Posted 1:59 am Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Republican Face Off In Cherokee County GOP Forum
Editor's Note: This is the first of two stories about Tuesday night's Cherokee County candidate forum.
By KELLY GOOCH
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
JACKSONVILLE -- Cherokee County candidates gave voters a glimpse at their background and plans for the future Tuesday night during a forum at Jacksonville College.
About 20 Republican candidates, including commissioner hopefuls, constables and state leaders, participated in the forum, which was hosted by the Cherokee County Republican Club.
Each candidate gave a two-minute introduction, where they described themselves and why they are running. Questions were then posed by moderator Michele Reese of KYTX CBS19, and candidates had 30 seconds to respond. The forum ended with candidates giving one-minute closing statements.
Incumbent District 11 state Rep. Chuck Hopson, R-Jacksonville, described himself as a proud grandfather and noted his experience on the Jacksonville City Council and Jacksonville ISD school board. He also touted his experience in the House of Representatives.
"I fought to educate children and defend the rights of guns and property owners," he said. "Results, not rhetoric. That's what I offer."
He said he also brings trust to the position and genuinely cares about constituents. In the future, he said important issues will be balancing the budget and educating children. He said he also believes the state needs a 50-year transportation plan and a 50-year water plan.
Travis Clardy, a Nacogdoches attorney running for Hopson's seat, said he believes it's important to have an effective voice in Austin and believes in smaller government.
Conservatism "is not just a phrase. It's a way of life," he said, adding that he is prepared for the job.
He said one issue he wants to deal with if elected is statewide testing, and he does not support any new taxes.
Tony Sevilla, who also is running for Hopson's seat, told audience members that he grew up in a small town and knows how people are hurting.
He said he is not against immigration when people come to America and want to work hard. He said he also learned a lot while he lived in Austin and believes politics "isn't about showing up but getting things done."
If elected, he said he wants to establish a government "for the people by the people," where people are most important.
District 3 state Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, who described himself as pro-business and touted his engineering experience, said he believes in rights as they are laid out in the Constitution and has never waivered on his conservative principles.
He said he has never supported raising taxes and is against imposing a state income tax.
Nichols' challenger Tammy Blair, who has worked with the Tyler Tea Party, described herself as a businesswoman, wife, mother and constitutional conservative.
She said she feels like the government is "overreaching in every way" and would like to see a reformed sales tax.
"I want to go to Austin to represent people," she said.
Incumbent Precinct 3 Commissioner Katherine Pinotti said she has enjoyed serving as commissioner, and her main focus is to continue to maintain roads and cut unnecessary spending.
When asked if she would support a unified road system, she said she would, but she doesn't think the county is ready. She said she also believes the sheriff's office needs more tools to handle stray dogs.
Patrick Reagan, who is running for the Precinct 3 commissioner seat, has described himself as a common man who has farmed and ranched all his life. He has owned and operated his own business for about 25 years.
He said he has had the privilege of having employees and believes he leads by example. If elected, he said he wants to look at the issue of maintaining rural roads. He said he would be in favor of a unified road system if it saves money but not if it costs more.
Jesse Jay Hooker, who also is running for the Precinct 3 commissioner seat, worked for than 30 years with the Jacksonville Fire Department.
With those responsibilities, he said he gained experience working on budgets and doing payrolls.
If elected, he said he will work hard and believes accountability is a key component he will bring to the position.
"It's very important we hold those accountable who are over finances (and) appraisals," he said.
He added, "Being a lifelong citizen, I love Cherokee County, I love the people in Cherokee County and will work hard."
Other candidates who participated in the forum are Precinct 1 Constable Lynn Kelley; Kelley's challenger, Mark Johnson; Precinct 3 Constable Eddie Lee, Lee's challenger, James Stewart; Tax Assessor/Collector Linda Little; Ms. Little's challenger Angela Johnston-Rios; District Attorney candidate Rachel Patton; County Attorney candidates Kelley Peacock and William Wilder; Precinct 2 Constable Jack White; Precinct 4 Constable Jamie Beene; and Jean Brewer, who is running for Republican Party County Chairman.
Earl Socia, candidate for Precinct 1 commissioner also participated. Incumbent Kelly Traylor was out of town at a job-related conference.
