Two SUWCD directors announce they will not seek re-election
By MAT TAYLOR Special Correspondent

Saratoga Underground Water Conservation District directors David Hamilton and T.P. Wingo have announced they will not seek re-election for another term. Hamilton, chairman of the board, represents Precinct 3, and Wingo, secretary-treasurer, represents Precinct 1.

Hamilton said he appreciates the opportunity to have served Lampasas County in this capacity. "I have learned a lot about water and people in the last 2 1/2 years," he said. "However, it is time to move on to other community and family issues, but I will serve out the remainder of my term through the end of 2008."

Wingo said he also will complete his term at the end of the year and has enjoyed his time on the board, but one term was enough. "It is time for someone younger to have the opportunity to serve the community by protecting the county's underground water resources."

SUWCD, which includes all of Lampasas County, was established through an act of the Texas Legislature in 2005, and a five-member board was appointed. Prior to that, Lampasas County commissioners also served as SUWCD directors. Directors appointed were Wingo, for Precinct 1; Lee Hoffpauir, Precinct 2; Hamilton, Precinct 3; Robert Wright, Precinct 4; and at-large director Randall McGuire.

Directors for Precincts 2 and 4, along with the atlarge post, were re-elected in 2006. Precinct 1 and 3 directors are to be selected in the November general election.

Hamilton said the district has accomplished many objectives in the last two and one-half years. These include updating the rules to help control commercialized use of underground water, Groundwater Availability Models for all aquifers within the county and participation in the 45-county Groundwater Management Area 8.

The Saratoga district also established a Desired Future Conditions plan for groundwater in the county, to be included in the upcoming Texas Statewide Water Plan.

The district is seeking qualified persons to help guide and protect underground water in the county. Anyone interested in serving as a SUWCD director for Precinct 1 or Precinct 3 may contact Hamilton at 752-3606 or Wingo at 556-0523 for more information, or attend a regular directors meeting.

The SUWCD convenes on the second Monday each month at 1:30 p.m. in the Lampasas County Courthouse county courtroom. All meetings are open to the public. The board's next scheduled meeting is March 10.

Hamilton said he has developed a short presentation on underground water in Lampasas County, and he is available to make that presentation to local groups. He can be contacted at the above number.