Commission, JP, Judge candidates state intentions

From Staff Reports

While the filing period for the March 2010 primary elections in Navarro County is still a few weeks away, several potential candidates — and incumbents — have declared their intentions to run in the primary elections.

County Judge H.M. Davenport Jr., 62, said Friday he is planning on running for re-election in 2010 to his second term as county judge.

“The past 3 years have gone by quickly and I would like to continue the honor I have of serving Navarro County by seeking re-election,” Davenport said in a new release issued Friday. “This is a busy, extremely multi-faceted job; but I love what I do, the people I work with, and I love Navarro County. Most of all, I am very proud to represent our county wherever I go.”

Davenport said the county is striving to become more efficient through changes involving personnel, attitude and policies.

“For example, since I’ve been in office we have changed the way we deal with companies coming into our county to use (and in some cases destroying) our roads with heavy trucks and equipment,” Davenport said. “We’ve gone from ‘no system’ at all to a more efficient system of permitting, requiring significant road use bonds, and enforcement.”

He said the courthouse has seen an “attitude change” that has resulted in a “trickle-down” effect.

“People see that my direction and attitude is also one of improving efficiency, friendliness, and good customer service. It’s frustrating to deal with certain slow governmental processes, but I have accepted that certain changes will take more time. I don’t give up.”

Davenport added the county is working toward reducing the cost of housing inmates in the county jail through combined efforts of the county court, district court, and the district attorney’s office.

“As long as the citizens of Navarro County have confidence in me to do the job I won’t give up on making every effort to create a better, more efficient county government,” he said. “That has always been my goal, and will always be my promise.”



JP candidates

All three Navarro County Justices of the Peace eligible to seek re-election have announced their intentions to seek another term in office.

Vicki Gray, Kirby Hill and Connie Mayfield all intend to file for the March 2 primary election in Navarro County.

Gray is seeking her third term as the Precinct 1 JP. She said she believes she can continue to make a difference to the citizens of Navarro County by continuing to serve.

“I strive to be the most knowledgeable and professional public servant possible,” Gray said. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of this county.”

Gray was awarded the “Judge of the Year” award from the Texas Justices of the Peace and Constables Association. She is on the faculty of the Texas Justice Court Training Center and instructs both judges and clerks, as well as serving on the Court Clerk Education Committee that sets curriculum for all court clerks in Texas. In 2008, Gray received one of only two scholarships given in Texas to attend the National Judicial College in Reno, Nev., where she received over 80 hours of specialized training.

She has been married to Calvin Gray for 27 years. Her son, Robert, his wife Kim, and her three grandchildren, Mike, Emily and Ethan live in Rice. Gray is a member of the Corsicana Noon Lions Club and is active at Northside Baptist Church.

Precinct 2 JP Kirby Hill is seeking his second term in office, first elected in 2006 in a highly contested race.

Hill’s background in law enforcement paved the way for his career as a JP. He spent 10 years with the Corsicana Police Department, and three years working as an investigator for the Navarro County District Attorney’s office before seeking the JP post in 2006.

“I’ve really enjoyed my first term in office and want to continue to serve Navarro County,” Hill said of his intention to run again.

“I’ve learned a lot, being surrounded by some of the best judges in the state, helping to guide me,” said Hill, 36.

Hill praised the assistance of his office clerks, Cindy Bailey and Debbie Dunn, for making his first term successful.

“I’ve learned as much from my clerks as I have from anyone,” he said. “They’ve really helped me.

“I had an extensive criminal justice background, but it’s still a learning experience daily. It’s something I really enjoy, and look forward to doing for some time.”

Precinct 4 JP Connie Mayfield first took the bench on Jan. 1, 1991, and intends to seek her sixth term in office in 2010.

Mayfield is a past president of the Texas Justices of the Peace and Constables Association, and like Gray, was also named “Judge of the Year” by the organization. She currently serves on the Judges Education Committee, and instructs for different judicial levels across the state.

“I work actively in ongoing legislation to benefit the citizens of Navarro County, and improve the Judiciary,” she said.

Mayfield is the longest tenured Justice of the Peace serving Navarro County.

“I want to continue serving the citizens of Navarro County,” Mayfield said. “I feel I can continue to be fair, impartial and treat people with dignity and respect. I am always proud to represent Navarro County whether it is at the local or state level.”

Mayfield has also served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Association of Counties, a post she’s held for the past seven years.

The Precinct 3 JP post, vacant as a result of the resignation of Donna Murray, has attracted a pair of candidates to date who have said they’ll run in the primary.

Joshua Tackett, 22, has announced he will be running in the primary for the Precinct 3 JP seat.

Tackett, a Navarro County native, attended Corsicana High School, Navarro College and Texas Tech. He has been active in a variety of civic organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs, numerous food drives, and as a volunteer for Special Olympics.

Tackett was a Big 12 All-American Scholar athlete and an Academic All-American, as well as an Eagle Scout, and was on the Dean’s List and President’s List.

Tackett cites his experience as a law clerk with the Navarro County District Attorney’s office as helpful in his bid for the JP post, helping prepare cases and court dockets, jury selection and file maintenance.

“My real world experience, coupled with my degree in Pre-Law, Criminology and Political Science, will bring knowledge, experience and ambition to a job that I will perform with the dedication that the office deserves,” Tackett said.

Stephen G. Andrews, Corsicana city councilman, previously announced he’ll run in the primary for the Precinct 3 JP post.



County

commissioners

Faith Holt, Precinct 2 commissioner, has announced she will not be seeking re-election. To date, two candidates have made their intentions known to the Daily Sun that they’ll seek a ballot spot for her seat.

Bill Griggs 53, of Kerens, will run on the Democratic ballot for the Precinct 2 Commissioner’s position.

Griggs was previously co-owner of Sirman Lincoln Mercury and is the current owner of Sirman Used Cars and Sirman Feed. He is responsible for the everyday operations including budgeting, financing and purchasing. He also works as a part-time employee of Navarro County Precinct 1 commissioner's office. Griggs is owner and manager of 4G Ranch and Bucking Bulls.

Prior to being self-employed, Griggs gained first-hand knowledge of road construction and heavy equipment operation working for Tillman Reed, beginning as a teen-ager. He also gained valuable experience working for Crown Central Petroleum.

Griggs is a 1974 graduate of Kerens High School, and is a member of the Kerens Ex-Student Association. He served on the Corsicana Youth Baseball board for six years. He and his family are members of Northside Baptist Church.

Griggs and his wife of 28 years, Cindy, are life-long residents of Navarro County, as are their parents. Cindy, a registered nurse, has been the WIC Director at the local Health Department for 16 years.

They have two sons; John, 26, is a teacher/coach at Commerce ISD after graduating from Sam Houston State University; Jake, 22, lives in College Station and is currently a senior finance major at Texas A & M University. Both boys graduated from Corsicana High School and were active in sports. Griggs coached both boys throughout their little league careers.

“Bill Griggs’ 30-plus years business experience, his commitment to the people of his native county, his stability and his common sense approach to problem solving will serve the citizens of Navarro County well,” said Eddie Pevehouse, Navarro County Democratic chair.

Retired businessman Dick Martin, 68, had previously announced he would be running in the Republican primary for the Precinct 2 commissioner seat.

The first day to officially file for the March 2010 ballot is Dec. 3, 2009.

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