A Candidates Forum sponsored by Texas Business Women of Bonham and KFYN 1420 AM held Tuesday night at Bailey Inglish Auditorium gave voters in Fannin County an opportunity to learn more about candidates seeking office in the November general election. Approximately 100 residents attended the forum and hundreds more dialed in on the radio to hear what candidates had to say.
Michael Murphy of KFYN served as the moderator.
In addition to featuring local political races, the forum attracted three candidates for the District 4 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, Valinda Hathcox, Jim Prindle and Shane Shepard.
On the state level, candidate for Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Hank Gilbert, candidate for Texas Railroad Commissioner Jeff Weems, candidate for State Board of Education Paul Cardwell and State Representative Larry Phillips were all in attendance.
Fannin County Judge-elect Spanky Carter also addressed the crowd.
Most of the earnest debate centered on candidates vying for local contested races.
In the race for Fannin County Court at Law Judge, current appointee Joe Moss is being challenged by Charles Butler.
The election for Fannin County Clerk will have two candidates with the same first name, as incumbent Tammy Skidmore Rich is challenged by Tammy Biggar.
In the race for Fannin County Tax Assessor/Collector, Ronnie Rhudy, the current appointee, will be challenged by Gail Young.
The Fannin County Commissioner, Pct. 4 race is between incumbent Pat Hilliard and challenger Joe Strong.
The race for Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 has incumbent Alan Hale being challenged by Jennie Burns.
The Constable, Pct. 3 race is between Ira Hicks, the current appointee, and challenger James Kevin Mayberry.
Early voting begins October 18.
All registered voters may vote at the Fannin County Courthouse during the early voting period.
Registered voters will be able to cast his or her ballot from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, October 18 through October 29.
On Saturday, October 23, early voting will be available for the public from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Fannin County Courthouse.
