Luker Undecided about Political Future

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

HOUSTON COUNTY – Two candidates – Randy Hargrove and Ryan Martin – have already announced their intentions to run for the office of Houston County Sheriff in 2020. Recently, rumors have been swirling about a third person tossing their hat into the ring.

That third person is Precinct One Constable Morris Luker and on Monday, June 3, Luker stopped by the offices of The Messenger to discuss his decision making process.

“At this point in time, I would like to answer some questions which have been voiced to me about my political plans and my political future,” the constable said.

“As it stands, right now,” Luker continued, “I serve as the constable for Precinct One. I also do the environmental enforcement and commercial vehicle enforcement on county roads. I cannot say – publicly – what I’m going to do until I have less than 13 months left in office.”

He explained in the state of Texas there is a statute which mandates if an elected official wants to run for another political office, they must resign their current position, unless the elected official has less than 13 months left in office.

“Currently, all I’m going to worry about is doing the job that I’ve been hired to do, work on doing my job and do the best job I can for the community and its citizens. It is an honor to serve as your constable and to serve the citizens of this county. Besides, no one can sign up (to run) for public office until Nov. 9,” he said.

After Nov. 9, Luker said, voters would be able to see which direction he decided to take – whether it was to seek re-election or to seek another political office.

Pressed on the issue, Luker commented, “I still do not know and Sharon (Luker’s wife) does not even know at this point in time about exactly what I’m going to do.”

As the discussion continued, Luker explained, “I do have plans to serve in public office if elected or re-elected for about the next 14 years. I need to work until about the age of 72 for a comfortable retirement. I have my sights set on staying in office and serving the citizens of Houston County in whatever capacity for another 14 or 15 years.”

Luker further added that both Hargrove and Martin were friends of his.

“Randy was my supervisor when I worked at the sheriff’s office and I was the one who told Ryan Martin to apply for a job with the sheriff. I also taught him at the police academy.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].