"This is one of the most interesting primary elections in the history of Fannin County," Fannin County Republican Party Chairman Joe Ward told a standing-room-only crowd Thursday night in Bonham.

Ward expressed pride in the Republican candidates vying for office, promising "they will work hard for you and represent your values."

"We're going to have a great November," incumbent State Representative Larry Phillips predicted, adding that he has been fortunate to work with State Senator Bob Deuell on projects such as getting Fannin County its own District Court beginning January 1, 2010.  Phillips pointed out that the reason taxpayers weren't seeing any relief despite a 33% reduction in property taxes was because of escalating appraisal evaluations.

"We're pledging to get appraisal reform," Phillips stated.  He also said voters have made it clear that illegal immigration and eminent domain must be satisfactorily addressed. Phillips is unopposed in the primary election.

Incumbent District Attorney Richard Glaser won't have an opponent in the primaries or in the General Election and he will have a slightly different title, Criminal District Attorney.  Glaser thanked State Rep. Phillips and State Senator Deuell for creating a position that will allow him to concentrate on felonies, serious misdemeanors and "getting the bad guys off the street."

"Fannin County is a wonderful place and we intend to make it better," Glaser remarked.  "Why should you vote for me?  I'm the only candidate," he began, as cheers from a supportive crowd interrupted his sentence. 

Glaser graciously thanked the law enforcement team comprised of Fannin County Sheriff Kenneth Moore, Bonham Police Chief Mike Bankston and police chiefs throughout the county, plus a dedicated staff that had helped him try three times as many cases in the past three years as had been tried in the previous four years.

"When there is a crime, I'll convict," Glaser told the audience.  "When there is a victim, I'll stand with them."

Incumbent Fannin County Constable, Precinct 2 Bob Clemons is also running unopposed.

"I'd like to thank everyone for all the support they have given me," Clemons said.

James Blaine, Republican candidate for Fannin County Precinct 3 Commissioner, won't have an opponent in the primaries, however he took advantage of the opportunity to become better acquainted with voters.

"We have a choice now," Blaine said, referring to the inroads made by the Republican Party in Fannin County.

Blaine wants to see facilities upgraded and taxes lowered while still managing to pave more roads, a challenge he feels can be met with better management.  The UNT product retired from the Coast Guard after 30 years of service and then worked for TXU for several years.

"I've worn a lot of hats," Blaine said.

Republican Eric Clifford, a former mayor and city councilor from Paris, Texas is running unopposed in the primaries for 6th District Judge.  Clifford has practiced law for 33 years in Paris, spent nine years on the city council and served seven years as mayor.  The 6th District currently includes Fannin, Lamar and Red River counties, however in only six months, the District will shift to the east and encompass only Lamar and Red River counties. 

Clifford understands that he isn't a familiar name and face in Fannin County, although he expects a solid base of support around Paris and Clarksville.

Republican incumbent Ralph Hall will be challenged by four Republican candidates in the primary election: Joshua Kowert, Kathy Seei, Kevin George and Gene Christensen.  Kowert, Seei and Christensen were all in Bonham Thursday night, with State Senator Bob Deuell speaking for Congressman Hall. 

 

 

Deuell expressed his appreciation for an enthusiastic crowd and the slate of quality candidates.  Deuell once served as an intern in Hall's office and he referred to Hall as his "friend and mentor."

 

"He has dedicated his entire life to serving his state," Deuell said of Hall.

 

Gene Christensen agreed with Deuell's observation, however, with society changing and the country changing, Christensen feels it is time for a change in District 4.  With every county and city across the District mired in a struggle to deal with the effects of meth, Christensen asked why there has been no federal task force to asist local entities as they deal with a problem of staggering proportions.

 

"Why won't anybody help us?" Christensen asked  "I pledge I will do that." 

 

 

Chrstensen feels there have to be viable options for those that have fallen prey to alcohol and other drugs.

 

"One day it may happen to one of your family members," he stated.

 

Christensen also insists this nation must do a better job of taking care of the men and women that fight for the freedom Americans cherish. 

