You can message him on his Facebook page or call 979-339-0047. It may go to voicemail but he does check messages and return calls.Brian Alg said:
Did he give you an email address or something? I do not see one on his website.
Brazos County Commisioner races
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Last: 12 hrs ago by Hittag1492
Tailgate88 said:
Bentley Nettles knocked on my door yesterday to remind us to vote in the run-off election. This is the second time he has come by. After reviewing his record and history I believe him to be a man of great integrity who truly wants to serve his community.
I asked him if he had seen this thread and he said he had not, but had heard about it. I asked him several questions about some of the accusations on here and he answered them all. He also mentioned the numerous times that Mr. Aldrich has voted to raise taxes, and that "didn't seem like something a fiscal conservative would do."
He shared that he has been talking to many voters and reaching out to as many people as possible, so please do contact him directly if you have any concerns.
I believe politics should not turn into a career, as Mr. Aldrich has seemingly done. Mr. Nettles has served his country in the armed forces, and done a fine job of turning around a state agency. Now he would like to serve his local community. He has my vote.
They both seem quite qualified for sure actually. I do know what I have with Aldrich and it is mostly good and he does at least have an independent mind at times and certainly understands the old school minds that puppet Peters are a detriment to everyone in this county.
Nettles appears to be a good man. His campaign finance is the only worry to me-but a HUGE one. He appears yo be tied to the very people holding this area back. Hopefully not true if he does win, but all the signs are there and money usually does dictate these things once in office. Does he have the character to buck those that funded him? It is rare-very rare. I wouldn't count in it. I see another Peters forming and we simply cannot have that. If he came out against the old crony network here specifically I would be on board. I have a feeling he is owned by it.
Let's hope we pick the right one. If it is Nettles, let's hope he can be i dependent of those who funded him. I have a feeling those backing him are blinded by his service, etc. It is to be commended, but not if he falls prey to the good ole' boy network here locally. We will see who gets to say I told you so!
Went ahead and sent him the following message. I wouldn't blame him for not responding. No upside in it. Even people that are lukewarm on him are calling him a good dude and saying he was "certainly honest." Acknowledging this is not likely to help. But if I do get a response I'll probably post it here unless he asks me not to.
Quote:
Supporters of yours suggested I contact you regarding an issue I have brought up on Texags. In 2019 you made a statement regarding a 2016 Brazos County TABC sting where the TABC agent himself was caught on video committing the Class A misdemeanor of furnishing alcohol to a minor (https://www.kbtx.com/content/news/TABC-changing-investigation-procedures-after-agent-accused-of-perjury-in-Brazos-County-511209791.html). That was followed by statements, affidavits, and ultimately court testimony falsely accusing a bartender of committing the offense. In a statement after all that came out, you indicated that the TABC "found no wrongdoing on the part of Agent Jergins." That seemed an outlandish thing to say. He was caught on tape committing the a misdemeanor and then he falsely accused a bartender of committing the crime. I don't see how it could have been clearer wrongdoing. It was wrong and he did it.
I was curious if there was some explanation for why you said that. My guess is it was intended to keep body cameras out of sting procedures.
I understand if this isn't something you want to discuss. But if you care to shoot me a message on here or if you would like to schedule a call or a meeting, I would be happy to get a better understanding of what was going on with that statement.
Brian Alg
Brazos Coalition for Responsible Government
Brazos Coalition for Responsible Government
Responded quicker than I expected (less than an hour after I sent it). And his answer is much better than I expected.
Quote:
Brian thanks for contacting me on face book you can also call me [redacted]
1 Body cameras . As a result of this incident I asked the same question. Why can't we use body cameras. Other than the obvious it's under cover and a big body camera would give away the operation
We were never able to find a concealed camera that worked effectively in low lighting. My agents tried several different options and worked with IT , even google glasses but at the time the quality was not good. TABC was also not funded for the additional storage cost of hours and hours of video footage.
Surely you're not asking me why the agent wasn't charged criminally. That question is more appropriate for the DA.
The TABC Inspector General who worked for the chairman of the commission investigated the incident and came to that conclusion. The IG did not work for me and I had no control over him.
