Focus on tax cuts, reduced spending translates into win for Shaheen in Collin County commissioner race
12:00 AM CDT on Thursday, April 10, 2008
Matt Shaheen won election to the Collin County Commissioners Court with a clear message that appealed to taxpayers' wallets: Cut taxes and reduce spending.
The first-time candidate toppled 18-year incumbent Phyllis Cole on Tuesday in the Republican Party primary runoff. He won by 30 votes in a contest that wasn't settled until the last ballots were counted.
"It was a nail-biter," said Kathy Ward, Collin County Republican Party chairman.
Mr. Shaheen, 42, faces no Democratic opposition in the November general election. He will take office as Precinct 1 commissioner on Jan. 1.
County Judge Keith Self, who endorsed Mr. Shaheen, joined him at his victory party. Mr. Self defeated another longtime incumbent two years ago with a similar message of tax cuts and leaner county government.
"The voters of Precinct 1, I think, voted for change and the ideas Matt Shaheen advocated," Mr. Self said Wednesday.
Mr. Shaheen and Mr. Self said they don't intend to unite against Commissioners Jack Hatchell, Jerry Hoagland and Joe Jaynes, all of whom endorsed Ms. Cole.
More changes could be in store for the Commissioners Court in the years to come. Mr. Hatchell, 70, has said he will not seek re-election in 2010. Mr. Hoagland, 67, has not said whether he'll run again in 2010.
Mr. Self said he isn't trying to encourage people who share his views to run for commissioner.
"I'm not in the recruitment business," he said. "I'm delighted that candidates who share my philosophy are stepping forward."
Mr. Hatchell said he was surprised Ms. Cole lost but would welcome Mr. Shaheen. Mr. Jaynes said he expected to work well with Mr. Shaheen.
"I think we should all practice reaching out to each other," Mr. Jaynes said. "I think everybody's first priority is to do what's best for Collin County."
Ms. Cole did not return calls seeking comment Wednesday.
On election night, she said she looked forward to spending more time with her three grandchildren when her term ends.
"It's time for me to retire and do something else," said Ms. Cole, 61. "I guess I'm disappointed, but I have a philosophy in my life that when God closes one door, he opens another."
Ms. Cole said she was proud of her work with Mr. Hatchell, Mr. Hoagland and Mr. Jaynes. Together, they have 80 years of service on the Commissioners Court.
Ms. Ward, who endorsed neither Mr. Shaheen nor Ms. Cole, commended Ms. Cole for her service.
"Certainly, Commissioner Cole's record speaks for itself," Ms. Ward said. "Maybe voters wanted to look at a new way of governing the county."
Mr. Shaheen said he would attend county budget workshops and other meetings to prepare for taking office.
"I have the next eight or nine months to get up to speed on the issues," he said.
Mr. Self said he hoped commissioners would work together to reduce taxes and cut spending.
"We need to start redefining the Republican vision, the conservative vision, and pull together to make sure we represent this very conservative county in a manner that reflects the views of our citizenry," he said.