This article is part two of the County Commissioner Precinct 2 race and will feature David Niblett who is running for election on the Republican Party Ticket against his opponent the incumbent Lonnie Layton who is running on the Democratic Party Ticket.
We met David on a beautiful Texas morning at the downtown square by the water fountain to put him “Under the Red Hat.”
Question 1: Tell us what you see as the description of the position and its responsibilities?
David: The Commissioner’s position is the overseer of services for the precinct and the county and the commissioner ensures that they are being handled efficiently. Roads are the visible part of it, but not the only focus a commissioner should have. There is the Commissioner’s Court and the county budget, both of those items always need attention and oversight.
Question 2: You are the opponent, tell us why you should be elected?
David: I have given a lot of time and resources to Lamar County already. I have been with the Roxton Volunteer Fire Department since I was 18 years old. I am now the Chief of the Fire Department and have filled that position for about 5 years. I am the Vice-President of the Lamar County Volunteer Fire Fighters Association and am also the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Roxton. Through those efforts I have dedicated time to helping improve our community and I feel the commissioner position is the next step to continue with those dedications.
Question 3: Why not your opponent?
David: In the past few years (or term), I have not seen any major breakthroughs of progress from my opponent. I see the conditions of the roads and the decisions at the court house and I do not feel the decisions were made for the positive of the precinct and the county.
Question 4: Tell us in short about yourself – education, experience, family, faith?
David: I was born and raised in Roxton. I graduated from Roxton High School in 1999 and attended PJC for the Emergency Medical Technician course. For two and a-half years I worked as an electrician at Hargis Electric before going to work for Suddenlink where I have been for the last 12 years. I am a Head-In Technician which means I manage all the servers and distribution. My wife Amanda and I have been married for 6 years and we have a 3 ½ year old daughter named Lyla.
Question 5: What is your party affiliation and why?
David: I am Republican because the values hit home with me. I don’t agree whole heartedly with everything, but they are the most grounded party.
Question 6: How do you fell about straight party ticket voting and why?
David: At the local level a straight party vote isn’t really fair to the people running. These are people in your community that you should already know or be familiar with and you should vote for who they are and what they represent. At a State or Federal level you don’t get a chance to meet them and shake their hands. So you are voting with the party values more so than the personal values of the candidates.
Question 7: Do you own any businesses or will you do any other work outside of this position?
David: No.
Question 8: What has not been accomplished that will be the 1st thing on your agenda if elected?
David: I don’t know if I have a single agenda as much as I want to evaluate and refine the overall picture. I know things can be improved because I see shortfalls!
Question 9: Have any organizations or groups endorsed you?
David: The Republican Party and The Paris News.
Question 10: Anything else you would like to add or say in your own words?
David: This is my home and I have dedicated a lot of time and effort to improving our community. I feel I have the talent and proven leadership to make positive changes in Lamar County.
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
