2012-11 Remembrances Special Edition1
City of Schertz Remembrances Publication Special Edition 2012-11
Presented by: Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
History of the Schertz Mayoral Elections
(Sources: Valley News Reports & N.E. Herald Reports)
Early next month we go to the polls to vote for a number of local, state and national candidates for public office. None is more important to our local circumstance than is the Mayor’s race. We have three qualified candidates for the position and because of that the race should be a close one. There have been a few closely contested mayoral races in our town’s history. But for the
past thirty years the races were dominated by two incumbent candidates - Earl Sawyer and Harold “Hal” Baldwin.
Since its incorporation in 1958, Schertz has had a total of seven mayors. Each of these mayors served the community for different lengths of time and each made their own unique contributions to that office. Allow me to introduce you to those who have served our community as mayor.
First among the mayors to serve was Herbert P. Thulemeyer. Mr. Thulemeyer was President of the Schertz State Bank before his election and throughout his term as mayor. He served from 1958 to April 1960. Much needed to be done as the city began its first years as an incorporated entity. Infrastructure needed to be put in place and one of the first priorities for Mayor Thulemeyer was the planning for a sanitary sewer system. The Corporation Court was
established and equipping the volunteer fire department with a building, equipment and a new fire engine were among the initiatives he led.
In April 1960, Dr. Roy W. Richard, a Schertz dentist, was elected mayor by a margin of only twelve votes. Under Dr. Richard, Schertz experienced its first bond election, held on December 16, 1961. The bond was approved by voters. The construction of the city’s sanitation sewer
system began and was completed during Dr. Richard’s term of office. The City of Schertz Urban Renewal Project was begun and the lower river bridge project was completed. Dr. Richard served until July of 1972.
Next in line for the mayor’s post was Jesse W. Graham, a former Schertz city councilman, who
took office in July 1972 with several concerns regarding what he perceived to be the city’s
administrative deficiencies. Among his first actions as mayor was to appoint an independent auditor to look at the city’s books. According to newspaper accounts of the time, the audit disclosed problems with the city’s books, personal property inventory issues and some unaccounted for cash accounts in local banks. The issue of “home rule” for Schertz was raised
during his tenure and he unsuccessfully opposed the move. Graham ended his tenure as mayor
in April 1973.
The forth mayor to serve Schertz was Robert C. Bueker, a former city administrator, who was selected to serve as of April 1973. Bucker won his election against Jesse W. Graham by a mere thirteen votes. Bueker oversaw the mid-1970s bond approvals for infrastructure additions, city park development, and construction of a new municipal complex. The “home rule” charter was
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approved during his term. Bueker’s term saw him embroiled in a political dispute between
himself and City Manager Danny Arnold that led to the firing of the City Police Chief Gene
Schoonover. Chief Schoonover was eventually returned to the Chief of Police position after City Council voted to have him reinstated. Bueker served until April 1980.
In April 1980, Jack M. Stomackin won election as mayor by a slim margin of only fifteen votes against Walter M. Schneider. Stomackin served only one term and left office in April 1982.
Stomackin’s replacement was former city councilman Earl W. Sawyer. Mayor Sawyer served
for twelve years (1982-1994) during which the city experienced spectacular growth, increasing its population threefold. Sawyer saw several key projects come to fruition such as the building of Schertz Parkway, the construction of the Schertz Library on Schertz Parkway, and the economic boom of business operations near the intersection of IH-35 and FM 3009. He oversaw
the annexation of 5,428 acres on the south end of Randolph Air Force Base that gave Schertz
frontage on IH-10 and doubled it size. Yet another annexation move allowed Schertz frontage on IH-35 from near county road 1103 to the New Braunfels city limits. In 1994, Sawyer ended his political career.
The last person to hold the position as mayor was Harold (“Hal”) D. Baldwin whose
civic/community involvement prior to assuming the post was quite extensive. Mayor Baldwin
served in the post for eighteen years (1994-2012), longer than any mayor before him. His tenure saw tremendous growth in terms of population, business openings and residential construction. He was instrumental in the formation of the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation (SSLGC) that enabled the City of Schertz to acquire a dependable water supply to support future
growth. He oversaw the widening of FM 78 and coordinated the completion of dozens of
industrial and residential expansion project throughout the community. He was a leader in the Northeast Regional Partnership and a partner with city councilmen to the benefit of his community.
So, these are the men who have thus far been entrusted with the responsibility to lead the Schertz
community into the 21st century. The community is indebted to them for their service. Now, we prepare to select a new leader whose task it will be to carry on the tradition of leadership set by these former mayors. Not an easy task! Good luck to all the candidates and thanks to each for being willing to volunteer their talents to serve this community.
As the elections of Dr. Roy Richard, Robert Bueker and Jack Stomackin prove, some elections
are won by the closest of margins (12, 13 and 15 votes, respectively). So, don’t assume that your vote will not affect the outcome of this election. Many men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice to assure our right to choose our representatives is protected. In a democracy, your vote is your voice. So, let your voice be heard by going to the polls this November and voting for the candidates of your choice.