Three new faces were added to the Board of Softball Austin on Tuesday, August 12. The annual elections were held to vote for a new Commissioner and Treasurer as both incumbents did not seek re-election. The Public Relations Coordinator office was also up for election.

Richard Benavidez is now the new Commissioner of Softball Austin. Richard had served in the role of Assistant Commissioner. He replaces Ted Burton, who has guided the league since its inception.

Russ Troutman, Austin Force, will be the league's new Treasurer. Russ was nominated by outgoing Treasurer Jonathan Henson. He, like Richard, ran unopposed.

The Public Relations Coordinator yielded the night's only contested race between incumbent Debbie Barrera, Mullets, and Patrick Galindo, Austin Force. Both candidates spoke passionately about their reasons for wanting to serve. In the end, Patrick won in a very close vote.

Richard, Russ and Patrick were elected to serve for the next two years.

Richard's move to the Commissioner left a vacancy for Assistant Commissioner. Jeff Butler, Shady Ladies, was nominated by teammate Michael Nash. Jeff ran unopposed. Jeff will be serving for one year because he is filling a vacated post.

After elections, Ted was presented with a plaque honoring him for founding Softball Austin. Those who attended the meeting showed their thanks to Ted with a thunderous round of applause.

The Managers Council passed two amendments. Section 2.10/Elections clarifies the years for which Board positions are up for election. Commissioner, Treasurer and Public Relations are voted on in even-numbered years. Assistant Commissioner, Secretary, Competition Coordinator and Social/Fundraising Chair are up for election in odd-numbered years.

The other amendment concerns conduct. It falls in the Ethics section under Section 1.06.01 Conduct and, essentially gives the Board authority to impose discipline to any league member acting as an advisor/liaison and/or representative of Softball Austin in which communication, correspondence and/or response to the Board is required.

The new Board convenes its first meeting on Tuesday, September 16.