Candidate Forum Held at GOP Headquarters

By Kris Smith
The NavCo Chronicle co-sponsored a Candidate Forum with The Navarro County Republican Party was held at the Navarro County Republican Headquarters last Thursday evening.

During the forum, attending candidates were sequestered in NavCo offices while their opponents were responding to questions provided by the readers and subscribers of the NavCo Chronicle.
US Congressman Jake Ellzey joined the forum via zoom, since he was in Leadership Committee meetings in Washington DC. He responded to questions pertaining to airport grants, Big Pharma, and the impending potential impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas. Corsicana High School History teacher and one of the challenging candidates Cliff Wiley made his presentation regaling how his experience in the military and as a history teacher will help him to ‘listen’ to his constituents.
Congressional Candidate James Buford answered questions written for him by readers and NavCo staffers. Border issues are at the forefront, and Buford stated, “The current administration should be held accountable. Furthermore, I do not think we should be sending 3 times the money to Ukraine as we are spending on securing our border.”
Navarro County Sheriff candidate Steven Travis answered questions regarding jail administration, corrections, and his history in law enforcement.
Sheriff Elmer Tanner stated, “I still remain passionate in this role as your sheriff and to keep you – the citizens of Navarro County – safe.” Sheriff Tanner answered questions regarding the policies and procedures of the NCSO, lack of training accusations, and tactical operations – including the implementation of new tactical equipment.
State Representative Candidate Jaye Curtis was asked regarding his plans to be effective in Austin, if elected. He stated, “The rules of the House must be changed. The Speaker of the House should not be allowed to appoint Democrat chairs. That is what our elected so-called RINO’s did. They gave that power away.”
Navarro County Tax Assessor/Collector Mike Dowd stated, “My goals are to continue to provide the best service that my office can. Updates to our computers are being completed currently.”
Opponent Johnny Crawford decided to run against Dowd because he felt that the Tax Assessor/Collector’s office should have re-opened sooner than it did during the COVID Pandemic. He stated, “During the end of COVID, Navarro County was one of the last counties to reopen all of their offices. Two offices did not reopen at the same time as the others and were the last two offices to reopen – turns out they were husband and wife.”
And finally, the 13th District Court Judge candidates – Incumbent Judge James Lagomarsino stated, “You are supposed to be neutral, detached – there are a lot of emotional issues that happen in a courtroom. You have to maintain order and that defendant’s get a fair shake in a courtroom.”
Candidate Joseph Aguilar stated, “I feel that we have the best justice system. A judge should be restrained by the law – Nobody should be above the law.”
The live recording is available on the NavCo Chronicle’s Facebook page.

About Author

navcochron

See author's posts