Candidate District 1

Jerry N. Word Sr. -- I have been a director of BEC since February 1981 and currently serve as board president.  I represent those members in District 1.  I successfully completed over 40 hours of training through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and received a Credentialed Cooperative Director designation.  I have also completed a number of other board leadership training courses.  I reside in the Pipe Creek area and have my own business.

Candidates District 2

Joe C. Hearn, III -- My background includes more than three decades of public service and commitment to earn a living for others and myself in this community. 

I moved to Bandera County in 1965 where I attended Bandera Independent School District High School for 4 years.  I married in 1970 and have resided in the City of Bandera for 37 years.  I have raised and educated three children in Bandera County.  I worked in residential and commercial construction from 1970 to 1980 (self-employed 6 of 10 years).  I was elected to the Bandera City Council in 1976 (6 years service, 2 years as mayor ProTem).  I moved from general construction to commercial store fixture and millwork manufacturer in 1980.  I incorporated a manufacturing business in 1982 to serve large regional and national grocery chains (20 years).  I served on various Bandera Independent School District Advisory Committees from 1974 to 1990.  I was appointed to Bandera County Appraisal District as a Director in 1986 (est.) (5 years service).  I downsized business operations to service store fixture needs for smaller clientele.  I was selected to the City of Bandera Economic Development Corporation in 2000 (7 years service, 2 years as Vice President) and currently serving.  My commitment to service, to Bandera Electric Cooperative and its members will remain a constant goal.

Lee Kneupper -- I am a fifth generation Hill Country Texan.  I grew up in Helotes and was educated in the public school system of Texas and at Rice University in Houston.  I have a masters degree in mechanical engineering and practiced the engineering profession all my working career.  My wife and I moved full time to Bandera 8 years ago and live on property that has been in her family since the 1850’s.  I am well connected to this country and its people and I have the technical and business skills to well represent the members of BEC District 2.  My professional experience included many years of managing and directing large business enterprises and capital projects, many in the 100’s of millions in value.  I well understand complex issues and have the proven skills to address them.  I appreciate your support and I will serve you and BEC well.

Eddie J. Smith, Jr. -- I am 70 years old, and I have served our country honorably, in Korea and Vietnam.  I have worked 36 years in research and developing new sources of energy.  BEC will have an energy problem, and (it has begun)  I can and will place my extreme knowledge in energy at BEC’s needs and do the best job as a director as I can.  My wife Barbara Jean Smith and I have been married for 53 years this July 30.  We raised 6 children, 5 girls and 1 son.

Candidate District 3

Rob Sandidge -- I have represented BEC members of District 3 since August 2000.  I am currently serving as board vice president.  After successfully completing over 40 hours of training through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, I received a Credentialed Cooperative Director designation and have also completed a number of other board leadership courses.  I reside in the Tarpley area and am a rancher.