By Mark Archibald
Following the March 3 Republican Primary elections Navarro County Judge Candidates Colby Karhan and Darrell Cobb realized their work was not finished.
The two candidates survived what was originally a three-way race which included Enoch Basnett.
“It’s difficult to reach the 50% plus one vote threshold,” said Karhan following the March 3 primary results.
Karhan received 2,991 total votes to Cobb’s 2,790.
Basnett garnered 687 primary votes.
During multiple events in recent weeks, including candidate gatherings, meet and greets with potential voters, and candidate forums, both Cobb and Karhan, have continued to make their case to voters.
Incidentally, during a gathering April meet and greet at the Corsicana Country Club, then again at a forum in held in Kerens earlier this month, Basnett signaled his support for Cobb in the runoff.
“I appreciate your support, and friendship,” Cobb told the crowd at the Corsicana Country Club, earlier this month, “but I need you to get out and vote, “ he said.
“Obviously, we expect lower voter turnout for the May 26 runoff election. The winner of this race will be the one who gets their supporters to get out to the polls,” said Karhan.
Karhan is an attorney licensed to practice in four states.
He pointed to his 15 years of experience as a lawyer has prepared him to be Navarro County Judge.
“Being a lawyer has its benefits, Karhan said during a recent interview.
“I’ll be able to offer in-house legal advice on the contracts that come before the Commissioner’s Court, he said.
The two men have also frequently talked about the budget, economic development and the use of tax abatements as a tool to facilitate that economic development.
Both candidates said they don’t want to raise taxes and consider future population growth and expected economic development to pay for goods and services.
“We are going to grow, but we must plan for that growth,” said Cobb.
Karhan said he would use his previous experience working with former Texas State Senator Mike Jackson, to advocate and facilitate Navarro County’s continued economic development.
At a recent candidate forum, the candidates were asked their opinions about tax abatements. Cobb indicated he is against the use of abatements, while Karhan said their use should be targeted and limited.
Cobb, a former firefighter, currently serves as Navarro County’s Assistant Director of Emergency Management, said he views the County Judge as the CEO of the county, someone who oversees a $60 million budget.
The runoff election will be held May 26, with Early voting occurring May 18-22.
Stay connected with continuing election coverage in the NavCo Chronicle. Navarro County’s only locally owned newspaper.