“Voting is the most important thing we can do as ordinary citizens.”
This statement by Jerry Ballew, candidate for Teague Alderman, Place 1, perfectly summed up the theme of the Candidate Forum hosted by the Freestone County Times on Thursday, March 29th at the Teague Community Center.
Incumbents and candidates for Teague City Council, Wortham ISD School Board, and Wortham City Council were invited to the forum to share their experience and plans for the future of their communities.
Doug Miller, incumbent candidate for Wortham ISD School Board, Place 2, was the first to speak. (Pictured at left)
Mr. Miller is seeking a fourth term, running against write-in candidate Waylon Gierisch, who was not in attendance.
He grew up in Wortham then attended Stephen F. Austin University before moving back home where he raised his own children in the Wortham Independent School District, joining the school’s Board of Education in 2015.
“I wasn’t there just for my kids,” he said about his time on the Board, “I’m there for all kids.”
Miller believes that Wortham ISD’s success is due largely in part to their commitment to education, quality teachers, and the security of a small school.
When asked about the expected drop in revenue for Freestone County schools’ following the closure of Big Brown mine, Mr. Miller replied that, although Wortham has not been affected as greatly as some of its neighboring districts, they do face cut-backs all the time.
Miller says that the District’s solution has been to create “hybrid jobs”, or dual jobs, for its teaching staff instead of eliminating educational and extracurricular activities.
“You want to offer as much as you can to all students,” he explained. “Those programs are expensive, but we want to keep them.”
If re-elected, Miller says that he will continue working toward his ongoing goal of being a good steward of his District’s money and resources.
With no other candidates for Wortham’s School Board or City Council in attendance, Teague’s five mayoral candidates took the stage.
Introducing themselves to the audience, each candidate detailed their motivation for seeking the position of Teague’s Mayor, and the experience and skills they have to offer the community.
Jack “Butch” Hansel, a 45-year veteran of the United States Air Force, attended Saint Leo University in Florida before coming to Teague. He and his wife, Jackie, have raised six children, sixteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Hansel describes himself as a Christian and a Conservative.
“Wild” Bill May came from West Texas to Teague, where he operated an electronics business on 4th Avenue for forty years. At 87 years old, Mr. May jokes that he has “about broke Medicare” but is still energetic and committed in his service to the community.
Daniel “Corey” Turner was born and raised in Teague and has worked in the oil and gas industry for ten years.
Andrew “Drew” Wolf has lived in Teague for the past seven years with his wife, Nicole. Together they operate Wolf Pack Karate. Currently an Assistant District Attorney with the Navarro County District Attorney’s Office, Wolf has been a public servant for a decade. He says that he is committed to seeing a positive change in the community through slow, sustained growth.
James Monks came to Freestone County in 1984 working as an electrician. He and his wife, Wyma have raised four children in Teague and have four grandchildren. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Teague, and the Board of Directors for the Lord’s Storehouse. Monks has also served as a reserve officer with the Freestone County Sheriff’s Office and Teague Police Department. He hopes to improve Teague, and attract more families to the area.
Representing the race for Teague’s City Council, were incumbents and candidates for Places 1 and 3.
Jerry Ballew, candidate for Place 1, running against incumbent Melvin Mims who was not in attendance, has lived in Teague since 1984 with his wife of 24 years Brenda. The couple has five children and six grandchildren. Originally from Troup, Texas, he studied electrical engineering at Stephen F. Austin University and the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Ballew believes that his engineering background, along with his experience in construction planning and budgeting make him an ideal candidate. He currently serves as the president of Teague’s Neighborhood Watch.
Marie Hertenberger, incumbent candidate for Place 3, has served the Council for several terms. She shared that she would like the opportunity to serve another term, explaining that “the City is doing good things” and she would like to see it through. Moving to Teague from Houston in 1994, Hertenberger says she chose Teague because of the low crime rate, and has since enjoyed her life in the safe little town. As a real estate agent, she owned and operated her own business. Her main focus on the Council is to improve Teague’s infrastructure, sewer, water, and streets.
Dennis Cox, write-in candidate for Place 3, was born and raised in Teague. He graduated from Teague High School in 1976 and went to work at the brick factory. He moved to Huntsville to study at Sam Houston State University and married his high school sweetheart, Debbie a short time later. He served as a Civilian Police Officer and Deputy Station Commander with the United Nations in Kosovo, supervising democratic police training. Cox and his wife eventually returned to settle in Teague while he worked with several local law enforcement agencies, including serving as Teague’s Chief of Police.
Each candidate was given an opportunity to answer three questions.
—What is the best asset that the City of Teague currently enjoys?
Bill May responded that Teague’s location is its best asset. Close to a railroad, major highways, and interstate and situated between Dallas and Houston, May believes that Teague is sitting in a great spot to support new growth.
Jack Hansel says the he believes Teague has a strong City Council that works hard to make Teague a livable community, as well as good schools.
Corey Turner answered that he considers the City’s Police Department and school system to be its greatest assets.
Andrew Wolf believes that the community is Teague’s greatest attribute. He praised the community for their involvement, and their desire to be involved.
James Monks says the best part of Teague is the people who live there, and their willingness to come together and help each other.
Jerry Ballew responded that the attitude of the town through new development and community activity, as well as its citizenry, is the City’s best asset.
Marie Hertenberger stated that the people of Teague, along with the Council, Volunteer Fire Department, Chamber of Commerce, [etc.] and other organizations’ familiarity and togetherness point to a strong community.
Dennis Cox mirrored the group’s response, giving examples of numerous times that the community has come together in times of crisis and tragedy, to support each other.
—If elected, what would you like to accomplish by the end of your term?
The answer from all candidates could be summed up by three main points – Infrastructure, Beautification, and New Growth.
—What makes you the best candidate for the position?
Bill May answered that he will strive to do the best job he can do for the people of Teague.
Jack Hansel referenced his experience in the United States Air Force supervising multi-million dollar projects, as well as his determination to obtain his college degree at the age of 50.
Corey Turner volunteered that, as the youngest candidate, he doesn’t know much about being Mayor, but makes up for it with his resolve to better the town he grew up in.
Andrew Wolf shared that his education and career as an attorney has earned him management experience and knowledge of budgets. He voiced his desire to see the town continue to grow and flourish.
James Monks answered that his 34 years of service to the community, and aspiration to make Teague a great place for his children and grandchildren to live make him uniquely qualified.
Jerry Ballew, drawing on his experience as a Physical Plant Director, replied “I know a lot, I’ve done a lot. I’m very detailed, honest, and I want to make Teague the best it can be.”
Marie Hertenberger cites her time on the Council which she says has given her a familiarity and knowledge of the job.
Dennis Cox, who has also served on the Council before, says that his past experience with the City, knowledge of the budget process, and history of community service make qualify him for the position.
City and School elections will be held Saturday, May 5, 2018.
Special thanks to all of the candidates who made time to attend, the City of Teague for providing the use of the Community Center, and Sam’s Original Restaurant of Fairfield for providing tea and coffee.