 

While Kevin George was unable to attend, Joel Cout read a statement from George that indicated illegal immigration was a top priority. George opposes amnesty and believes English should be designated as the official language.  How can America station 30,000 troops in Korea and 40,000 in Europe, George asks, instead of protecting our own border when the nation's survival depends on it.  He believes the federal government must develop a comprehensive strategy that keeps industry here and keeps Americans working, not only to breathe life into a slumping economy, but also to promote national security.

 

Joshua Kowert made it clear his youthful appearance shouldn't be a deterrence to anyone that remembers Thomas Jefferson was 33 when he was writing the Declaration of Independence and Sam Rayburn was 23 when first elected to the Texas House of Representatives.

 

 

"I'm tired of politicians looking ahead to the next election," Kowert remarked, "when it is time to look ahead to the next generation.  The problems we face today cannot be solved by the same thinking that created them.  The only special interest that determines how I vote will be the people of District 4."

 

Kathy Seei decided to enter the race because Social Security, immigration and the soaring national debt must be addressed.  The former mayor of Frisco that guided that city as it grew an astounding 300% also believes in term limits.  Earmarks, Seei said, dilute resources and drive the economy into further debt. 

 

 

"Government closest to the people is the best government," added Seei.

 

With no Democrats filing, the race for 336th Court District Judge will be between Republican incumbent Lauri Blake and Republican Challenger Charles Butler, with the winner being named after the March 4 primary.

 

Butler spoke first, telling how his successful law practice had led him to think how he could be of more service to the people of Fannin County.

 

 

"Seventy-five percent of the economy in Fannin County is farming and ranching," Butler stated, "and those are the people I grew up with."

 

"I am a conservative with Christian values," Butler explained.  "As past president of Ducks Unlimited, I support fully the 2nd Amendment. I am pro-life, and pro-military. We should support the troops when they get home, also."

 

"I have practiced every kind of law in Bonham for 26 years which gives me the experience to have the wisdom to make the tough decisions," Butler said in closing.

 

Lauri Blake said the people of Fannin County not only deserve a fair administration of justice, after her first term on the bench people in Fannin County now expect decisions to be made on law and the facts.

 

"I pledge to keep moving forward," Blake promised.  "If you elect me, we will not go back to the way things used to be.  We have moved a record number of people through the system."

 

Cancelled juries were commonplace in the past, Blake stated, calling the waste of taxper's dollars "a huge problem." 

 

 

"We disposed of more cases than were actually filed this year," Blake pointed out.

 

Republican candidates Charles Avila and Eileen Cox will seek their party's bid For Fannin County Judge in the primary election.

 

Avila stressed that no person can shape the future of a county more than its chief administrative officer as he deliberates a wide spectrum of critical decisions on topics that range from water issues, eminent domain and disaster relief to power plants and transmission lines.  

 

 

"Someone, today, needs to plan for 20 years from now," Avila remarked.  "The Fannin County Judge must be a leader.  Fannin County is a business.  This business needs a businessman."

 

Cox told the audience she is the only candidate running for this office that has an extensive background in law and she feels that knowledge is critical, particularly as more counties move toward a county-court-at-law system.  Cox has been the city prosecutor for the past three years and she has worked with judges during the eight years of her law practice.

 

 

"I know what judges do," Cox commented.  "Fannin County needs an impartial, knowledgeable judge."

 

The last two candidates to speak Thursday night were Republican candidates for Fannin County Commissioner Pct. 1, John Ryan and Gary Whitlock.

 

Ryan said the phrase that often comes to mind as he watches government work today is "taxation without representation."

 

"I will bring the business of the county to you," Ryan offered, "through regular meetings.  It's our business, our money and our county.

 

 

Ryan is concerned that, without comprehensive planning, the inevitable growth and change will control Fannin County.

 

Whitlock described himself as a man of his word that is dedicated to making a difference in Fannin County.  Whitlock said he has spent the past two months driving the roads in Precinct 1 to study the roads and bridges. 

 

"We do need to improve our roads and bridges," Whitlock stated, "but that's not the only problem we face.  Fannin County must seek more revenue and I will do that.  We have to clean up Fannin County to make it more attractive to industry and visitors.  We are going to grow and I want to be a part of that.  I want to work for you."