Rep election guide 2014

THURSDAY

2.13.2014

W W W.YOU RGL E N ROSET X .COM

Glen Rose Reporter

ELECTION GUIDE

GLEN ROSE REPORTER & YOURGLENROSETX.COM | Thursday, February 13, 2014 | PAGE C2

Republican Party chair welcomes a crowd

RepuPlican Club salutes old glory

AMANDA KIMBLE/GRR

Alan Sumners, Somervell County Republican Club president, leads a crowd in the Pledge of
Allegiance prior to the start of a candidate forum hosted by the club Feb. 6.

AMANDA KIMBLE/GRR

Incumbent Deedee Jones, local Republican Party chair, addresses a standing room only crowd and long list of candidates — 21 in five contested
and three uncontested races — at the Feb. 6 meeting of Somervell County
Republican Club. Jones, whose name appears on the March 4 ballot, seeks
another term at the helm of party. Meanwhile, Jennifer Miller is seeking the
Democratic Party chair nomination.

Candidates Darrell Best, Mickey Garrett, Rick Clark, Edwin Mueck and Jeff Slaton prepare for
the Feb. 6 Republican Club Candidate Forum by pledging their allegiance.

ELECTION GUIDE


JP Webb runs unopposed

JP May ready to serve

AMANDA KIMBLE/GRR

Justice of the Peace Ronnie Webb, Pct. 1 —
running unopposed — spoke to constituents
at the Thursday, Feb. 6 meeting of Somervell
County Republican Club. The organization invited candidates to speak about themselves
and their bids for election at an event that
welcomed a standing-room-only crowd. Webb
was appointed to the office in November
2009 and has held the seat since. The office
is elected by voters in precincts 1 and 2. “I
would appreciate your vote in March and November,” he told the Republican Club crowd.

AMANDA KIMBLE/GRR

Justice of the Peace Scott May, Pct. 2 —
also running opposed — is in his fourth year
of service. May is elected by residents in
Somervell County voting precincts 3 and 4,
and calls his service the “best job” he “ever
had.” While he faces no opposition in March,
May is still working to gain voter support,
asking those within the precincts he presides over to cast ballots in his favor.

Pr o p o s i t i o n s

Republicans to weigh in on key issues
GRR Staff Report

Somervell County residents
casting a Republican ballot
March 4 will have the opportunity to weigh in on six
propositions penned by the
state’s Republican Executive
Committee.
Essentially, Republicans are
getting a chance to voice their
opinions on issues like prayer
in public places, abolishment of
the state franchise tax, repeal-

ing Obamacare and random
drug testing for welfare recipients.
The resolutions include Republican priorities, selected by
the executive committee. The
non-binding ballot propositions are intended to send a
message to state and federal
legislators.
The six ballot propositions
on the March 4 ballot ask Republicans to vote “yes” or “no”
on the following issues:

Religious Freedom: Texans
should be free to express their
religious beliefs, including
prayer, in public places.
Second Amendment: Texas
should support Second
Amendment liberties by expanding locations where concealed handgun license-holders
may legally carry.
Franchise tax: Texas should
abolish the state franchise tax,
also known as margins tax, to
encourage business growth.

Welfare reform: Texas recipients of taxpayer-funded public
assistance should be subject to
random drug testing as a condition of receiving benefits.
No lawmaker exceptions: All
elected officials and their staff
should be subject to the same
laws, rules, regulations and ordinances as their constituents.
Obamacare: The Affordable Care Act, also known
as “Obamacare,” should be
repealed.

What’s on the Republican ballot?
FEDERAL REPRESENTATION
U.S. SENATOR

º
º
º
º
º
º
º
º

Curt Cleaver
John Cornyn, Incumbent
Dwayne Stovall
Ken Cope
Chris Mapp
Steve Stockman
Reid Reasor
Linda Vega

º

Roger Williams, Incumbent

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 25

STATE RACES

GOVERNOR

º Miriam Martinez
º Larry Secede Kilgore
º Lisa Fritsch
º Greg Abbott
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

º
º
º
º

Todd Staples
Jerry Patterson
David Dewhurst, Incumbent
Dan Patrick

ATTORNEY GENERAL

º Dan Branch
º Barry Smitherman
º Ken Paxton

COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

º
º
º
º

Debra Medina
Harvey Hilderbran
Raul Torres
Glenn Hegar

º
º

David Watts
George P. Bush

º
º
º
º
º

J Allen Carnes
Eric Opiela
Sid Miller
Tommy Merritt
Joe Cotten

º
º
º
º

Malachi Boyuls
Becky Berger
Ryan Sitton
Wayne Christian

º
º

Nathan Hecht, Incumbent
Robert Talton

º
º

Jeff Brown, Incumbent
Joe Pool

COMMISSIONER OF THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE

RAILROAD COMMISSIONER

CHIEF JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT

JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT, PLACE 6

º Jeff Boyd, Incumbent


º Phil Johnson, Incumbent
º Sharon McCally

JUDGE, COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS PLACE 3

º Barbara Walther
º Bert Richardson


º Jani Jo Wood Yeary
º Kevin Patrick Davis
º Richard Dean

Newell
º David“Bud” Kirkendall
W.C.
º

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 59

º Howard “Eddie” Ray
º J.D. Sheffield, Incumbent
º Danny Pelton

JUSTICE, 10TH COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT, PLACE 2

º Rex Davis, Incumbent

DISTRICT JUDGE, 249TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

º Wayne Bridewell, Incumbent
SOMERVELL COUNTY RACES

COUNTY JUDGE

º
º
º
º
º

Danny Chambers
Jerry Lee
G. Darrell Best
Mickey Garrett
Dr. Mike Jones

COUNTY & DISTRICT CLERK

º Michelle Reynolds
º Jeff Harris
º Virginia Perales

SOMERVELL COUNTY TREASURER

º
º
º
º

Jennifer Stroud
Carrie Knight-Mapes
Susanne Graves
April Gore Campos

COMMISSIONER, PCT. 2

º John Curtis, Incumbent
COMMISSIONER, PCT. 4
Daniels
º MikeClark
Rick
º Edwin Mueck
º Don Kranz
º

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PCT. 1

º

Ronald (Ronnie) Webb, Incumbent

º

Scott A. May, Incumbent

º
º

Vic G. Castillo
Jeff Slaton

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PCT. 2

CONSTABLE, PCT. 2, UNEXPIRED
REPUBLICAN CHAIR

º Deedee Jones, Incumbent

V
O
T
E
M
A
R
C
H
4

On the
Democratic
ballot
FEDERAL REPRESENTATION
U.S. SENATOR

º David Alameel
Marie
º Maxey RogersScherr
Kesha
º Michael “Fjet” Fjetland
º Harry Kim
º

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 25
Gourd
º Stuart Montoya
Marco
º

STATE RACES

GOVERNOR

Davis
º Wendy R. “Ray” Madrigal
Reynaldo
º

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

º Leticia Van De Putte
ATTORNEY GENERAL

º Sam Houston

COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

º Mike Collier

COMMISSIONER OF THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE

º John Cook

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE

º Richard “Kinky” Friedman
º Jim HoganFitzsimons III
º Hugh Asa
RAILROAD COMMISSIONER

º Dale Henry
º Steve Brown

CHIEF JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT

º William Moody


º Lawrence Edward Meyers

º Gina Benavides

JUDGE, COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, PLACE 3

º John Granberg

SOMERVELL COUNTY RACES

DEMOCRATIC CHAIR

º Jennifer Miller

ELECTION GUIDE


One-term judge ready for retirement
GRR Staff Report

County Judge Mike Ford
surprised residents in September. Currently winding down
his first term at the helm of
Somervell County Commissioners Court, Ford said he
would not seek a second term.

Ford ran unopposed on the
Republican primary ballot in
2010 and narrowly defeated
a challenge from Democrat
Dwayne Griffin, who had
defeated the incumbent, Walter
Maynard, in the Democratic
primary.
Prior to being elected to the

judge’s seat, Ford served as a
commissioner. While he was
aware of the woes facing the
county, they seemed to grow
exponentially during his service
as judge. A county that was accustomed to low taxes and high
revenue suddenly found itself
faced with dwindling revenue

and citizens who felt they had
been taxed enough already,
not wanting to make current
payment for past budgeting
mistakes. They told Ford cutting
services was not an option. But
neither was raising taxes.
Stepping down from the
helm in December, the county’s

sometimes-embattled chief
budget officer citied a desire to
enjoy life while there is still time
to do so when he announced his
plans to vacate the office.
Meanwhile, five candidates
are vying to take the seat, offering ideas for cutting costs and
tackeling budget woes head-on. Mike Ford

MEET THE CANDIDATES - County Judge
• Texas State Technical
Institute, Waco
• Control Data
Institute, Dallas
• Engineer Apprentice
Program, Westinghouse
Corp.

Danny Chambers,
54
Lifelong resident
FAMILY
• Wife of 24 years,
Darlene Chambers
• Sons, Drew
Chambers and Heath
Chambers and wife,
Chelsea
• Five grandchildren
EDUCATION
• Glen Rose High
School, Class of 1978

ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPERIENCE
• Business owner, 30
years
I have also worked
with — and for —
large corporations in
administrative and
supervisory positions.
CURRENT CAREER
• Owner Chambers RV
and Woody’s Supply
If elected, I will hire help
if necessary, so that I can
dedicate my full attention
to Somervell County.

• Served on numerous
business committees
and Chapter 41 efforts
through the state
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• None. Many in the
past.

Jerry Lee, 60
22-year resident
FAMILY
Susan
• Two children, Ryan
Lee and Katy Lee Fehler
EDUCATION
• BBA Finance,
Sam Houston State
University
ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPERIENCE
• 30 years with Texas
Utilities, last 20 as
director of community
relations, getting
communities where TU
operated everything
they needed
• Owned and operated
several local businesses
CURRENT CAREER
• After retirement, I
owned and operated
Glen Rose Wreckers.
That business is now
owned by my brother.
• I enjoy taking care of
my daughter and sonin-law’s cattle.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• None currently. Many
in the past.

