Barber, Horn battle to lead Jasper's city council

Experience will not be an issue when it comes to electing the next mayor for the city of Jasper.

Current Mayor David Barber is seeking re-election to the post and will face off against former mayor R.C. Horn.

In order to give the candidates equal time on issues, The Jasper Newsboy asked the candidates the following questions in an effort to introduce the candidates' views on the upcoming election.

Early voting begins April 30 at Jasper City Hall.

Why are you running for mayor?

David Barber: I am running for the Mayor's office again because I want to follow through with my pledge to fix long neglected infrastructure problems in Jasper. Also, to insure accountability in your city government and to make sure the city serves all citizens equally, no matter what neighborhood you live in.

R.C. Horn: I am running for mayor of Jasper because I believe our city can do better and I believe we need to make more progress throughout every part of our city. We need to work closer with our county officials and state officials. As mayor, I was a member of TML (Texas Municipal League) and was able to bring new and good ideas that worked for other cities like Jasper.

What are three issues that you accomplish ed during terms that you have served as mayor?

David Barber: Three things that have been accomplished during my term as mayor are repaving Main Street after decades of neglect, new computer systems for city hall that tie all departments together and major upgrades to water, sewer and electric systems.

R.C. Horn: A. We were successful in keeping Jasper together during the James Byrd Jr. tragedy. I established the Mayor's Task Force made up of citizens of Jasper and Jasper County.

B. We built the new Byrd Park and had a more active and involved chamber of commerce for Jasper and Lake Sam Rayburn.

C. We built a new police station.

What am I most proud of and what do I feel benefited Jasper most?

David Barber: I am proudest of the way the city got cleaned up and fixed after Hurricane Rita. Individuals, churches and city workers worked around the clock in horrible conditions for no other reason that to see Jasper functioning again. Again, getting Main Street repaved will benefit Jasper greatly, which is why I've been pushing for it for over six years. But what I think will benefit the city most are the upgrades to the water, sewer and electric systems.

For years, the upgrading and maintenance of city utilities has been neglected. It's only been in the last couple of years that major improvements and solid maintenance sched- -ules have been made. The reason I believe all these things are important is because by repairing our infrastructure, we will draw businesses and jobs.

R.C. Horn: My leadership during the James Byrd Jr. tragedy. This was the most difficult time for our city. Jasper is known as a leader in race relations for how we worked together during this time throughout Texas and the nation.

What was the biggest challenge after Hurricane Rita and what would you do differently?

David Barber: By far the biggest challenge after Rita was restoring water, sewer and electric services. After the storm, almost every power line in the city was down. Trees were blocking almost every street so that emergency vehicles couldn't go down them.

These challenges we had to handle as they came to us but what I feared most was a fire. Without water, even a small fire would have been very hard to contain with all the dry wood in streets and yards. What I would do differently is I would have the city put pre-existing contracts in place to avoid delays in clean up and reimbursement of funds from state and federal agencies. Also, the city of Jasper was without power longer than I think was necessary. As Vice-President of the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency, I am working to have other main feed lines constructed so that the city can be serviced from two separate sources. I believe doing that will correct our emergency power problem.

R.C. Horn: Trying to get power back on for our citizens. Everyone worked hard to help get us over this storm. The biggest challenge we face now is trying to get our citizens help with their homes and getting help from the state and federal government. It's taken too long. I would try and work better with all the other officials in the county and have a good emergency plan in place.

What would you like to accomplish as a member of the JEDCO board?

David Barber: What I want to see accomplished as a member of the JEDCO board is for JEDCO to stay focused on its intended purpose: to attract new manufacturing and industrial business for the city of Jasper and promote existing businesses. The current JEDCO board has emphasized this purpose and results are being seen. Just one example is when JEDCO sold the Explorer Aircraft hangar to Mobile Medical Corp., a company with a proven track record and a potential to expand. These are the types of businesses we need in Jasper.

R.C. Horn: I would like to see the JEDCO board work together in helping our existing businesses in Jasper and then try to get more jobs for our citizens by seeking new businesses also.

Why should people vote for you for mayor?

David Barber: I believe people should vote for me for the continued growth in Jasper. It is very important that infrastructure repairs continue to be made. Also, we must continue to keep the city of Jasper accountable so that it serves all citizens equally. In my opinion if we stay this course, we will attract proven businesses and jobs so that our children and grandchildren can make a good living if they choose to stay in Jasper.

R.C. Horn: Because I am a proven leader in times of crisis. I have the experience by serving on the council for 11 years and as mayor for six years. I know and love this city and believe I can do the best job for all of the citizens of Jasper, Texas.