There is a reason County Judge Mary Horn, Commissioner Andy Eads, Constable Tim Burch and almost all of the mayors in Precinct 4 have endorsed me. It’s because I have spent years working with each of them, and they know they can count on me to: keep the tax rate low, manage the ever-growing transportation needs of Precinct 4 and Denton County, and pursue top-quality economic development.
As commissioner, I lowered taxes by 7 percent and led efforts to improve our roads with voter-approved road bond packages. I currently serve as president on the Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 board, a district I sponsored as commissioner. ESD No. 1 covers 65 square miles of Precinct 4 and provides fire protection and emergency medical services to Argyle, Bartonville, Copper Canyon, Draper, Northlake, Lantana, Canyon Oaks and, later this year, Robson Ranch. Because of our work, residents have excellent fire and emergency medical services with faster response times, and homeowners may have their fire insurance premiums reduced by as much as $1,000 per year.
Serving my fourth year on the Board of Denco 911, I was recently re-elected to another two-year term. I received 27 of the 30 votes by member cities. Our Denton County 911 is so outstanding that it has received state and national recognition.
Precinct 4 is one of the largest county precincts by area. With our tremendous growth, this is no time for on-the-job training of a commissioner with no experience. I know what it takes to keep multiple projects moving forward simultaneously. I am personally acquainted with most of the mayors, city managers, town administrators, police chiefs, fire chiefs, engineers and city staff. I appreciate the individual needs and concerns of each city and town. That is the reason that I have been endorsed by almost every mayor in the precinct.
I proudly served in the U.S. Navy, and as a resident of Denton County since 1981, I have been active in public service for decades. Before I was elected commissioner of Precinct 4, I was instrumental in the incorporation of the town of Trophy Club, serving as its first mayor for 14 years.
My volunteer service includes serving on the board of Baylor Healthcare System, as district chairman of the Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the President’s Council at the University of North Texas. I am a devoted Christian and attend Cross Timbers Church in Argyle.
I served as a department head for General Motors Corporation and as a zone vice president for Frito-Lay Inc. As CEO of Mercantile Corp., I supervised three local banks in the area, a construction company and landscape design and maintenance firm. I have a finance degree from the University of Georgia and post-graduate studies at Georgia Tech, University of Tennessee, University of Michigan, Texas Woman’s University and The American Management Association.
This county needs experienced leadership and sound financial business management, not politicians. I am looking forward to continuing to serve Denton County.
Jim Carter is running for county commissioner, Precinct 4, in Tuesday’s Republican primary runoff. His opponent is Dianne Edmondson.