I did have concerns over the incident. I asked training to review the procedures and identify gaps so that these could be addressed. I relied upon the law enforcement leadership to determine what to do with this agent. They recommended transferring him and when notified he resigned on the spot .
Of course the incident happened before I took over the agency.
The agent was cleared by the Brazos County DA and the agency IG. Not sure what else there was to say other than the agent was cleared of wrongdoing
I know you don't agree with that outcome
Did you know the bartender personally? You seem to be unwilling to accept that the DA did not prosecute a cop. I really had nothing to do with that decision
So I think your anger is misplaced Feel free to call me if you want to discuss further.
Brian Alg
Brazos Coalition for Responsible Government
Brazos Coalition for Responsible Government
I think these are posts that should be made elsewhere. It sounds like a grudge to me. They certainly have no bearing on the current County race.
I disagree, this type of question goes to background. The response was proper and, in my opinion, gave some insight to the man's former employment/job responsibilities. i appreciate his taking the time in answering.
"New leadership? You mean a candidate handpicked and financially backed by the Peters team to be a rubber stamp for whatever the Judge wants. That doesn't sound "new" to me."
THIS. Supported (and funded) by Berry/Peters/et al
THIS. Supported (and funded) by Berry/Peters/et al
What evidence do you have that Nettles was 1) "hand-picked" or 2) "financially backed by the Peters team" Frankly that is pretty insulting to imply that a man of his integrity and background just wants to be a lackey for Judge Peters.oldag76 said:
"New leadership? You mean a candidate handpicked and financially backed by the Peters team to be a rubber stamp for whatever the Judge wants. That doesn't sound "new" to me."
THIS. Supported (and funded) by Berry/Peters/et al
Why don't you message him on Facebook and make those accusations to him personally and post his response?
This may have been answered, but I did not see it. Is Mr Nettles going to resign his spot on the BTU board if elected?
Integrity matters. The County Commissioner runoff has triggered an interesting ad from Bentley Nettles today on WTAW in advance of the runoff. Former law officer Jim Stewart says in the ad that Nettles is the only candidate without a history of raising our property taxes. Seems like this is disingenuous given that the incumbent, Steve Aldrich, is the only one with an actual voting track record of opposing tax increases as Precinct 1 Commissioner. Nettles does not have any record of voting for or against anything since he has never been elected to public office to my knowledge. He's a total unknown. Aldrich has also asked questions that have ruffled feathers about the reserve fund other commissioners have used to stockpile more taxpayer money than is necessary for emergencies.
Actions speak louder than words. A couple of years ago Aldrich along with former fellow commissioner, Russ Ford, took the bold step of not attending meetings when the other commissioners wanted to force them to vote for a tax increase. This action mandated that Commissioners accept a no new revenue tax rate saving me and other taxpayers a ton of money.
The reality is that Aldrich has been the lone voice on the current Commissioners Court against tax increases. Our vote matters and we need to pay attention---as this is a runoff election between a known quantity in Aldrich and an unknown in Nettles. I'm going with the guy that I can trust not someone who would probably fall in line with most of the tax-and-spenders who want to dominate local government.
Re-electing Aldrich is a priority so he can join newly elected Precinct 3 Commissioner Fred Brown in asking the tough questions about the budget and taxes. Hopefully, these two working together will help give taxpayers a truly fiscal conservative voice against efforts to increase how much we pay in taxes. Vote smart and don't be deceived.
Actions speak louder than words. A couple of years ago Aldrich along with former fellow commissioner, Russ Ford, took the bold step of not attending meetings when the other commissioners wanted to force them to vote for a tax increase. This action mandated that Commissioners accept a no new revenue tax rate saving me and other taxpayers a ton of money.
The reality is that Aldrich has been the lone voice on the current Commissioners Court against tax increases. Our vote matters and we need to pay attention---as this is a runoff election between a known quantity in Aldrich and an unknown in Nettles. I'm going with the guy that I can trust not someone who would probably fall in line with most of the tax-and-spenders who want to dominate local government.
