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At a well-attended candidate forum last Thursday evening, county chairman Ron Hewitt introduced candidates who are running unopposed, and gave 16 candidates in six contested elections the opportunity to introduce themselves and answer written questions submitted by the audience.

Candidates were presented in order of their appearance on the ballot, so the first speaker was incumbent Justice of the Peace Richard Owen, from Precinct #1. He joked that he was unaccustomed to speaking without a teleprompter, told the voters that he had been “honored to be elected,” and touted his training as an attorney.

His challengers were Bob Sykes, W. Kermit Robinson and Sheila Stewart. Sykes told the crowd that he appreciated the opportunity to “get my name and face out there.” He added that he was accustomed to serving the public 24/7 as chief of the Sunrise Beach VFD for ten years, and pointed out that he meets constitutional qualifications for the job.

Kermit Robinson told of his years of experience in law enforcement, and assured the voters that he can “listen to both sides with an unbiased view, and get to the truth.” He said that serving as Justice of the Peace has been a lifetime goal, and that he will give the job “110 percent.”

Sheila Stewart told the crowd that she had served 14 years in county government, including six years as Justice of the Peace. She pointed out that she is familiar with judicial and administrative procedures, works well with other entities, and would be proud to serve again as JP Pct #1. “I’m committed to serving everyone,” she said.

The next contest was Justice of the Peace for Precinct #2, where incumbent Linda Ballard is facing a challenge from Tim McCray. Ballard told the croud how she has risen through the ranks during 11 years in the Precinct #2 office, and is now the JP. She promised to “treat folks fairly and impartially, without prejudice.

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McCray told the voters that he has a “different story.” He wants to provide his two sons, who are very interested in national politics, with a good example of citizenship. He cited his 20 years in law enforcement and his experience working with attorneys, and said, “I would like the opportunity to serve the people of Precinct #2.

Four candidates are running for the seat of retiring commissioner Henry Parker (Pct. #2). They are: Jesse James, Marvin Gray, Paul Green and Linda Raschke.

James told the crowd that he favors lower taxes, less government, more personal responsibility and protecting property rights. He told the voters that he has lived in Llano County for 42 years, that he has previously served (1990-1994) as commissioner, and that he will be a full-time commissioner if elected.

Gray told the voters that he is a part-time rancher who understands the concerns of ranchers in Llano County. He opposes unnecessary taxes, favors better care of county roads (including drainage issues) and wants to improve the floodplain ordinance. He promised to treat everyone with honesty and decency, and said he could be counted on to “return phone calls.”

Green told the audience that he has worked at Precinct #2 for 12 years, and that his “residency and his life experiences” make him well-qualified for the job. He realizes that he “can’t change the world through this position,” but promises to do well whatever he can. He believes that water issues will be a main concern.

Raschke pointed out that she has worked for CTEC for 13 years, and has served on boards of governmental entities, including the Kingsland Water Supply Corporation. She is very familiar with open government rules, and considers “open and transparent government” important and necessary. Her priorities would be low taxes and good roads, and she promises “strong, ethical and reliable representation for Pct. #2”

The crowd also heard from two candidates who are seeking the Republican nomination to run against Democrat Jerry Don Moss, commissioner of Precinct #4.

Roy Inks II told the crowd that he has been in public service for 32 years, four with the U.S. Navy, and 28 with Parks & Wildlife. He has dealt with small and large contracts, has run 17 state parks, and been responsible for 350 miles of park roads. His work also involved water and wastewater, important issues in county government.

Don Stiles joked that he was the candidate who had CHOSEN Llano County, telling the crowd that he had visited off and on since 1970, then moved here in 2004. He has studied sociology and rural and urban planning; he has a master’s degree in behavioral science. He has 30 years administrative experience, and worked 14 years as a probation officer. He pledged that he would be a “full-time commissioner,” and said he is “very committed to see the job through.”

Two challengers to U.S. Representative Mike Conaway were present: Sunrise Beach businessman Al Cowan and San Angelo fireman/farmer Chris Younts. Both were troubled by Conaway’s vote in favor of government bailouts last year.

Candidate Tim Tuggey and a representative for incumbent Ken Mercer debated the race for State Board of Education, District 5, and spouses put in an appeal for two judge candidates. Melissa Goodwin’s husband and Scott Field’s wife ably represented the two candidates for the Third Court of Appeals.