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League of Women Voters Candidates have say at forum By George Schwarz The League of Women Voters hosted a candidates forum on Monday, Feb. 18. Here are the highlights from those competing for various elected posts. The candidate statements are in the order they presented at the event.
Potter County Sheriff — GOP Primary Clay Duke, who has moved to Potter County to make a run for the sheriff's job said, "I can have an immediate impact for change on the Potter County Sheriff Department." The first day of his administration, he would change the way business is conducted by following all county purchasing rules "to the letter of the law." He would also bar department employees from using county cars for personal business and would welcome a GED program and jail ministry programs into the Potter County Detention Center. "Education and faith are two ways to lead people away from crime and away from the jail," he said. He would also make recommendations to the Commissioners Court on jail expansion and improvements to meet standards and would have the inmates work while in custody. He would crack down on gaming businesses and would cooperate with other jurisdictions in emergency situations, he said. Brian Thomas cited his involvement in the community and his church. He said he has a master's peace officer's certificate and many years experience, the past 12 years in running Crime Stoppers. And it's now an award-winning program known throughout the state. "I may have a little to learn about the Sheriff's Office, but I have that desire to learn and I'll lead with the abilities I already possess," he said. "This race is about making a change in the Potter County Sheriff's Office and I believe it's time for that change and new leadership." He is the only fresh choice without ties to the department, he added. Mike Shumate, the current sheriff, who is under felony indictment on public corruption charges, said he has spent the past seven years as sheriff and has started new programs. "What separates me from the other candidates is they can't tell you one thing: They can't tell you they are the sheriff, they've done the job, they've answered the call and made the tough decisions. Mike Shumate's done that," he said. He's been elected twice and people still have faith in him, he said, adding "The biggest thing you have to do is remember one thing: You get what you vote for. You can vote for words and phrases or you can vote for performance, and that's Mike Shumate." Ken Farren, who resigned as a deputy under Shumate to run against his former boss, cited his lifelong residency in Amarillo and a 35-year marriage. He said no one else possesses his qualifications, which include associate's and bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and graduating from the FBI Academy. He was a police officer for 36 years. Hiring someone for a job means finding someone with experience and expertise, he said. "I'm that candidate" Frank Frausto, who retired from the Department of Public Safety, was a highway patrolman and criminal investigator. He has investigated crimes of public and official corruption and organized crime. He said he wants to create a narcotics interdiction unit on Interstate 40 and wants to use the money for other purposes in Potter County. Potter County Sheriff — Democratic Party Primary Robert Taylor, running for sheriff unopposed on the Democrat ballot, said he has lived in Potter County for 42 years. He was in the U.S. Army and joined the Amarillo Police Department; he went on to cite extensive experience in the police department and sheriff's office. For the past three years, he was at Amarillo College Police Department, he said, adding he has been active at all levels of leadership in the Fraternal Order of Police. That has given him the ability to network, he said. "There is not a problem that I cannot figure out a proper solution." Potter County Commissioner Precinct 1 Lacy R. Borger, the incumbent, cited his education and business background, with an accounting degree and work as comptroller and chief executive for various companies. He has been the commissioner for the past three years. "I've tried to be more than just a watchdog for the voters in Potter County," he said. "I've been actively involved in the budget process, applying the same sound business principles that have worked well in the private sector." He said he was part of a court that raised revenue and lowered expenses, putting Potter County in the best financial position ever. H.R. Kelly, a former police sergeant, told the audience he was born in Massachusetts, one of 12 children, and came to Amarillo as part of the United States Air Force in 1963. He said he joined the Amarillo Police Department in November 1966 and has worked with large budgets. He also has 50 years of public service. Potter County Commissioner Precinct 3 Joe Marr Wilson said he has helped Potter County residents for 20 years, many of whom are having a hard time in their lives. He knows peoples' problems. "I think I know what they want in a commissioner for Precinct 3," he said. "And one of the things they want is change." They need elected officials with integrity and honesty, he said, taking a swipe at incumbent Joe Kirkwood. (Ed. Note: Kirkwood was investigated for allegations county employees had worked on his property, but no indictments were issued.) "They need a commissioner who will do the best for them, not the best for him, who will not use the county resources as if they are his own resources," Wilson said. "They don't have that now. That's what they will have if they elect me." Most of the county budget is for law enforcement and Wilson said he knows that system. Kirkwood, who ignored Wilson's reference to the allegations, touted his running of Cornerstone Outreach Center for 12 years. He said he has served as commissioner for seven years and when he was first elected, he promised "… that I would not cause taxes to be a burden upon their back, but to give them the benefits that they deserve." The Commission hasn't raised taxes and has passed tax cuts, he said. "We now have a conservative court and we need to keep a conservative court. We have administrated the money well." He is in it for the people, he said. "I was elected by the people and I remember who I work for and I will still be available to you 24 hours a day by cell anytime you need me." Potter County Constable Precinct 3 Candidate David Crawford was a no-show, while Steve Wells cited 24 years of law enforcement experience. He wants to generate more funds for Potter County. Other candidates Neither Roger Waun nor Mac Thornberry, running for U.S. House District 13, attended the forum. Other candidates running unopposed included Sen. Kel Seliger, Randall Sims, 47th District Attorney, and state representatives John Smithee and David Swinford. E-mail
comments about this story Posted: February 28, 2008
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