Cherokeean/Herald (Rusk, Tex.), Vol. 146, No. 4, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 24, 1994 Page: 3 of 26
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CHEROKEEAN/HERALD of Rusk, Texas—Thursday, February 24,1994—Page Three
Open Forum: The Candidates Speak
As a service to its readers, the Cherokeean/Herald
requested position papers from eight candidates
seeking the positions of county judge and county
commissioner.
The candidates were asked:
1. Do you agree with the current policy of allowing
two judges and their secretaries at the Court House to
collect fees for medication hearings at Rusk State
Hospital, when other elected officials, including the
County Clerk and Sheriff, return theirs to the trea-
surer?
2. If you disagree with the current policy, please
explain what you will do, if elected to correct the
present system of double-dipping.
3. Do you think the present County Court House
backlog of 1,895 cases is excessive?
4. If you feel the backlog is excessive, explain what
you will do, if elected to oversee the dockets and
improve the efficiency of the court system.
Responses are printed as submitted.
Nancy Hudson
Democratic Candidate for Cherokee County Judge
Nancy Hudson, candi-
date for County Judge,
says she does not agree
with the current policy of
allowing two judges and
their secretaries at the
Courthouse to collect fees
for medication hearings at
Rusk State Hospital. She
says "I would return the
dollars paid to the county
treasurer office, possibly
with stipulation going to
a specified area of need,
(or to be ear-marked for
a specific area of need)."
She says that she thinks
the backlog of 1,895 cases
is excessive. If elected
she says she "would first make sure the county court at law judge
and the county attorney will both be aware I am there to be of
assistance to them. I believe if I held court at 6 a.m. or 7-9 p.m. or
set aside any one or two days a week a schedule could be arranged
that would benefit all concerned.
After prior speaking with both parties mentioned above I believe
because I intend to be there 8-12 hours per day there must be some
way to assist and better the current $ystem."
In answer to what her platform is and why she is the best candidate,
she says, "I believe I am the best candidate for the office because
I will be dedicated to the position. My dedication will apply towards
working with all elected officials. I also plan on being able to re-
establish the importance of being able to listen to the concerns of
the citizens of Cherokee County. I wUI make no promises about
what actions will be taken by the court, but I will promise to listen
and to advise the court of the concerning being levied.
I believe my background knowledge of business management, public
relations, economic development and energies applied to those areas
will be an asset.
My being familiar with federal, state and county guidelines (and
sometimes questioning them) will also assist me in dealing with the
regulations required by law. I believe my past record of conservative
expenditures and knowledge of what management, equipment, main-
tenance and social service cost are will assist me in making wise
expenditures decisions. Finally, I hope to re-establish the citizens' faith
in our governmental system."
Harry Tilley
Democratic Candidate for Cherokee County Judge
/
Harry Tilley, Democratic
candidate for County
Judge, says he does not
agree with the policy of
allowing two judges and
their secretaries at the
courthouse to collect fees
for medication hearings at
Rusk State Hospital. He
says "I will not collect any
fees from medication or
any other hearing at Rusk
State Hospital."
Concerning the present
system of "doubledipping,"
Tilley says "I think the Com-
missioners Court should
take another look at this
situation."
Tilley says he does think
that the backlog of 1,895
cases is excessive.
If elected he explains "As soon I have been trained to conduct
court hearings, I will consult with the County Attorney to begin
setting the court docket to swiftly move the cases through the
system. I intend to hold court on the Mondays that the Commis-
sioners Court does not meet. I will work to improve the efficiency
of the County Court."
In stating his platform and why he is the best candidate for County
Judge, Tilley says "I want to provide the citizens of Cherokee
County the best value for each dollar of income through a common
sense approach to management of Cherokee County's resources.
I pledge cooperation with members of the Court, elected county
officials and other governing bodies in the county. I will improve
communications with the Commissioners Court, elected officials
and citizens of Cherokee County. I will be courteous to those who
come to the Commissioners Court and before me when I serve as
judge.
"I have a degree in Business Administration. I have over 30 years
experience in business, with the last 18 years as president of the
company. I served 11 years as a city councilman and four additional
years as mayor, for 13 years total experience in government.
"I have extensive training in economics development. I at-
tended the Basic Industrial Development Course, and completed
over ten economic development extension courses. I helped
develop the assistance program for new and expanding industry
adopted by the city, school district and county commissioners. I
am a member of the Northeast Texas Economic Developers
Roundtable and am a former member of the Cherokee County
Commissioner Candidates
Royce (Freddy) Johnson
County Commissioner Candidate, Precinct 2
Royce (Freddy) Johnson, candidate for Commissioner Precinct 2,
says he does not agree with the current policy of allowing two judges
and their secretaries to oollect fees for medication hearings at Rusk
State Hospital.
