From Staff Reports

Daily Sun



The first few days of official filing for the March 2010 primary elections brought about a rash of filings for ballot spots, and more announcements of candidates intending to file for the upcoming elections.

Among the new announcements this week from candidates planning to run are three incumbents — Marilyn Greer, seeking re-election as District Clerk; Sherry Dowd, the incumbent County Clerk; and Ruby Coker, running for re-election as County Treasurer. All three will run in the Democratic primary.

Also announcing her candidacy this week was Jacklyn Copeland, planning a Democratic bid for the Precinct 2 County Commissioner’s seat being vacated by Faith Holt.

Greer, 58, has served as Navarro County’s District Clerk for the last 20 years.

“I have enjoyed working with my office staff to serve the citizens of Navarro County in a professional and efficient manner,” Greer said in a release announcing her bid for re-election. “I will continue to work diligently for the citizens of Navarro County.”

Dowd, 54, is seeking her third term as County Clerk. In her announcement, she outlined several improvements made in her office, including adding a remote birth access system for obtaining certified copies of birth certificates, and was recently honored with a Five Star Award from the Texas Department of State and Health Services Vital Statistics Unit.

“I am very proud of my staff,” Dowd said. “They have worked hard to make sure our vital records are recorded in a very efficient and timely manner to achieve this award.”

Dowd has served on several committees for the County and District Clerk’s Association, and worked to help promote the Marriage Education program. She also helped present a mini-legislation meeting to inform and educate other county clerks on implementing new laws that took effect this year.

Dowd and husband Mike have two children and two grandchildren. She attends Northside Baptist Church, and is a member of the Kiwanis Club and Crimestoppers.

Coker, 50, is seeking her second term as Navarro County Treasurer. She served as the assistant treasurer for seven years before being elected to the treasurer’s post in 2006. Prior to her career with the county, Coker worked in banking for 19 years.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the citizens of Navarro County the last three years,” Coker said in a release announcing her candidacy.

Coker and husband Jacky have been married for 27 years. She has three daughters, one step-daughter and four grandchildren. Coker attended Slocum High School and Navarro College. She attends Mildred Baptist Church.

“I believe I have the knowledge, experience and dedication to serve the citizens of Navarro County for another term,” she said.

Copeland, 54, is recently retired, and planning her first run for office in the Democratic primary for the Precinct 2 commissioners race.

Copeland, a Kerens native, has been back in Navarro County for just over two years, after a career in business and education. She worked most recently for TXU in retail contract management. She also worked for Xerox for 14 years as an administration specialist. She is a graduate of Navarro College, and also attended the University of North Texas.

“I love Navarro County,” she said. “That’s why I moved back home to help enrich the lives of those living here,” she said.

Copeland said her focus is on a better quality of life while sustaining the rich heritage and culturally inviting community, through public safety, health, and efficient economic development.

“These challenging economic times demand leaders with a vision who can enhance and improve the conditions of our county, wile improving the way of life for our citizens,” she said in a release announcing her candidacy.

Candidates seeking a spot on the March 2010 primary ballot file with the county’s party chairs — Eddie Pevehouse for the Democratic party, and Frank Steed for the Republican party.

Candidates who filed this week with their parties and were reported to the Daily Sun by party chairs include:

Democrats

Vicki Gray, JP, Pct. 1

Connie Mayfield, JP, Pct. 4

Kirby Hill, JP, Pct. 2

Sherry Dowd, County Clerk

Ruby Coker, County Treasurer

Sherman Putman, Pct. 4 commissioner

William “Bill” Griggs, Pct. 2 commissioner

Nathan Carter, Pct. 2 commissioner

Stan Farmer, JP, Pct. 3

R. Lowell Thompson, District Attorney



Republicans

James Olsen, Pct. 4 commissioner

David Garrett, Pct. 4 commissioner

The final day to file for the March 2010 primary is Jan. 4, 2010.

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