Former postman runs for precinct 1 commissioner

Published Sunday, December 23, 2007

By Brandon Evans

A longtime, rural postal carrier hopes to bring his knowledge of Wise County and its roadways to the county commissioners court.

Danny White, 60, of Decatur has filed to run for county commissioner of precinct 1. White filed as a Republican and will challenge incumbent Robert Rankin in the March primary.

If elected, White said he will focus his efforts on improving the conditions of the roads in his precinct.

"There are still a lot of unpaved roads in precinct 1," White said. "We need to do something about all the gravel roads."

White said he learned a lot about the road conditions and the people in his precinct during his 35 years as a rural postal carrier.

"It helps tremendously," he said. "The job of the county commissioner is to be out there on the county roads getting to know the people and their concerns."

White was born and raised in Decatur. He also spent some time in the Army, and he worked for about 10 years on a dairy farm. He lives near Decatur with his wife of 27, years Shirley White.

He currently does road work for the county in precinct 4.

"I see a lot of the roads in precinct 1 and precinct 4. I think precinct 1 is lagging behind."

White said he started contemplating a run for county commissioner last March.

"I've been out talking to people about this since April of this year," he said. "I'm ready to go right now. I've been visiting with people and getting a good response. I've just been trying to feel people out."

He said most people view road conditions as the most pressing issue in precinct 1. Several people have voiced concerns over commercial disposal wells in the district as well.

White admits he doesn't have experience as a county commissioner and that there is more to the position than just maintaining roads.

"There is a lot to do as a commissioner, but I feel I have as much experience as anyone else who is elected to the position for the first time."

White said he just wants a chance to serve the people of precinct 1.

"I have nothing bad to say about Robert Rankin's job as a commissioner," he said, "but I think I could do a better job on the road issues, and maybe on other issues as well. I just want a chance."

Rankin, 57, of Decatur is winding up his first term as a county commissioner. He is a retired sergeant with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

In other election news:

Several more Republican candidates have filed to run for county positions in the March primary.

James Stainton will run for county attorney, a position currently held by Greg Lowery. Lowery has made no mention of running for the position again.

Incumbent Kay Williams has filed to once again run for precinct 3 constable. Doug Parr is challenging Williams for the position.

Gary Emmert and Kevin Huffman have both filed to run for precinct 4 constable. The position is currently held by Democrat Joe Gilland.

Gilland has yet to file for the position.

Dennis Hudson, precinct 1 constable, has become the first Democrat to file for the March primary.

Also, on Thursday night, the Wise County Democratic Party elected Patricia Wheeler of New Fairview to serve as the new party chair for the county.

York, who stepped down from the position, said the support for Wheeler was nearly unanimous and she is great choice for the position.

Wheeler also serves as a city council member for New Fairview.

The primary election date is March 4. Early voting for the March primary will be held from Feb. 19 to Feb. 29.

The filing period to run as a candidate in the March primary ends on Jan. 2.