There were more than 120 people present for the forum and the following candidates were present:
1.  State Representative - Representative Betty Brown
                                       Wade Gent

2. 392nd District Court - Judge Carter Tarrance
                                      Barry Bilger

3.  Henderson County District Attorney - DA Donna Bennett
                                                            Scott McKee

4.  Henderson County Attorney - County Attorney James Owen
                                                 Clint Davis

5.  Henderson County Sheriff -  Chief Deputy A. W. “Tony” Allison
                                               Mitch Baker
                                               Ray Nutt

There were numerous other candidates there who are unapposed in the primaries. We did not allow the unapposed candidates time to speak at the forum, since this had been agreed to by the parties earlier. All candidates were introduced by the Moderator, myself.

Each candidate was given 3 minutes to state their positions concerning the office they are seeking. Following this written questions were submitted to me to ask each of the candidates. As a side note we had informed all of the audience in advance that we would not field any questions that had nothing to do with the issues. Regardless I received several questions that dealt with personal matters or attacked a candidates integrity and these were thrown out.

Following numerous questions we opened the floor to questions and received perhaps a half a dozen. At that time, after 1 1/2 hours, I closed the meeting and the candidates and the public had coffeee and cookies and continued to talk for another hour. Finally closed the center a little after 9:30 PM.

We have had numerous compliments on the way the meeting was run and the candidates have all said this is the largest crowd they have had a chance to speak too. The Greater Lake Palestine Council plans to host at least 3 forums in the fall, so that all of those still in the race may once again contrast their views as to what they feel is necessary.

With January behind us, we should all be just about over the Holidays, well perhaps not the bills incurred but the holidays themselves.  I hope this month’s newsletter finds you in good health, there are several illnesses running rampant here in Henderson County so I hope you got your Flu Shot. We will all need our health as we move forward into February with all of its events, meetings, and forums leading up to the March 4^th Primary.

On the Local and State Levels, there are several opportunities to meet the candidates and hear what they have to say here in Henderson County.  On Saturday the 9^th at 6pm, the Malakoff Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring “Men Who Cook” at the Malakoff Community Center. This is a community event where you can meet some of the candidates in a family type atmosphere. On the 11^th at 7pm, the Greater Lake Palestine Council is sponsoring a forum at the Civic Center in Chandler where each candidate will take questions. On the 13^th the HCRW will host a forum during their regular meeting in Gun Barrel City. On the 14^th the LSRW are hosting a State Representative Forum during their regular meeting in Athens.  On Saturday night the 16^th, the HCRW are hosting a Fundraising Potato Dinner in Gun Barrel City.  On The 21^st at 7pm there will be a large forum at TVCC Athens which will be broadcasted on KCKL Radio. On the 26^th, the Lake Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet will be held in Frankston where the candidates will be introduced. On the 28^th, the CCRC will hold a forum during their regular meeting in Gun Barrel City.  For more information on the above listed events, go to the “Events” page on our website or call Don at 903-675-2829. 

For all Election Workers; there will be a training session on Saturday the 9^th of February so please mark your calendar and don’t forget.  Also, there are many Election Judge and Clerk positions that need to be filled before the Feb 9^th training session. Please help us have a “Glitch Free” Primary by volunteering your time to the Party. Call Don Geddie for information.
It is coming down to the wire folks, the election is one month away! Do you know who your candidates are? We have several contested races in front of us and some good candidates to choose from. Do your homework and choose who will best represent your interests over the next few years, then cast your vote when the time comes. There is a lot at stake on every level in this election and I can’t express the importance of doing your homework. Let’s make the United States, Texas, and Henderson County the best they can be.

God Bless and God Bless America