Johnson County Precinct 4 voters have a choice this year between re-electing incumbent Commissioner Don Beeson, or electing his challenger, Bart Basham.
Both filed to compete in the March 2 Republican primary.
Because no Democratic candidates filed to compete in the race, the winner of the primary will also be the winner of the November general election.
Beeson is seeking his second term, having first won office in 2006.
Beeson said he remains humbled that Precinct 4 residents have allowed him to represent them on the commissioners court.
“I am also proud to say that during the last two years the county continued to support the services requested by its citizens and, where necessary, increase services while at the same time reducing the county’s tax rate.”
Beeson cited projects and goals he and fellow commissioners accomplished during his term in office, such as plans to construct a new adult probation center to alleviate overcrowding problems at the centers current offices.
Beeson also touted the county’s Commercial Weights and Measures program through which Johnson County Sheriff’s Office deputies monitor and enforce safety measures on heavy truck traffic passing through the county.
“I also hope the residents of Precinct 4 feel that we’ve done a good job of maintaining roads and ditches,” Beeson said. “That has been one of our prime concerns.”
Beeson stressed the importance of road maintenance but also said that the role of county commissioner is more complex than it used to be.
Beeson said his term on the court has given him the experience needed to address the administrative duties of the office.
With gas drilling activity having slowed and property values expected to decrease, Beeson said the county will probably face tighter times in the next year or so, a reason to rely on experienced members of the court, he said.
He said his main concern has been, and will remain, to address all questions and concerns from residents as quickly as possible.
Beeson and his wife, Gwen Beeson, live in Keene. They have two grown sons.
Bart Basham
Grandview resident Bart Basham graduated from Grandview High School in 1986 and went to work as a road crew member for Precinct 4 shortly after.
Basham went on to operate his own business for 15 years.
Working for Precinct 4 “is where I learned the skills I needed to apply in the private sector trucking and road construction business,” Basham said. “Participating in the private sector as an owner and officer for K-T Transportation Inc. has given me the knowledge and understanding to fulfill the administrative role of the county commissioner’s office.”
He said the current political climate prompted him to become involved in local government in an effort to make a difference.
“Due to my work experience and past employment at the county, I am confident that I am the best candidate for this office,” Basham said.
Basham said he also wants to give back to the county he in which he grew up and raised his family.
Basham is married to Gina Shaw Basham, a 1989 graduate of Southwestern Adventist University.
They have two daughters, both of whom attend Grandview schools. The family attends First Baptist Church of Grandview.
Election 2010
Challenger seeks to oust Precinct 4 incumbent
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Flores cries foul
