As of press time, only one set of answers has been received from Wortham candidates running for either City Council or School Board of Trustees.
Questions were mailed / emailed on Friday, April 14th. If you are a candidate, and did not receive yours, please contact our office at 903-389-6397 or via email to news@freestonecountytimes.com
We can still get that information in for our readers next week, prior to Election Day.
Here is what was asked of candidates running for Wortham Mayor / City Council:
1. What qualifications or special skills will you bring to Wortham City Council?
Scott Batts: I have served on the Wortham City Council for a couple of terms a few years ago and I am seeking my third consecutive term on May 6. I have a Masters Degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University and the business background is a positive asset for the discussions, especially in budget and money management. I feel serving the community is vital for its continued success and I would like to work with this group for another term.
2. Looking over the last 12 months, what has the City of Wortham excelled in doing?
Scott Batts: It is so tough to make decisions when there is not an abundant amount of money to work with. I have seen other cities struggle with money issues and city hall problems and we are no different, however, we have had solid audits in the city hall and have turned a profit on the budget for the last couple of years. That is no magic really, it is just sound money management and watching every dollar that goes out and making good decisions when money is needed to be spent to keep the infrastructure intact for the long haul.
3. Name one thing you would like to see improved, and what you would do as an Alderman / Mayor to see it accomplished.
Scott Batts: I can imagine that the citizens want to see street improvements and that is a certain need, but over the last few years, the city has been replacing water lines and those are the streets on the line for improvement. I would like to see that process begin, and also begin seeking out a different option for an alternate water source. We buy water from the City of Mexia and that is our current main source, but if there is a continued shortage or drought conditions trend downward, we will need to seek an alternate source.
4. Anything else you would like voters to know?
Scott Batts: If anyone has been to our council chambers, they will find that I will question things that I think an everyday citizen would ask. I do not ever want to see us pass things through without discussion when something important may be missed. I enjoy the opportunities to see our city grow but I want it to be in a concentrated and ethical manner. I put in for re-election and did the paperwork properly and in a timely manner. I ask the people to vote for the one that they feel will take the city into the future. I am a teacher in a local school district, I work hard for my salary and the decisions I make from my seat have the city’s best interest at heart. I love the City of Wortham and I ask for your vote for another term on the council.
Early Voting began Monday and continues 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 24th – Friday, April 28th; and on Monday, May 1st and Tuesday, May 2nd at Wortham Community Center.
On the ballot for the City of Wortham include incumbent Mayor Pellie Goolsby (unopposed); and running for 2 at-large council positions will be incumbents Cliff NeSmith and Scott Batts, along with candidates Patrick Evans and Cal Johnson (write-in).
For Wortham ISD School Board election, incumbent Michael Dunn is unopposed for Place 5, candidates Jennifer R. Evans and Brett Duke are vying for Place 6, and incumbent Jeff Jones is unopposed for Place 7.
Election Day is Saturday, May 6th with polls open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. City of Wortham and Wortham ISD voters (Wortham #7) will cast their ballots at Wortham Community Center, 105 W. Main Street.
GO VOTE!
