Candidates lined up for Nov. 5 election

By LYENTTE SOWELL 

Cove Leader-Press 

Candidates drew for the ballot order for the Copperas Cove Independent School District’s board of trustees Nov. 5 election on Aug. 27. 

Both incumbents, Inez Faison (Place 1) and Shameria Ann Davis (Place 2), drew the number two, with challengers Sherry Hoffpauir (Place 1) and Timothy Traeger (Place 1) drew the number one.  

Aug. 23, Copperas Cove City Council candidates drew for the ballot order. Mayor Dan Yancey is running unopposed – the only unopposed race for the Nov. 5 election. 

For Copperas Cove city council Place 1, the ballot order will be: Christina Strohfus, Howard Hawk; For Place 2, the ballot order will be: Victor Perry Hall II, Rita Hogan, George Duncan. 

More information will be released about the candidates closer to the start of early voting, which begins Monday, Oct. 21. 

There will be two political forums prior to early voting. The Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce is holding a forum on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 5:30-8 p.m., at the Copperas Cove city council chambers, located at 508 S. 2nd St. The chamber also plans to live stream the forum on its Facebook page. 

Another forum will be held by the Coryell County Republican Women, on Saturday, Oct. 19, starting at 10 a.m., at 1802 MLK Jr. Blvd. 

The candidates have submitted bios to the Leader-Press, as follows: 

CCISD Board of Trustees 

Place 1 

Inez Faison (Incumbent)

Inez Faison currently serves as the CCISD Board’s Vice-President. Mrs. Faison received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in international business. Commissioned in the Army in May 1981, she served 12 years of active duty, retiring in 2006 after spending most of her career in the Reserves.  

Mrs. Faison is actively involved in several community organizations; she has been a resident of the Copperas Cove Community for 36 years.

She currently serves as immediate past president of the Noon Exchange Club, a member of the CENTEX exchange club, member in the Altrusa International Club of Copperas Cove, board member on the Coryell Central Appraisal District, board member of Cove House, member of the Killeen Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., board member of Copperas Cove Education Foundation and director of business operations for Copperas Cove Crusaders AAU basketball organization.

“In a district that stands out among the best in Central Texas, I’ve successfully implemented innovative programs that have enhanced educational outcomes and community engagement. My efforts have led to improved student performance, increased resources for teachers, and stronger partnerships with local businesses and organizations.  Through strategic planning and a focus on inclusivity, I’ve fostered a supportive environment that meets the diverse needs of our students and sets a benchmark for excellence in the region.  

“I want to continue serving on the school board to build on the progress we’ve made, ensuring every student has access to quality education and the tools they need to succeed.  My commitment is to further strengthen our schools and community, making our district the model of excellence in Central Texas.”

Sherry Hoffpauir 

I have been a resident of Copperas Cove since 1972 and am a graduate of the Copperas Cove High School class of 1973. For more than 40 years, I have worked with local businesses and entities in marketing, to include radio, television, print, and ad agency advertising. 

I am running on a platform of increased transparency, staff retention, and fiscal responsibility. For example, I believe the district needs to live stream its board of trustee workshops and regular meetings. This would help the community be more informed about the critical decisions made by the School Board. Staff, particularly in roles such as paraprofessionals, should be paid at levels to keep us competitive with other districts. I would like a $300 annual stipend given to teachers annually for classroom supplies. Financially, the district could have handled the bond differently and that difference could have been made with the board of trustees. There should have been more public involvement with a committee that met openly and shared its ideas prior to calling for an election. School districts face increasing costs each year and facilities are no different. 

I serve on the Advent Health Central Texas Foundation Board, United Way Tri County Board, and am a member of the CenTex Exchange Club of Copperas Cove. I am a member of the Quarterback Club.

Place 2 

Shameria Ann Davis (incumbent)

Ann Davis was initially elected to the Board in November 2018. Ms. Davis received Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Houston. She is also a Retired Army Captain who served in the United States Army in both Active and Reserve components for 20 honorable years.

