COUNTY REJECTS OPTIONAL ROAD SYSTEM

(CAMERON)  Milam County rejected the optional road system in Tuesday’s Election.  3668 voted against the system while 3163 voted for the system.  There were 2021 under votes.  A group of Milam County citizens headed by Independent Candidate for Commissioner Precinct 1 Gene Linn, had pushed to centralize the road maintenance barn, eliminate county precinct barns, reduce county commissioners’ salaries, and hire a road engineer to maintain county roads.  Linn told KMIL News last night that he hoped the next generation would move forward with the concept.  (Audio)

Linn also lost in his bid to unseat incumbent Clifford Whiteley.  Whiteley (pictured left) received 1333 votes while Linn received 804.  After the Precinct 1 votes were counted, Whiteley thanked his constituents.  (Audio)

Linn said last night he knew he was in an uphill challenge.  (Audio)

Locally, Milam County voters favored Bush/Cheney over Kerry and Edwards for U.S. President.  Bush received 5280 votes or 59.6% while Kerry received 3435 votes or 38.8%. 

Republican John Carter was re-elected as House Representative District 31.  Carter carried Milam county as well 4743 votes to John Porter’s 3505. 

State Representative Dan Gattis also won his bid for re-election.  Gattis carried Milam County 4733 votes to Jim Stauber’s 3563.