Lee Q&A
Q: What are the duties
of county judge?
A: To serve as financial
officer of the county;
misdemeanor and felony
judge in juvenile matters;
misdemeanor judge
for adult county court;
probate matters; serves
as spokesperson to the
media; and insure that the
emergency/safety needs
of this county are staffed
and funded — this is and
always will be a nuclear
community.
Q: What are the most
pressing challenges
currently facing
Somervell County?  
A: Bankruptcy/
devaluation of Comanche
Peak Nuclear Plant.
Q: Explain your
ideas for balancing
dwindling revenue while
maintaining services.

PREVIOUS SERVICE
• None

A: For 2014, our revenues
equal our expenses. So,
what I would do is tighten
up everything I could
and put money back in
savings. The future is less
guaranteed. I believe the
value of the power plant
could drop another 20 to
25 percent in addition to
the 15 percent it dropped
for this year.

PREVIOUS
APPOINTMENTS
• Texas Association of
Business — specializing
in worker’s comp and
insurance, clean air,
development of water
needs for the State of
Texas and the “Robin
Hood” school finance
laws and how those
districts could survive

I have a very specific
strategy to deal with the
current and possible
new owner of the power
plant. That strategy has
been shared in detail
with Judge Mike Ford
and others. These vital
negotiations are taking
place now and will end
when it’s once again an
equal effort of partners.

FUTURE PLANS
• I will continue
to takecare of my
daughter and son-inlaw’s cattle.

PREVIOUS
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
• General Dynamics

CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• Glen Rose Chamber
of Commerce

• DDC Service Co.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• Somervell County
Cancer Support Group

• Walsh Construction
• Bell Helicopter
• Public Transit
Services
• Chambers Storage
SERVICE AS ELECTED
OFFICIAL
• Glen Rose City
Council, current
PREVIOUS
APPOINTMENTS
• City of Glen Rose 4B
Tax Advisory Board,
2011-13
Crime Stoppers board
of directors, current

Q: You are faced with a
need to cut expenses.
What adjustments do
you feel could make
the greatest difference
(cost savings) for the
county?
A: Currently, 2014, the
revenues equal the
expenses. But, we need
to prepare for the future
by minimizing expenses
where we can.
Q: If the only option is
to cut services, which
are those that should
first be addressed?
A: The expo center
would get my attention.
It currently loses $1
million a year or $20,000
a week or $3,000 every
single day. The expo is a
valuable asset. I think it
can be managed better
without the need for this
enormous subsidy.
Q: What is your
stance on economic
development? How
do you feel Somervell
County can best attract
such growth?
A: Economic
development can be
good and bad. For those
who have been here for
some time, let me just
say, “Doug Hutchinson!”
That experience cost us
millions. The good: we,
as a community, found
Lt. Col. Jody Butler. He
had been a city manager
in three small towns like
Glen Rose and had a great
reputation in economic
development. We put
him on Texas Utilities’
payroll and gave him
the resources to clean
up the mess and lay the
groundwork to move
forward.
My experience is that
communities are best
served to concentrate
on the small businesses
they already have helping
them to grow and create
new jobs. New business
that creates good jobs
always helps.

Chambers Q&A
of county judge?
A: To serve as presiding
officer of commissioner’s
court, judge of county
court, budgeting officer
of the county, work
with residents and
elected officials of the
community to move
county forward.

with our revenue.
Q: If elected, you
would serve as the
chief financial officer
for Somervell County.
Explain your ideas for
balancing dwindling
revenue while
A: The budget will have
to be examined and
reviewed from A to Z
and decisions made
accordingly.

pressing challenges
currently facing

Considering the list
of current services
provided — and
facilities maintained
— by the county, what
adjustments do you
feel could make the
greatest difference
county?

A: To bring the expenses
and the budget in line

A: Many things can
change over the course

Q: What makes you the
best candidate? 

nuclear safety. I
understand this county
and what it needs.

A: 1. I’m ready right now.
I understand property
taxes. I understand

2. I’ve always had a “big”
picture, long-term view.

of one year. I’m not going
to make bold statements
about items which affect
so many lives without all
the facts and not being
able to have input on
decisions for the next
year.
Q: What is your
stance on economic
development? How
County can best
attract such growth?
A: We need to use
what resources and
information we have to
move Somervell County
forward in an affordable,
wise and best manner
for the taxpayers of
Somervell County.
best candidate? 
A: Listening to and
working for — and
with — the residents of
Somervell.

What is happening today,
this week, and this year
is important, but longterm consistent success
belongs to those that plan
and prepare years ahead.

ELECTION GUIDE


MEET THE CANDIDATES - County Judge (cont.)
business operations
• Owned a software
development company
CURRENT CAREER
• Retired, occasional
business operations
consultant

G. Darrell Best, 61
7-year resident,
residing at Chalk
Mountain
FAMILY
• Wife of 40 years, Mary
• Children, oldest
daughter lives in
Michigan; daughter
Ann lives in Glen Rose;
and son, Joe, lives in
Granbury and works at
Comanche Peak
EDUCATION
• Michigan State
University College of
Engineering, bachelor’s
degree in engineering
arts, 1980
ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPERIENCE
• Customer service
and manufacturing
management, since
1976
• Sold software
platforms and solutions
to global companies
• Boards of directors
for companies like
Cross Harbor Tunnel toll
fast operation in Hong
Kong
• Patent holder in
GPS technologies for

PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
• Living and working
in Europe and traveling
extensively in Asia and
Australia, selling hightech projects
PREVIOUS SERVICE
• First run for public
office

CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• American Legion Post
462

The county judge is the
presiding officer of the
commissioners court and
judge of the county court.

• Chalk Mountain
Wildlife Management
Association

The judge serves as
the chief executive and
financial officer for the
county and provides
the leadership and
cooperation necessary to
accomplish goals set by
commissioners court.

• Glen Rose Neo-Relix
Film Festival, director
2008-present
• Friends of the Brazos
River
• Friends of Fossil Rim
• Somervell History
Foundation
• Glen Rose Lions Club

PREVIOUS
APPOINTMENTS

Republican Club

Since arriving in
Somervell County:

• Attends First United
Methodist Church

• Council of
Governments
Committee on Aging,
2012-13
• Glen Rose/Somervell
Co. Chamber of
Commerce, board
member and chairman,
2008-11
• Glen Rose 4B board
member and president
2009-11
• Somervell Co.
Economic Development
Council, co-chair,
2013-present

• Friends of LBJ
National Park
• Texas Fire Museum
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• Friends of LBJ and
Texas Fire Museum
River cleanup day, every
April
• Christmas in Action,
in March
• Somervell History
Foundation

Best Q&A

• Save Chalk Mountain,
president, 2006-08

of county judge?

• Christmas in Action,
fundraising chair,
2008-present

A: First is the health,
safety and welfare of the
citizens.

The judge is the
spokesman, representing
the county at public
gatherings, in
negotiations with other
business and political
leaders and during times
of crisis or intervention.
The duties include the
financial well-being and
stability of the county
through economic
development, the
implementation of new or
unused resources and a
commitment to maintain
a balanced budget.
The county judge
must have a wellrounded background in
budget management,
consensus building,
vision, experience and
leadership.
pressing challenges
currently facing
Somervell County?
 
A: We have allowed
ourselves to become
dependent upon one
taxpayer without
preparing for our future.
We find ourselves illprepared to balance
current requirements
with available resources.

We must diversify our
economy to increase
revenue without
increasing taxes. This
can be done through
a carefully planned
program of economic
development, but the
challenge is to do it in
a way that does not
negatively affect the
environment or our way
of life.
Budgetary challenges
will remain due to further
devaluations of the
nuclear plant, creating the
necessity for increased
efficiencies and controls.
These challenges must be
met with a commitment
and resolve to provide
essential services, such
as our sheriff, fire and
EMS departments and
to seek better methods
of providing optional
services, such as the
library, expo center and
golf course.
Q: Explain your
ideas for balancing
dwindling revenue while
A: We will not be able
to save our way to
prosperity. There are
opportunities for savings,
and I will organize the
county to do so.
For example, the county
subsidizes the expo
center at almost $1
million per year. This is
equivalent to buying a
new ladder truck for the
fire department every
year. We need to change
this practice.
My budget
recommendation would
be making expenditures

with the following
priorities: 1) health,
safety and welfare, 2)
departments mandated
by the state, 3) optional
services.
The path forward is
executing upon our
economic opportunities.
For nearly 20 years,
prime property at the
industrial park has
gone undeveloped, not
generating property tax
revenues. I will reverse
the status quo at the
industrial park.
My plan will increase
revenue, reduce the
overall tax rate and
control the budget while
making Somervell County
an attractive place to
build a business, build a
home and raise a family.
What adjustments do
you feel could make
county?
A: With 61 percent of
the budget directly
attributable to wage and
benefits, they will require
scrutiny.
Current management
practices do not make
the most efficient use
of employees across
the roads, expo center
and golf course. There
are specialists in every
field, but we have many
generalists as well, and I
will propose work rule and
management changes
necessary to reduce
our employee cost and
see BEST, C16

ELECTION GUIDE


MEET THE CANDIDATES - County Judge (cont.)

