Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I am a Republican. I am crossing party lines Nov. 6 and voting to re-elect Judge Mike Loftin. This is a critical election, requiring an experienced and qualified candidate to be entrusted with the $22 million budget and continuing developing Union County. Loftin has 30 years business experience, preparing him to handle all phases of our county government. Loftin’s construction experience is a must for being a county judge. His eight years as Union County road foreman has given him the history of county roads and how to fix them at the lowest possible cost. Previously owning an equipment and rental company gives him the expertise in buying equipment and repairing
equipment at the lowest possible cost, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars. Loftin’s eight years as judge has proven to be a boom to the economy and citizens of Union County by adding 625 new jobs and $1.2 billion investments in new and existing industries. He was one of the key people involved in bringing Conifex Sawmill to Union County resulting in 145 new jobs and an $87 million investment. Loftin’s knowledge in life experiences have prepared him on how to handle any situation that could arise in Union County.
In researching Cliff Preston, I found very little that would qualify him to be the chief executive officer of our Union County government. His listed qualifications are he is a songwriter, singer, past assistant
administrator and associate pastor. At the forum, Preston led us to believe he served as postmaster of a town. He did tell us his main accomplishment as postmaster was changing the closing time from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., hardly a qualification to be county judge. His county government experience is being a JP and serving on the Quorum Court for 24 months, this is not working experience. In my opinion, Preston lacks the qualifications and necessary skills to manage a $22 million budget. This job requires specific experience levels, defined skills and expertise in applying for grants. For me, it is a business decision as to who should be county judge.