Bay City Tribune

The Pilot Club of Matagorda County hosted 18 candidates running for party nomination in the March 2 republican and democratic primaries during their political forum at the Bay City Service Center on Thursday, Feb. 4.

After each candidate gave a three-minute introductory statement, the first audience question was aimed at county commissioner candidates.

They were asked to state their opinions on White Stallion Energy Center, a proposed coal-fired power plant in Wadsworth.

Kent Pollard, commissioner pct. 2 candidate for democratic nominee, was the first to answer.

"We certainly need job expansion but I have some reservations about the coal plant," said Pollard.

Pollard suggested a natural gas powered plant should be a cleaner option.

"The second reservation I have is the taking of 36,000 acre-feet of water from the Colorado," he said.

"It could potentially knock out 8,000 acre-feet of water from our farmers (in irrigation water)."

David Woodson, commissioner pct. 4 incumbent, said he was in favor of the job base and tax revenue the plant would bring to the county.

"I know some people think it's going to be a disaster but I don't," said Woodson.

"We've got to get more jobs here."

Donald Simons, commissioner pct. 2 republican primary candidate, also took a stand in favor of the plant.

As a member of the Matagorda ISD school board, Simons said the plant would bring students to the district and help them to overcome the ill effects of being a Robin Hood school district.

James Mitchell, commissioner pct. 2 democratic primary candidate, said he was "most likely in favor of the plant as well."

Mitchell said the county was starving for economic development but he understood the need to be cautious when seeking development projects.

Pablo Dominguez, commissioner pct. 4 democratic primary candidate, agreed that job creation was his reason to favor White Stallion.

The candidates for commissioner pct. 2 were asked their position on the proposed southwest corner cut into East Matagorda Bay.

Mitchell said it was his understanding that the decision would be made before the new commissioner took office.

"If it's there before I take office and it's a good thing then we're going to leave it there," said Mitchell.

"But if it proves to be a bad thing then I'll use my office to close it."

Simons said he was for the cut because it would improve the health of the bay and help reduce the risk of fish kills.

Pollard also favored the southwest cut project, saying if adverse effects occurred the cut would be closed.

The county clerk candidates were asked about their plan to implement improved technology in the county clerk's office so that more information would be available online.

Janet Hickl, county clerk democratic primary candidate, said she would research the options and implement it as it came available.

Janice Hawthorne, county clerk democratic primary candidate, said it would be a great idea and she would implement online tools when possible.

"One thing to think of is the budget," said Hawthorne.

"It takes more than just the click of the button to put it online, it's the servers, the websites, and programs you use. So if it's within budget I would be more than happy to do that."

The candidates for justice of the peace pct. 1 were asked to list their accomplishments during their terms as justice of the peace.

Robert Matthews, former justice of the peace pct. 1 and current democratic primary candidate, said he implemented the OMNI system to collect delinquent fees and fines and offering a credit card option for fine payment.

"We did spend some time going through some old cases," he said.

Jeanette Bell, justice of the peace pct. 1 incumbent, listed cross-training her staff, changing filing procedures, installing a courtesy window, had small claims court paperwork posted online and issued over 900 warrants to take care of old and new cases.

"One of the accomplishments was that we met our goal this year and collected over $200,000 of fines from the citations that were issued," said Bell.

Candidates for U.S. Representative for District 14 were challenged to list how they would handle crises in the district differently than incumbent Rep. Ron Paul.

"I would get an office opened if I had to bring my personal RV and set it up," said John Gay.

Tim Graney said the job is to be in the district listening to the constituents and be in Washington working with others.

Gerald Wall, U.S. representative republican primary candidate, said the federal government should offer help to its citizens in times of natural disaster.

Jeff Cherry, U.S. representative democratic primary candidate, said as a Galveston County resident, he knows first-hand what has been missing.

"We need to open up a 24-hour hotline that should have been open from the get-go by our Congressman," said Cherry.

"Secondly, there should have been coordination of state, local and federal officials. County Judges have yet to be contacted by Representative Paul. We need to be talking to precinct chairs we need to make sure those block grants come available for people so they can get out of those FEMA trailers."

Robert Pruett, U.S. representative democratic primary candidate, said he believes the people needed federal help that Ron Paul voted against.

Matagorda County Judge Nate McDonald, County Treasurer Amy King Perez, and District Clerk Becky Denn are incumbents in unopposed races but made statements thanking the public for their trust in them and offering to answer questions about their offices.

David Pe'Vey, commissioner pct. 2 candidate, had a schedule conflict with the event and sent Stewart Savage, a spokesman, to give a statement on his behalf.

Gary Piwonka, JP pct. 4 candidate, did not attend the forum.

Kristyn Hallmark, Matagorda County tax assessor collector and Pilot Club member, was the mistress of ceremonies while a panel of three moderators submitted audience questions to the candidates.