Mickey Garrett, 65
50-year resident
FAMILY
Candace
• Four children
My family came to this
area before Somervell
County was a county,
settling in the Nemo
area, with property that
has been in our family for
over 100 years.
EDUCATION
• Glen Rose High
School graduate, 1966
• Texas Commission
on Law Enforcement
Officer Standards and
Education (TCLEOSE)
Certification
• Texas Municipal
Judges Conferences
2012, 2013

ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPERIENCE
• Three-time Glen
Rose mayor — worked
to reach a balanced
budget, strived to
ensure that those
funds were distributed
in a fair and equitable
manner and that
the budget was
appropriated and
utilized correctly.
I worked to recruit
businesses for the city
to help build the tax
base and create jobs.
CURRENT CAREER
• Municipal judge, City
of Glen Rose
• Personal Home
Remodeling Business
If elected, I will be a
full-time judge with no
outside job interests.
PREVIOUS
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
• Municipal judge, City
of Glen Rose 2012, 2013
• Retired from the
Somervell County
Sheriff’s Office, 16
years of service

• Military officer
in charge of the
Gettysburg office in
the Avian Influenza
Outbreak
• President of the
Glen Rose Baseball
Association, 1996-98)
• Glen Rose ISD
Trustee

Dr. Mike Jones, 57
30-year resident
FAMILY
• Two sons, Philip and
Matt, both graduates
of Glen Rose ISD
and Tarleton State
University.

• Chamber of
Commerce Executive
Committee
• President of the
Extension Service
Executive Committee

• Daughter, Hope, 11

• Currently serving
on the Glen Rose City
Council.

EDUCATION
• Ranger Junior
College, Tarleton State
University 1974-76

CURRENT CAREER
• Veterinarian, private
practice in Glen Rose
since 1984

• Texas A&M College
of Veterinary Medicine,
1976-79
ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPERIENCE
• U.S. Army, 19791984, officer in Charge
of various military
veterinary posts, Ft.
Lewis, Washington,
U.S. Naval Base,
Guantanamo Bay

If elected, I will still own
my business, but this
is a career pause to
be county judge. I will
endeavor to find a young
veterinarian with a family
to fall in love with Glen
Rose and Somervell
County as much as I
have to hold my place
for as long as necessary.
Emergencies will be
taken in the evenings or
on Saturdays if available

PREVIOUS SERVICE AS
ELECTED OFFICIAL
• Three-time Glen Rose
mayor 1977, 1979-80,
1981-82
PREVIOUS
APPOINTMENTS
• Appointed to an
unexpired mayoral
term, 1977
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• None listed
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Museum

Garrett Q&A
of county judge?
A: The judge presides
over a five-member
commissioners’ court,
which has budgetary and
administrative authority
over county government
operations.

receiving and canvassing
election returns. The
county judge may
perform marriages.
A county judge has
judicial responsibility
for certain criminal, civil
and probate matters.
The county judge is also
head of civil defense and
disaster relief, and in
counties under 225,000
population, the judge
prepares the county
budget along with the
county auditor.
pressing challenges
currently facing
Somervell County?
A:  Yearly decreasing
revenue from the plant
with county budget
increasing yearly.
Q: Explain your ideas
for balancing dwindling
revenue while

The county judge handles
such widely varying
matters as hearings for
beer and wine license
applications and hearing
on admittance to state
hospitals. The judge
is also responsible for
calling elections, posting
election notices and for

A: As in any budget, all
areas have to be looked
at. Each elected official
and department head
will be asked to truly
look at their individual
budgets and work with
the court to see if there is
any waste or if there can
be any improvements

to keep my professional
skills.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• None listed

PREVIOUS
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
• Texas Veterinary
Medical Association
Board of Ethics and
Grievance member

Jones Q&A

PREVIOUS SERVICE AS
ELECTED OFFICIAL
• GRISD School
Trustee, 1998-2000
• Glen Rose City
Council 2013-present
PREVIOUS
APPOINTMENTS
• Golf Course creation
committee, 1987 under
judges Crump and
McPherson
• Glen Rose Economic
Development
Corporation (4B) 200910
• President GRBA
(Baseball) 1994-96
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• American Legion
• Chamber of
Commerce
• Somervell Republican
Club

of county judge?
A: “The Texas
Constitution vests
broad judicial and
administrative powers
in the position of county
judge, who presides
over a five-member
commissioner’s court,
which has budgetary and
administrative authority
over county government
operations.”
The judge holds public
hearings for licenses,
juvenile courts and
appellate jurisdiction
from the JP courts are
included.
At the least, your
judge needs to have a
beginning background
in emergency
management, able
respond appropriately to
emergency situations.
Your judge will also be
the primary person many
people see when they are
considering moving their
business to our area.
As always, the most
important duty of the

made. That includes job
positions also.
What adjustments do
you feel could make
county?
A: The present
commissioners court
has been hard at work to
address these pressing
issues, but I feel that if
we have a facility that is
continuing to lose money
and we’ve tried every
option in restructuring it
to bring it into a balanced
budget, then we would
only have two options.
One, is to sell/lease it.
Two, we’d have to raise
taxes to maintain it.
Q: What is your
stance on economic
development? How
County can best
attract such growth?
A: I believe we should
explore all avenues of
economic development.
We should demonstrate
the need for certain
businesses and seek
them out. Somervell
County should be willing
to help new prospects in
county judge is diligent
service to citizens. Their
financial trust and the
promotion of the general
welfare of the community
should always be the
principle that guides
decisions.
pressing challenges
currently facing
A: We have enjoyed
having a wealthy county
since the nuclear plant
began generating 25
years ago. The success
of community has
been a product of the
development of schools,
the hospital and county
amenities subsidized by
revenue from the plant.
There needs to be
long-term solutions for
the stable collection of
revenue from the largest
property in the county,
our nuclear facility. I
would recommend a
legislative fix to stabilize
the taxable value of the
plant in direct relation
to its production of
energy, not necessarily
an evaluation of its
appraised value.
Q: If elected, you
would serve as the
chief financial officer

every way that we can…
possibly offering tax
breaks for the first few
years.
I do feel optimistic that
the power plant will
continue to be utilized…
whether by nuclear
power or by natural gas.
Texas isn’t producing
enough electricity at
present. I don’t feel
that they’ll let the plant
go to waste. However,
we should NOT put our
financial plans in that
hope! We’ve already
made that mistake once.
Let’s make sure we’ve
learned from it. But I do
think it will pick back up
and add to our economic
growth in the years to
come.
best candidate? 
Working as a sheriff’s
deputy, mayor and
municipal judge, I’ve
gained a lot of personal
experience in interfacing
with others on a
professional level.
Problem solving — I have
the ability to understand
the goal and what rules
should be applied to
solving it.
for Somervell County.
Explain your ideas for
balancing dwindling
revenue while
A: Just like a household
budget, if there’s less
money coming in,
something has got
to give. If it means
increasing the
replacement intervals for
vehicles and equipment,
it means we drive a few
more miles.
As personnel retire,
attrition coupled with
a hiring freeze may be
required. Insurance
policies that have low
deductibles and low
co-pays can be changed,
however this costs
employees money. With
health care in such a
mess nationally, it’s still
early to predict how
those changes can best
be achieved.
I personally have a high
deductible at $5,000,
and my insurance is only
$265 per month. If the
employee wants more
of their money in their
pocket, a cooperative
agreement between the
county and the employee
may be beneficial to both.
see Jones, C16

ELECTION GUIDE


Member of county’s first family ready to retire
GRR Staff Report

Somervell County roots don’t run
any deeper than those of Commissioner
James Barnard, Pct. 4. A descendent of
the area’s first family, for Barnard, service to local residents came naturally.

At the end of his current term in
December, Barnard will have held the
office for 12 years. When he first made
the announcement of his retirement,
Barnard was at least a little uncertain
about his departure. He said serving citizens was all he had known for

sometime, but stepping down means he
will have time for two things he values
greatly — his land and his family.
At the same time, four men with
vastly different backgrounds stepped
up to campaign for the office. While
each might not have the roots that run

all the way to Barnard’s Mill, and their
ancestors might not be honored with
a bronze sculpture on the courthouse
square, each candidate has something
in common with the incumbent — the
desire to serve the citizens of Somervell
County.

James Barnard

MEET THE CANDIDATES - Commissioner, Pct. 4
MBA, was vice president
of First Financial Bank in
Glen Rose and was the
chief operating officer
of Hamilton County
Hospital. I feel certain
that the business is in
capable hands and will be
operated just fine in my
absence.

Mike Daniels, 42
27-year resident
FAMILY
• Wife, Kim (Brown)
Daniels
• Daughter, Ashley
Daniels, 16
EDUCATION
• Glen Rose High
School graduate
• Tarrant County Junior
College, for a short time
• Continuing Education
Division, Tarleton State
University Basic County
Corrections, completed
ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPERIENCE
business, 15 years
• Co-owner/operator of
Champion Auto Sales
FUTURE CAREER
PLANS
I will remain co-owner of
Champion Auto Sales.
Two years ago, I was
extremely blessed with
a business partner who
bought 50 percent of
my business. He has an

Rick Clark, 63
14-year resident
FAMILY
• Wife, Christie
• Step-daughter,
Shawnea
• Four grandchildren
• One great-grandchild
EDUCATION
• Business Education
Degree, Troy State
University
• OSHA, annual
training while employed
with Sysco
ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPERIENCE
• Operational Food
Service, 15 years
• Food service director
at Jacksonville State
University
Fed 1,000 individuals
three times daily. I was
there six years, managed
43 full-time and 33 parttime employees. I was
safety director for the
district, which required
my travel to six other
accounts to conduct
safety audits.
CURRENT CAREER
• Co-manager,
Arlington Plaza

PREVIOUS WORK
EXPERIENCE
Being self employed has
given me experience in
all aspects of business.
I started from scratch
and have personally
addressed every single
issue that has come
my way over the last 15
years.
SERVICE AS ELECTED
OFFICIAL
• None, but hoping this
is the first.
PREVIOUS
APPOINTMENTS
• None
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• None
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• None

Daniels Q&A
Q: What are the
duties of county
commissioner?
A: To serve alongside
the county judge in
making county policies
and administering the
business of the county;

Arlington Plaza is an
independent living
community with 79
residents, 11 full-time
and eight part-time
employees. We are
responsible for the care
of the of the residents,
as well as serving them
three meals per day. We
oversee maintenance of
the building and day-today operation.
FUTURE CAREER
PLANS
• If elected, I will be
a full-time county
commissioner.
PREVIOUS WORK
EXPERIENCE
• Sysco Food Service,
account executive, 20
years
I had a district of 85
healthcare communities.
I had total responsibility
for $18 million in annual
sales.
SERVICE AS ELECTED
OFFICIAL
• None
PREVIOUS
APPOINTMENTS
• Vice president,
Anniston Area Chamber
of Commerce, 1978-79
• Board member,
Lubbock State School
Volunteer Council,
1995-99 Finance chair,
Glen Rose United
Methodist Church,
2006-09
• Finance Chair, St.
Johns United Methodist
Church, 1995-99
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS

to help prepare and
approve the county’s
annual budget for every
department and facility;
evaluate and vote on
the property tax rate to
fund the budget; and
approve and monitor
the construction and
maintenance of county
roads. Commissioners
also determine employee
pay scales, benefits and
employment policies
along with calling and
canvassing county
elections.

