Bonham -- In the first meeting of Fannin County Commissioners Court since Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Strong suffered a fatal heart attack, Fannin County Judge Spanky Carter explained in detail the government code that specifies the process to replace a commissioner. Each county in Texas has four commissioners. The Texas Constitution of 1876 dictates that each county commissioners court is to be comprised of four commissioners and a county judge. County commissioners court is the chief administrative board in each county.

When a vacancy occurs among the commissioners, the county judge has the responsibility of selecting an appointment who will serve until the next General Election. In this particular case, the person Judge Carter appoints as Precinct 4 Commissioner will serve until December 31, 2014. The candidate who wins the General Election in the fall will assume the position of Fannin County Precinct 4 Commissioner January 1, 2015.

"Over the next two weeks," Judge Carter began, "I encourage anyone interested in the Precinct 4 seat to bring a resume and turn it in to Rita [administrative assistant to county judge]. My hope is that there will be several residents of Precinct 4 who will be interested. When I receive resumes, I will interview every person. I'll do my very best to make the best choice for Fannin County. I can't tell you today how long that process will take. To the folks who live in Precinct 4, male or female, whether they are 18 or 118, I would encourage everyone to get involved in county government. That's why I'm waiting two weeks. I've given this process a lot of thought. I go into this with no preconceived notion. I just want to select the best person to represent Precinct 4."

In order to serve as a county commissioner, an individual must be a qualified voter, a resident of that precinct and have never been convicted of a felony.

"Once a selection is made, I hope you will get behind them," Judge Carter added. "I only want what is best for Fannin County."