There are a total of 14 races on the upcoming Lamar County Ballot during the November General Election. The County Judge, the County Treasurer, Constable Precinct 1 and the County Commissioner Precinct 2 races are the only Four of the fourteen races that are contested.
So far it has been a relatively mellow race cycle, but with 39 days left, it is just a matter of time before it heats up.
This article is part one of the County Commissioner Precinct 2 race and will feature Lonnie Layton, the incumbent County Commissioner who is running for re-election on the Democratic Party Ticket.
His opponent running for election on the Republican Party Ticket, David Niblett, will be featured in part two of this piece. We met with Lonnie in his office at the Court House for some “Under the Red Hat” questions.
Question 1: Tell us what you see as the description of your position and its responsibilities?
Lonnie: First off it is not an easy job. My #1 priority is taking care of the tax payers, whether it is a road, a culvert or dealing with something at the court house. It is not just about roads in the precinct, it is budgets and issues for Lamar County.
Question 2: You are the incumbent, tell us why you should be re-elected?
Lonnie: I am in my 2nd term going on 8 years in office and I feel like experience is the most important thing. I can run any piece of equipment and have proven that I can handle the budget and the Commissioner’s Court. I am very conservative and watch the budget like it is my own money. I have had a surplus every year.
Follow-Up: What happens to the surplus money from each precinct?
Lonnie: It rolls over into my budget for the next year.
Question 3: Why not your opponent?
Lonnie: I would never say anything negative and I really do not know him all that well. I will just say I have the most experience in the job.
Question 4: Tell us in short about yourself – education, experience, family, faith?
Lonnie: I have been in Paris most of my life. I owned Tire City Discount on North Main St. for 30 years before I turned it over and gave it to my son. I have been the commissioner now for eight years. My wife and I have been married for 39 years and we have a son, a daughter, two grandsons and two granddaughters. My son Eric has the tire store and his wife Kerri is a school teacher at North Lamar. My daughter Lonna works at the hospital and her husband James “Bubba” Lewis works for Brad Drake Construction. We attend Cornerstone Baptist Church.
Question 5: What is your party affiliation and why?
Lonnie: Democrat. I was raised on the democratic ticket. I believe in the person and not the party at the local level though.
Question 6: How do you fell about straight party ticket voting and why?
Lonnie: At the Lamar County level I think you need to vote for the best person for the job.
Question 7: Do you own any businesses or will you do any other work outside of this position?
Lonnie: I own Ray’s Place and have had it for 4-5 years now. I started building it right after we found out that Lamar County was going wet.
Follow-Up: If so, how do you separate your personal business from your professional duty?
Lonnie: There is no conflict of interest between the store and the commissioner’s position. I am never there much and never when I am on the county clock.
Question 8: What has not been accomplished that will be the 1st thing on your agenda if re-elected?
Lonnie: It will be business as usual taking care of my precinct and the taxpayers like I have for the last eight years.
Question 9: Have any organizations or groups endorsed you?
Lonnie: The Democratic Party.
Question 10: Anything else you would like to add or say in your own words?
Lonnie: I have worked very hard for the last 8 years and will continue to work hard for the people of Lamar County and will continue to make good decisions in Commissioner’s Court.
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