What adjustments do
you feel could make
county?

While these duties are
statutory, I personally
think the most important
duty is to maintain
an open relationship
with every citizen so
they can access me
as a commissioner,
and so I can always
be in a position to
offer assistance when
necessary.

Another focus would be
to evaluate the facilities
and services that are a
financial burden. The
county is required to
provide certain services;
however, other optional
services would need to
be evaluated to see how
we could reduce costs
while avoiding as much
impact on our residents
as possible.

pressing challenges
currently facing
A: I feel that the most
challenging issue is the
continuing devaluation
of the power plant and
how those decreases in
tax revenue will affect
our ability to maintain
the services and facilities
that Somervell County
residents have come to
expect and enjoy.

• Economic
Development Steering
Committee & Council
• United Methodist
Church
• Christmas in Action
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• Christmas in Action
• Glen Rose United
Methodist Church
Lord’s Acre
• Senior High Mission
Trips

Clark Q&A
Q: What are the
duties of county
commissioner?
A: The major duties of
the commissioner’s court
involve overseeing the
budgetary and policy
making functions of
county government.
In many counties,
commissioners have
extensive responsibilities
related to the building
and maintenance
of county roads. A
commissioner must
submit a budget and
act upon the approved
budget in a financially
efficient manner to
assure the best service
at the least cost to the
taxpayers.
pressing challenges
currently facing
A: The budget is our
most pressing challenge
due to devaluation
of the nuclear plant.

A: One of the biggest
adjustments would be
in the purchasing of new
equipment and other
big ticket items. I believe
each request should be
thoroughly evaluated
to determine need and
to ensure that all other
options have been
considered.

first be addressed?
A: Some of the services
of our county, such as the
sheriff’s office and fire
department are held to a
higher standard, by law,
due to the power plant,
but I am certain that
there are areas in these
departments where cuts
can be made without the
loss of any personnel or
quality of service.

The expo center is a
different story. I believe
the facility needs to
be re-evaluated and
restructured immediately
to reduce the almost $1
million of taxpayer funds
used to subsidize it each
year.
If elected, I will meet with
every department head
and ask each budget be
prepared on a “needs
only” basis so the county
can replenish the general
fund account over the
next few years. My goal
would be to build up
our reserve balance so
the county would be
financially secure for
a reasonable amount
of time should we find
ourselves in another
situation like the one we
have experienced the last
few months.
Q: How do you feel
about the current
condition of roads and
bridges within your
precinct?
A: I feel that roads
and bridges within my
precinct are great, and
I am not aware of any
areas that need to be
addressed at this time.
With that being said,
I currently have not
traveled every road in
precinct 4, but I intend
to do so. If there are any
issues that I come across
or that are brought to
my attention, I will gladly

address them, if elected.
best candidate? 
A: Having owned and
operated my own
business for the last 15
years has taught me a
great deal about how to
budget and taught me
even more about how to
stand firm and stick to
the budget. The ability
to understand what is
economically profitable
and logical is definitely
something that has
been a huge part of my
business surviving the
economic downfall.
My ability to
communicate well
is definitely a strong
point. I really enjoy
meeting and visiting with
people, which makes
me very approachable
for discussions on any
matter ranging from
finances to roads.
Whether you know me
well or are just meeting
me for the first time, you
will always know where
I stand on any situation
that we are discussing.
I am not afraid to ask
questions, and I will
always do the necessary
research in order to
make the best decisions
for the citizens of this
county. I will stand firm
in my decisions and not
be easily influenced or
swayed.

We currently have a
balanced budget, but
with further devaluation,
this challenge will remain.
This creates a challenge
to confront it with a
solution.

A: Expenses have already
been cut by this court.
We have a balanced
budget. To speculate
on further cuts at this
time could only increase
concern and stress.

A: This is one of those
questions where the
“only option” is “no”
option. Cut expenses?
Yes. Cut services? No!
Our problem is revenue.
Expenses have been cut.

The solution is to create
more revenue through
economic development
that will increase our
tax base and add to our
overall economy. The
challenge of reducing
our dependency on
the nuclear plant from
80 percent of our tax
revenue to a manageable
figure must be a priority.
Challenges exist in
the maintenance and
operation of all countyowned facilities. These
must be met with sound
business and financial
decisions that include
the safety and well
being of citizens, county
employees and the
general public.
Since tourism is so
fundamental and many
attractions are either
owned by or within the
county, a challenge exists
in helping to make this an
even greater contributor
to our economy.

The solution is to
increase efficiency
and productivity
across the board.
These adjustments
can make a greater
contribution to financial
stability than predicting
additional cost-cutting
measures. For example,
a small expenditure to
substantially increase
revenue at an incomeproducing facility is a
better solution.
We must increase
revenue and maintain
our high level of services.
The next budget will
be set by the current
commissioners court.
That budget will remain
in effect for the greater
part of 2015.

Our high level of
services to the citizens
of Somervell County
must be maintained and
increased when called
for. Cutting expenses
can help to balance the
budget, but it does not
resolve the problem.
Increased revenue will.

Many challenges
exist. None are
insurmountable. They
must be met with
resolve, commitment,
determination, as well
as sound financial
and compassionate
decisions.
What adjustments do
you feel could make
county?

As a commissioner in
2015, I will address cost
savings and improving
efficiency in every
department and present
them to the court,
which will contain a
majority of those who
set this budget. I will not
speculate nor second
guess this court on the
job that it has done.
When called upon, I
will put everything on
the table, based on
the conditions at that
time. I will judiciously
address all issues in each
department.
first be addressed?

Q: How do you feel
about the current
bridges within your
precinct?
A: I have talked to many
residents of precinct 4
and have had only one
concern raised about
roads and bridges — on
FM 199, which is a state
road and not maintained
by the county.
Our commissioners
are doing a great job
maintaining county roads
and bridges. In respect
to FM 199, when elected,
I will contact TxDOT and
our state representative
to see it is corrected.
best candidate? 
A: People skills. Over
the last 40 years, I have
learned to listen to
people, retain what I hear,
document it, research
it, respond in a timely
manner and follow up to
assure that a situation
is resolved properly
and expeditiously. This
see CLARK, C9

ELECTION GUIDE


MEET THE CANDIDATES - Commissioner, Pct. 4 (cont.)
CURRENT CAREER
• Teacher, Godley ISD,
15 years
FUTURE CAREER
PLANS
• If elected, I will be a
full-time commissioner
PREVIOUS WORK
EXPERIENCE
• Education, past 19
years

Edwin Mueck, 49
25-year resident
FAMILY
• Wife of 26 years, Sally
Woodley Mueck
• Daughter, Victoria
Mueck
EDUCATION
• Tarleton State
University, Bachelor
of Science in
Interdisciplinary
Studies, Suma Cum
Laude
• Texas State Technical
Institute, diesel and
heavy truck mechanics,
3.9 GPA
• Graduate of C.H. Yoe
High School
ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPERIENCE
• Parts manager,
Cameron Equipment
Co.
• Parts manager,
Johnson Equipment Co.
• Lead teacher, Godley
ISD
• Chairman of the
deacons, New Prospect
Baptist Church

SERVICE AS ELECTED
OFFICIAL
• None
APPOINTMENTS
• Godley ISD District
Improvement
Committee, 2005-06
• Godley Intermediate
Teacher Interview
Committee, 2004-14
• Textbook adoption
committees
• Pastor search
committees
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
PRCA Rodeo, 2013
Member of the Year
• Texas Federation of
Teachers
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• Paluxy Pedal
• Toy drives
• Church activities
• Glen Rose High
School Band
• Project Graduation
• Relay For Life

• Fundraising for
scholarships
• Fundraising for needy
children

Mueck Q&A
Q: What are the
duties of county
commissioner?
A: A commissioner’s duty
is to serve the county
and its citizens. We are
elected officials that have
the duty to represent, to
the best of our ability, the
citizens of the county. In
serving, a commissioner
promises to oversee
property and how county
money is spent.
Decisions should be
based on fact — not
influence from others
— and what is best for
the county as a whole.
A commissioner should
always strive to improve
the county physically and
monetarily.
Our county is constantly
changing. As a
commissioner, you need
to focus on currrent and
plan for the future.
pressing challenges
currently facing
A: The loss of tax dollars
from Comanche Peak is
our biggest challenge.
We have great facilities,
but we lack industry. We
must search out and
bring in new industries
to offset the loss in tax
revenue. New homes
and small businesses
are certainly a plus and

much needed in our
county. However, with the
magnitude of tax dollars
that we are talking about
losing, we must have
industry to offset it.
Those who were here
before the power plant
know what the financial
situation of the county
was like. Then, the
power plant arrived.
Industry arrived. Our
county’s entire monetary
standpoint changed.
Millions of dollars were
being handed to us. Life
was good. We enjoyed
low taxes and new
amenities.
Now, times have changed
again. The days of
luxury are ending. We
cannot wait for industry
to search us out. We
must be proactive and
search for industry to the
county.
What adjustments do
you feel could make
county?
A: I will look at all
services and facilities
maintained by the
county. Finger pointing
and statements like,
“They lose more money
than they do,” is not how
to approach the problem.
We have several different
entities, but in reality,
everything makes up
Somervell County. We
need to look for savings
in all areas and not
just focus on a few. All
department heads will

need to tighten their belts
and monitor spending.
All of that said, I will not
focus all my attention on
the bad. A commissioner
should always be looking
for ways to improve the
county, not just maintain
it.
first be addressed?
A: As an incoming
commissioner, I don’t see
how I could answer this
question. Personally, I do
not have the information I
need to make such a call.
I deal with numbers and
facts.
I have no agenda coming
into this office. I am not
out to cut or get rid of
anything specificlly, nor
am I out to save anything.
The county should be run
like a business — gather
data first, sit down with
the board to brainstorm,
and come up with
options.
I do not know what has
been discussed or tried
in the past. I do know I
can bring ideas to the
table. Hopefully some will
be new options for the
county to pursue.
Q: How do you feel
about the current
bridges within your
precinct?
A: Nothing is, or will
ever be perfect. For the
most part, well-traveled
roads and bridges in our
precinct are in fair shape.

