By Jeff Shultz
Publisher

Four county officers breathed a heavy sigh of relief last Friday after they learned they drew no opponents on their bids to seek public office.

County Clerk Lori Fulks, Court Clerk Cindy Roberts, County Sheriff Larry Rhodes and Dist. 2 County Commissioner Shon Richardson were all unopposed as the final day of the filing period ended on Friday.

Richardson was seeking another four-year term as Dist. 2 County Commissioner, while the others were seeking their own terms for the first time.

“It’s great not to worry about a campaign,” Richardson said. “I can concentrate my time on my work as county commissioner.”

Fulks, Roberts and Rhodes had been fulfilling the unexpired terms of former county officers.

“This was my first time to actually seek office,” said Fulks, who has been fulfilling the unexpired term of former County Clerk Gina Mann. “I’m overjoyed that I didn’t draw an opponent.”

Roberts, who has bee fulfilling the unexpired term of former Court Clerk Evelyn Bradley, expressed the same sentiment when contacted by the News Star.

“I’m excited that I don’t have to worry about running again for another four years,” she said.

“Now I can look ahead and concentrate on serving the people of Garvin County,” she said.

Rhodes said he was “elated” to know he didn’t draw an opponent in the Sheriff’s race.

This was Rhodes’ second time to file for the office. He filed for the Sheriff’s post two years ago in a special election to fill the unexpired term of former County Sheriff Bill Roady.

“Running unopposed is the highest compliment an elected official can receive,” stated Rhodes. “I view this as approval of the work we are doing and the direction I am taking the sheriff’s office.”

Meanwhile, a race developed for the Dist. 1 County Commissioner’s seat being vacated by current Dist. 1 Commissioner Kenneth Holden.

All four candidates filing for Holden’s seat at the Board of Commissioners are Democrats, meaning if no candidate is the clear winner in the June 26 election the top two candidates will meet in an August runoff.

“In order for a candidate to emerge as the winner in the June 26 election they must receive over 50 percent of votes cast in that election. If no one does get 50 percent or more votes, the top two candidates will meet in the runoff election in August,” said Cathy Brinley, Garvin County Election Board Secretary.

Those filing for the Dist. 1 Commissioner’s seat were Jarod Work, Larry Cooper, David Kinard and Stan Spivey.