But this election will be different. On Nov. 7, change is inevitable. There are three candidates vying to fill the seat of Ms. Blevins, who is retiring after being involved in county government for the past 40 years. She has been chairwoman for 16 years. Not only will there be a change of face, but the election also will change the way the county government operates.
Growth is an issue that has recently divided county residents.
The current county commission is locked in a legal battle with some residents over zoning of land near Interstate 20 for industrial use. It is the pivotal issue in the election. The candidates differ on how they think that land should be used. Joanne Harris, owner of three manufactured housing sales centers in Thomson, said she would like to wait until she is in office before making a decision on the direction of economic development. As citizens we don't have all the background information.