There are some places
on less traveled roads
that could use some
attention.
While out talking to
people, I have come
across some concerns
in several areas. The
biggest concern was
from several residents
living on old 67 between
Tres Rios and FM 200.
Their concern is about
the speed in which
people travel — a much
higher speed than the
clearly posted speed
limit. They are very
concerned about the
safety of their children
and potential accidents.
Several residents living
in the Eagles Nest
development talked to
me about a drainage
issue. Another gentleman
talked to me about loose
gravel when turning from
67 onto CR 406.
I told them I was in
no position to make
promises, but I would
look into the issues to see
if anything could be done.
best candidate? 
A: My people skills.
A commissioner
represents citizens within
his or her precinct, as
well as the entire county.
Communication with
other court members
and citizens is key. You
must be able to listen, as
well as direct. You must
be able to remain levelheaded. You have to be
willing to listen to the bad
and the good.
see MUECK, C9

ELECTION GUIDE


MEET THE CANDIDATES - Commissioner, Pct. 4 (cont.)
full-time commissioner.

precincts.

PREVIOUS WORK
EXPERIENCE
• Bell Helicopter in
Hurst, leadership
capacity for several
years

pressing challenges
currently facing

Bar 7-K Ranch, in
Jefferson

Don Kranz , 80
6.5-year resident
FAMILY
Norma
• Five children,
David, a petroleum/
chemical engineer;
Vickie, an x-ray
technician; Tammy,
a registered nurse;
Teresa, an accounting
assistant; and Tony, a
merchandising account
manager
• Eight grandchildren
• Three greatgrandchildren and two
on the way
EDUCATION
• High school graduate
• Chicago
Technological College,
tool and die and jig and
fixture design
• Texas State
Certification
School for County
Commissioners, Austin
• More than 80 hours
of continuing education
over three years, as
required by Texas
Association of Counties
ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPERIENCE
• Marion County
commissioner
supervised road and
bridge personnel,
scrutinized budgets,
acquired grants for
special projects and
worked with other
officials to relocate
industry to the county
and make it work.
• Managed three
successful ranching
operations
CURRENT CAREER
• Retired
We moved to Somervell
County to have the best
of both worlds – to be
closer to our children in
the Dallas/Fort Worth
Metroplex, while still
being in the country
and near a small town
with friendly people
having community
spirit. We have not been
disappointed. I will be a

• Managed Blue Oak
Ranch, Vanderpool in
the Texas Hill Country
a pecan ranch in San
Saba, with 635 irrigated
hybrid pecan trees
with water rights from
Colorado River
SERVICE AS ELECTED
OFFICIAL
• Marion County
Commissioner, 1993-96
APPOINTMENTS
• President, Marion
County Cattleman’s
Assoc., 1992-96
• President, Texas Farm
Bureau, Marion County,
1993-96
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• Grace Baptist
Church, active member
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• Cub Scouts,
secretary and treasurer
• Volunteer fireman for
Gray Fire Department,
Jefferson
• Tri-Cities Baseball
Program, head coach
for 17 years with 14
years of championship
teams

Kranz Q&A
Q: What are the
duties of county
commissioner?
A: Working as a team
with other county
commissioners and
county judge and
setting policy to provide
the best services to
county residents while
staying within the
budget. Commissioners’
responsibilities include
adopting a budget
and setting a tax rate,
setting compensation
for county employees
and determining the
number of employees
needed, providing
health and welfare
services to county
citizens, monitoring
and controlling jail
and law enforcement
facilities, applying
for grants, approving
and monitoring roads,
authorizing contracts
and aligning voting

A: Lack of revenue from
the re-evaluation of
Comanche Peak and
the struggle to maintain
necessary services
to the county without
raising taxes; decisions
concerning getting a
handle on the four white
elephants sucking up
the tax income from the
poor decisions made in
the past; and bringing
industry into the county
– it will be hard work,
but can be done as a
comprehensive team
effort with all other
entities in the county
being involved.
What adjustments do
you feel could make
county?
A: Addressing the four
facilities draining the
county:
The Promise – the
county is now committed
to a 10-year lease, so
unless the lease is
broken, the county’s
hands are tied.
Golf courses – I’ve been
told they will be in the
black next year. Time
will tell. I am not sure
we need two 18-hole
courses. I would possibly
consider selling one
course for development
in order to get the
property back on the tax
roll. A small percentage
of our county residents
use the facilities, but
all county residents are
indirectly taxed on it.
Expo Center – I would
closely scrutinize this
facility, whether it is
lack of use or poor
management, new
decisions need to be
made in order to keep it
viable.
Hospital — This is the
one and only facility
necessary to the
health and well being
of all citizens. Past
management decisions
and over remodeling has
placed it in the mix. But
to insure health services
to the county, it must be
worked out!
first be addressed?
A: Turning one 18-hole
golf course over to
development in order

Don Kranz, former Marion County commissioner, discusses his bid for office.

MUECK

Continued from C8
I have dealt with the
public for more than
30 years and issues
involving quality of
work, cost, supply,
administration,
mentoring and

education. Being
able to communicate
effectively can defuse
uncomfortable situations
and allow parties to work
together to solve the
issue at hand.

I will always have a
plan on how I want to
approach the job. From
the smallest issue to the
largest, I consider time,
cost and what I want the
end result to be.

Another attribute of mine
is my organizational and
planning skills. When I
set out to do something,

As a commissioner, I will
look at what can help us
now, but also where will
this get us in the future.

to get it back on the tax
roll, bringing in monies
instead of monies going
out to keep it afloat. I
would closely examine
other options for the
operation of the expo
center. I would propose
putting a freeze on
elected officials’ salaries.
I will not vote to raise
taxes.
Q: How do you feel
about the current
bridges within your
precinct?
A: Somervell County
has the best roads of
any county in Texas I
have been in. And, as
evidenced by the way
they are holding up,
they were put down
with a solid base. I feel
I am a pretty good
judge, having served as
county commissioner
and supervised road
construction. I have
driven all the roads in
my precinct and do not
see any specific projects
needed at this time.
Some of these budgeted
funds could be better
utilized in other areas.
best candidate? 
A: Through experience as
a county commissioner,
I feel I have viable
negotiating skills having
worked in a partnership
with all county entities
to relocate International
Paper to Marion County.
My management skills
in the operation of
three types of ranching
operations are also
beneficial.

Rick Clark, candidate for commissioner precinct 4,
introduces himself to a crowd at a recent Republican
forum.

CLARK

Continued from C7
acquired trait has
helped me to effectively
serve on boards and
organizations that
require teamwork and
cooperation.
Self starter. I believe

in developing an idea
or concept into a plan
of action that, upon
execution, produces
the desired results. I
know how to lead and/
or follow, and I believe
in taking the initiative to
apply my best effort in
order to accomplish the
intended goal.

ELECTION GUIDE


ELECTION GUIDE


Treasurer to leave behind decades-long career
GRR Staff Report

Somervell County Treasurer Barbara Hudson was elected in 2003. She
brought more than a decade of experience to the office, having served as
deputy treasurer under her predecessor,
Vicki Crisp.
Hudson will retire from the post after
almost 25 years of serving Somervell
County employees and residents, she
will serve her final days in December.

While her title implies one of the
office’s functions, Hudson explained her
daily duties are about much more than
collecting money and writing receipts.
She is responsible for reconciling receipts daily, making sure every penny in
the county coffers and every cent owed
to the entity are accounted for.
The office is responsible for making
sure the county is getting the most for
its buck, serving as the county’s chief
investment officer. While that role is not

worth as much under current interest
rates, understanding the ups and downs
of the market has led to greater returns
during less-troubled economic times.
Payroll is a big expense. And dispersing paychecks and coordinating
benefits for a workforce that includes
136 full-time employees is another part
of Hudson’s duties. She works diligently
to see the county workers are getting the best possible coverage, while
taxpayers are also getting the most out

of their investment. And the expense is
not small. The county’s current health
insurance policy is an annual investment of almost $1.2 million.
Hudson said experience is something
that served her well when she took the
reins from Crisp, applying the skills of
a banker and accountant, while taking
her seat in the commissioners courtroom, delivering reports to officials
charged with being the caretakers of
taxpayer funds.
Barbara Hudson

MEET THE CANDIDATES - County Treasurer
of serving Somervell
County, that includes
family having served on
commissioners court, as
city officials, in church
leadership, and three
generations of active
service through the
Somervell County Fire
Department.

