The race is on!
Democratic candidates for the offices of DeKalb County Assessor of Property and Constable formally announced their candidacies during the local party’s mass meeting held Saturday morning at the DCHS cafeteria.
Incumbent Assessor Timothy (Fud) Banks said he is asking the party faithful for renomination and re-election to a fifth term. “My whole life, I’ve lived here for fifty five years now and for thirty three of those years I have put in serving the people of DeKalb County, seventeen years in law enforcement and sixteen years in the office (property assessor). I need a job. My staff and I have thirty nine years of combined experience doing the job and we try to do the job well and keep the office updated for everybody who needs to use it. I’m asking now for your vote and support. I’d appreciate it,’ said Banks.
Scott Cantrell said he too would like to serve the people of DeKalb County as Assessor of Property. “I’m the proud son of Jerry Lee and Jane Cantrell of Cantrell’s Furniture. I am a proud democrat. If you know me personally you know that I keep many irons in the fire. I have several jobs that I do besides working with my daddy but if elected all these things will cease and my first priority will be serving the people of DeKalb County. I am seeking the office of property assessor and I’d appreciate your support, vote, and prayers,” said Cantrell.
Johnathan Bryan Keith, another candidate for Assessor of Property, also asked for the voter’s support. “I’ve served on the rescue squad for several years. I look forward to serving my community in other ways. I’d appreciate anything anyone does for me. Thank you,’ said Keith.
Four candidates for constable also announced their candidacies beginning with Carl Lee Webb in the sixth district. “I live in the Keltonburg community in the sixth district. I served as constable for three terms and then dropped out. Mr. Cantrell Jones has had it for four years and he decided not to run again. If I’m elected I’ll do anything I can for anybody. Any vote and support you could give me I’d appreciate it,’ said Webb,.
Webb and Richard Bullard are both seeking the office of sixth district constable. Bullard was not present at Saturday’s mass meeting.
Incumbent third district constable Wayne Vanderpool is unopposed in his bid for another term. “I’ve been the constable in the third district for the last sixteen years. I’d appreciate anything anyone can do to help me even though I’m running unopposed. Thank you for your votes,’ he said.
Incumbent fifth district constable Mark Milam is also unopposed, seeking a sixth term. ” I want to say that I’m thankful for the last five terms that I’ve served for DeKalb County. Over the last five terms I’ve tried to be an asset to DeKalb County. I’m seeking re-election again and asking for each and everyone’s support. I have a good working relationship with all the agencies and help them in anyway I can,” he said.
Incumbent seventh district constable Johnny King added ” I am running for constable in the seventh district. This is my second term. I was constable in the fourth district for several years. I appreciate your vote and support. Thank you,” he said.
Incumbent fourth district constable Paul Cantrell is also seeking re-election but he was not present at the meeting.
These candidates will be on the ballot in the March 6 DeKalb County Democratic Primary. Early Voting is set for February 15-28.
Newly elected local democratic party officers were also announced including Jim Judkins, who was re-elected as chairman; Larry Bain, Jordan Wilkins, and Kim Luton as co-vice chairs; Katherine Pack as treasurer; and Joyce Hendrixson as secretary. They will serve through 2014.
James Hale said he pondering another run for state representative but hasn’t yet made up his mind. “We have to get the final decision on redistricting of whether or not that I am actually in the 40th district. It appears that I am. We’ll know that within the next few days. We’ll then make a decision,” said Hale.
George McDonald, who ran unsuccessfully against State Senator Mae Beavers in 2010, addressed the group calling for party unity. Although he didn’t specifically mention it, McDonald may also have his eye on the state representative seat. In James Hale’s remarks, he said “I know he (McDonald) is interested in this seat as well but he said to me that if James Hale runs, I won’t run,” said Hale.
(Top Photo: Scott Cantrell, Johnathan Bryan Keith, Timothy (Fud) Banks)
(Second Photo From Top: Carl Lee Webb, Mark Milam, Wayne Vanderpool, Johnny King)
(Third Photo From Top: Larry Bain, Katherine Pack, Jim Judkins, Joyce Hendrixson, Jordan Wilkins, Kim Luton)
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