Parr defeats Williams; runoff looms for Huffman, Emmert

Published Thursday, March 6, 2008

By Chris Butler

In the Precinct 3 constable's race, challenger Douglas Parr defeated incumbent Wingate Kay Williams by 575 to 363 votes.

The precinct includes areas of Cottondale, Boyd and Newark.

Williams sensed defeat after receiving the early returns against fellow Republican Parr.

"I don't really have anything to say other than he's kicking my (butt). I guess the voters are fixing to fire me. For some old little constable's seat, he (William's) sure did pour a lot of money into this race. I just couldn't keep up with him in that department," Williams said.

"As far as I know I've been doing a real good job, but the people apparently didn't know that and they apparently don't know what a constable does. I guess I'll go to Denton County to get me a job now," he added.

Parr remained cautious early on, despite the initial positive results.

"I'm not taking anything for granted. It's just kind of a wait and see game right now. I'm feeling anxious, but I know that whatever God has in store for me will unfold very soon," Parr said before learning he won the election. He'll run unopposed in the general election.

Parr said any victory of his stems solely from all of his personal contact with the voters.

"I've been out talking to people and listening to what they want and expect. Hopefully we can start to establish a professional constable's office that is available to everyone in the community," he added.

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Republican candidates Gary Emmert and Kevin Huffman will face off in an April 8 runoff for the Precinct 4 constable's seat.

The precinct includes areas of Runaway Bay, Bridgeport, Paradise, Cottondale and Boonsville.

Huffman had 518 votes and Emmert had 448. Candidate David Shawn came in third place with 382 votes.

Emmert, a reserve officer in his first run for elected office, said early Tuesday night that he was always confident he would be in the runoff election.

He promised a clean race against Huffman, whom he called a friend.

"I won't trash him. It's a no-lose situation. Obviously I hope I win, though. I wish him well regardless. Most importantly, the precinct will be in good hands no matter who wins," Emmert said.

Shawn thanked his supporters for voting for him and said he was proud to have been in "such a good, clean race."

"I congratulate the other two gentlemen and I'm sure whoever wins will do a good job," Shawn said.

Attempts to reach Huffman were unsuccessful.