Jennifer Stroud,
39
18-year resident
FAMILY
• Husband of 19 years,
Blaine Stroud
• Sons, Dakota, a
sophomore at Glen
Rose High School, and
Tanner, an 8th grader at
the junior high
I desire to continue
a long family history

EDUCATION
• Bachelor of Science
in Interdisciplinary
Studies, Tarleton State
University
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
• Elementary/junior
high teacher since
2000
• Partner in family
owned corporation
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• Glen Rose FFA Alumni

• Masters Degree
in Educational
Administration,
Tarleton State
University.
• Continued education
courses in accounting,
economics and
computer science

Carrie KnightMapes, 49
Lifelong resident
FAMILY
• Husband, Don
Mapes, former
GRISD maintenance
supervisor and
now employed
in maintenance
at Tarleton State
University
• Father, Sid Knight,
former foreman of
the State Highway
Department in Glen
Rose
• Mother, Sallie Knight,
former business
manager at Glen Rose
ISD
My parents taught me by
experience about public
service.
• Brother, Dan Knight,
Glen Rose High School
Class of 1980
EDUCATION
• Glen Rose High
School, Class of 1982

PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
• Former business
manager, Alvarado ISD
• Current accounting
manager, Granbury ISD
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• First United
Methodist Church of
Glen Rose
• Glen Rose/Somervell
County Chamber of
Commerce
• Texas Association
of School Business
Officials, 21 years,
Registered Texas
School Business
Administrator
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• Took class notes
for students under
the Americans with
Disabilities Act at Hill
College
• Financial volunteer
for the emergency
services program
through Alvarado
ISD, which prepared
for disasters such as
pandemics

• Daughter, August
• Grandson, Nikoli
EDUCATION
• Glen Rose High
School graduate
• 15 hours investment
training

Susanne Graves,
52
Raised in
Somervell County,
returned in 1998
FAMILY
• Son, Chase

• More than 100 hours
of training specific
to county treasurer’s
office
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
• Deputy treasurer,
Somervell County

Youth Fair Association
• Stonewater Church
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• Children’s church at
Stonewater Church
• Dinosaur Valley Youth
Jackpot Show
• Stonewater Serves
Youth Fair Association
• Hiring committees
• Concessions at
school-related events
• Angel Food
distribution
• Children’s choir
director
• Supportive
wife, mother and

Knight-Mapes
Q&A
of county treasurer?
A: According to the Texas
Association of Counties,
“the county treasurer
is the chief custodian
of all county funds,”
meaning the county
treasurer is the county’s
banker. The duties
include receiving money
collected by all county
offices, depositing those
receipts and posting the
receipts to the proper
budget codes, as well
as disbursing monies
and issuing all checks
to pay the obligations of
the county as directed
commissioners and
within the law.
Somervell County
treasurer has other
duties, such as being
responsible for all
payroll functions and
coordinating employee
benefit programs. The
treasurer is responsible
for remitting all funds
collected and due to the
state, such as court fees
and fees collected by
various departments.
Extensive and detailed
record keeping and
reporting are critical to
the success of the office.
Q: What is the most
important function of
the office?

CURRENT
MEMEBERSHIPS
• County Treasurers
Association of Texas
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• Girl Scouts
• American Cancer
Society

daughter-in-law of
Somervell County Fire
Department members

Stroud Q&A
A: To serve as the
chief custodian of
county finance, receive
funds for county from
whatever source, keep
and account for all
monies in designated
depository, pay and
apply or disburse all
monies in such a manner
as commissioners
court directs, receive
all receipts from county
officials, serve as chief
liaison between county
and depository banks,
maintain records
of all deposits and
withdrawals, reconcile
all bank statements and
report on county finance
A: Accountability. The
county treasurer is the
guardian of taxpayers’
money and is responsible
to every taxpayer to
account for their funds.
It is a position which
requires the office holder
to understand that every
decision is made to
protect those funds.
The treasurer must
be diligent and detailoriented, with a firm
conviction that there is
no amount too small to
be concerned. This is
the people’s money, and
they are electing me to
safeguard it.
The position is one
of accountability and
public service, as well
as support to county
employees who are on
the front lines everyday,
providing services to
the public. Every person
who contacts the office
is a customer, deserving
respect and assistance.
Q: Do you have
experience in banking,
accounting or financial
planning?
A: I worked in banking
for five years, with
three years being in the
accounting department.
I have worked more than
17 years in governmental
business management
and fund accounting,
working with budgets
from $35-$70 million.

program for county
employees.
Q: What do you believe
is the most important
function of the office?
A: Proper handling and
accountability of County
taxpayer money.


Q: Do you have
planning?

A: Banker for county,
payroll, receive and
disburse all money
collected or paid on
behalf of Somervell
County. Budget
preparation and benefit

A: Five years
bookkeeping of
controlled documents.
Three years payroll,
taxes, accounts payable
(A/P), accounts
receivable (A/R)

Graves Q&A

to commissioners court.
Q: What do you believe
is the most important
function of the office?
A: To be a part of a
broad team that puts
this county on a path to
financial stability, shoring
up our short-term
financial issues while
responsibly protecting
our long-term securities.
Q: Do you have
planning?
A: Many years running
the finances for our local
family-owned business.

A: Tasked with raising
funds for several nonprofit organizations and
with the school district
that I currently work for.
Q: Have you ever
managed investments?
A: I have managed
our business’s shortterm and long-term
assets portfolio with a
conservative mindset
that continues to prove
successful.
Q: What are the top
two skills or personal
attributes that
make you the best
candidate?

Q: What is your
experience with
budgeting outside of
a family/household
budget?

A: I have a servant’s
heart that works well
with others. I am a
patriot who cares about
our community and its
future.

These positions
required that I monitor
federally funded
programs and grants,
where strict adherence
to federal rules and
guidelines carried
substantial penalties for
noncompliance. I was
the liaison between the
bank and my employer
at Alvarado ISD and the
education service center.
I also helped with longrange planning and grant
writing at both of those
locations.

A: I was the investment
officer at Alvarado
ISD and the education
service center. At
Alvarado ISD, I oversaw
the investment of our
general fund and debt
service fund balances
which were at times in
excess of $20 million.

Q: What is your
experience with
a family/household
budget?
A: I have more than
14 years of budgeting
experience, including
working with
administration and
reducing budgets during
economic downturns.
With my vast experience
in medium to large school
districts, I have worked
extensively within a
budget environment with
hundreds of budget line
items and verified that
money was available to
approve expenses. These
budgets had multiple
funds, including local,
state and federal – each
of which had different
guidelines.
Q: Have you ever

and contracts for 35
employees. Nine years
A/P, A/R, billing for
15,000 accounts. Three
years processing daily
deposit for four vending
routes. Four years of
bid preparation. Eleven
years assisting with daily
deposit of county funds.
County payroll, quarterly
reports, W-2s. Process
checks to pay all county
bills. Bank account
reconciliation. Budget
preparation.
Q: What is your
experience with
a family/household
budget?

Under the Public Funds
Investment Act, a
government official in
charge of investments
must take 10 hours of
training every two years.
I completed my first five
hours in Oct. 2013, and
plan to complete the
second five hours on
April 3.
best candidate?
A: My extensive
successful experience
in governmental finance
and fund accounting
along with my education
make me the best
candidate.
Personally, I have a deep
level of commitment to
serve the taxpayers of
Somervell County with
honesty, integrity and
complete transparency.
I provide the best
service possible because
throughout my years in
governmental business
management, I never
forgot the money we
used came from a
taxpayer’s pocket and
should be guarded
closely.
A: Assisting county
treasurer with budget
preparation for 11 years.
Q: Have you ever
A: Prior experience
with mutual funds for
personal retirement
and assisting county
treasurer with
investment policy review.
best candidate?
A: Professional and
positive attitude. Strong
work ethic.

ELECTION GUIDE


MEET THE CANDIDATES - County Treasurer (cont.)
EDUCATION
• Glen Rose High
School
• Hill College
• Tarleton State
University

April Gore
Campos, 39
Lifelong resident
FAMILY
• Three daughters,
Madeline, Mackenzie
and Mia Campos

PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
• Deputy clerk,
Somervell County Tax
Assessor
• Owner and operator,
Starry Skye Dance
Academy and
Gymnastics, eight years
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• Stonewater of Glen
Rose

• Girl Scouts of
America
• 2014 Glen Rose High
School Parent/Student
Prom Committee
• Glen Rose Junior
High PTA
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Cancer Support Group

Campos Q&A
A: The county treasurer
is basically the chief
financial officer for the
county. The treasurer

receives all money
from all county offices
and deposits into the
proper accounts. The
treasurer also maintains
all deposits, withdrawals
and bank statements for
the county. The office
of the county treasurer
is also responsible for
payroll, new hire paper
work, retirement and
health insurance plans.
Q: What is the most
important function of
the office?
A: I believe the most
important function of the
county treasurer is to
manage all money with
the upmost accuracy.

Q: Do you have
planning?
A: Yes, my current job
and being a business
owner have given me
experience with banking,
accounting and financial
planning. Working as
a deputy clerk in the
Somervell County Tax
Assessors Office, I
collect cash, checks and
credit card payments
with every transaction
that I perform. All
transactions must be
accurate so that the
office reports will balance
daily.

As the owner of Starry
Skye Dance Academy
and Gymnastics, I had
to develop a financial
plan showing anticipated
income and liabilities
in order to obtain a
business loan.
Q: What is your
experience with
a family/household
budget?
A: As a business
owner, one of my key
responsibilities is
budgeting for employee
payroll and other
financial liabilities. This
includes balancing
income with outgoing
obligations.
Q: Have you ever
A: I have some familiarity
with stocks and
certificates of deposits.
For any investments,
I would assemble a
knowledgeable team of
county employees and
consult with various
financial professional
firms.
best candidate?

AMANDA KIMBLE/GRR

April Gore Campos, candidate for Somervell
County treasurer, says her experience in the tax
assessor’s office has prepared her for service.

A: I believe that my
professional experience
of owning my own
business and its financial
responsibility gives
me the experience to
perform the duties of
county treasurer. I also
believe my ability to work
with people, employees,
customers and county
officers is an important
skill for resolving their
concerns and needs.

