Published Friday, December 04, 2009 6:05 AM

24 candidates file for area posts

By MATTHEW WATKINS
matthew.watkins@theeagle.com

Twenty-four candidates filed for local office on Thursday, the first day that candidates could officially file paperwork to run.

Most of the candidates had already declared, but a few new names did emerge.

Thomas Van Kinerd filed as a Republican for Brazos County treasurer. He joins Republicans Jerry Pitts and Tanya Kay Skinner in the race to replace Kay Hamilton, who will retire at the end of her term.

Retired state Trooper Rick Starnes did not file for Precinct 3 county constable but said he intends to run for the position. Constable Deputy Steven Emert filed as a Republican for the job on Thursday. Incumbent Wayne Thompson hasn't announced his intentions.

Several incumbent candidates filed their paperwork to run for re-election: Brazos County Clerk Karen McQueen, District Clerk Marc Hamlin, Precinct 2 Constable Donald Lampo, Precinct 2 Place 2 Justice of the Peace Tommy Munoz, 361st District Judge Steve Smith, 85th District Judge J.D. Langley, Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Michael McCleary, Precinct 1 Constable Archie Clark, Precinct 2 Place 2 Justice of the Peace Vera Lara-Hooge, Precinct 4 County Commissioner Irma Cauley and Precinct 4 Constable Isaac Butler.

Two Republican candidates filed for Brazos County Judge -- Bryan Mayor Mark Conlee and former Bryan Mayor Ernie Wentrcek -- and two Republicans filed for Precinct 2 county commissioner -- former Bryan police Sgt. Jerry Fickey and rancher Sammy Catalena.

Precinct 1 county constable candidate Shawn Sayers filed as a Republican, as did Precinct 4 justice of the peace candidate Jim Cashion.

Gerald "Buddy" Winn, former tax assessor-collector for Brazos County, filed for District 14 state representative. His three opponents, incumbent Fred Brown, former judge Rick Davis and Blinn administrator Blanche Brick did not file with the local party on Thursday, according to a list provided by party officials.

The filing period lasts until Jan. 4.

In all, 20 Republicans and four Democrats filed for office. In addition, Maggie Charleton filed to continue as chair of the Brazos County Democratic Party.

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