Meet the Kent County candidates for the March 1 primary

The following information was not available at press time when The Texas Spur ran our feature on candidates for local office last week.

JUNIOR MARTINEZ

Party: Republican

City of Residence: Jayton

Elected office sought: Kent County Treasurer

Bio background: I have lived in both Girard and Jayton. Kent County is special to me, and I would like to come back and start my career here.

Eduation: I graduated from Jayton-Girard ISD in 2018; in May of 2022 I will graduate from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance.

Occupation: I currently work part time at Kent County State Bank as a personal banker while attending Texas Tech University full time.

Family: My parents are Kerry and Amanda McGee; I also have four siblings.

Interests: I enjoy spending valuable time with family friends as well as supporting the Jaybirds and Lady Jays.

Key campaign messages:

• My education at Texas Tech University has equipped me with the necessary knowledge to excel at the position of Treasurer. Along with my education, I have held various part time jobs throughout college including Texas Tech University admissions office and Kent County State Bank, as a personal banker.

What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? I plan to work with the judge, commissioners, and other elected officials in making the best decisions possible for Kent County. I plan to do be proficient and reliable in my duties as treasurer, including providing timely results of county expenditures and taking the necessary steps to ensure that county funds are used in the best possible way to propel our community to even more success.

COLE CARPENTER

Party: Republican

City of Residence: Girard

Elected office sought: Kent County Commissioner Precinct 2

Hometown: I was born and raised in Kent County most of my life. My family moved away for a few years, but we moved back when I was in the 3rd grade, and I have resided in Kent County since then.

Eduation: After graduating JGISD, I attended Howard College, where I earned my Associate of Science degree. Then I went on to Tarleton State and earned my bachelor’s in ag-economics. Both degrees were earned while on a rodeo scholarship.

Occupation: Gas plant operator for OXY (Salt Creek Unit); self-employed farmer.

Family: My wife, Stephanie, and I have been married for nine years. We have been blessed with three children, Carli Ann (6), Cayci Jo (4), and Cody Tye (18 months).

Interests: Spending time with family, serving as a deacon at First Baptist Church Jayton, and golfing when I get a chance. I also enjoy raising show pigs with my dad.

Key campaign messages:

• If elected I would strive to serve the county with honesty, commitment, and integrity. I would work diligently to not only maintain the county, but also help it to grow in a positive way.

• Having a degree in economics and serving on the school board and various committees, I would apply the knowledge and skills I have gained from these experiences. I would make sound business decisions and help create budgets that would positively impact our county. Decisions can often be difficult, but I would always stand for what I believe is in the best interest of the county and its residents. I would always seek feedback from citizens and be willing to voice their opinions and concerns.

• I would ensure infrastructures are well maintained and up to date. I would also strive to keep taxes as low as possible and be a good steward of taxpayers’ money.

What areas of public policy or community issues matter most to you? By thinking outside the box, I would work hard to bring new ideas before the court that would stimulate our economy by looking at ways to keep more tax dollars in the county and by bringing in additional revenue. Kent County is truly an incredible place to live and raise a family. It offers “country club” amenities in a small town atmosphere; you can’t beat that! It would be a great honor to serve our county. Thank you for your consideration.

The Texas Spur e-Edition