Most local races decided in GOP primary

Submitted by Cameron1 on

Milam County voters helped boost the statewide voter turnout Tuesday as local races drew interest already sparked by presidential politics.
According to unofficial totals, more than 35 percent of Milam County voters turned out for the primary elections, much higher than the 22 percent turnout reported in 2014 but less than the near-record 58 percent reported in 2012.
Statewide, voter turnout was about 30 percent.
In county races, local voters favored the incumbents; however, in one state race, Milam voters helped oust a two-term state representative. Those winning GOP nominations for county offices have no opposition in the November general elections.
Sheriff David Greene won a third term with almost 73 percent of the vote. According to the unofficial results, Greene had 2,886 votes, compared to 1,075 votes for challenger Herbie Vaughan.
There was no incumbent in the other contested county-wide race on the GOP primary ballot. Former Milam County Tax Assessor-Collector Kolette Morgan resigned in January after pleading no contest to felony charges. The resignation came during the candidate filing period.
Sherry Mueck, a former employee of the tax office who ran for the post in 2008,  outpolled Melanie Crook, a current tax office employee.
Mueck garnered 2,111 votes for 55.85 percent of the vote while Crook had 1,669 votes for 44.15 percent.
In precinct races, a county commissioner and two constables were assured of re-election.
Precinct 3 County Commissioner John Fisher came out ahead in the race with 76.86 percent of the vote. Fisher had 837 votes compared to 252 votes for challenger Odes Foster.
Incumbent Precinct 1 constable John Anderle outpolled challenger Steve English 58.88 percent to 41.12 percent. Anderle had 673 votes to 470 for English.

Incumbent Precinct 2 Constable Charlie West had almost 75 percent of the vote in his race against Kenny Schneebeli. West had 635 votes to 212 for Schneebeli.

Precinct 3 Constable Jay Beathard was unopposed in the GOP primary and has no opponent in the general election.
There was no GOP candidate to succeed retiring Precinct 4 Constable Giles Summerin. The Democratic candidate for the post, Michael M. Moehling Jr. has no opposition in the general election.