Meredith Caddell, CEO of the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, served
as the moderator for Thursday night's Chamber sponsored Political Forum.

 

Thursday Night's Political Forum
Spotlighted Experiences and Differences

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

 

Thursday nights Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce sponsored Political Forum, in the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, brought out candidates in three contested races, that local voters will be deciding on November 2nd. The races involved the Precinct #2 County Commissioners race, the race for Hopkins County Judge, and the State Representative Race for our Northeast Texas District.

 

 

First to speak were the two candidates for Hopkins County Commissioner Precinct #2, Mike Odell and Trey Hinton. Each opened with a one minute presentation of their candidacy and highlighted their experiences and backgrounds, for the large crowd gathered. "I could walk on to the grounds of the county barn in the morning and begin work as your County Commissioner," related Mike Odell. "I have the background in equipment maintenance, road and dirt work, and business to be your next County Commissioner."

"I've been involved in a number of businesses, including the dairy business, real estate, and the trucking business, that prepares me for dealing with the job," countered Trey Hinton. "I know about payroll and have studied the various materials for building roads, and have experience in preparing house pads, for construction."

 

    

Mike Odell                                                              Trey Hinton

 

 

Both candidates were asked a number of submitted questions and related their strategy for dealing with the problems affecting the county budget and various aspects of local government.

 

 

 

Hopkins County voters listened to the candidates and helped to make their decisions in the local
contested races.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next on the program was the two candidates seeking the position of Hopkins County Judge, Cletis Millsap and Chris Brown. "I have the experience of serving on your local City Council and meeting the needs of payroll, construction, and allocation of your tax dollars in a conservative manner," declared Chris Brown. "I stand by the local law enforcement and firefighters and feel that we must continue to meet their needs to protect us all! But, I have a lot of questions regarding the construction of a new jail or renovation of the current one! I offer a new vision not just for the next 4 years, but for the next 40!"

 

    

Cletis Millsap                                                                        Chris Brown

 

"I offer 12 years of experience in the office and bringing grant money to Hopkins County, by serving on numerous boards, all across Northeast Texas," countered Cletis Millsap. "I want to serve you four more years and continue the work that we've already started. The current downturn in the economy has affected everyone, including your county government, and we've had to make some hard choices. Hopefully, with bringing outside money in the form of grants to Hopkins County, will continue to help ease the burden on taxpayers and meet the needs of the county. I've worked hard to bring in money to fund numerous projects that adds to our economy and works to keep local people employed."

Several issues, including the renovation or the construction of a new Hopkins County jail, were highlighted as each of the candidates outlined their solutions and outlooks on the issues in the race.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meredith Caddell, moderator for the night's event, then introduced State Representative Candidates Mark Homer, incumbent, and Erwin Cain, the challenger. "I've always stood for education and have a background in living and serving in this district, as one of you," expressed Mark Homer. "Contrary to what my opponent would have you to believe, I've worked to bring jobs, improve living conditions, and maintain our rural district here in Northeast Texas. Our differences are highlighted by the fact that I've worked with both House Democrats and Republicans in getting legislation passed to benefit Northeast Texas. Congressman Ralph Hall is one of my friends, but once he leaves office, this district is going to be represented by a Mercedes Benz driving lawyer, from the Metroplex, who doesn't know anything about the needs of rural Northeast Texas. We've got to keep our rural representation and issues, in the forefront of those who represent us!"

 

     

Mark Homer                                                                            Erwin Cain

 

 

Cain challenged with a series of platform differences from his own party and how he hoped to bring conservative values to the office of State Representative in Austin. "I'm your conservative candidate, that can make the hard decisions on issues in Austin," expressed Cain. "I stand against abortion, same sex marriage, and for making government transparent and putting our education money in the classroom. I feel we've got to expand our tax base and get government out of our pocketbook. We need to bring industry to Northeast Texas and my children go to school in the Como-Pickton ISD."

Several differences between the two candidates for State Representative brought "fire" from their opponents, as the 30 minutes of answering prepared questions ensured. Topics from legalized gambling, to making the entire state of Texas "wet," to providing education "vouchers" were discussed, as the candidates were asked their opinions about the various issues.

"I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting the candidates, and the candidates for coming and helping us to decide about the upcoming election," expressed Caddell in her closing remarks.

The candidates were available for individual questions, following their presentations, and many local voters were asking questions to make a more educated decision in the upcoming election.

 

 

 

______