If elected, his statement concerning the present system of "double
dipping" is "I will make a motion that the judges are to work for
their salaries only and monies collected for administrating hear-
ings from Rusk State Hospital be turned over to the county
treasurer the same as o (her officials of this and other counties do."
Johnson feels the curre nt backlog of cases is excessive and he stated
his position: "The pending backlog of cases will be a top priority to
be addressed and actod upon. The judges and county attorney
should be required to work these cases on an sight hour, five day
work week until these cases are all heard and a dismissal or
conviction is reached. These bscklog cases should receive the
ssme priority ss the hearings from Ruak State Hospital, that are
kept current and have no backlog of hearings. As Commissioner,
I will work with the com missioners Court to set up a work plsn that
will speed up our court system to act on this bscklog of esses. This
will generate money for the county through fines and fees that is
due to the county by Ihe offenders. It is the judges and county
attorney's job to collect these finss and fees."
Concerning his platfo m and why he should be elected, Johnson
states "I am Royce (Freddy) Johnson, candidate for County Com-
missioner Precinct 2, Cherokee County. I am for conservstive
spending. I will resesrch all areas of spending and make sure that
the money budgeted for each function is real and needed.
"With an effective and
efficient budget, raising
taxes will be a last resort
to generate money for
county operations. I
strongly believe county
officials should work to-
gether for the same end
results, that is to offer
end provide better ser-
vice for the citizens of
this county in the most
economical method pos-
sible.
"I have a long term
plan to re-work our sur-
faced roads in the pre-
cinct. I will organize the
road maintenance by
regular blading of all dirt
roads, cleaning out
ditches, mowing and cleaning right of ways. I will inspect our
bridges, big and small, and make necessary repairs or replace
them according to the need.
"I am proud to live in a community and county where each one
of us can make a difference. I believe that I am your best represen-
tative for County Commissioner, Precinct 2.1 promise the citizens
and taxpayers the best representation and performances in the
area of road maintenance and in my responsibilities at the court-
house. I want to make a difference as your commissioner. Vote for
Royce (Freddy) Johnson Commissioner Pet. 2."
.Terry R. Yancey
County Commissioner Candidate, Precinct 4
Terry R. Yancey says
he does not agree with the
current policy of allowing
two judges and their sec-
retaries at the courthouse
to collect fees for medica-
tion hearings at Rusk State
Hospital.
With his answer, he sug-
gests the solution for
"double dipping" is to
"Bring it before the Com-
missioners Court."
He agrees that the back-
log of 1,895 cases is ex-
cessive.
He says the "Commis-
sioners Court needs to
work with the Judge to
try and overcome the
backlog."
His platform and reason that he is the best candidate are: "Mr. Terry
R. Yancey, lifelong resident of Precinct 4, Is seeking County
Commissioner.
"Mr. Yancey attended New Summerfield High School. At the age of
I
18, he began his career in road construction. Within one year, he was
promoted to Operator and soon after on to Foreman. His last promotion,
lasting six years, was Job Superintendent. He then decided to open his
own business, TRY construction. He has now been in business for
himself 10 years. In his business he has worked for the county, the
Texas Department of Transportation, county airports, which are regu-
lated by the FAA Agency, local businesses and home owners.
"Mr. Yancey believes that a county commissioner should listen and
work with the people in hi precinct. He believes a commissioner should
be able to travel all roads, determine the problems, determine the
solutions and communicate this to his employees. A commissioner
should be able to organize his manpower effectively in order to achieve
the highest quality and quantity of work possible during a work day. He
also believes a commissioner should be able to work in conjunction with
the Commissioners Court to stay within the budget without increasing
taxes.
"Mr. Yancey is the son of Travis and Mary Yancey who are lifelong
residents of New Summerfield. Mr. Yancey is married to Shelba
Yancey. Shelba is the daughter of the late Walker Smith and Mary Jo
Rawlinson of Jacksonville.
"Mr. and Mrs. Vancey have two daughters, Shala Orr of DeSoto and
Susan Willis of Jacksonville. Shala is a graduate of Jacksonville High
School and the University of North Texas. She has a Bachelor's degree
in Business Administration and Marketing. She is married to John
Timothy Orr of DeSoto. S jsan is a graduate of Jacksonville High School
and is currently a teacher at Headstart. She is married to Chris Willis of
Jacksonville. They have one son, Christopher Dylon Willis."
Overall Economic Development Comminee. I feel these qualifica-
tions enable me to be an effective County Judge."
