Twenty-three candidates have filed to run for county offices in Kent and Dickens counties in the March 1 primary.
The Texas Spur reached out to all of them with a questionnaire to help you, our readers, learn the backgrounds and the viewpoints of these candidates.
Most of the candidates responded to the questionnaires. Some did not.
If a candidate does not appear in this coverage, it is because they did not respond to the questionnaire. Some were not able to provide a photo.
This week’s edition focuses on the Kent County candidates.
Next week’s edition will focus on the Dickens County candidates.
JENNICE CARGILE
Party: Republican
City of Residence: Girard Elected office sought: Kent County Justice of the Peace
Bio background and eduation: I’ve been a resident of Kent County for a combined total of about 37 years. I was born and raised here, attending my first six years of school in Girard and then graduating from Jayton-Girard ISD.
Occupation: I have spent my career working with the public at South Plains Electric Cooperative and as an independent insurance agent.
Family: I’m married to Mike Cargile. We have four children and four grandchildren.
Interests: Spending time with our family and friends. I also love watching wildlife of any kind.
Key campaign messages:
• Why I want to serve: I know the people I would be serving. This county and the residents mean a lot to me. The kindness and compassion displayed by this community is second to none.
• I will show the same kindness and compassion to all residents who enter my court. The duties of my court will require me to take care of people first.
• I promise to maintain the high standards of elected officials in Kent County.
MIKE CARGILE
Party: Republican
City of Residence: Girard
Elected office sought: Kent County Commissioner, Precinct 2
Bio background, education, and occupation: I grew up in Crosbyton, Texas, and gradiated from rosbyton High School. I attended the Law Enforcement Academy and served as chief of police and county deputy for 11 years. I moved to Dickens County in 2001 (went to work for Cap Rock Telephone in January 2001) and then to Kent County in 2006. Other occupations include farming and ranching cattle.
Family: I’m married to Jennice Cargile. We have four children and four grandchildren.
Interests: Farming, cattle, and hunting; spending time with family and friends.
Key campaign messages:
• Keep Precinct 2 financially sound while providing for its employees and service people.
• I will use down-to-earth common sense when making policy decisions.
• I will make sure our county buildings and facilities remain in good working condition.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? Protecting our traditional way of life focusing on family values.
JEREMY CARTER
Party: Republican
City of Residence: Jayton Elected office sought: Kent County Judge
Bio background: I grew up around the Springfield, Missouri area. In December of 2008, I moved to the Lubbock, Texas, area, where my wife’s family is from. Then at the end of August 2013, my family and I moved to Jayton.
Education: In 2005 I graduated from Republic High School in Republic, Missouri. I then attended Ozark Technical Community College in Springfield, Missouri, where I obtained my associate’s degree and started working on my Bachelor of Fire Science degree. In July of 2012, I graduated from South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, with my Basic Peace Officer license. In May 2021, I re ceived my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in police dministration from Southern New Hampshire University. I am currently working on a master’s degree in criminal justice in public safety administration. In September 2014, I obtained my EMT license. In March of 2016, I obtained my Mental Health Peace Officer license. I have also obtained certifications from FEMA and numerous other certifications.
Occupation: I started my career in law enforcement in April of 2010 as a jailer with the Lubbock County Detention Center. I then obtained my Peace Officer license in 2010 and was sworn in as a Deputy with Lubbock County in September of 2010. In September of 2013, I started with Kent County Sheriff's Office as a deputy sheriff, where I have served the residents of Kent County for the last 8½ years.
Family: My wife, Tiffany Carter, and I have been married 13 years. We have two children, Kaden Carter and Kiersten Po pulo (Sifre) and spouse Chris Populo, who is stationed at Dyess Airforce Base in Abilene, Texas. Chris and Kiersten in October welcomed into our lives our grandson, Weston Populo.
Interests: Spending time with my family fishing, and raising show cattle.
