LET’S ELECT A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP!
Who Is Bently And Why Is He Running?
Bently is a fifth-generation resident of Comal County who has devoted the past four years of his life to serving his community and advocating for progress and change.
He started his journey as a photojournalist for mycanyonlake.com and later went on to become the President and Founder of the Comal County Young Democrats. He then started working for U.S. Congressional candidate Claudia Zapata, where he traveled the Texas Hill Country and spoke to thousands of people, regardless of their political affiliation, about the issues that affect them the most.
He then took that knowledge to his race for New Braunfels City Council, garnering statewide and national attention for his approach to meet with and talk to every resident, business, or leader within our community which he’s now applying to his campaign for Comal County Commissioner in Precinct 3!
Where It All Started
Bently embarked on his journey in community engagement in late 2019, initially as a freelance photographer. It was during this time that he began to recognize the shortcomings within our system and felt a compelling urge to capture his unique perspectives and share them with his community.
He dedicated his efforts to attending various events, rallies, and meetings to shed light on the happenings within New Braunfels. His keen observations and insights into these events were followed by his own viewpoints, adding depth to his contributions.
Around 2020, during the Black Lives Matter Movement, Bently played an active role by participating in numerous protests and rallies held between Austin and San Antonio. His intention was to provide a genuine portrayal of the emotions and grievances experienced by many. Engaging in conversations with a multitude of individuals about their perceptions of the world's trajectory, he gained valuable insights into the widespread loss of faith in the government and the existing system.
Driven by his observations and the conversations he'd had, Bently sought guidance from a local political group (the Bexar County Democratic Party) who led him to connect with the Comal County Democrats. Recognizing his youthful energy and passion for creating change, they warmly embraced his involvement.
Paving The Path For Change
After becoming the official photographer for the Comal County Democratic Party and later a member, Bently noticed a significant lack of diversity and inclusivity. Feeling the obligation to foster a safe space for like-minded young Progressives, and recognizing the support he was receiving at his young age (15), he seized the opportunity to drive change and established the first Young Democrats chapter in Comal County.
He reached out to former Comal ISD School Board Candidate Brittany Soto, who eagerly joined the initiative. Together, they compiled a list of young individuals interested in participation. They worked collaboratively to identify members who could effectively spread their message of empowerment and equality for disadvantaged youth. The Comal Young Dems later conducted an election for their board members, resulting in Bently being elected president.
From New Braunfels To The Texas Hill Country
After months of working with the Comal Young Dems, hosting meetings, rallies, and events, Bently played a key role in engaging over 40 young individuals in the political process, many of whom were previously unaware of the existence of Democrats in New Braunfels. Thanks to his efforts, Bently garnered the attention of two U.S. Congressional Candidates competing for the same seat, TX-21.
He initially worked as a data analyst for David Anderson, collecting information on the most significant issues facing each county within the district and developing strategies for community involvement in resolving these issues (late 2021). Later on gaining the role of Field Director for Democratic Nominee Claudia Zapata (early 2022).
Continuing The Fight For Progress
During his time on Zapata's Campaign, Bently had the opportunity to travel all over the Texas Hill Country, meeting with and talking to countless residents, groups, and organizations about the issues that affect them most. We also engaged in Community Service efforts such as yard work, home repairs, and trash pickup. He later had the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. with Team Zapata to help discuss the creation of the R.O.O.T.S. Bill Package, aiming to bring opportunities, resources, and access to basic resources to rural Americans in need.
Due to their extensive work, Bently learned the true value of grassroots organizing and desired to continue leading the fight for progress in New Braunfels. This eventually led to his candidacy for New Braunfels City Council in District 5.
Working To Elect A New Generation Of Leaders
Weeks after Zapata's election, Bently announced his candidacy for the New Braunfels City Council, becoming the youngest person at that time to ever run for office in Central Texas. This garnered him attention and support from Former TX State Senator Wendy Davis.
As a result, he generated enough momentum to secure appearances in the New Braunfels Herald Zeitung and the San Antonio Express News. Bently's platform focused on increasing government transparency, protecting the environment, and lowering the cost of living, while also striving to build stronger community bonds.
Given his youthful age and well-defined plans for substantial change, Bently later gained endorsements from national organizations such as ‘Run For Something’, the ‘Working Families Party’, and ‘Climate Cabinet’, all of which held deep confidence in his capacity to positively impact New Braunfels.
Onto The Next Endeavor
Throughout Bently's campaign, he and his team worked to reach every resident of District 5, helping double the voter turnout from the previous Council elections. They also succeeded in engaging our youth in the political process. The fact of the matter is that Bently sparked a conversation that had not yet been heard of in the Comal County area, which unfortunately made many uncomfortable to contemplate the possibility of change. While the previous generations are apprehensive about even imagining it, we will soon have to live through it. They don't care because it won't affect them, but it will undoubtedly affect us.
Because of this, Bently is now running to be your next Comal County Commissioner in Precinct 3, aiming to change the narrative and shift the focus to the issues that affect us the most.
Where We're At Now
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©Bently For Comal County Commissioner