By Rich Flowers News Editor
A one-time Democratic candidate for county judge has entered the Republican Primary.
Charles Curtis is the second to file for the seat now held by David Holstein whose term ends Dec. 31.
Richard Sanders, who lost to Holstein in the 2002 Republican Primary, filed Dec. 3. Curtis, a Henderson County native is a retired educator and former school superintendent. He lost to Holstein in November, 2006. In that race, Holstein won a second term with 9,568 votes to Curtis’ 7,985.
Since the Athens Review last published a list of filees, County Treasurer Michael Bynum and County Clerk Gwen Moffeit, both Republicans, have filed for new terms. The lone Henderson County Democrat to file in the past week is longtime County Surveyor Jack Ward. Ward generally draws no opposition for the unpaid position.
Other filees to date in county races include three Democrats.
One is Precinct 4 County Commissioner Jerry West. West who was first elected in 1994, is currently the longest-tenured commissioner.
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Henry Ashford is hoping to keep his spot at the Henderson County Justice Center. Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Sue Tarrant, who has held the office in Poynor since 1986, filed for a seventh term.
Republican Chairman Don Geddie’s updated list of candidates includes several incumbents.
Judge Dan Moore of the 173rd District Court hopes to return for a second term. County Court at Law No. 2 Judge Nancy Perryman is also bidding for another four years. Long-time County Court at Law No. 1 Judge Matt Livingston has also filed.
The Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Sue Starnes, who has held the post since 1987, is challenged by Danny Bristow, a retired Tyler fireman.
Tommy Barnett in Precinct 5 and Milton Adams in Precinct 6, are so-far unopposed in their re-election bids.
Incumbent Wade McKinney, is so-far unopposed for Precinct 2 County Commissioner.
The retirement of Becky Hanks leaves an opening at District Clerk. Although others have voiced interest in the race, Jean Godwin is the lone filee so far, Geddie said.
There is one statewide candidate from Henderson County. Bill Burton of Athens has entered the Democratic Primary for Land Commissioner. The incumbent, Republican Jerry Patterson has also filed.
