Published: March 20, 2008 09:36 am         

Smiddy in no hurry to fill Ray's seat

By Libby Cluett
lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com

Palo Pinto County Precinct 1 Commissioner Ted Ray laughed as he told a television crew, “I spent $100 on a pair of shoes and I can’t walk.”

Sadly, just over one month later, Palo Pinto County has to find someone to figuratively fill Ray’s shoes. The commissioner – who “really did have 10,000 friends,” according to his friend Barbara Upham – lost his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis last Friday.

Once things settle, according to Palo Pinto County Judge Mike Smiddy, he will appoint a qualified resident to fulfill commissioner duties for Precinct 1. He added that this is the only county office where an appointment to fill an unexpired term does not go to a quorum of commissioners.

According to state statute, “if a vacancy occurs in the office of county commissioner, the county judge shall appoint a suitable resident of the precinct in which the vacancy exists to fill the vacancy until the next general election.”

“It’s something that’s not going to be taken lightly,” he said, adding that an appointment might come in “a couple of weeks or so.”

“[We will] give a little time for honor’s sake for Ted,” said Smiddy.

According to Smiddy the Precinct 1 road crews are able to carry out operations and he will oversee administrative duties. Additionally, other county commissioners will help on Precinct 1 road projects if needed.

According to Texas Election Code 145.035, a political party’s county executive committee may nominate a replacement candidate to fill the vacancy in the nomination, which is what Palo Pinto County Democratic Party representative Mary Motley said would eventually happen.

Smiddy said he has the option to appoint a resident who could fill out Ray’s term and not run or he could choose someone who might run in November on the Democratic ticket.