Re-electing Aldrich is a priority so he can join newly elected Precinct 3 Commissioner Fred Brown in asking the tough questions about the budget and taxes. Hopefully, these two working together will help give taxpayers a truly fiscal conservative voice against efforts to increase how much we pay in taxes. Vote smart and don't be deceived.
Now it's disingenuous to point out an incumbent's actual record?
I guess we'll all just ignore the other seven times that Aldrich voted to raise taxes as well as when he recently proposed looking into adding a whole new tax category for local citizens?
No thanks. Aldrich is no low tax champion.
One might be concerned about Nettles funding if were a few or single sourced, but that's far from the case. His support base is wide. Looks like just about anyone not named Fred, Russ, or Lisa that donated to campaigns, supported Nettles. Probably looking for someone that can work with others to get stuff done for the precinct. If you've had conversations with both of them, that's not surprising.
It's not a good look when you have an incumbent with a widespread lack support, even after giving out freebies.
Hard pass. Time to get the career politician out and get some new brains working on our behalf.
I guess we'll all just ignore the other seven times that Aldrich voted to raise taxes as well as when he recently proposed looking into adding a whole new tax category for local citizens?
No thanks. Aldrich is no low tax champion.
One might be concerned about Nettles funding if were a few or single sourced, but that's far from the case. His support base is wide. Looks like just about anyone not named Fred, Russ, or Lisa that donated to campaigns, supported Nettles. Probably looking for someone that can work with others to get stuff done for the precinct. If you've had conversations with both of them, that's not surprising.
It's not a good look when you have an incumbent with a widespread lack support, even after giving out freebies.
Hard pass. Time to get the career politician out and get some new brains working on our behalf.
davido said:
Now it's disingenuous to point out an incumbent's actual record?
I guess we'll all just ignore the other seven times that Aldrich voted to raise taxes as well as when he recently proposed looking into adding a whole new tax category for local citizens?
No thanks. Aldrich is no low tax champion.
One might be concerned about Nettles funding if were a few or single sourced, but that's far from the case. His support base is wide. Looks like just about anyone not named Fred, Russ, or Lisa that donated to campaigns, supported Nettles. Probably looking for someone that can work with others to get stuff done for the precinct. If you've had conversations with both of them, that's not surprising.
It's not a good look when you have an incumbent with a widespread lack support, even after giving out freebies.
Hard pass. Time to get the career politician out and get some new brains working on our behalf.
Yes, I'm having a problem getting past this issue.
Finally met Nettles and his charming wife recently. He did have some interesting ideas with what to do with an office that pays $92.5Kyr. One statement sticks out 'concerned with commissioner's court members, not specific, treating it like a part time job.
One thing sticks hard was the expenditure of $1546 on 9.22.23 in conjunction with some campaign event with Berry. May be completely innocent but the optics- for me are not good.
Finally met Nettles and his charming wife recently. He did have some interesting ideas with what to do with an office that pays $92.5Kyr. One statement sticks out 'concerned with commissioner's court members, not specific, treating it like a part time job.
One thing sticks hard was the expenditure of $1546 on 9.22.23 in conjunction with some campaign event with Berry. May be completely innocent but the optics- for me are not good.
When I first heard the ad, it was a "LOL" moment:
"Former law officer Jim Stewart says in the ad that Nettles is the only candidate without a history of raising our property taxes. Seems like this is disingenuous given that the incumbent, Steve Aldrich, is the only one with an actual voting track record of opposing tax increases as Precinct 1 Commissioner. Nettles does not have any record of voting for or against anything since he has never been elected to public office to my knowledge. He's a total unknown."
Indeed, Nettles record of voting FOR or AGAINST tax rates is.....ZERO, so, he indeed has no history. What an endorsement..
"Former law officer Jim Stewart says in the ad that Nettles is the only candidate without a history of raising our property taxes. Seems like this is disingenuous given that the incumbent, Steve Aldrich, is the only one with an actual voting track record of opposing tax increases as Precinct 1 Commissioner. Nettles does not have any record of voting for or against anything since he has never been elected to public office to my knowledge. He's a total unknown."
Indeed, Nettles record of voting FOR or AGAINST tax rates is.....ZERO, so, he indeed has no history. What an endorsement..
