With an uncontested Democratic Primary Election, Shirley Fults is running for re-election in the County Treasurer’s Race. But unlike the ten uncontested races for local seats, Shirley is running in one of the four contested races against Melanie Clifford on the Republican ticket. In the 12 years Shirley has been the incumbent this is the first election race that she has had a challenger. We sat down with Shirley “Under the Red Hat” for part one of this races’ interview.
Question 1: Tell us what you see as the description of your position and its responsibilities?
Shirley: In my description of the job I am responsible for all monies or revenue taken in by Lamar County. I am also call the Indigent Health Care (HC) Coordinator for Lamar County and I have two case workers under that. Indigent health care is medical help for residents of Lamar County that are in need of medical attention from doctors, the hospital or for medications. 8 percent of the general tax revenue is used as that is what is mandated by the state. These are very low income or people switching to Medicare/Medicaid. A lot of them are disabled persons. We have served 296 clients actively this fiscal year. Last year we ran out of funds in February, but we have since started this year utilizing the Lamar County Health Department for first visits with a physician for clients. The hospital also set up a Lamar County Community Service program with the county. At the end of the 2014 fiscal year, we had $100 surplus, so we stayed within budget.
Question 2: You are the incumbent, tell us why you should be re-elected?
Shirley: Experience! I started 21 years ago in the Treasurer’s Office and have been the County Treasurer for the last 12 years. God’s given me the grace to help serve others and that’s what we are here for.
Question 3: Why not your opponent?
Shirley: She would be coming in off the street without any experience here in the Treasurer’s Office. I would only have one month to train her and turn over the position if she were to win and that is not enough.
Question 4: Tell us in short about yourself – education, experience, family, faith?
Shirley: I am a native of Paris, have lived here all my life and so have my parents. I went to a rural school that is now Chisum. I attended PJC for 2 years and went to work for South Western Bell here in Paris when they were still here. I was a service representative for 16 ½ years with them. Back then, you had to go to the phone company for service, so I helped set up new accounts, received payments and so on. In 1982 it dissolved. I could have transferred but my husband had a job here and this was our home. I went to work for Dr. Ted McLemore as his office manager for 5 years. While working for Dr. McLemore I was asked to apply as the Indigent Health Case Worker in the Treasurer’s Office and did that for 9 years before I was asked to run for Treasurer. I had never been in politics before and the first time I was elected I feel it was contributed to me being involved in Lamar County Little Dribblers basketball, referring, and meeting so many people. That was 12 years ago, I’m running for my 4th term and this is my 1st contested race. I have been married for 48 years, we have a daughter and 2 grandsons. We attend Maxey Baptist Church and I also am a Sunday school teacher there with our youth.
Question 5: What is your party affiliation and why?
Shirley: The Democratic Party. My family has always been democrats and I didn’t want to change. I have always voted for the person, not the party.
Question 6: How do you fell about straight party ticket voting and why?
Shirley: I don’t vote straight party.
Question 7: Do you own any businesses or will you do any other work outside of this position?
Shirley: No.
Question 8: What has not been accomplished that will be the 1st thing on your agenda if re-elected?
Shirley: I don’t have an agenda, I just want to continue what I am doing. I always try to help better the salaries and working conditions, or any improvement I can make for all employees of Lamar County. That is something I will continue to do and the proof is in the pudding!
Question 9: Have any organizations or groups endorsed you?
Shirley: A lot of individuals have, but for groups – the Democratic Party.
Question 10: Anything else you would like to add or say in your own words?
Shirley: I could have retired due to my age and years of service but I was asked by the public to continue and my goal is to keep the finances of Lamar County in the good standing that it has been in. I am only the 3rd Lamar County Treasurer in the history of the office and I would like to keep it that way for a period of years.
Written by “Under the Red Hat.” The Red Hat is un-biased, un-affiliated and represents all of us here in our community. If you have an idea, a comment, or want to more about people in our area that are making an impact on our lives through their profession, life, or cause, then just let us know who you would like to see “Under the Red Hat!”redhat@eparisextra.com