County candidates campaign at forum

Candidates for county offices were praised for their good behavior and wanting to serve the people of Donley County during a Candidates Forum Monday night.

The forum, hosted by the Donley County Republican Club, was held in the Panhandle Community Services Building and was attended by eight candidates from both parties.

Jim Blackerby moderated the event and called each candidate to the podium one contest at a time with the incumbent going first.

Bob Trout, the Democratic incumbent for Commissioner of Precinct 4, said he has lived in Donley County all of his life and has enjoyed serving the people of the county. If re-elected, Trout said he would do his job the best he could and try not to waste any tax money.

Trout’s opponent, Republican Wayne Riggs, said he was running because of his concern about improving the county and taking care of the people in the country. He called Trout his friend and said, “May the best man win.”

Republican Rebecca Jackson, the incumbent County Treasurer, outlined her history with the county, having worked for the Extension Service for 10 years before being appointed to her current position in 1997. She was elected to a full term in 1998. Jackson said she has updated the financial software used by the county and has attended several continuing education classes. She invited citizens to come by her office any time. “I’d like to say that a vote for experience will save taxpayers time and money.”

Vicki Sloan is running against Jackson on the Democratic ticket. She was born Clarendon and has family roots in the county. She has worked in the motor vehicle office and the former Community Action office (now known as Panhandle Community Services). Sloan said she sees the treasurer’s office as a career opportunity and a chance to serve the people. “I am ready, willing, and able to go to work for the people of Donley County.”

Fay Vargas, the Democratic incumbent County/District Clerk, has served in her position since 1987. She said she strives to maintain an open door policy in her office. Vargas said she has automated the records in her office and is now archiving them on optical disk. “I have enjoyed being your clerk and hope to continue,” she said.

Vicki Knowles is challenging Vargas on the Republican ticket. Knowles attended Hedley schools, worked for several years at a Memphis drug store, and has been self-employed for 11 years. Knowles said she now wants a career change and an opportunity to learn new things. She said she has been studying with a retired clerk to learn about the job and is taking a computer class at Clarendon College. She said she hopes to bring integrity and efficiency to the office of clerk.

Jack Hall, the incumbent Democratic County Judge, has lived here since 1961. He was appointed to his position in 1997 and elected to a full term in 1998. He said his job has been rewarding and challenging, and he outlined the duties and responsibilities of his office. He said he is required to handle everything from hearing county court cases to preparing the agenda for and presiding over the Commissioners’ Court to changing light bulbs in the Courthouse Annex. “I have enjoyed serving the people of Donley County, and I want the county judge’s office to be looked at and admired.”

Hall’s opponent, Republican Jimmy Thompson, was born and raised on a ranch in Donley County and attended local schools. He joined the Marines, where he received his GED, and later spent 24 years in the service of Donley County, first as a deputy and then as sheriff. Thompson said he knows there is no money in running for office in Donley County. “If I’m elected it will be an open door policy and will be for all the people of the county.”