I just hear the ad, but I think you are missing the point, perhaps, Nettles doesn't have a history of raising taxes. Aldrich however has a long history of voting repeatedly while on council and commissioner court of voting to increase our property taxes.
Stewart is a long time public servant of Brazos County. His support and endorsement carries a lot of weight. After 12 years on school board and 3 yrs on council and 8 years on Commissioners Court, where are the community leaders, party leaders and business owners endorsing Aldrich?
Nettles may be an unknown on tax voting record, but a known in the Army and known by Gov Abbott. I think he's the better choice.
Stewart is a long time public servant of Brazos County. His support and endorsement carries a lot of weight. After 12 years on school board and 3 yrs on council and 8 years on Commissioners Court, where are the community leaders, party leaders and business owners endorsing Aldrich?
Nettles may be an unknown on tax voting record, but a known in the Army and known by Gov Abbott. I think he's the better choice.
Old Army63 said:
I just hear the ad, but I think you are missing the point, perhaps, Nettles doesn't have a history of raising taxes. Aldrich however has a long history of voting repeatedly while on council and commissioner court of voting to increase our property taxes.
Stewart is a long time public servant of Brazos County. His support and endorsement carries a lot of weight. After 12 years on school board and 3 yrs on council and 8 years on Commissioners Court, where are the community leaders, party leaders and business owners endorsing Aldrich?
Nettles may be an unknown on tax voting record, but a known in the Army and known by Gov Abbott. I think he's the better choice.
You can just as easily say, "Aldrich is the only candidate in this race to vote to decrease the tax rate."
Here's another good one taxpreparer: Steve Aldrich and Nancy Berry have an identical voting record on taxes 8 of the last 9 budget years. He voted for every rate increase or every rate cut that still raised taxes based on rising property values that Nancy did. Hate to burst all of your bubbles, but if you had a problem with her, you have a problem with him, he's just snowed you all so much, you have no idea….
Sounds like he's getting smarter the longer he stays there. Sure came through for us last time.PanAg83 said:
Here's another good one taxpreparer: Steve Aldrich and Nancy Berry have an identical voting record on taxes 8 of the last 9 budget years. He voted for every rate increase or every rate cut that still raised taxes based on rising property values that Nancy did. Hate to burst all of your bubbles, but if you had a problem with her, you have a problem with him, he's just snowed you all so much, you have no idea….
PanAg83 said:
Here's another good one taxpreparer: Steve Aldrich and Nancy Berry have an identical voting record on taxes 8 of the last 9 budget years. He voted for every rate increase or every rate cut that still raised taxes based on rising property values that Nancy did. Hate to burst all of your bubbles, but if you had a problem with her, you have a problem with him, he's just snowed you all so much, you have no idea….
Maybe 7 of last 9 were, at best, because the 2 most recent budgets they did not vote the same. And I think looking at the last two to consider how a future vote might be cast is a better look than years ago. Especially some from other organizations with different missions.
It's pretty sneaky, there was no vote on no new revenue because there was not a quorum, therefore their voting record is the same other than the 2023 budget vote.
I prefer the statistic 7 of 9 based on the spirit of what was done, but unfortunately many have been snowed into believing he's a tax cut champion when in fact he is a tax hike champion.
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I prefer the statistic 7 of 9 based on the spirit of what was done, but unfortunately many have been snowed into believing he's a tax cut champion when in fact he is a tax hike champion.
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No quorum....because Aldrich refused to show up to work. Don't show up to work....no vote from me.PanAg83 said:
It's pretty sneaky, there was no vote on no new revenue because there was not a quorum, therefore their voting record is the same other than the 2023 budget vote.
I prefer the statistic 7 of 9 based on the spirit of what was done, but unfortunately many have been snowed into believing he's a tax cut champion when in fact he is a tax hike champion.
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How about this……in the last two budget cycles, Aldrich and Berry did not agree on what the tax rate should be. Aldrich thought the rate should be lower than Berry.
I get that some are not voting for Aldrich. Everyone has their reasons for why they vote or don't vote for certain candidates. But trying to link Aldrich and Berry as like minded in the tax rate for Brazos County is not intellectually honest. Or some are just ill informed.