Ms. Davis is an avid volunteer with several community organizations, including the Parent Advisory Council in CCISD, Children’s Choir Director and Worship Leader at Grace Christian Center, Chaplain of the National Pan Hellenic Council of Austin, member of the Alpha Kappa Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the Alpha Beta Chapter of Alpha Delta Omega Military Sorority, Inc.

Ms. Davis is a small business owner specializing in consulting small business and individuals, having earned the official designation of Certified Public Manager (CPM), accredited by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium. She is a best-selling author as well and continuing to raise her two young and active sons enrolled in the district.

Timothy Traeger 

Years in District:  Eight

Family Info: Married father of four children

Educational Background:  Master’s of Education from Arizona University Global Campus.

Employment:  I worked in Cove ISD for 8 years as an educator, coach and sports announcer.

Reason for Running for the Board of Education:  I am running for the board to:

• bring fresh perspective and ideas to the board.
• help provide our community’s children with a better environment for their education
• improve school safety in all corners
• improve transparency in communications with parents and taxpayers
• assist in creating a budget/make sure changes are being made in the necessary avenues for spending.
• do my part as a school member to address and or alleviate complaints brought forward by staff, or citizens.
• help address problems that I’ve witnessed firsthand working in the school district. (Examples:  teacher-student relationship or staff-admin relationship…bullying, school issues, cafeteria costs, lack of transparency, transportation issues and/or budget issues for lower income families and this is just to name a few.)

Copperas Cove City Council 

Place 1 

Howard Hawk 

Howard Hawk has lived in Copperas Cove for more than 29 years and moved to Copperas Cove in 1995. 

Education: Decatur High School Diploma, Decatur, Georgia, 1975

Excelsior University Bachelor of Science, Liberal Art concentration Sociology 2003  

Associate General Studies, Central Texas College 2002

Associate Applied Science Criminal Justice, Central Texas College 2004

Occupation: Retired December 2023 after 10-year 6-month career with the Department of Veterans Affairs Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Center, Temple, Texas, as an Inventory Management Specialist.

Military Service: Retired Army Veteran Staff Sergeant (E-6) 1998, 20 years of service

Community Involvement:

Graduate of the Inaugural 2024 Copperas Cove Citizen Leadership Academy Class # 1

Copperas Cove Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chair 7/1/19 to 6/30/22 (1st Term); 6/18/22 to 6/30/25 (2nd Term), Copperas Cove Board Adjustment Chair/Vice Chair 10/18/19 to 10/17/21 (1st Term), 10/18/21 to 10/17/23 (2nd Term), Subdivision Technical Advisory Committee 10/20/2020 to 3/28/2022, Copperas Cove Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee 2023, Copperas Cove Parks and Recreation Department Youth Sports Advisory Committee -6/18/2024-6/18/2026 two-year term,

Copperas Cove Boys & Girls of Central Texas Board of Directors 2024, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) CASA Advocate, Guardian Ad Litem CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties 6/1/2021-Present

Club/Organization Affiliations:

Central Texas College (CTC) Alumni Killeen, Texas

Copperas Citizen Police Alumni C3PA3,

Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans, Copperas Cove Centex Evening Exchange Club

 1st Cavalry Division Association, Veterans Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8577, Disabledd American Veterans (DAV) 29 Harker Heights.

I decided to run for City Council to be a voice for the people, with motivation from my family, friends, neighbors, and an interest in the City’s future, I decided to run for Copperas Cove City Council Place 1.  Many people have approached me, urging me to run for City Council. Their trust and encouragement have been deeply humbling and have played a significant role in my decision to step forward. I believe in a community-first approach. Our city’s strength lies in its people, and my priority is to listen to the citizen’s concerns and ideas. I am committed to ensuring that every voice is heard, and every resident feels valued and represented.

Together, we can build a better future for our city. I invite you to join me on this journey. Your support, ideas, and participation are crucial to our success. Let’s work together to create a city where everyone can thrive.

