MARTIN COUNTY: This week’s question and answer session features Bobby Holland and Allan Carby. These two gentlemen are running for election for Martin County Commissioner Precinct 3.
Incumbent Holland:
Why did you decide to run again?
I truly enjoy serving in this capacity. I have a great working relationship with the Judge, the commissioners along with other elected officials and staff. Experienced leadership is key in these challenging times especially in the midst of the increased oil and gas activity with respect to infrastructure, crime, budget, etc.
What do you hope to accomplish?
Among my goals for Martin County are new and improved facilities for the community center and the food bank. Also accommodations to better serve our 4H youth with respect to their show animals. We always need continued improvement to our roads.
What do you perceive as the duties of this office?
To work diligently with the county judge and other commissioners to adopt a budget and tax rate, provide and maintain all county roads, facilities and equipment, set salaries and benefits and conduct all general business for the county along with other responsibilities.
What do you perceive are the major issues in this race?
A County commissioner is responsible for roads within the precinct and to address policy-making budget decisions.
How do you stand on these issues?
Regarding road problems, I am always available and deal with each issue in a timely manner. I speak regularly with our supervisors, visit them at the county barn and often check roads personally. We conduct budget workshops in the fall to prepare for the following year.
Where do you see the office in four years?
I anticipate business as usual and hopefully my previously mentioned goals will come to fruition.
What experience do you have in this type of work?
Currently serving 3rd term Martin County Commissioner, served 3 terms Trustee Stanton ISD and worked 33 years as a supervisor for a major oil & gas company.
Educational background?
Graduated SHS 1966 then served 3 years in the U S Army Corp of Engineers and worked in the oil & gas industry for an additional 44 years acquiring certifications and continuing education along the way. I have also served on various boards which have provided useful insight including Sr Citizen Foundation, Martin Co Appraisal, Evergreen Cemetery, Martin Co Little League, Booster Club, past President Old Settlers Reunion and coordinator for Martin County deceased vets for Memorial Day services.
Family background?
First and foremost, we worship here in this community among friends and family.
Married almost fifty years, my wife and I are lifetime residents of Martin County. Our two children and their spouses are educators and administrators at Stanton ISD with the exception of one IT engineer. All are graduates of Texas Tech.
Our grandchildren are sixth generation residents of Martin County. While two of them are college grads and on their career paths, the younger three are students at Tech and Stanton ISD.
Candidate Carby:
Why did you decide to run?
Wanted to give back to my community, to bring a new perspective, a new face, and a new voice.
What do you hope to accomplish?
I hope to accomplish more attention to our county roads, as a volunteer fire fighter I have personally experienced these rough, bumpy and washed out roads. I hope to get a few more roads paved or properly maintained and I look forward to working with our road and bridge department to accomplish this and to work with existing commissioner’s on projects being discussed and future projects.
What do you perceive as the duties of this office?
I see the duties of a commissioner as someone who should listen to the voters, to budget the tax payers money, to run the county efficiently, to make sound judgements based on what is right and not just on what is popular or convenient.
What do you perceive are the major issues in this race?
In my opinion, the lack of communication and information made available to county residents.
How do you stand on those issues?
I hope to share as much information as I can when asked and if I don’t know the answer, I will do my best to find the answer. The best way to communicate with me or get a hold of me is through my email: allancarby@outlook.com.
Are there any other changes you would like to implement?
Better communication practices and a better working relationship between the county and city entities.
Where do you hope to see the office in four years?
I hope to see our roads improved, the ongoing projects fulfilled, hopefully a commissioners court the people can be proud of.
What experience do you have in this type of work?
No experience as a commissioner, I have been in customer service for 26 years. I have learned to communicate and listen to customer’s concerns, to help remedy problems and to reassure those customers that I will do my best.
Educational background?
Attended school and graduated in Stanton in 1991. I attended Lincoln Tech in Arlington and graduating in 1992. I am a Senior Master Tech for Ford Motor Co.
Family background?
I am the son of the late Bruce and Mae Carby, we moved to Martin County in 1977 from Clovis, NM. I have one brother: David Carby. My wife and I met while we were in school, we have been married for 22 years and counting. We have 3 children: Victoria, who is attending Sul Ross University, studying Kinesiology and is on the softball team; John-Allan, a freshman in high school and Paisley is a 7th grader in Middle School.