If you could be a fly on the wall, you might be surprised what some elected officials say about the new 138th district state representative candidates Tom Franiak and Burt Whaley.
More than one current officeholder has told the CCT in confidence that if they had to vote for one, it would be Tom Franiak.
“Burt’s a nice guy, but he talks more about religion than politics at political meetings. There’s nothing wrong with being Christian, but we need action steps that relate to the job of representing the people, not just statements of faith,” one elected official told the CCT on the condition of anonymity.
Another elected official echoed the sentiment, and agreed that he, too, would favor Franiak.
Franiak, they say, offers ideas about how to secure funding for communities, such as Sparta. The Ozark businessman told Sparta business owners he can lobby to get funding for much needed natural gas in Sparta.
Whaley is a fighter, too, however. He was seen campaigning door to door in the heat, sweat pouring off his head. “I threatened to carry a towel with me, but my wife says that’s tacky,” Whaley quipped recently. “I used to have a towel tucked into the back of my uniform when I played football.”
The 138th district includes Sparta, Bruner, Oldfield, and Chadwick in Christian County, as well as Stone County. Brad Hudson, current state rep in the district, is running for state senate.
Meet the candidates in Sparta July 18
Both candidates are expected to appear at a Meet the Candidates gathering at 5 p.m. at the Sparta Library. Come early to see Whaley; he has another obligation down the road soon afterwards. Candidates cram a lot into their election schedules. Both men are worth meeting, and both would represent the district well.
Free Papa John’s Pizza and Village Inn pies will be available (until supplies run out) at the event, which is free and open to the public, hosted by the Christian County Trumpet.
Other candidates expected are Eastern Commissioner candidates Braley A. Jackson and Jess Hodges; State Senator Mike Moon, State Senate Candidate Susan Haralson, Assessor Candidates Jeremy Burns and Brenda Hobbs; and possibly Sheriff Brad Cole, though Cole is running unopposed. Coroner Mandi Yoder-Armitage and Public Administrator Susan Pathkiller are also running unopposed.
The primary election, where the lead Republican in contested races goes on to the general election in November, is Aug. 6 (Tuesday).
BIAS WARNING: Democrat candidates are not important to this publication.
Hahaha! Love the “BIAS WARNING!” Thanks for the date for the primary. I didn’t know when that was. Is the primary different this year? I ask because I heard MO is doing something different regarding the Presidential election. I don’t want to give details because I might sound like a ditz! LOL!
I appreciate the info on the candidates. I am never quite sure how or where to go to find out more about them.