I get that some are not voting for Aldrich. Everyone has their reasons for why they vote or don't vote for certain candidates. But trying to link Aldrich and Berry as like minded in the tax rate for Brazos County is not intellectually honest. Or some are just ill informed.
After the (potential) bridge gate (new county building downtown). It is time for a change at all levels of Brazos County leadership.
Did exactly what he needed to do to represent his constituents. If he had not, they would have collected even more than the $20 million in excess money that the tax rate ultimately resulted in. I prefer to keep my money rather than let the county hoard it in their reserves, which I believe are now around. $150 million.
Facts are stubborn things and the facts point to 7 of the last 9 budgets Aldrich has voted for tax increases. It's difficult for folks to deal with because it just doesn't fit the narrative. Ask him why he voted that way, ask him why he's proposing new taxes as we speak? A road tax, a drainage tax, and ask yourselves why you keep letting him get away with it. He's stood up for taxpayers once or twice and has operated against them for the better part of two decades.
PanAg83 said:
Facts are stubborn things and the facts point to 7 of the last 9 budgets Aldrich has voted for tax increases. It's difficult for folks to deal with because it just doesn't fit the narrative. Ask him why he voted that way, ask him why he's proposing new taxes as we speak? A road tax, a drainage tax, and ask yourselves why you keep letting him get away with it. He's stood up for taxpayers once or twice and has operated against them for the better part of two decades.
The amazimg part of all the Aldrich hate is that these people actually believe Nettles will vote to cut taxes-ever. Aldrich at 7of 9 might be a record tax cutter for a local politician, especially counting him helping shut down another vote by not showing up. Has Nettles even said he would be a tax cut champion? They all typically do, but I did not notice him making it a big part of his campaign. His website says nothing about his agenda that I can see. He is endorsed by the same people that endorse Peters and Berry. He is what people just voted out except he is basically hiding his actual agenda and running on the good Ag, local boy "insider" - exactly what is no longer needed. I wish we had more qualified people as well, but if one is looking for a modern approach, change and lower taxes- how can you even think Nettles represents that at all, lol. Good luck with that…
The "Aldrich hate" is the truth about his record. Bentley has served our Country, been appointed by a conservative governor and endorsed by conservatives leaders in and out of precinct 1. Aldrich is a hypocritical politician saying one thing and doing another. His political games have got to stop. Precinct 1 needs a commissioner that is committed to cutting taxes, won't propose new taxes, and will build a strategy to achieve these long before a quorum break is the only option…. Steve and Russ loaded up the budget and then demanded an 11th hour tax cut. It's time to dump Steve Aldrich. Voters deserve the truth instead of his long con tactics.
Hittag1492 said:PanAg83 said:
Facts are stubborn things and the facts point to 7 of the last 9 budgets Aldrich has voted for tax increases. It's difficult for folks to deal with because it just doesn't fit the narrative. Ask him why he voted that way, ask him why he's proposing new taxes as we speak? A road tax, a drainage tax, and ask yourselves why you keep letting him get away with it. He's stood up for taxpayers once or twice and has operated against them for the better part of two decades.
The amazimg part of all the Aldrich hate is that these people actually believe Nettles will vote to cut taxes-ever. Aldrich at 7of 9 might be a record tax cutter for a local politician, especially counting him helping shut down another vote by not showing up. Has Nettles even said he would be a tax cut champion? They all typically do, but I did not notice him making it a big part of his campaign. His website says nothing about his agenda that I can see. He is endorsed by the same people that endorse Peters and Berry. He is what people just voted out except he is basically hiding his actual agenda and running on the good Ag, local boy "insider" - exactly what is no longer needed. I wish we had more qualified people as well, but if one is looking for a modern approach, change and lower taxes- how can you even think Nettles represents that at all, lol. Good luck with that…
First, I guess we will just disagree on Abbott and past mayors, council members, etc being "conservatives".PanAg83 said:
The "Aldrich hate" is the truth about his record. Bentley has served our Country, been appointed by a conservative governor and endorsed by conservatives leaders in and out of precinct 1. Aldrich is a hypocritical politician saying one thing and doing another. His political games have got to stop. Precinct 1 needs a commissioner that is committed to cutting taxes, won't propose new taxes, and will build a strategy to achieve these long before a quorum break is the only option…. Steve and Russ loaded up the budget and then demanded an 11th hour tax cut. It's time to dump Steve Aldrich. Voters deserve the truth instead of his long con tactics.
