Walters, McAnally, Moody win
San Jacinto News- Times - November 2008

COLDSPRING – A new sheriff and two new commissioners will take offi ce Jan. 1, 2009, following Tuesday’s elections in San Jacinto County. With 4,338 votes, San Jacinto County Sheriff Lacy Rogers (Dem.) lost his bid for re-election to Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy James Lewis Walters (Rep.) who garnered 4,508 votes to beat out the 20-year incumbent. Republican Pct. 1 Commissioner Michael Griffi th, who received 915 votes was beaten by his Democratic opponent, Laddie McAnally, who got 1,014 votes. In Pct. 3, Republican incumbent David Brandon received 970 votes to be defeated by Democrat James “Butch” Moody who got 1,471 votes. Following announcement of the vote totals, which were fi nalized around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, Sheriff Rogers said, “I thank my supporters for the last 20 years and congratulate Mr. Walters on his win. I’ve always said that I am not the owner my position, just the caretaker.” When asked about his plans for the future, Rogers said, “Grandchildren. I’ll have plenty of time to enjoy my grandchildren now.” Walters, who has spent nearly 24 years in law enforcement with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department said, “I appreciate everyone’s support and I am humbled that so many people put their faith in me. I will enforce the law fairly and equally for all citizens of the county.” Walters said he anticipates making some changes when he takes offi ce. “I already have a chief deputy in mind. His name is Bob Long of Point Blank and he is retired from the Harris County Sheriff’s Department were he worked for 25 years.” The two new commissioners each said they are grateful to the voters of San Jacinto County. “I’ll need your help even more now,” Moody said. A total of 9,077 ballots was cast in San Jacinto County, including early and mail-in ballots. Of that total, 2,296 straight party ballots were cast by Republicans and 1,686 straight party ballots were cast by Democrats, while 5,075 split tickets were cast. In other unoffi cial county races, 411th Judicial District Judge Robert Hill Trapp (Dem.), who ran unchallenged, received 5,274 votes. San Jacinto County Collector Betty McKinzie Davis received 4,648 votes, beating her opponent Stanley Garza who got 3,979 votes. Pct. 1 Constable Verlon Powdrill, who ran unopposed, received 1,256 votes.