votes, or 86.71 percent. Bermea took in 600 votes, or 13.29 percent.

Lewallen cited his age and experience for helping him win the election.

“I appreciate the voters standing behind me and their confidence,” Lewallen said. “I’ll try to do a good job for them.”

Bermea said he would support Lewallen as Constable of Precinct 2.

Lewallen will face off against Democrat Norman Lee Witcher in November. Witcher ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Republican Dean Johnston will run unopposed for constable of Precinct 3 in November.

FACT FILE

>> Seat: Constable Precinct 1 and Precinct 2.

>> Term: Four years.

>> Salary: $1,320.

>> Car allowance: $3,900.

>> Benefits include health insurance.

THE VOTES

Constable Precinct 1

Steven Brennan 1,569

Jeff Schwende 475

Constable Precinct 2

David Lewallen 3,915

Ty Bermea 600