Key campaign messages:
• I will be a listening ear and provide a voice to the community of Kent County so that we can further Kent County into the future.
• To use my knowledge, education, experience, and rapport with the community of Kent County so that they can maintain the level of confidence in their elected officials.
• To serve the citizens of Kent County with experience, integrity, honesty and commitment
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? In the past 8½ years of living in Kent County, Kent County has become home. I would like to use the knowledge, education and experience I have gained in Kent County to help keep this county moving forward and have a place and community that our kids and grandkids will be proud of. I know that as county judge I will be faced with many obstacles and challenges as I have in my current position in Kent County, but I have shown with experience, rapport with the citizens, commissioners and even district and state personnel that I can handle the adversity that the citizens of Kent County require of their elected officials. If you vote me for Kent County Judge I will use my education, experience, and strong work ethic to ensure Kent County will continue to move forward.
LAYNE COULTER
Party: Republican
City of Residence: Jayton Elected office sought: Kent County Judge
Bio background: Hometown Bronte, Texas
Education: Bronte High School
Occupation: Self-employed contract pumper (20 yrs.)
Family: I have been married to Gina Coulter for 23 years, and we have made Jayton our home since 1998. Our two daughters, Sadie and Brooklynn, are both graduates of Jayton-Girard ISD. Sandy, our foster daughter, and our three granddaughters, Baylee, Jolee, and Kylee, are currently students at Jayton ISD.
Interests: I love that a small community allows me so many opportunities to have quality time with my family and also be involved with church functions, school and community activities.
Key campaign messages:
• If elected I intend to serve the people of Kent County in all decision making and responsibilities given to the office of County Judge with integrity and respect.
• My thirty plus years of construction and oilfield contracting have given me a great background in budgeting, scheduling, resource management and personnel coordination.
• Serving on various boards and committees such as the Jayton-Girard I.S.D. School Board, Kent County Livestock Show Committee, as well as the Board of Directors for the Sparrow’s Nest Maternity Home have given me much needed experience to serve the citizens of Kent County.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? I understand the value of the public services the County provides its residents. I believe that it is extremely important that all of those services are continued and maintained at the highest levels possible.
RAY HALL
Party: Republican
City of Residence: Jayton
Elected office sought: Kent County Commissioner, Precinct 2
Bio background: I am a life long resident of Kent County. I was born and raised in Jayton, Texas.
Education: I attended Jayton-Girard ISD from kindergarten till I graduated in 2000. I attended college at South Plains College, where I received my EMT Basic and Texas State Fire Fighter certificates.
Occupation: I work at Robert Hall Motors and have worked there for 13 years. My job title is manager/mechanic/sales for our family business that has been a part of Kent county for 6-plus years, with my mother taking over last year.
Family: I am a 40-year-old single father raising the two best kids I could ever ask for. My daughter, Sidney Hall, is 13 and in the 8th grade at JGISD and is in every activity they offer. My son, Quincey Hall, is 5 and in kindergarten at JGISD and has the biggest personality.
Interests: My interests are my family, my church, my community, my friends, hunting and fishing. Nothing beats a day at the farm or the lake with my family.
Key campaign messages:
• I am always available day or night, living in Jayton and working next door to the Kent County Court House make it easy for the community members to get in touch with me.
• I am a lifelong resident of Kent County and I have personal and professional relationships with most all Kent County residents and Kent County employees.
• I believe that Kent County is the best county in Texas, and with the voice of the voters of this county I only want to make the best better for everyone.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? The voice of the community is what matters most to me. Keeping the communication between citizens and county leaders open and flowing is a must. I believe that maintaining and improving county properties, roadways and structures is a key to keeping our community great. I also believe that Kent County is the great place that it is today because of the Kent County courthouse, nursing home, road and bridge, fire, police and EMS employees. These are county departments that we cannot live without.
