MARTIN COUNTY: This week’s question and answer session features Kenny Stewart and Keith Petty. These two gentlemen are running for election for Martin County Commissioner Precinct 1.
Incumbent Stewart:
Why did you decide to run again?
I’ve invested 8 years of my life to being commissioner for Pct. 1. I am committed to the people and enjoy doing what is right by the tax payers. I want to continue to be the kind of person voters can depend on to take their concerns and questions and find answers and solutions, and grow our community with the future in mind.
What do you hope to accomplish?
Maintain the great relationship of the court, do my best to be a voice for my precinct.
What do you perceive as the duties of this office?
My job is to budget the tax payers money to run the county efficiently, maintaining county roads in a difficult time when the oil field is at a all time high when it comes to traffic, and get to know my voters as the west end of the county is experiencing massive growth.
What do you perceive are the major issues in this race?
For me the biggest issue is there are so many new faces and families moving into my precinct that it’s hard to personally knock on every door to let them know who I am and what we as commissioners do for them.
How do you stand on those issues?
I am mailing out a personal letter to every family in my precinct asking for support to be re-elected.
Are there any other changes you would like to implement?
--Where do you hope to see the office in four years?
I would like to see us commissioners fulfill the ideas we are putting together on the expansion of the developments on the new land on the east side of town. I would like to continue to see our roads improved even more.
What experience do you have in this type of work?
I have been commissioner for the past 7 years with over 140 hours of continuing education hours required by the state of Texas.
Educational background?
Graduated from Stanton ISD
Acquired over 140 hours from Commissioner schools across Texas.
Family background?
I am 3rd generation of Stewarts in Martin County. I live on the same land that my grandfather settled on. I am married with 2 boys. My wife, Naomi, is a teacher at SISD. My youngest son, Stran, is a senior at SISD. My oldest son, Sidney, and I own and run Stewart Water Well Service and all the family is involved in Stewart Farms in Martin County, including Teddy and Clara Stewart. Our favorite family functions are getting together for a good meal and going to team roping events as a family.
Candidate Petty:
Why did you decide to run?
I have lived in Martin County for over 15 years. I want to be involved in a positive way in my county. Helping and Serving others. I see the County commissioner position as a great way to do that.
What do you hope to accomplish?
I see a lot of missed potential for the county and I would like to help Martin County become great. Grow and catch up with the rest of the world. The infrastructure can be improved. All those in Martin county that pay taxes should received equal services from the county. I would like to see Martin county develop and offer more to the citizens .
What do you perceive as the duties of this office?
As commissioner I am responsible for roads and bridges within precinct 1. I would also serve in the commissioners court with the other 3 commissioners and the county judge. Commissioners court is responsible for the general business of the county such as:
County budget and tax rate. The taxes of the people need to be fair to each individual and used for the benefit those paying the taxes.
Approving budgeted purchases of the county. Where the county spends the taxpayers monies is governed by the Commissioners Court, each purchase is essentially for the people.
Setting salaries and benefits of county employees. I feel you get what you pay for. By this I mean they all should receive fair compensation, adequate to allow them to do their jobs well for the taxpayers, their employers. Also, that the compensation is relative and competitive to the West Texas market.
Authorizing contracts for the county.
Maintains county buildings and facilities. Martin county has a great economy and an extensive and growing tax base in order to provide quality facilities for its citizens. Upkeep and maintenance on the properties are essential to protect the citizens investment. With the income to population ratio we should be able to serve the tax payers well.
What do you perceive are the major issues in this race?
The county needs to be providing services to the taxpayers. Good roads, facilities to use by the public, representation by law enforcement and emergency services. We have a growing population in Martin County. All of the tax payers should have access to county services and facilities and be served equally.
How do you stand on those issues?
The commissioners and county judge, as a plurality represent all the people in the county. My responsibility is to voice the needs of all of those in precinct 1. It is the responsibility of the commissioners court to provide the citizens what they ‘pay for’ with their taxes. Those paid by the county are there to serve all the people who pay taxes. Provide county services, buildings and roads for the taxpayers. I am a man of integrity and believe every person of value and I will stand on that, with God’s guidance.
Are there any other changes you would like to implement?
I would like to see some basic regulations set for neighborhoods in Martin county. I think we need some accountability for septic systems in order to protect ground water and building safety. Work in conjunction with 911 insure the information is up to date, so residents can be found in emergencies.
Where do you hope to see the office in four years?
I would hope to see service to the citizens increased and more accountability put in place by the officials.
What experience do you have in this type of work?
I have worked as a Property/Facility Manager for over 26 years. I have worked in the federal government as well as the energy industry. I have extensive experience in budgeting, planning, building and maintaining property and facilities. My responsibilities with the federal government included Emergency planning, preparedness and operations. I have experience working with architects, general contractors and maintenance vendors in order to maintain properties.
Educational background?
I graduated from Midland High School in 1980 and attended Texas Tech University. I have several certifications in HVAC, Asbestos Management, PWS water certifications and OSHA.
Family background?
My wife Christy and I have been married for 38 years. We met when we were in high school , she at Lubbock Roosevelt and I in Midland High. We have 3 grown sons. My eldest graduated from Grady High School and has a degree in Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech, his wife has a teaching degree from Texas Tech. They now have three children and live in Colorado. My next son and his wife both graduated from Grady High School and he attended Texas Tech. They now have five children, live in Midland where he works as a Foreman in the energy industry. My youngest son graduated from Bynum and now lives in Martin county and works at a local hotel. My priorities are God, family, everything else after that!