Your statement "loaded up the budget and then demanded a 11th hour tax cut" is absolute propaganda. Aldrich had no problem with the budget. His problem was with the tax rate. You do realize that the tax rate forced by Aldrich and Ford still resulted in a $20 million surplus for that fiscal year? If Peters had gotten his way the surplus would have been even bigger. That's money out taxpayers pockets that is not needed to fund the approved budget. Commissioners Court should not be setting tax rates to collect more money than what is needed to cover the budget.
Nettles was hand picked by Peters and is backed by the same team that supported Berry, and Konderla in the last election. Do you really think he is not going to vote lock & step with the guy that picked/supported him?
Come on, you can't be that naive.
Tailgate88 said:Hittag1492 said:PanAg83 said:
Facts are stubborn things and the facts point to 7 of the last 9 budgets Aldrich has voted for tax increases. It's difficult for folks to deal with because it just doesn't fit the narrative. Ask him why he voted that way, ask him why he's proposing new taxes as we speak? A road tax, a drainage tax, and ask yourselves why you keep letting him get away with it. He's stood up for taxpayers once or twice and has operated against them for the better part of two decades.
The amazimg part of all the Aldrich hate is that these people actually believe Nettles will vote to cut taxes-ever. Aldrich at 7of 9 might be a record tax cutter for a local politician, especially counting him helping shut down another vote by not showing up. Has Nettles even said he would be a tax cut champion? They all typically do, but I did not notice him making it a big part of his campaign. His website says nothing about his agenda that I can see. He is endorsed by the same people that endorse Peters and Berry. He is what people just voted out except he is basically hiding his actual agenda and running on the good Ag, local boy "insider" - exactly what is no longer needed. I wish we had more qualified people as well, but if one is looking for a modern approach, change and lower taxes- how can you even think Nettles represents that at all, lol. Good luck with that…
Like I said-they all say it somewhere. He does not have it anywhere I can see on his website I could see-odd. Every candidate running has those exact lines somewhere on their literature-Berry and Peters included for years even Aldrich who you say has raised taxes as well. How did that work out? All I know is everyone he is associated with is closely associated with the 2 worst offenders we have had and still have (Berry /Peters) in ages so I see no way he will be anything but the same as he has embraced those folks hard. His past history does not dictate he will lower taxes either. Just nothing there to give anyone hope he will be anything more than another good ol'Ag who will actually keep the status quo and hold this area back like all the rest for the benefit of a very few. You should vote for him as you choose. Maybe you liked Berry, I don't know. If so- it would make sense. And another person with zero vision of what this area can be. Aldrich may not either, but he will at times at least stand up to et morons like Peters/Berry who have become nothing but arrogant. I don't see Bentley doing that when he has embraced that same group.
PanAg83 said:
The "Aldrich hate" is the truth about his record. Bentley has served our Country, been appointed by a conservative governor and endorsed by conservatives leaders in and out of precinct 1. Aldrich is a hypocritical politician saying one thing and doing another. His political games have got to stop. Precinct 1 needs a commissioner that is committed to cutting taxes, won't propose new taxes, and will build a strategy to achieve these long before a quorum break is the only option…. Steve and Russ loaded up the budget and then demanded an 11th hour tax cut. It's time to dump Steve Aldrich. Voters deserve the truth instead of his long con tactics.
Bentley ain't cutting taxes. He is a part of and backed by the same Peters/Berry group. That group hasn't seen a taxpayer dollar they did not want to vacuum up for mostly nonsense. Why would you think he would be different? That entire group has been the worst thing to happen to the county in the last 50 years and him being a part of the same group and backed by the same people is actually terrifying. People see military and Aggie and get giddy. If you like what Peters does vote for Nettles-that is what you are getting.