County Election Sign-Ups for May Elections
By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
HOUSTON COUNTY – With many of the national and state races decided in the recent November elections, all eyes begin to turn local to the upcoming local elections in early May. There will be a number of open seats up for grabs and those wishing to run for office have until Friday, Feb. 14 to put their names forward to appear on the ballots.
While Houston County elections office will probably be administering the elections for many of the separate entities, those looking to fill one of the open positions will need to contact the board or city where they are looking to serve to find out the various requirements to run. All paperwork will need to be filed with that entity by their close of business on Feb. 14.
In the city of Crockett, the office of mayor is up for election, with no official word if incumbent Crockett Mayor Dr. Ianthia Fisher will seek re-election, although there are no term limits or restrictions to her running again for the position. Fisher was elected by a wide margin two years ago, but as of press time had not officially thrown her hat in the ring. The Messenger learned Jessica James has signed up to run for the position and although other candidates have been rumored to be eyeing the job, none had submitted their paperwork as of press time.
City Councilman Dennis Ivey’s position in Precinct One will also be on the ballot, with no one signed up just yet, although Ivey is presumed to look to serve another term in the position.
In the city’s second precinct, Incumbent Darrell Jones has confirmed he will seek re-election, along with challenger Christopher Price. Jones has been charged with felony charges of misuse of public information and a misdemeanor charge of failing to provide public information. Sources tell The Messenger Jones will have a first day in court in mid-February, although his quick submission of documents for re-election to his position may indicate his faith he will be exonerated of those charges.
In Crockett Independent School District (CISD) Board of Trustees races, position one’s Incumbent Ansel Bradshaw and at-large position six’s TieAsia Tucker are both presumed to seek re-election, although The Messenger could not confirm their confirmation of that or if any other candidates had applied to run for the position.
In the city of Grapeland, two council positions will be open, with incumbents Greg Vaden and Thom DeLong expected to seek re-election. GISD (Grapeland Independent School District) sees two positions up for election, positions six and seven.
The city of Kennard will not be holding elections, according to city officials, since they are happy to report they have a full crew, with Mayor Pro-Tem Donald Lamb leading the city. KISD (Kennard Independent School District) will hold elections for two at-large positions, with President Terry Pilkington expected to seek re-election to the school board.
Five positions are open this election cycle on the Houston County Hospital District (HCHD) board, with positions one, three, five, seven and nine open for elections, with no information immediately available on which, if any, of the incumbents will seek re-election, nor information about any possible challengers.
LISD (Latexo Independent School District) has three open positions in the May elections, with Position Five’s Kelly Nicol, Six’s Chris Morris and Seven’s Richard Smith facing a decision on running again.
Information regarding Lovelady Independent School District (LISD) was not immediately available.
Elections are set for Saturday, May 3, with more information to come about polling places, early voting, a full list of candidates and other information. The Messenger is looking forward to hosting candidate forum events, as in the past, with any candidates willing to meet with the public to discuss their views.
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
