Candidates in Marion County forum focus on water, broadband, roads and taxes ahead of early voting

A candidate forum hosted by the Jefferson Gemplicute on the eve of early voting brought candidates for House District 7, Marion County commissioner (Precinct 4), county treasurer, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 and county party chairs before a packed room in Jefferson.

Jay Dean, a candidate for House District 7, said Marion County faces acute poverty and economic challenges and identified broadband, water and job creation as top priorities. Dean said federal broadband grants had placed Marion County among the first counties to receive funding and described efforts to attract industry. "We have vast supplies of water," Dean said, arguing the county should capitalize on natural resources while protecting them.

Melissa Beckett, the other major GOP candidate for House District 7, said she would "put you back in charge" by shrinking government and pursuing policies intended to cut property-tax burdens. Beckett proposed tightening eminent domain and restricting exports of local water; she said she would file bills to change the legal standard and limit out-of-area condemnation.

Both Dean and Beckett addressed governance of Lake Of The Pines and the Northeast Texas Water District. Dean described the water district as originally governed by seven member cities and said his legislation (referred to in the forum as HB 5659) sought to limit appointed-board authority and return more decisions to elected city councils; he also alleged past instances where board members "were actually receiving monies for votes" and said outside interests, including a reported $1.6 million lobbying effort, opposed his bill.

Fantasia Allen, a Democratic primary candidate for House District 7, framed her candidacy around education and expanded access for families she said face transportation and connectivity obstacles.

In the race for county commissioner, Todd Wynne emphasized his construction and equipment background and pledged to reallocate allowances to buy needed road-repair machinery. Incumbent Jared Lee pointed to a record of budget management—saying the county had been kept debt free while increasing maintenance capacity—and advocated for prudent equipment purchases and grant-seeking.

Candidates discussed animal-control concerns raised at a recent town hall, including spay-and-neuter policy changes and lease-law reforms. Both commissioners said the county must find money or reallocate budgets to address animal and road issues and that some reforms will require spending.

Michael Wiesner, a candidate for Marion County treasurer, cited small-business and banking experience and said he would improve transparency and make the county's budget documents easier to find online; he also said the treasurer's office needs more staff support.

Justice of the Peace candidates Trey Jackson and Chuck Rogers emphasized different qualifications: Jackson highlighted community service and volunteer response experience; Rogers pointed to three decades in law enforcement and courtroom familiarity. Both said juvenile programming, mentorship and community-service options should be used to reduce repeat offending.

The contest for Marion County Republican Party chair featured rival visions: Brian Parr said his priority is filling vacant precinct chairs and restoring grassroots representation; incumbent Hunter Bonner credited a four-point plan—candidate support, voter education, increased registration and transparency—with recent operational improvements and said his outreach helped secure broadband funding opportunities for the county.

Margie Smith, the Democratic county chair, urged Democrats to run for local positions and emphasized holding officials accountable.

Moderator Hugh Lewis closed by reminding voters about early voting and the March 3 election date. The forum focused on local implementation questions—who controls water sales, how to expand broadband and how to pay for roads and animal-control reforms—issues candidates said will shape their agendas if elected.

The forum transcript shows no formal motions or votes; candidates and party chairs urged turnout and early voting.