In area city council and school board elections, the first day of early voting by personal appearance is coming up Monday, April 24, 2023. Although some entities have canceled elections because open seats were unopposed (and have already considered unopposed candidates to be elected), The Texas Spur nonetheless feels it’s important for citizens to get to know those who will be representing them in upcoming terms.
The newspaper sent questionnaires to new candidates in all races, and called or emailed all to follow up. Most returned their information in time for this week’s deadline. The Texas Spur will continue to reach out to others in time for next week’s issue.
The last day of early voting by personal appearance is Tuesday, May 2, 2023. The last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) is Tuesday, April 25, 2023, and the last day to receive a ballot by mail is Saturday, May 6, 2023 (election day) at 7:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is not postmarked, OR Monday, May 8, 2023 (next business day after Election Day) at 5:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election on Election day (unless overseas or military voter deadlines apply) Election day in all races is Saturday, May 6, 2023.
For Spur ISD, Cody Schmidt, a lineman for South Plains Electric Cooperative, has filed to run for the Spur Independent School District, At-Large, Place 6 seat for the May 6 election. (At-large, Place 6 incumbent and school board president Barry Ferguson chose not to seek re-election.)
The other board seat that Spur ISD has on the ballot is Place 5, currently held by Matt Humphreys, the incumbent, who has filed for re-election.
For the City of Dickens, the Mayor position, currently held by David Warren and two at-large council seats, are on the ballot. The at-large positions are currently held by incumbents Marie Mullins and Stephen Hart.
Warren, the incumbent mayor, has filed for re-election and is running unopposed.
The two at-large city council seats currently have attracted three candidates, including incumbent Stephen Hart. The other two candidates are David Wallace and Nancy Hale.
For the City of Spur, the office of mayor, in which Louise Jones is the incumbent, is on the ballot, as are three council seats, Ward 1, currently held by Fronye Morris, who has announced that she will not be seeking re-election, Ward 2, currently held by Don Wright and Ward 3, currently held by Rhea Melton. Elaine Harris of Spur has been considered elected to the open Ward 1 seat.
For the City of Jayton, the Mayor position, currently held by George Chisum and two at-large council seats are on the ballot: the at-large positions are currently held by Missy Redford and Kerry McGee.
Chisum, the incumbent mayor, has filed for re-election and is running unopposed.
Three candidates are running for the two at-large city council seats, including incumbents Redford and McGee, and one challenger, Mickey Alexander.
Jayton-Girard ISD has two board seats on the ballot, at-large seats currently held by B.J. Baldridge and Jeff Arnold. Arnold has filed for re-election.
Three candidates have filed for the two at-large seats, including one incumbent, Arnold, and two challengers, Matt Herzog and Tiffany Ham.
Patton Springs ISD holds their elections in November.
DICKENS CITY COUNCIL
Nancy Hale
I have lived in the City of Dickens over 20 years. I graduated from Patton Springs High School in Afton, Texas. While employed as a city secretary for the City of Spur I took continuing education courses and completed two Municipal Clerk’s certifications through the University of North Texas.
I retired from the City of Spur in 2016 and currently own and operate my late husband’s business, T.C.’s Ponderosa, in Dickens with my daughter, Valerie Smithey.
I have one daugher, Valerie Smithey, and her husband, Brian Smithey, one son, Dillon Hale and his wife, Kenzie and one grandson, Luke Smithey. I am blessed that my family lives in close proximity to me in Dickens County, and this allows us to spend fun times together.
When time allows I like to travel, golf, camp in the mountains, and enjoy family domino game nights.
Key campaign messages:
1. The City of Dickens has made considerable improvements in the past five years by providing citizens with a new safe and reliable water source and I want to help keep our city moving forward.
2. I am familiar with rules and regulations from Texas regulatory commissions and I want to support the City’s endeavors to keep the city in compliance.
3. I am knowledgeable of the situation and problems as we have a small city and understand the taxpayers and citizens ultimately shoulder the burden of support for everything needed to operate a municipality.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? I will always be open to any concerns or suggestions from City residents. We all need to be aware of how our city operates and be involved together for the betterment of our community.
DICKENS CITY COUNCIL
SPUR CITY COUNCIL
SPUR ISD
JAYTON CITY COUNCIL
JAYTON-GIRARD Mickey Alexander
Hometown: Jayton, Texas. Education: Angelo State Unviersity, San Angelo; Texas State Technical College, Sweetwater. Occupation: Retired dental assistant. Family: Jayton should be my last name, as Jayton is my family.
Key campaign messages:
1. I am concerned most just with our City water issues. We need to address our aging pipes. Continuing to “patch” the pipes is not cost effective. It is an issue of repair vs. replacement.
2. We want our City to grow! With this thought the City Counil needs ot have some recognition to individual households that comply with lot improvements.
3. Spring and summer insect infestations need to be addresses, as do the issues of stray animals.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? I have always maintained that Jayton is the best place in America to live and raise a family. It was been an honor come back to Jayton after 50 years and call Jayton my home! Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Alexander made Jayton their home in 1913, shortly after Jayton became a town, They raised eight children here, one of which was my dad, Rox. Rox served Jayton as postmaster for many years, along with being the local druggist. My granddad served Jayton as mayor, and my dad served on the City Council. I plan to pay a major attention to the Council. I plan to pay major attention to the needs of our citizens with pleasure and pride.
