CANDIDATE PROFILE: Anna Prusaitis Ybarra
EDITOR’S NOTE: Profiles submitted in candidates’ own words. Only statements sent to the Post-Register were included. Statements may have been edited for style, but not for substance. Ken Schawe (R) and Alfredo Munoz (D) did not submit profiles. Other local races will run in future editions as space permits.
Anna Prusaitis Ybarra, (formerly Wagner) has been a Caldwell County resident for 20 years. Since First Sergeant Prusaitis Ybarra retired honorably from active-duty military service with the US Army in 2008, she set her priorities on getting to better know her community. She first familiarized herself with its boundaries by becoming a recruiter and then Group Supervisor for the US Census Bureau in Caldwell County. Prusaitis Ybarra then turned her attention to championing the cause for veterans and their families as the County Veterans Service Officer (VSO). She was mentored for the position by long-time county VSO Larry Corpus, prior to his retirement. Since then, Prusaitis Ybarra has volunteered for various non-profit organizations and continues to play an active role in the community.
Prusaitis Ybarra’s 25+ years of military service included a combat tour in Iraq, amongst various other tours. She had domestic assignments with the Texas Joint Military Forces in support of local, state and federal agencies, the Texas Attorney General’s Office Financial Crimes Division as an Intelligence Analyst, the Texas Department of State Health Services/Mental Health, and US Customs. After returning from deployment to Iraq, sat in as a member on an Advisory Committee to the Governor’s Office with a focus on PTSD. These vast assignments give her experience and accreditation to serve the county through its judicial system as a county judge.
When key issues are brought before county commissioners and the vote is tied, the county judge weighs in to break the tie. As an arbiter, representing each and every resident of the county, Prusaitis Ybarra believes that the county judge should be diligent in reflecting the opinion of Caldwell residents when making an ever-important swing-vote. She understands that decisions made now should be in the best interest of our county residents for years to come. Prusaitis Ybarra believes that all public servants and elected officials should be ethical, have strong values reflective of their community, and be held accountable for their actions. The County Judge also acts as the budgeting officer of the county. Prusaitis Ybarra, having served for three years as Quartermaster for Caldwell County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8927 and Finance Officer for American Legion Post 41, understands the monumental responsibility of overseeing finances.
Prusaitis Ybarra, a mother of three and grandmother to five, knows that what we do today will most certainly impact the future, and she urges communities throughout the county to support organizations that work to positively influence our future generations. She thoroughly enjoys sharing her love for ranching and appreciation for agriculture, gardening, literature and the arts with her young grandchildren. Prusaitis Ybarra is currently a volunteer Director of the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches, which is reflective of her passion for making the most of the one commodity that is most valued and priceless … our time. Her personal compass is set on enriching Caldwell County in any way possible, and continuing her pursuit to serve her community and country.
