Coming out in droves, federal, state, and county candidates came to Freestone County recently to speak with voters at the annual Candidate Fourm, hosted by Freestone County Retired Teachers Association.


The cold weather was perfect the night of January 30, 2020 for the hot bowls of chili servered up to a roomful of citizens at the Fairfield High School cafeteria.


Over twenty hopeful candidates spoke during the event, with the microphone limited to only those in contested races.


Several county level positions are unopposed, such as incumbents Brian Evans – County Attorney, Sheriff Jeremy Shipley, Andy Bonner – Pct. 1 Commissioner, and Pct. 1 Constable Buck Bonner.


Also running unopposed in Freestone County include Daniel Ralstin, who is running for the position of County Tax Assessor-Collector, currently held by Lisa Foree; and Daniel Ramsey, who is running for Pct. 2 Constable, currently held by Lynn Clary.


Foree and Clary did not file their candidacy for their terms ending this year.


Republican County Chair Doug Sanford and Democratic County Chair Richard O’Dell were also in attendance. Both are listed as unopposed on their respective Primary Election ballot.


County Commissioner
Pct. 3


Sonoma Adkins (R) (pictured at top) said she would work diligently with current commissioner in securing grants. She spoke to the need to maintain county equipment of ALL precincts.
“I will return every call,” said Adkins.


Lloyd Lane (R) stated he would handle issues in a timely manner and work with TxDOT.
The solution to reducing the budget, says Lane, is to bring new business to the County. “No one wants taxes to go up,” he says. “We need to create jobs.”


Ronnie French (R) says he will be a working commissioner. His plan for saving taxpayer monies include utilizing inmates and completing repairs in-house.
“I will be available anytime,” says French, who plans to keep on “open door” policy.


Constable
Pct. 3


Unable to attend in person, incumbent Pamela Brackens Barnes (R) sent her husband, Dexter, to address voters.
Described as “tough as nails, but soft on the inside,” Barnes is motivated by a love for people, especially the elderly.
“Pam appreciates your voter and would love to continue to be your constable,” continues her husband.


L.J. McAdams (R) said he would be proud to be a full-time working constable for precinct three.
He assureed voters that he would “tell you the way it is.”


Republican candidate Richard Lee McGowan was scheduled to appear, but canceled due to illness.


Constable
Pct. 4


Michael Carter (R) said he would work closely with county law enforcement and would be out at night to enforce the laws in precinct four.
Carter says he got into law enforcement because he loves to help people and wanted to help change lives.
“Not all people that do crime are bad people,” said Carter.”They just made a bad mistake.”


Republican candidate Ken I. Sessions was not in attendance.


(Photos by Karen Leidy)