RUNOFF ELECTION
Fri, 2016-05-13 05:00
News Staff
Local candidates answer questions one more time
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
Four out of the eight candidates in a runoff for county elected positions had one more chance on Tuesday evening to answer questions before voters go to the polls starting next Monday.
Butch Ronne and Scott A. Williams, candidates in the runoff for Coryell County sheriff, took to the stage in the city of Gatesville’s auditorium, as did both candidates for precinct 1 commissioner, W.B. Maples Jr. and Kyle Matthews.
The candidates for precinct 4 commissioner and precinct 4 constable would have also had the opportunity to answer questions. However, one candidate from both of those runoff races were unable to attend, so it was decided that the candidates present would be allowed to introduce themselves.
Ray Ashby, candidate for precinct 4 commissioner, gave an introduction and made a call for support from voters, as did Teddy Brock, candidate for precinct 4 constable. Ashby’s opponent, Marla Thompson, was unable to attend. The same was true for Bo Mayberry, Brock’s opponent.
Jack Barcroft moderated the question-and-answer session, with questions ranging from what the new sheriff would do “first thing” after being elected, to whether spending the funds for a communications system for all county public safety agencies was a good idea, and what the commissioner candidates believed the biggest priority was for the county—besides roads.
Barcroft commented on the meeting’s attendance, approximately 30, and how it reflects on voter turnout during a runoff election.
“If this was before the primary, this auditorium would be almost full,” Barcroft told the audience. “But looking around, this is a sign of typical voting numbers in a runoff election.”
He urged the audience to remind others about early voting, which starts next week.
Early voting dates and times are as follows
Monday, May 16, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, May 17, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 18, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, May 19, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday, May 20, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Early voting polling locations are the Copperas Cove Annex, 201 S. 2nd St. and the Gatesville Main St. Annex, 801 E Leon St.
On Election Day, Tuesday May 24, the polls will be open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m.