George Keith Byrd

Democrat Candidate for County Judge/Executive

George Keith Byrd–Clinton County Judge-Executive

I am one of 10 children born to Elvin and Dovie Byrd. I am from Speck Ridge in south central Clinton County. I have no friends in high up places. I will not pretend that I am a member of a powerful group of movers and shakers. The people I love and respect, and need help and advice from, are living all around me. In all the communities across our country there are people wanting to be heard and waiting to be part of long-term based leadership.

For me, it has always been about what is good for the people of each community. The focus must be about the people of Clinton County working together for our common good.

Over the last twenty years our county has received millions of dollars in state and federal funds. Funds that were to empower us to establish long term plans for community growth. How much did it cost to create each job? Why did the workers end up being taxed to pay for the community services? Nothing, from the state and federal government or from special friends, is free. Our growth must come from our own resources. If one wants to see what greed and short term plans with outside friends can lead to, come look at the airport mess in the middle of my beloved Speck Ridge. All because there was a half million dollars in federal funds for a regional airport waiting to be had. It seems that over the years of excessive spending by the federal, state and local governments, we the people end up being hurt and left behind with the mess. Some people get to launder the money while others are hung out to dry.

Coming from a family of 10 children, we were taught to love and respect each other. We were taught to work together and with others. Our county is blessed with a wealth of resources. The greatest of those being the people of our beloved communities. Together we can build a future that does not depend on outside government money or special favors. I am depending on my neighbors across our county to support me with their votes and advise.

P.S. A job is not a gift from some grand over-lord. It is a right born in the freedom of our nation. One should not have to pay for the right to work!

Thanks so much.

George Keith Byrd

Joe Stockton

Republican Candidate for Jailer

Thank you Clinton County News for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself to the good citizens of Clinton County.

I am Joe Stockton. I was born on September 10, 1983. I am the son of the late S.J. (JR) Stockton and the late Jane Smith. I am the 10th child out of 11 kids. I have lived here almost all of my life in the Shipley Community until this year when I moved to the Walnut Grove area. I am proud to say I am from Clinton County. I grew up on my dad’s farm and he taught me the meaning of hard work and having to work for anything you want.

I went to Clinton County High School, Class of 2001. I served in the United States Army for two years. I was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado and I was assigned to Alpha Company 1/67. I believe in integrity, respect, and hard work. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve as your jailer. I would like to take this time to ask for your vote and support in the May primary. Thank you!