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Jackie Wheeler prepares for fourth-term run
By Mary Madewell
Published February 8, 2010
Incumbent Commissioner Precinct 4 Jackie Wheeler is seeking a fourth term in office in the March 2 Democratic Primary.
He faces Blossom Mayor Roger Johnson.
The winner of the Democratic Primary will face Republican Kenneth Mitchell in the November General Election.
Early voting for the March primary begins Feb. 16 and ends Feb. 26.
Wheeler said his accomplishments in office include redistricting Precinct 4 to “get the people of the precinct more money to serve our area.”
“We have the smallest area with the most people — about 8,000,” Wheeler said. “The redistricting gave me more money to work with.”
Wheeler also relocated the county barn from the city to a more centralized location.
“This has saved us time and money every day,” Wheeler said. “That was a big thing.”
Wheeler also cited work at the courthouse, paving a parking lot and the demolition of the old Hickory House building.
“Commissioners did most of the work, saving thousands of dollars,” Wheeler said.
The candidate said he knows he has the “skill, knowledge and ability” to do the “best job as commissioner for the people of Precinct 4 and for Lamar County.”
He gives credit to his work crew.
“The county men deserve as much credit for the jobs we have done as I do,” Wheeler said. “They have done an excellent job.”
Wheeler said he has reduced his workforce and moved to four 10-hour days, which he said makes the crew happy and results in efficiency because of longer work days.
“When you have a happy worker, you have a productive worker,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler credits his father, James “Dode” Wheeler, 90, as a great role model.
His father worked for the county 45 years, mostly on a road crew.
“I grew up around the county and I had knowledge of all the roads when I took office,” Wheeler said.
Looking forward, Wheeler said he expects Precinct 4 to continue to grow in population.
“It’s going to take someone with experience and the knowledge of county government and budgeting to meet the challenges we are going to be facing,” Wheeler said. “I believe I am the most qualified for the job.”
A Lamar County native, Wheeler, 60, has been married to Becky Wheeler for 40 years. The couple has three grown children and seven grandchildren. Wheeler is the owner of Wheeler Construction Company. His son, Ricky Wheeler, manages the business.
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