General election no moot point in Jasper
By JULIE WEBB

Although the general election involving local candidates and issues is usually a moot point in Jasper County, this year's election contains a couple of contested races, the incorporation (or not) of Buna and a request for an increase in the maximum rate of the ad valorem tax for District 4 emergency services. All four of the voting items could have long-term effects on Jasper County.

The race for Jasper County Judge, a position being vacated by Joe Folk who is retiring, is between (Rep) Janet Cherry and (Dem) Mark Allen. Neither of whom has held public office before.

Cherry, whose background is in business, has stressed the importance of county budget preparation as her strong suit. Calling the budget her "top priority," she said commissioners, under the direction of the county judge, should allocate funds equitably, pay employees a fair wage and fund law enforcement properly.

Allen, whose background is in law enforcement, stresses his history in criminal justice and emergency management. He was the assistant emergency management co-ordinator during Hurricane Rita and serves as an investigator under lame-duck Jasper County District Attorney Ted Walker.

(Dem) Roy Parker and (Rep) Kenneth E. "Cigar" Cofty are vying for the Precinct 2 commissioner's seat being vacated by retiring Rod Barger.

Parker, who has been involved in the timber industry for 25 years, says he has a business degree that qualifies him to manage budgets, supervise workers and control costs.

Cofty, who has worked in construction for 21 years, says his experience in management and equipment operations gives him a step up towards the commissioner's seat.

Whether or not Buna will be incorporated falls into the hands of a few. Only residents voting in Precinct 4 voting boxes 9, 15 and 16 will cast votes.

The incorporation has been a hotly contested issue, brought about by the need Jasper County emergency for more law enforcement in the area. Commissioners and the sheriff's office have repeatedly stated that there are not enough officers to maintain the presence Buna residents are demanding.

Incorporation would allow Buna to hire its own law enforcement and establish a city government. Those against the incorporation state they do not want to pay more taxes.

Buna is the only town of its size in the county that is not incorporated and is one of only two areas of its size in the state that is not incorportated.

services District 4 is requesting an increase of three cents (from three to six cents) per $100 in the maximum rate of the ad valorem taxes, in order to fund those emrgency services.

Local candidates whose names appear on the ballot, won their primaries, and are unopposed include:

(Dem) Jerome Owens- District Judge, Judicial District 1A

(Dem) Steve Hollis-Jasper County Criminal District Attorney

(Dem) Linda Ryall- District Clerk (Dem) Debbie Newman- County Clerk

(Dem) Rene' Kelley- County Treasurer

(Dem) Ronny Billingsley- Justice of the Peace Precinct 1

(Rep) Brett Holloway- Justice of the Peace Precinct 5

(Dem) Freddie Miller- Justice of the Peace Precinct 2

(Dem) Susan Ratcliff- Justice of the Peace Precinct 3

(Dem) Vance Moss- County Commissioner Precinct 4

(Dem) C.E. "Joe" Wilkinson-Justice of the Peace Precinct 4

(Dem) Steve Conner- Justice of the Peace Precinct 6

(Dem) Tommy Robinson- Constable Precinct 6