Our Viewpoint
Election process tested

The election process in Jasper will work in May.

Thanks to the citizens of Jasper who filed for city and school board elections, the election process will be held and will determine the right candidate for vital positions in our city.

Jasper Mayor David Barber will face the challenge of former mayor R.C. Horn while incumbent councilperson Gayle Meigs will face Randy Sayers for the District 2 seat.

For the school board election, four have signed up for two positions available. Incumbent Carolyn Armitage, Melissa Armstrong, David Keith Hildebrandt and Kevin Kipp have filed for the board of trustees seats up for grabs.

This marks a strong change from years past when city and school board elections would not be held because no one would contest the incumbents for their positions.

Yet, many would line up to complain about issues with the city and school but were nowhere to be found during the elections season.

For the incumbents who seek re-election to office, hats off to you for your time served and your willingness to still serve your community.

For the challengers for school and city offices, kudos for giving the people of this community a choice when it comes to the leadership of this city.

Both sides are making democracy work and for that, we are all winners this coming May.

Roses go to….

t The Jasper/Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce for its tireless efforts for hosting the Azalea Festival. Regardless of the weather, the chamber always does a fine job in promoting the annual festival for the city.

t Jasper Boys & Girls Club for all they provide this community. The organization is in the middle of their fund-raising efforts for the year and needs this community's support.

Thorns go to….

t The suspect or suspects wanted by the Jasper County Sheriff's Office for allegedly tying a horse to a tree and then shooting it in the leg.