CHRISTY LONG Party: Republican
Party: Republican
City of Residence: Jayton
Elected office sought: Kent County Treasurer (incumbent)
My name is Christy Long, currently serving as your Kent County treasurer. As a young person I lived in Kent County, later moving to Munday, Texas, and then back to Jayton eighteen years ago to call Kent County home. Prior to my current position as treasurer, I served as finance manager for Bill Wilson Motor Company, and VP branch manager for Kent County State Bank. All these positions have served to expand my education related to finances as well as the development of professional skills including self-motivation and accountability. With over 20 years’ experience I am equipped to fulfill duties of treasurer that include budget development, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and the investment of county money all the while ensuring that state laws governing tax payer dollars are followed. In addition to these technical skills, I have learned the importance of good communication skills to effectively work with the county judge, commissioners, and county employees, and communicate with you the public. I feel this experience has given me tools to continue to manage and invest county funds yielding the largest return possible. In addition to serving the community I love through this professional position, I volunteer on the Child Welfare Board, Lions Club (3 years as secretary/treasurer), and Kent County Women’s Golf Association. I am married to my husband, Clint, and we have three children Cody, Taylor and Carson, and grandson, Hazen. Attending the kids’ activities, traveling with my family, and volunteering, top the list of my interests. Key campaign messages:
• Continuing to serve our county as treasurer using my experience managing and investing in a safe and lucrative manner, as well as utilizing County specific fund accounting software adopted by our commissioners’ court.
• Ensuring that I keep open communication with the commissioners’ court, employees and community members on any matters that may need to be addressed.
• To continue to volunteer in the community so that I am able to understand the needs and concerns that Kent County is facing and can address and problem solve with our court to help with the issues.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? To ensure our taxpayer money is utilized in a way to better our community. By working closely with the county judge and commissioners’ court we can work together to make good decisions and give them the figures they need for adopting an effective budget.
DAVID PARKER
Party: Republican
City of Residence: Jayton
Elected office sought: Kent County Justice of the Peace (Incumbent)
Bio background: Jayton, Texas
Education: 2½ years at South Plains College
Occupation: Kent County Justice of the Peace
Family: Wife, Cheryl, daughter, Asher Parker of Lubbock, son, Scott Parker, and grandchildren, all of Haltom City.
Interests: Woodworking and spending time at the lake.
Key campaign messages: • It is important to me to always treat everyone fairly and with respect, and to listen to each person before this court with an open mind.
• It is important to me to use the opportunity this position gives me to help keep Kent County safe.
• I would love to continue to serve Kent County as Justice of the Peace for this next term.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? The safety and wellbeing of each community member.
BRYAN THOMAS
Party: Republican
Residence: Kent County
Elected office sought: Kent County Commissioner, Precinct 2
Hometown: Spur, Texas Education: Spur High School Graduate
Occupation: General Manager, Spur Farmers Coop
Family: My wife, Metessa, and I are empty nesters. Our three daughters, Chrissy, Breyanna and Kloe, graduated from Jayton-Girard ISD.
Interests: Riding the motorcycle with my wife, spending time with my family and precious grandbaby, and camping with friends.
Key campaign messages:
• Managing the Spur Farmers Coop for 12 years and Jayton Farmers Coop for a short period has given me experience well suited for service as a Kent County Commissioner. Budgeting experience, employee management and working with a board of directors are just a few of things that I can offer.
• A county commissioner position is often seen as a part time job but the reality is you are on call 24 hours a day. If elected to Kent County Commissioner I will strive to be accessible and stay in touch with the citizens I serve.
• Community involvement has always been enjoyable for me. I have had the privilege to be involved in the planning and building of a couple community service projects in Jayton and have volunteered with 4H, multiple school projects and even coached little dribblers. I currently serve on the Kent County ARB Board, Kent County Livestock Committee, and Kent County Lions Club.
What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? Kent County is an amazing community. I will serve in a manner that upholds the standards, values and traditions of the county as well as be a strong voice for my precinct. I would greatly appreciate your consideration for Kent County Commissioner Precinct 2.
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