Courthouse, taxes topics of forum

The restoration of the Donley County Courthouse and a petition to roll back local property taxes were topics for discussion when the Howardwick Friendship Club hosted a “Meet The Candidates Night” last Friday.

Five candidates for county offices were present for the forum, and each was given a turn to talk to potential voters.

County Judge Jack Hall outlined the duties of his job and discussed his qualifications before discussing the rollback petition. He held up a chart showing the rollback rate of 0.494254 and the county’s adopted rate of 0.476549.

“The tax rate is not above the rollback rate,” Hall said.

Hall said he stands on two platforms in his bid for re-election – opposition to former constable Jimmy Swinney’s case against the county and support for the restoration of the 1890 courthouse.

“I am for this courthouse,” Hall said. “It is a treasure. It is one of a kind. It houses our history, and it belongs to you and all the people of Donley County. I am for the nearly $3 million we got from the state.”

Hall also said he didn’t need someone to talk for him, and he asked people to look at their own consciences and cast their vote.

Jimmy Thompson, who is running against Hall, spoke next and talked of his background being raised in the county and serving as its sheriff for 20 years.

“I understand the people and understand that people are on a fixed income,” Thompson said. “I don’t know all the answers, but I’ll find out.”

Thompson said he differed with Hall on the rollback issue and said he supports it.

“I think the rollback is right,” he said. “If I didn’t think it was right, it wouldn’t have been done.”

Treasurer Becky Jackson discussed the duties of her job and asked for support.

“I feel I’ve done a good job and ask you to vote for that time and experience in order to save the county time and money,” she said.

Jackson’s opponent, Vicki Sloan, said she had made a lot of friends during her campaign and promised to serve the people.

“If elected, I will serve with dignity and humility,” she said.

Candidate for County/District Clerk, Vicki Knowles, said she was having fun campaigning and encouraged everyone to get out and vote.

After the candidates’ forum, rollback petition organizer Don Smith was allowed to speak.

“All we’re saying is you should have the right to vote when taxes go up that much,” Smith said.

Howardwick Mayor Billy Woods asked Smith what he thought of the sheriff’s department.

“I think the sheriff’s department is fine, but that’s not what this is about,” Smith said.

“Oh, yes, it is,” Woods retorted. “I think without the tax increase, half the sheriff’s department would be gone,” Woods said, referring to the battle to raise deputies’ salaries earlier this year.

“We’re not saying anything about the sheriff’s office,” Smith said. “This has nothing to do with that.”

“But you’re not giving all the pros and cons,” Woods said.