A closer look at the upcoming March 2 Primary

Following are individuals who are seeking public office in Leon County and will have a contested race in the March 2 Primary Election. Only two Democrats have filed and they are not opposing each other. All of the candidates were contacted and given an opportunity to state their platform or why they are running.

County Judge

Incumbent Byron Ryder – Incumbent seeking his third term as Leon County Judge. “One reason I want to be reelected is there is lots of unfinished business that needs to be completed. I enjoy helping people and my goal is to make Leon County a better place to live.”

Challenger Mark Matthews – A self employed individual dealing primarily in equine dentistry. “The reason I am running for judge is I want things to be equal for everyone. I want voters to have more input about large amounts of County money being spent. We should have voted on the Expo Center before the decision was made to spend that much money. County contracts should be open to everyone to bid on. I just think the people of the County should have more say in how their money is spent.” County Clerk – no incumbent

Christie Wakefield –Currently works as Deputy County Clerk and brings ten years of experience to the table. “If elected I will staunchly and meticulously uphold the laws of the State of Texas and Leon County.”

Lois Milstead – Employed as a car salesperson at Henson Ford, Milstead believes she would bring a fresh perspective to the office of County Clerk. “I believe the County needs someone that’s new with new ideas. I want to see what can be done to make it better.” County Treasurer – no incumbent

Brandi Hill – Has worked for the Walker County Community Supervision and Corrections Department for seven years. “I see the office of County Treasurer as an opportunity to serve the citizens that have invested in so much of my life”

Karen Broach- Has worked for the Leon County Treasurers office since June 2006. In her current responsibilities she helps keep account of the money for Leon County. “I enjoy the work and see this as the opportunity I have been waiting for to serve the County and run the Treasurers office.” County Commissioner Precinct

# 4

Incumbent Dean Player – Came into office in November 04 to fill an unexpired term of the previous Commissioner and was elected in the ’06 race. “We’ve done a lot of positive things in Leon County and particularly in Precinct 4, especially in the quality and safety of the roads. I enjoy what I do and hope to help Leon County reach its potential.”

Challenger Jerry Grimes- Has been in law enforcement since 1977 and has worked for the Leon County Sheriff’s Department since 1997. “I’ve always wanted to serve the people and this job of County Commissioner would give me an opportunity to do just that.” Justice of the Peace Precinct # 4

Incumbent Doug Preston –Seeking re-election for third term. “I love this job because I get a lot of contact with people and I get to help them out a lot. I hold small claims court for those who can’t get help any other way.”

Challenger Reggie Harris – Owns a trucking company and worked as a constable for one year. “I know people in Leon County and I feel the JP needs to be more visible. If I am elected I would have a more centrally located office than we now have.” County Commissioner-- Precinct# 2

Republican David Ferguson will face Democrat Gregory Smith but the two will not meet until the November election. Other candidates are running unopposed.