Missy Redford
Hometown: Roswell, NM. Education: Roswell High School; business marketing degree, New Mexico State University Occupation: Brand marketer for West and Co. jewelry company and photographer Family: Married to Ron Redford for 22 years; son, Rance Redford; daughter, Reese Redford. We have been Kent County residents for 11 years.
Interests: Spending time with my family; home design and decorating
Key campaign message: Community issues I would like to focus on would be to improve the city streets, improve city park, and hope to bring more businesses back to Jayton.
Elaine Harris
Hometown: Commerce, Texas; current resident of Spur. Education: J.D. Texas Tech University 1986. Occupation: Solo civil practice of law with tax return preparation services. Family: Mother, Jeanette Gregory Harris, 86, lives in Fort Worth, Texas. Brother and sister living in Fort Worth. Gregory and Samantha Hardin, son and daughter-in-law, living in Spur, Texas. with granddaughter Alice, 5. Henry and Kate Harris, son and daughter-in-law, living in Spur, Texas with grandson, Everett, 18 months. Daughter Rebecca Hardin, living in Mexico City.
Interests: Gardening, bird watching, crossword puzzles.
Key campaign messages:
1. The law is a good foundation for public service.
2. I have the perspective of a business owner and resident.
3. I did not grow up here, but my grandchildren are.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you?
Integrity in public service matters to me as it does to everyone. It is necessary to effective government in a small town or a big city. Spur has many needs and problems ranging from ensuring a supply of safe drinking water in the future to addressing the shortage of decent housing. I am looking forward to learning more about these problems and possible solutions in my new position.
JAYTON-GIRARD ISD
Jeff Arnold
I am a 1999 graduate of Jayton-Girard ISD and a 2003 graduate of LCU, where I received a Bachelor of Science in secondary education. Since then, I have been employed with Texas Farm Bureau for 20 years. I am married to Jami, and have two daughters, Camryn (12) and Zoey (9) Interests are spending time with family and camping.
Key campaign messages:
1. I will bring my Christian values to the table with the focus of our student's education being top priority.
2. I value integrity, excellence, transparency, respect, and accountability.
3. I have served on the Jayton School Board for 1 term and if re-elected, I will continue to humbly serve our school district.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? Rural communities are struggling now more than ever, but I am committed to the future of Jayton-Girard ISD, where generations to come can experience what it means to be a JAYBIRD!
Tiffany Ham
Hometown: Born and raised in Plano, Texas. Education: High School: graduated 1994, Plano East Senior High; college: graduated 2001, University of North Texas. Occupation: Commercial insurance sales 2005–present; Kent County General Store owner since 2011.
Family: husband, Daryl, county commissioner; son: Bode, 9th grader at J-G ISD; daughter, Brantley, 7th grader at J-G ISD.
Interests: Watching my kids play sports and perform in other school activities AND also volunteering in the community – Booster Club, Lion’s Club, Jayton Youth Sports and the Women’s Golf Association.
Key campaign messages:
1. To advocate for the best interests of the students, staff and administration making J-G ISD the best school it can be.
2. To help oversee the budget which impacts and improves academic and athletic achievements.
3. To have an influence on policies and help make decisions that will provide our students opportunities for a successful future.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you?
Running for school board is one way I can give back to the community that came together and helped my family when we needed them most. I would like to be a liaison between the community members and the school offering open lines of communication to build upon the accomplishments our school has already attained. I believe I can serve with an open mind and a grateful heart which I feel confident will be beneficial in leading our school in the right direction.
Matt Herzog
Hometown: Brookings, OR. Education: Brookings Harbor High School. Occupation: Lineman at South Plains Electric Co-op. Family: wife, Nichole, son, Jarret; son, Caleb; and son, Harlan.
Interests: Hanging out with family and doing stuff outdoors.
Key campaign message: I just want to help make decisions that benefit all the kids.
SPUR ISD
Cody Schmidt
Hometown: Spur, Texas. Education: Graduated class of 2008 from Spur ISD. Occupation: Lineman, South Plains Electric Cooperative. Family: Emily Schmidt, accounting manager, Cap Rock Telephone; daughters Haylen Schmidt 3, Kaius Schmidt, Spur ISD.
Interests: My church, Spur Methodist; my family; my friends; cattle and horse ranch.
Key campaign messages: I do not have any agenda or special message. I have witnessed a great school board maintaining Spur ISD to the highest degree, and I am happy to be part of its future for my girls and my community.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you?
I feel that the school has been in the hands of a great Board from its opening year to now. I attended school in spur as did my brother. When I moved back to the community in 2017 after being away in the armed forces for eight years, I felt it was my turn to step up and perform my duty to the Dickens County community. Having a daughter who attends Spur ISD and another that will soon that it is prudent to help where I can, and contribute to this beloved small community that my wife and I have come to call home.
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