Christina Strohfus 

I have lived in Copperas Cove for five years. I currently attend Central Texas College as a Political Science Major with a special focus on Business and Finance. 

I love my city, state, and nation; therefore, I am running for City Council Place 1. I believe we have the right to effective leadership from our elected officials, who should attentively address the needs of their community. I advocate for competitive pay for our first responders to attract and retain talent within our city. I endorse the use of technology and data to enhance the efficiency of businesses and improve connectivity within the community. I prioritize proper care for the elderly and support initiatives that cater to their needs. I stand behind our Veterans and their requirements, ensuring they receive the support they deserve. I champion water rights and sustainability, planning for the future to secure water resources as our community expands. I am a proponent of environmental conservation and beautification efforts to preserve om· surroundings. I strive for the promotion of clean outdoor spaces for the wellbeing of our citizens. I support the maintenance and improvement of our city’s infrastructure, from bike paths to sewer systems. I prioritize safe transportation options and public health initiatives to ensure the well-being of our residents. I advocate for a sound fiscal policy, particularly when considering tax implications on the community.

Place 2 

George Duncan 

George Duncan and his family have made Copperas Cove their home for over 30 years. He retired from the military after a 35-year career with the US Army. He and his wife also operated their own small business in Copperas Cove and he served as a City Council Member from 2014-2017. 

His background includes deployments and service all over the globe as well as earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration prior to his retirement. 

His desire to serve on the city council is a demonstration of his commitment and his interest in seeing the community continue to grow, becoming a destination location for visitors and a home base for business.

Victor Perry Hall II 

Victor Perry Hall II, a fourteen-year Army Veteran, has been a proud resident of Copperas Cove since 2017 and has called Central Texas home since 2012. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management, which equips him with strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills that he applies to his community work. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in organizational and industrial psychology, he is dedicated to understanding and improving the dynamics within organizations and communities. Victor has actively served on the Copperas Cove Quality of Life Advisory Board, contributing to initiatives that enhance the community’s well-being. 

Since becoming a resident of Cove, he has also volunteered as a youth football and basketball coach, mentoring young athletes not only in sports but also in life skills. He is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, which emphasizes service to humanity, education, and fellowship for all citizens. He continues to serve as a Program Analyst for the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Running for City Council, Victor aims to bring continued dedication to service, collaboration, accountability, and sustainability while practicing empathy for all citizens of Cove.

Rita Hogan 

“I’ve called Copperas Cove home for 40 years, where I’ve raised three sons and now watch my granddaughters grow. As the Restaurant Marketing Director for Chick-fil-A and a professional photographer, I balance my professional life with a deep commitment to community service.

I’m honored to serve as President of the Board of Directors for The Cove House Homeless Shelter and Free Clinic, where our efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of our residents every day. My volunteer work includes five years with Meals on Wheels, participation in the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Charter Review Committee, and the City Logo Creative Committee.”

Mayor – Dan Yancey 

Dan Yancey and his wife, Cindy, have made Copperas Cove their home since 1982, as do their children and eight grandchildren. He is a Senior Vice President at First National Bank Texas.

Mr. Yancey has been involved in several local civic and community organizations including the local Habitat and for Humanity, Communities in Schools, United Way as well as Chairman of the Copperas Cove EDC.  He presently serves as a Director for the Central Texas Boys and Girls Club-Copperas Cove and is on the President’s Advisory Board at TAMU-Central Texas 

Mr. Yancey was first elected Mayor in 2021 after serving six years on the Copperas Cove City Council, Place 3. 

“Helping to guide the City for responsible growth both now and for future generations with expanded infrastructure and quality of life projects while maintaining proper fiscal responsibility is an accomplishment I am very proud of.  Working with a fantastic city staff and a council that puts the city first in the decision-making process helps make my duty as Mayor an honor with an extreme appreciation for the hardworking citizens of Copperas Cove.”

The Leader-Press will be publishing a voting guide on Oct. 18 with more candidate information along with Q&A.