Phil Riddle
editor@weatherforddemocrat.com
Voters in last week’s www.weatherforddemocrat.com online poll overwhelmingly support the re-election of Parker County Judge Mark Riley.
More than 76 percent of poll respondents selected Riley over challenger Cary McKay in the March 2 Republican primary.
The poll is not scientific in nature and reflects only the opinions of those who voted.
McKay, a real-estate developer, in November announced his plans to seek the judge’s seat.
A family friend of McKay, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, has reportedly been on the stump for the challenger, campaigning in Parker County just last weekend.
“I’ve known him since I was 5 or 6 years old,” McKay said of Huckabee in a November Democrat story. “He was kind enough to come down and help out. He knows what I’m up against and what he knows what I believe in.”
McKay called the current county administration “A good ole boy system,” in a November newspaper report.
He said there are several reasons he’s running against Riley.
“It’s time for someone to stand up and run [the county],” he said in a published interview. “I feel led to do this.”
Riley cited his more than a decade of experience in the position, as well as a fiscally conservative background as reasons he should be re-elected.
“It is with great excitement and anticipation that I look forward to beginning 2010,” said Riley in his campaign announcement. “I have been honored to serve as your county judge for 11 years.”
Riley said the county has experienced huge population growth while he has been at the helm, and points to ongoing transportation projects and conservative budgeting as hallmarks of his administration.
“Your tax dollars are always a concern of mine,” he said. “My budgets have been prudent, conservative and responsible.”
Early voting for the party primaries begins Feb. 16.
To participate in this week’s poll, visit www.weatherforddemocrat.com and scroll to the bottom of the homepage.
This week’s question: “Which team will win the Super Bowl?”
