ELECTION GUIDE
GLEN ROSE REPORTER & YOURGLENROSETX.COM | Thursday, February 13, 2014 | PAGE C4
One-term judge ready for retirement GRR Staff Report
County Judge Mike Ford surprised residents in September. Currently winding down his first term at the helm of Somervell County Commissioners Court, Ford said he would not seek a second term.
Ford ran unopposed on the Republican primary ballot in 2010 and narrowly defeated a challenge from Democrat Dwayne Griffin, who had defeated the incumbent, Walter Maynard, in the Democratic primary. Prior to being elected to the
judge’s seat, Ford served as a commissioner. While he was aware of the woes facing the county, they seemed to grow exponentially during his service as judge. A county that was accustomed to low taxes and high revenue suddenly found itself faced with dwindling revenue
and citizens who felt they had been taxed enough already, not wanting to make current payment for past budgeting mistakes. They told Ford cutting services was not an option. But neither was raising taxes. Stepping down from the helm in December, the county’s
sometimes-embattled chief budget officer citied a desire to enjoy life while there is still time to do so when he announced his plans to vacate the office. Meanwhile, five candidates are vying to take the seat, offering ideas for cutting costs and tackeling budget woes head-on. Mike Ford
MEET THE CANDIDATES - County Judge • Texas State Technical Institute, Waco • Control Data Institute, Dallas • Engineer Apprentice Program, Westinghouse Corp.
Danny Chambers, 54 Lifelong resident FAMILY • Wife of 24 years, Darlene Chambers • Sons, Drew Chambers and Heath Chambers and wife, Chelsea • Five grandchildren EDUCATION • Glen Rose High School, Class of 1978
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE • Business owner, 30 years I have also worked with — and for — large corporations in administrative and supervisory positions. CURRENT CAREER • Owner Chambers RV and Woody’s Supply If elected, I will hire help if necessary, so that I can dedicate my full attention to Somervell County.
• Served on numerous business committees and Chapter 41 efforts through the state CURRENT MEMBERSHIPS • None. Many in the past.
Jerry Lee, 60 22-year resident FAMILY • Wife of 34 years, Susan • Two children, Ryan Lee and Katy Lee Fehler EDUCATION • BBA Finance, Sam Houston State University ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE • 30 years with Texas Utilities, last 20 as director of community relations, getting communities where TU operated everything they needed • Owned and operated several local businesses CURRENT CAREER • After retirement, I owned and operated Glen Rose Wreckers. That business is now owned by my brother. • I enjoy taking care of my daughter and sonin-law’s cattle.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE • None currently. Many in the past.
Lee Q&A Q: What are the duties of county judge? A: To serve as financial officer of the county; misdemeanor and felony judge in juvenile matters; misdemeanor judge for adult county court; probate matters; serves as spokesperson to the media; and insure that the emergency/safety needs of this county are staffed and funded — this is and always will be a nuclear community. Q: What are the most pressing challenges currently facing Somervell County? A: Bankruptcy/ devaluation of Comanche Peak Nuclear Plant. Q: Explain your ideas for balancing dwindling revenue while maintaining services.
PREVIOUS SERVICE • None
A: For 2014, our revenues equal our expenses. So, what I would do is tighten up everything I could and put money back in savings. The future is less guaranteed. I believe the value of the power plant could drop another 20 to 25 percent in addition to the 15 percent it dropped for this year.
PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS • Texas Association of Business — specializing in worker’s comp and insurance, clean air, development of water needs for the State of Texas and the “Robin Hood” school finance laws and how those districts could survive
I have a very specific strategy to deal with the current and possible new owner of the power plant. That strategy has been shared in detail with Judge Mike Ford and others. These vital negotiations are taking place now and will end when it’s once again an equal effort of partners.
FUTURE PLANS • I will continue to takecare of my daughter and son-inlaw’s cattle.
PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • General Dynamics
CURRENT MEMBERSHIPS • Glen Rose Chamber of Commerce
• DDC Service Co.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE • Somervell County Cancer Support Group
• Walsh Construction • Bell Helicopter • Public Transit Services • Chambers Storage SERVICE AS ELECTED OFFICIAL • Glen Rose City Council, current PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS • City of Glen Rose 4B Tax Advisory Board, 2011-13 • Somervell County Crime Stoppers board of directors, current
Q: You are faced with a need to cut expenses. What adjustments do you feel could make the greatest difference (cost savings) for the county? A: Currently, 2014, the revenues equal the expenses. But, we need to prepare for the future by minimizing expenses where we can. Q: If the only option is to cut services, which are those that should first be addressed? A: The expo center would get my attention. It currently loses $1 million a year or $20,000 a week or $3,000 every single day. The expo is a valuable asset. I think it can be managed better without the need for this enormous subsidy. Q: What is your stance on economic development? How do you feel Somervell County can best attract such growth? A: Economic development can be good and bad. For those who have been here for some time, let me just say, “Doug Hutchinson!” That experience cost us millions. The good: we, as a community, found Lt. Col. Jody Butler. He had been a city manager in three small towns like Glen Rose and had a great reputation in economic development. We put him on Texas Utilities’ payroll and gave him the resources to clean up the mess and lay the groundwork to move forward. My experience is that communities are best served to concentrate on the small businesses they already have helping them to grow and create new jobs. New business that creates good jobs always helps.
Chambers Q&A Q: What are the duties of county judge? A: To serve as presiding officer of commissioner’s court, judge of county court, budgeting officer of the county, work with residents and elected officials of the community to move county forward.
with our revenue. Q: If elected, you would serve as the chief financial officer for Somervell County. Explain your ideas for balancing dwindling revenue while maintaining services. A: The budget will have to be examined and reviewed from A to Z and decisions made accordingly.
Q: What are the most pressing challenges currently facing Somervell County?
Q: You are faced with a need to cut expenses. Considering the list of current services provided — and facilities maintained — by the county, what adjustments do you feel could make the greatest difference (cost savings) for the county?
A: To bring the expenses and the budget in line
A: Many things can change over the course
Q: What makes you the best candidate?
nuclear safety. I understand this county and what it needs.
A: 1. I’m ready right now. I understand property taxes. I understand
2. I’ve always had a “big” picture, long-term view.
of one year. I’m not going to make bold statements about items which affect so many lives without all the facts and not being able to have input on decisions for the next year. Q: What is your stance on economic development? How do you feel Somervell County can best attract such growth? A: We need to use what resources and information we have to move Somervell County forward in an affordable, wise and best manner for the taxpayers of Somervell County. Q: What makes you the best candidate? A: Listening to and working for — and with — the residents of Somervell.
What is happening today, this week, and this year is important, but longterm consistent success belongs to those that plan and prepare years ahead.