The DeKalb County Democratic Party’s re-organization convention was held Saturday, with party leaders being elected, a date for Democratic Primary announced, and several candidates voicing their intention to run for office locally.
Jim Judkins was re-elected chairman of the party, while Jordan Wilkins, Larry Bain and Kim Ambrose will remain as co-vice chairmen. Joyce Hendrixson will return as secretary, and Myra Johnson Miller is the new treasurer. Previous treasurer Katherine Pack stepped down to avoid any conflict with her Circuit Court Clerk re-election bid.
The party’s executive committee now includes Judy Slager representing the First District, Frank Buck for the Second District, Faye Fuqua for the Third District, David McDowell for the Fourth District, James Hale for the Fifth District, Flint Gilley for the Sixth District, and Tommy Webb for the Seventh District.
All officers will serve two-year terms.
Party members also voted to call a Democratic Primary for May 6, 2014 to nominate candidates for county offices and district judicial positions.
Among the offices Democratic candidates announced intentions to seek were; sheriff, road supervisor, county clerk and circuit court clerk.
Michael Agee said that he would seek the Democratic nomination for sheriff.
It was announced that Jimmy Sprague plans to run for the road supervisor’s seat.
James L “Jimmy” Poss said he plans to be a candidate for county clerk.
Incumbent Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack and General Sessions/Juvenile Court Judge Bratten Cook, II also announced plans to seek re-election.
Smithville Mayor Jimmy Poss announced that he would be running for another term next year, though the position is technically non-partisan.
Sarah Marie Smith of Smith County told the DeKalb Democrats that she is considering another run for 40th District state representative.
Agee, a former deputy in DeKalb County, Sheriff's deputy, said his plans to run for sheriff have been in the making for some time.
“I think it's time for some changes,” he told the assembly, “I think our youth are really hurting in leadership of the sheriff's department. This is something I've wanted for the past couple of years, but I just hadn't felt the support I needed. But here lately it feels like everything has fallen into place. My wife and family are really supporting me. Most of all it seems that God has really pushed this on me this year. I would really appreciate everyone's support in this,” Agee said.
Agee said he graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy in 2005. He served under former Sheriff Lloyd Emmons, and at the Smithville Police Department, and now works at the Smith County Sheriff's Department as a K-9 Officer.