Candidates Spar at First GOP Primary Debate

By Gloria Way

  Most GOP primary candidates for Chambers County elected offices participated in last Thursday’s Chamber County GOP Candidate Forum. The forum was held in the J. Justin Jenson Conference Room at Barbers Hill ISD.

  Before the debate began, Pct 4 Commissioner Ryan Dagley addressed the audience. Dagley is running unopposed for Chambers County Judge. Dagley reminded everyone that “we are all Republicans. We may have a favorite in a certain race and that is all good, but, when the election is over and the winner is announced, we must support the winner. We must let go of any animosity or ill will and support the Republican nominee.”

  David Redd, chairman of the Chambers County GOP, was moderator. He asked his own prepared questions as well as questions submitted by the audience.

  Several races are being contested. 253^rd District Court Judge has two candidates, incumbent Judge Chap Cain and challenger Liberty attorney Josh Fitzgerald. The debate became quite contentious when Fitzgerald stated that the 253^rd court needed to be more “efficient”. This statement raised the ire of Judge Cain who strongly defended his record of “clearing the docket”.

Cain mentioned studies that have shown that his court clears more cases than the similar 344th court and the 75th court. Cain and Fitzgerald used their three “rebuttals” to address the issue of efficiency in the 253^rd court.

  One of the most interesting races is the open seat of Pct 4 Commissioner. Two former commissioners are running, former Commissioner Rusty Senac and former Commissioner Bill Wallace. Wallace was commissioner for 12 years when Senac challenged him in the GOP primary. Senac won and served for eight years when he retired. Both men are very knowledgeable in the workings of the county and commissioners’ court.

  There are three candidates running for Justice of Peace Pct. 5. The incumbent is David Hatfield, and the two challengers are former Pct. 5 Constable Brad Moon and businesswoman Cindy Wallace Davis. Judge Hatfield stressed his community volunteerism for over 30 years in the volunteer fire department and EMS. Moon emphasized his years in law enforcement and Davis talked about her community involvement and business acumen.

  Three candidates are running for Justice of the Peace Pct. 6. Long time incumbent Larry Cryer is retiring after 44 years. Businessman Jimmy Smith, Amanda Cordell, and Jimmy Moss. Moss could not attend and had a surrogate speak on his behalf. Cordell was visibly uncomfortable answering the questions saying, “I do so much better one on one.”

  Nathan Watkins, candidate for Texas State Representative District 23, was clearly a crowd favorite as he graduated from Barber’s Hill High School and worked as city manager for Mont Belvieu for eight years. He stressed his military background and negotiating skills as former city manager. He emphasized, “All that you see, the roads, the infrastructure, industry growth, residential growth, I have had a hand in as city manager.” Incumbent Terri Leo Wilson was unable to attend as her daughter just gave birth and Wilson was with her, but former Chambers County GOP Chairman Eric Smith spoke on her behalf.

  Attorney Todd Frankfort is running for Justice First Court of Appeals Place 3. He was the only candidate in the race that attended. He addressed the audience and talked about his 30 years’ experience in corporate, real estate, and family law.

  Another BHHS graduate and crowd favorite Ryan Caruso works for State Senator Mayes Middleton and Mayes Middleton for Texas Attorney General. Middleton could not attend but Caruso spoke on his behalf. He emphasized that Middleton is a conservative leader with a proven record to match; that he has fought to secure the border, protect taxpayers, and defend families—while proudly supporting President Trump and the America First agenda.

  The next GOP candidate forum will be held at Winnie Stowell Community Building on Thursday, January 29^th. Doors open at 6pm and the debate begins at 6:30pm. The Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum on Tuesday, February 10^th. Doors open at 6pm. Chili will be available for purchase.