ELECTION GUIDE


Curtis unopposed in re-election bid

When and where to cast a ballot
EARLY VOTING

When: Feb. 18-28
Ballots may be cast 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Polls will
also be open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22.
Where: Somervell County Annex conference room, located
at 206 Elm Street
Requirements: Per new state laws, photo identification is
required
Accommodations: Curbside voting is available by calling the elections office at (254) 897-9470 from outside the
county annex. An individual representing a voter may also
enter the elections office and request assistance on their
behalf.

ELECTION DAY

AMANDA KIMBLE/GRR

Incumbent Commissioner John Curtis, Pct. 2, is running unopposed on the March 4 Republican primary
ballot and will also not face a challenge in November. At a Feb. 6 candidate forum, Curtis said he had
been serving on Somervell County Commissioners Court for “three years, one month and six days” and
remains dedicated to service, spending time and effort to educate himself on every topic and issue presented to the court.

When: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 4
Where:
• Precinct 1 — County Annex conference room, 206 Elm
Street
• Precinct 2 — Somervell County Citizens Center Paluxy
Room, 209 SW Barnard Street
• Precinct 3 — Somervell County Expo Center, 202 Bo
Gibbs Boulevard
• Precinct 4 — Oakdale Park Convention Center, 1019 NE
Barnard Street
Sample ballots are available online at co.somervell.tx.us.
Click the “Elections” link on the homepage — or go directly to
co.somervell.tx.us/elections — and select the sample ballot
for your precinct and party.
For more information, contact Elections Administrator
Cathy Thomas at 897-9470.

Voting local? Vote Republican
AMANDA KIMBLE

news@theglenrosereporter.com

The countdown is on. With early
voting in the March 4 primary
beginning in just days, candidates
across the county and state are
working to garner voter support.
While a primary race typically
narrows the candidate pool to one
individual per party, Elections
Administrator Cathy Thomas is
reminding local voters only one
ballot will include the names of
county candidates.
“If they want to vote for local candidates, they will want to
vote in the Republican primary,”
Thomas said. “All of our county

candidates are on the Republican
ballot.”
Meanwhile, the race to the governor’s mansion has many Democrats intent on having a voice
in helping nail down the party’s
nomination in that race. And
casting a ballot in the Democratic
primary will disqualify voters
from participating in the Republican runoff election in May if one is
needed in county races.
“A runoff election is likely,”
Thomas said.
The March 4 Republican ballot
includes four races that are thick
with competition — five candidates for county judge, four for
commissioner precinct 4, three for

county/district clerk and four for
treasurer. There are five contested
races that include 18 candidates
vying for the offices.
A runoff election is ordered
when a candidate in any given
office doesn’t garner an absolute
majority of the votes, or “50 plus 1
percent,” Thomas explained.
If a local runoff election is not
necessary, Thomas said county
voters who cast ballots in the
Republican primary are still not
allowed to weigh in on the Democratic runoff for state offices.
“They cannot vote in a party’s
runoff election if they voted in
another party’s primary,” she
explained.

While there are no Democratic
candidates on the county ballot,
voters who wish to have a voice
in the party’s nomination of U.S.
Senator, governor, agriculture
commissioner or other contested
races, will have to decide between
voting in the Republican primary
for local races or in the Democratic primary for those beyond
the county line.
The lack of Democratic contenders also means county offices
will most likely be decided no
later than May, but the frontrunners are not declared the winners
until after being “officially elected
in November,” Somervell County
Republican Party Chair Deedee

Jones said.
And there is still a chance the
Republican nominees could see
a challenge later in the year, as
individuals can become write-in
candidates in the general election.
Jones said write-in candidates do
not participate in primary elections, cannot align themselves
with the Republican and Democratic parties and will only appear
on the November ballot.
A Declaration of Write-In
Candidacy must be filed with the
county between July 19-Aug. 18,
and must include a filing fee or a
nomination petition with a designated number of signatures. The
requirements vary by office.

ELECTION GUIDE


Incumbent clerk prepares for December retirement
GRR Staff Report

The three-way race for
Somervell County/District
Clerk follows the retirement
of another longtime incumbent.
Candy Garrett was sworn
into office Jan. 2003 after
serving as a deputy clerk for
several years.
During her tenure, Garrett
has seen the office move into
the 21st century through the
digitization of records. The
process has made records
easily accessible, with indices

and images accessible by
computer.
“We are proud of our efforts in providing the most
efficient and reliable access to
our records,” she said, adding the digitization process
started in August.
Another major change
during Garrett’s tenure
impacts how elections are
conducted. Electronic voting
equipment was purchased
in 2005, and elections have
been tallied by computer
since.
As she prepares to exit

the office, Garrett remains
certain about its importance,
saying her successor will have
to be a skilled in multitasking and time management to
keep afloat in the vast sea of
Somervell County records.
“The volume of information for which my office is
responsible is tremendous,”
she said. “We are experiencing continued growth in the
community and have been
able to accommodate this
growth primarily through
automation and reorganization.”

In one way or another,
the clerk’s office touches
almost everyone who lives
in Somervell County. From
marriage licenses and birth
and death certificates to beer
and wine license and brand
records, the county clerk’s
office serves as a key office in
the legal aspects of personal
and commercial business.
But the job doesn’t stop
there. The office supports
county courts and district
courts in civil and criminal
matters while assisting the
attorney general with child

support issues and maintaining trusts for minors.
While she is ready to move
into the next phase of her
life, Garrett remains grateful
for the years she has served.
“I am honored to have
been elected county and
district clerk,” Garrett said,
adding the next in line will
undoubtedly experience
changes during their term as
well.
“As technology continues
to evolve, so will the office
to better serve the citizens of
Somervell County,” she said.

Candy Garrett

MEET THE CANDIDATES - County/District Clerk
EDUCATION
• Glen Rose High
School graduate, Class
of 2003
• Associate Degree in
Liberal Arts from Hill
College, 2010

Michelle
Reynolds, 29
Lifelong
Somervell County
resident
FAMILY
• Husband, Clifford E.
Reynolds II
• Children, Camden, 14,
and Kinley, 6
• Parents, Lidia and
Manuel Montellano
• Siblings, Gaby, Roger
and Julie Montellano

PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
• Hood County District
Clerk’s Office, 2005-12
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• Active member of
Stonewater Church
Glen Rose Campus,
serving on the welcome
teams
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• Healthy Woman,
Lake Granbury Medical
Center

Reynolds Q&A
of county/district
clerk?

A: Somervell County/
District Clerk maintains
a tremendous amount of
responsibility that could
be very intimidating
without prior experience.
The office handles
civil cases such as
bond forfeitures, name
changes, tax cases and
expunctions, domestic
cases such as divorces,
suits affecting the
parent-child relationship,
enforcements and
modifications of family
suits and criminal cases
involving class A and
B misdemeanors and
felony cases.
The office also offers
a variety of services
such as marriage
licenses, birth and death
certificates, probate
and wills. The office
also maintains property
records and deeds,
supports commissioners
court, grand jury and
petit jury. In reality, this
office stands as the

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backbone to our county
and district courts.
Q: What experience
do you have that you
feel is relevant to the
office?
A: I have about seven
years experience
working in the Hood
County District Clerk’s
office as a District Clerk
Deputy II. While working
in this office, I have
been cross-trained on
all departments within
the office, including
front desk receptionist
and criminal, civil and
domestic desk support.
I have the experience
needed to lead this
county, using my
extensive training and
knowledge required to
maintain this office.
Q: Do you have strong
computer skills and/or
office administration
experience?

A: Strong computer
skills are an absolute
must in this office. The
everyday requirements
of the clerk’s office
are about 80 percent
computer related. I’m
knowledgeable of the
software used in this
office and have proper
computer training on
today’s technology
with the help of college
courses taken at
Hill College. It’s very
important to have a clear
understanding of the
amount of responsibility
this office demands and
how crucial it is to have
experience to uphold this
office.
Q: Have you worked
as an administrator,
manager or supervisor?
A: Although do not have
an actual past job title of
manager, having been
put in past situations
where I was asked to
oversee the office —

while my manager was
unavailable — shows
that I’m trustworthy and
dependable. I trained
new hires and assisted in
ensuring that the office
ran smoothly.
best candidate for the
office? 
A: With almost seven
years of experience
working in the Hood
County District
Clerk’s office, I gained
the knowledge and
experience required
to run our Somervell
County/District Clerk’s
Office. I’m bilingual
and have exceptional
customer service skills.
I’m committed to serving
our citizens with honesty,
loyalty and integrity.
Please allow me the
opportunity to serve the
county that I have called
home for the last 29
years!

ELECTION GUIDE


MEET THE CANDIDATES - County/District Clerk (cont.)
coordinator, GRISD
• Principal, Glen Rose
High School
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• Texas Association
of Secondary School
Principals

Jeff Harris, 51,
Republican
17-year resident
FAMILY
Kellie

VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Youth Fair
CrimeStoppers
Beef Co-op

• Daughter, Krista, 28

Harris Q&A

• Son, Hunter, 24

of county/district
clerk?