Jerry Rix
Republican Candidate for Cherokee County Judge
Jerry Rix, the only Re-
publican candidate for
county judge, says he
does not agree with the
current policy of allowing
two judges and their sec-
retaries at the Courthouse
to collect fees for medica-
tion hearings at Rusk State
Hospital.
In answerto what he will
do he replies: "Section
574 of the Mental Health
Code saya that a judge
sitting 'outside of the
courthouse' is allowed
to recover 'reasonable
and necessary ex-
penses.' The commis-
sioners court gave them
permission to do that on Aug. 9,1993.
"We come now to an interpretation of 'reasonable and necessary.' In
my present job, I visit many veterans in their homes and in nursing
homes. 'Reasonable and necessary" expense in our case is 24 cents
per mile traveled, as is the case with all others who find it necessary to
travel away from the courthouse doing their jobs.
"If the present "double dipping" system is to be changed it must be
done through the Commissioners Court and/or a change in the mental
health code. Section 571.018 subsection (F) says "A judge who holds
hearings at locations other than the county courthouse is entitled to
additional compensation as provided by sections 574.031 (h) and (i).
"The surest way to correct half of the present system is to elect
Jerry Rix as your next county judge and any fees payable to him
will go to the county treasury."
Rix says he believes the present backlog of 1,895 cases is excessive.
In answerto what he would do if elected he says "The figure of 1,895
cases on back log is misleading. Of this total number 315 are
unapprehended, 300 (approximately) are motions to revoke pro-
bation with a civil docket of 178 cases (lawsuits). The real figure on
active cases would be more in the area of 1,300 which ia still
excessive.
"The worst contributors to backlog are lawyers who seek continu-
ances and judges who let them. They will ask for pass after pass so that
in the future they can request dismissal for a case that is too old. They
also ask for continuance because clients have not paid. It is within the
judge's power to stop this practice, as have the district courts, and get
on with the docket.
"As your next county judge, Jerry Rix will limit the number of
continuances, and the caseload will rapidly decrease."
In answer to the question concerning his platform and why he is the
best candidate he says "I have a proven track record. My work
history over the years has proven my ability to perform success-
fully in a variety of situations. My successful educational history
with the associated honors is an excellent indicator of my ability
to do difficult jobs.
"In the course of doing the job of Veterans Service Officer for this
county, I have had the opportunity to gain the cooperation and respect
of the various elected officials and the employees of Cherokee County.
We have been able to greatly increase veterans benefits coming into
this county through our combined efforts. It has been a privilege and
honor to work with these people.
Because of my knowledge of county government, i will be able
to hit the ground running on the second of January."
Jim Canter
County Commissioner Candidate, Precinct 4
Jim Canter says in answer to the question concerning the current
policy of allowing two judges and their secretaries at the courthouse to
collect fees for medication hearings at Rusk State Hospital: "Question
number one implies political wrong doing. I would need to have
more information on this matter before I could render a decision."
Question Number 2 which asked if a "no" answer was given, what
would he do to correct the present system of double dipping, Canter
answers: "Question number two cannot be answered until more
information is obtained."
Canter answered Questions 3 and 4 concerning the backlog of 1,895
cases being excessive and what would he do, with the following
statement "Question number three and four seems to be accusing
the county court system of failing to turn out the work and,
therefore, is no longer effective. I need to know how long we have
been in this position and what created this log jam."
In stating his platform and why he is the best candidate Canter said
"I am seeking the office of County Commissioner because I can be
of service to the people of Cherokee County especially Precinct 4.
Communications between County officials and the people has
been diminishing during the past eight years. I can make a
difference. Precinct 4 must have stronger leadership. A strong
voice for the people is absolutely necessary if we are to restore
confidence in our county government.
My background qualifies me to lead this county forward for the next
four years. Those who know me, know I have the ability to get the job
done. My organizational skills and my ability to work with people in a fair
and open manner make me the best candidate for this position."
Voting Information
Early balloting continues through 5
p.m. March 4 at the Cherokee County
Courthouse in Rusk and the Jacksonville
Senior Citizens Center. Persons can vote
from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday. Both sites will be open from 9 a.m.
until 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26 for the conve-
nience of Cherokee County voters.
Polls on Election Day Tuesday, March 8
will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A list of
polling sites and judges for both Demo-
cratic and Republican Parties is printed on
Page 1 of this publication.
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Cherokeean/Herald (Rusk, Tex.), Vol. 146, No. 4, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 24, 1994, newspaper, February 24, 1994; Rusk, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth152152/m1/3/: accessed May 5, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Singletary Memorial Library.