Newly elected board members for Lampasas County Conservative Club include, front row from left, membersat large Arlene Wingo and Olivia Upp, and secretary Diana C. McDonald; back row, from left, treasurer Bill White, chairman Dr. Max Coats, sergeant-at-arms Ray Upp and president TP Wingo. Not pictured: vice president Joyce Allison and members-at-large Charlie Allison and Harlon Fowler. Lampasas County Conservative Club board members held their first meeting of the year. The focus was to organize a forum Feb. 11 at the Lampasas County Courthouse for candidates running for political office.

All local candidates will be invited to participate.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the forum will begin at 7 p.m.

Candidates who do not have an opponent will be given a chance to introduce themselves, make a brief statement and answer questions. Candidates in contested races will be offered more extended time.

Board members also discussed ways to increase public understanding of conservative ideas and how to encourage public policy decisions based on conservative principles.

Conservative principles they enumerated include the traditional American ideals of individual responsibility, free enterprise, limited government that is minimally intrusive in the lives of private citizens, and moral behavior with hallmarks such as trustworthiness, honesty, ethics and integrity.

Board members believe many people with moderate and traditional political views are frustrated with the actions of government today, yet they don’t know what to do about it. Voting for candidates who share conservative ideals is one of the first steps to regain control of what many feel is non-responsive government.

The focus of the Conservative Club this year is to give likeminded people the tools that enable them to take a stand against liberalism and progressive attitudes, starting in the local community. The club encourages involvement and participation in this effort to inform the public of issues and what can be done to impact public policy.

Lampasas County Conservative Club is a non-partisan, non-profit organization. Membership forms can be requested by calling 734- 0152. Dues are $25 per family.