EDUCATION
• Bachelor of Science,
Masters of Education
from Tarleton State
University
• Principal Certification
and Superintendent
Certification
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
• Associate principal,
Glen Rose Junior High
• Project Graduation
coordinator and testing

A: Accurate keeping
of county and district
records including court
records, real estate
records and marriage
and death records. The
duties of the county/
district clerk include
accurate keeping of
records pertaining
to county business.
These include court
proceedings and
judgments, accounting
for fines and fees,
marriage license and
grandchildren, who are
both students at Glen
Rose Elementary.
EDUCATION
• GED, May 1994
• Numerous hours of
training, completed
over the last 10 years

Virginia Perales,
45
22- year resident
FAMILY
• Three children, AJ,
Ruth and Angie
• Four grandchildren,
Christopher,
Johnathon, Gracie and
Hayden
I am currently helping
raise the two oldest

PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
• Deputy clerk II, Office
of Somervell County/
District Clerk, current
• Clerk, Somervell
County/District Clerk,
combined 11 years
experience
Since 2003, I have
worked all areas of the
office — from open
public records and vital
statistics (birth, death
and marriage records) to

death certificates and
real estate records.
The clerk serves as
the clerk for county
and commissioner’s
court, maintaining court
records.
Q: What experience
do you have that you
feel is relevant to the
office?
A: I have been in public
education for 30 years.
I spent my first years
as a history teacher
and coach and the last
22 years as a campus
administrator. School
administration requires
positive people skills, as
well as organizational and
communication skills.
The past nine years, I
have been the Glen Rose
ISD testing coordinator
and Project Graduation
coordinator in addition
to my associate
principal responsibilities
at Glen Rose Junior
High. Performing
these tasks requires
time management,
organization and
accurate record keeping
skills. Maintaining
accurate records
and knowledge of
public records and
confidentiality is critical
civil and criminal cases
and jury trails, as well
as working alongside
our judges in court and
interpreting in Spanish
as needed in the office or
court.
CURRENT
MEMBERSHIPS
• None
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• None currently

Perales Q&A
of county/district
clerk?
A: The duties of the
county/district clerk
include recording of
property documents,
filing of new civil and
criminal cases, filing
and recording of vital
statistics (birth, death

Jeff Harris, Mike Jones and Edwin Mueck line up to address constituents.

to the clerk’s office.
Communication and
positive public relations,
as in the school district
office, is vital.
Q: Do you have
record keeping and
record management
experience?
A: My duties as a campus
administrator in public
schools have required
me to keep accurate
records for presentation
to state agencies. My
duties coordinating
Project Graduation
required me to maintain
financial records for a
nonprofit corporation
and file yearly reports
and tax returns. As
testing coordinator, I
have been responsible
for maintaining test
security, training staff
and overseeing test
administrations to ensure
testing was administered
according to state
standards.
These duties, though
somewhat different
from the duties of the
county/district clerk,
are inherently similar.
Both involve accurate
record keeping and
understanding when
and how to effectively
and marriage records),
as well as overseeing
commissioners court
minutes (document,
record and distribute)
and assisting both
county and district
judges during court
hearings.
Q: Do you have
experience within
a county & district
clerk’s office?
A: Yes, I have worked in
the Somervell County/
District Clerk’s office for
the past 11 years. I began
in 2003 as a clerk and
have moved up to my
current position, deputy
clerk II.
experience?

communicate and work
positively with state
agencies to clarify and
resolve issues.
experience?
A: I am skilled in all
commonly used office
computer skills, including
email and filing systems. I
have 22 years experience
as an office and campus
manager. These duties
have involved community
and public relations,
scheduling, hiring and
evaluating personnel
and budget preparation.
These skills create a
positive and productive
work environment.

agencies have prepared
me for the duties of the
office. I have managed
school campuses, testing
for an entire school
district and organized
and overseen fundraising
activities and planned
the annual Project
Graduation celebration.
best candidate? 

Q: Have you worked

A: I am organized and
possess professional
managerial skills. I
understand how to
oversee the daily
operations of an
office and have been
accountable for keeping
accurate records. I
do what is necessary
to complete the task
at hand, always in a
professional manner.

A: My years and
experience as a campus
administrator will
serve me greatly in this
position. The duties I
have performed are
closely aligned with that
of the county/district
clerk. Accurate record
keeping, management,
organization, community
and public relations
and working with state

I possess strong people
skills. I get along well with
the people I work with,
as well as the general
public who come into my
office. I treat everyone
with respect and work
hard to resolve concerns
or issues people may
have. I have a positive
personality and work well
with everyone.

A: Yes, I have many years
of experience working
with computers — for
the past 11 years at the
county/district clerk’s
office and with previous
employers as well. This
experience is especially
important because many
offices are transitioning
paperwork to electronic
versions.
Q: Have you worked
A: While I have
not worked as an
administrator, manager
or supervisor, I am
becoming more and
more familiar with the
duties of the county/
district clerk. For the
past two years, I have
shadowed current

County/District Clerk
Candace Garrett and
also attended various
seminars for this
position. I believe all of
this has prepared me to
be the county/district
clerk.
best candidate? 
A: I believe my best
attributes are experience
and knowledge. As
previously stated, I have
worked in the Somervell
County/District Clerk’s
office for the past 11
years, therefore I have
knowledge of all policies
and procedures of the
office. I feel this would
make for a smooth
transition into the office
of Somervell County/
District Clerk.

ELECTION GUIDE
BEST

Continued from C5
overtime. I will recommend
a hiring freeze and only
replace employees —
with approval of the
commissioners — if
the function cannot be
performed otherwise
and review our current
employee benefits
package to ensure we are
achieving the maximum
benefit at the lowest cost.
We will accomplish the
above while recognizing
that county employees
not only work here, but live
here and pay taxes here.
As judge, I do not foresee
the need for a reduction
in workforce but a more

Jones

Continued from C6
As the city prospers
from a vibrant local retail
economy, some essential
services (notably fire and
law enforcement) may
be shifted to the city.
Interlocal agreements
must be established to
keep combined city and
county resources utilized
in the most efficient
manner.
Considering the list
of current services
provided — and
facilities maintained
— by the county, what
adjustments do you feel
could make the greatest
difference (cost savings)
for the county?
A: The county has
aggressively addressed
excesses in government
expense this last budget

efficient utilization of
employees.
Q: If the only option is to
cut services, which are
those that should first
be addressed?
A: I do not foresee cutting
services, I foresee cutting
taxes.
The current budget is
in balance. My plan is to
expand the economic
base, grow our way
out of the current
constraints and make us
less dependent upon a
single taxpayer system of
funding.
One area for major
scrutiny is the expo. I
have been told that expo
season and will continue
to do so. By eliminating
the amphitheatre and
restructuring the golf
course, great strides in
the correct direction have
been made.
The county has provided
the fuel for one of our
economic engines, the
expo center. It has a
significant impact on local
businesses and hotels.
Without adequate funding,
Glen Rose would suffer.
There are economic
impact studies by the
state that imply we need
to keep it going.
As with any organization,
personnel costs are the
primary expense. To
reduce personnel costs,
you can freeze or reduce
wages and/or reduce
employees — by firing or
attrition. None of these
options are palatable.
Q: If the only option is to
cut services, which are


centers do not make
money. I can accept that
premise. What I will not
accept is paying nearly $1
million a year to do so. My
goal is to manage the expo
and such services with
sound business practices.

terms, as in the past 20
years, or we target the
businesses we want and
go after them. What we
have been doing hasn’t
been working. It’s time for
a change.

Q: What is your
stance on economic
development?

I have experience with
the governor’s economic
development office, have
brought a new business
to Somervell County
and taken economic
development training
through Texas Economic
Development Council.
I have also run my own
business, made payroll
and created jobs.

A: Economic development
comes in one of two ways
— either you take what
comes to you on their

As judge, I will continue
to attract businesses in
order to create jobs and
expand our tax base, while

I will work with department
heads, commissioners and
citizen advisory boards to
make county government
more efficient so services
are available, while living
within our means.

those that should first
be addressed? Please
be specific, naming the
department, facility or
expense directly.
A: Personnel expenses
are the largest. Our major
departments are fire,
sheriff, expo center, golf
course, county offices
and county maintenance
(roads, etc). Each
department will need to
address and evaluate its
minimum personnel needs
for continued success.
They may have to scale
back.
Some personnel
shortages can be
offset with a volunteer
program, especially in
the expo center and golf
course. These can be
compensated through a
credit on property taxes to
reduce the individual’s tax
obligation, and provide a
labor force the economic
engines running in these
lean times.

Q: What is your
stance on economic
development? How
County can best attract
such growth?
A: The county has done
an incredible job of
infrastructure over the
last 30 years. We have
the best schools, an
outstanding hospital,
attractive roads, top golf
courses, and almost all
the amenities a small town
could offer new residents.
Governor Perry has
worked hard at recruiting
businesses to Texas.
We will continue to tap
into those references to
find the most suitable
industries for our
community.
Development in the
industrial park has
come rather slowly,
but my focus will be to
promote industries with

lowering our tax rates. I will
work to get government
out of the way of private
enterprise in order to get
businesses and jobs into
our industrial park.
I will also work with fouryear technical colleges,
institutes and private
colleges to enhance our
educational opportunities
in Somervell County.
I will work to improve our
economic circumstances
while maintaining our way
of life.
best candidate? 
A: Leadership and
vision. I have managed
large operations in
a large retail operation,
specifically designed to
generate direct sales tax
revenue.
As our nuclear plant
values continue to
devalue, we will need a
financial handoff of many
of services to the city.
Can we grow Somervell
County? Yes, but it would
take 300 businesses
worth $1 million each to
come close to replacing
this year’s loss of value
at the power plant. If you
bring in 20 new homes a
year, at only $250,000
each, that represents five
$1 million businesses.
I’ll take the new residents
for now, grow businesses
as we can and promote
Glen Rose at every
opportunity.
best candidate? 
A: As a resident and

customer service and
manufacturing. I have
owned my own business,
made payroll and budget
decisions. I understand
profitability, how to
manage employees, work
with budgets and manage
competing demands.
I am a consensus builder
and work well with
others in achieving goals.
Articulating a strategic
vision is the key to a
successful enterprise. I
have a vision for Somervell
County and will be a
leader that works with
county employees,
commissioners and other
community leaders to
achieve our goals.
business owner for 30
years, I’ve known the
growth — and the ups
and downs — of our
local economy. I’ve
been trusted to serve on
numerous boards and
committees over the
years, and have been
involved in interlocal
agreements that have
benefitted the entire
county.
My prior service in the
military gave me extensive
training in personnel,
emergency management
and a duty to country.
Most organizations have
personnel issues. As
a successful business
operator in Glen Rose,
I’ve had the pleasure of
mentoring more than 60
employees in 30 years.
I will continue to
represent Glen Rose
and Somervell County
well, regardless of the
outcome of the election.

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