Deadline is January 2

Area candidates start to
file for political office

 

 

By STERRY BUTCHER

FAR WEST TEXAS – With a little less than two weeks left before the filing window closes, candidates are signing up to run for area political offices.

The deadline to file for office is January 2.

In Presidio County, incumbent Danny Dominguez has filed as a Democrat candidate for sheriff.

John Armstrong, the co-owner of the Luz de Estrella vineyards, is a Republican who will seek the county attorney’s office.

Frank Brown, the 83rd District attorney, likewise has filed for re-election on the Democratic Party ticket.

The county chair of each party is responsible for handling the election filing and the primary elections. These are also elected positions and candidates may file for the county chair positions.

When filing began earlier this month, however, there was something of a scramble to fill the vacant seat of the Democratic chair. Cindy Clarke, the city administrator of Presidio, has agreed to fill the position.

She may be reached at Presidio’s City Hall during regular work hours, 432.229.3517 or via cell phone, 432.631.6678.

Those who want to run for office should note that she’s out of town December 24 – 26, but will be available again starting December 27.

Be aware, too, that the city of Presidio will observe time off surrounding New Year’s Day and that filing must be done in person. Clarke will be alert to her cell phone during that time.

“I will make myself available,” she said, adding that she can perform the notary services required in the process.

Republicans in Presidio County may file with Rudy Garcia in Marfa, 432.729.4826.

There has been a flurry of filers in Jeff Davis County, at least among Democrats.

J.D. Wilbourn and Rick McIvor have each filed to run for sheriff; Bart Medley will seek re-election as county attorney; Larry Francell will likewise run for re-election in Precinct 1; and Curtis Evans has filed for his incumbent seat as Precinct 3 commissioner.

Fred Parrott, an incumbent, will also run to keep the constable office.

Beth Francell will be on the ballot as the incumbent Democrat county chair. Candidates wishing to file for office may reach her at 432.426.3236.

No information was available on Jeff Davis County Republican filers. Harold Pattillo is the county chair: 432.426.3449.

In Brewster County, several incumbent Democrats have filed, including Ronny Dodson for sheriff, Steve Houston for county attorney, Betty Jo Rooney for tax assessor-collector and Ruben Ortega for county commissioner, Precinct 3.

Also on the ballot will be Dale Christophersen for Democrat county chair; Mark Battista, Precinct 1 chair; Mary Bell Lockhart, Precinct 2 chair; and Joyce Wright, Precinct 4 chair.

Incumbent Republican Asa “Cookie” Stone has also filed for re-election to the Precinct 3 commissioner’s seat.

Democrats in Brewster County may contact Chistophersen at 432.837.3275. Republicans candidates file with Hal Craig, 432.837.2260.