Alaniz issued a statement that said the endorsement is the answer to a question frequently asked since the election in which he placed fourth, with unofficially 12 percent of the vote.
“With repeated calls from supporters desiring to know my candidate of choice, I have concluded that I owe my supporters an endorsement,” Alaniz said. “I am confident that Ralph Sheffield is the best choice to serve our needs of reducing the scope of government.”
Sheffield now has the endorsement of both candidates who were eliminated in the primary election last week. Mike Pearce, the third-place candidate for the Texas House seat held by retiring Rep. Dianne White Delisi for nine terms, endorsed Sheffield after results came in on election night.
Sheffield said Monday afternoon he and Alaniz “were both small businessmen here to do something to reduce spending.” Sheffield said he was “honored he (Alaniz) placed his trust in me and he thinks I’m the better choice.”
Regarding the April 8 runoff, Sheffield said his opponent, Martha Tyroch, “likes to spend money and raise taxes.” Sheffield pointed to Ms. Tyroch’s tenure on the Temple City Council as an example.
In a press release, Ms. Tyroch stated “Community leaders and small business owners endorse me because I have served Bell County for over 30 years and will continue to serve as a leader and community activist with a record of lowering taxes. Unfortunately, my opponent is trying to distort my proud record, my good name and the names of my fellow council members. While on the city council, the only time I ever heard from Mr. Sheffield was when he testified in opposition to the smoking ban and asked for authority to profit off of liquor sales.”
In the general election, Ms. Tyroch unofficially received 36 percent of the vote, and Sheffield 31 percent.
