SUD board election set May 4
The Fort Griffin Special Utility District (FGSUD) is in the process of conducting its first contested board election in more than a decade, with early voting already underway, and the actual election day set for May 4, the same day as elections for the Albany city council and school board.
Two three-year terms on the seven-member board are expiring with two candidates for each seat.
Incumbent Kenneth Hill of Albany is being challenged by Donald (Don) Stutsman of Moran.
Ben Hale of Throckmorton, also an incumbent, will be on the ballot opposed by former board member Sidney C. (Sid) Collinsworth of Breckenridge.
Anyone who lives within the SUD’s legal boundaries is eligible to vote. The district reaches from Hwy. 283 south of Throckmorton to the west side of Hubbard Lake, all of Shackelford County, and an area south of Moran.
However, residents who live inside the boundaries of Albany and Throckmorton city limits cannot vote.
Early voting is taking place through Tuesday, April 30 at the FGSUD office, located at 1180 CR 109 seven miles north of Albany. To get to the office, travel five miles on Hwy. 283N, turn right onto FM 2482 for approximately two miles, then turn right on CR 109.
Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to noon on Fridays.
On May 4, the office will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
About the Candidates
Hill, a retired educator, has lived in Shackelford County for 46 years.
“This semi-arid region we live in demands that we band together to provide a safe, adequate water supply for our rural living needs,” said Hill. “It is my desire to contribute to this task by continuing to serve on the board of directors of the Fort Griffin SUD.”
Stutsman is a rural carrier associate with the U.S. Postal Service and has lived near Moran since mid-2014. Retired from the U.S. Air Force and the Texas Army National Guard, he is also a self-employed investigations contractor with the U.S. Department of State.
“I want to be involved in my community, and I desire to make a difference,” said Stutsman.
Collinsworth, who was raised in Moran, has lived at Hubbard Creek Lake for 42 years. He is retired from 33 years in oil field chemical sales and is currently involved in farming/ranching, as well as owning rental property.
“I want to represent and be mindful of the needs of all water customers,” said Collinsworth. “I want to have customers be more informed of the board’s intentions and have more transparency in the board’s actions.”
Hale is a farmer/rancher in Throckmorton and Shackelford counties and is the owner of Western Livestock Commission and Order Buying, Comanche Livestock Auction, Fairview Livestock Auction, and Cow Country Fuel Supply.
“Conservation of a safe water supply is essential to our lives and livelihood,” said Hale. “It is my desire to continue to serve on the board where I can be an advocate and steward for the rural citizens of this area.”
