KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — Kaufman County Judge Bruce Wood announced his selection for the Precinct 1 Commissioner seat which was soon to become vacant in the new year with commissioner-elect Greg Starek’s recent declination of office.
KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — Kaufman County Judge Bruce Wood announced his selection for the Precinct 1 Commissioner seat which was soon to become vacant in the new year with commissioner-elect Greg Starek’s recent declination of office.
On December 7, 2016, Wood announced Starek submitted a written notification which stated, in part, he “will not take the oath of office.”
Starek's declination of office would have created a vacancy come January 1, 2017.
Wood, who is tasked with selecting a replacement, according to the Texas Election Code, announced his appointment in Michael “Mike” David Hunt in a press release on Thursday afternoon.
“Mr. Hunt has an excellent background that qualifies him for the position and [I] believe Mr. Hunt will serve the residents of Precinct 1 in a professional and responsive manner,” stated Wood.
Following the announcement of Starek’s declination of office, Wood says his office received several applications and inquiries from individuals interested in serving as Precinct 1 Commissioner.
“The decision was not a simple task…, personally or professionally,” Wood’s statement read, in part.
“Mr. Hunt is excited about this challenge and has much to do between now and January 1, 2017, when he will be sworn into office,” stated the release.
Hunt, a 1975 graduate of Terrell High School, served the Duncanville Fire Department for more 37 years working up the ranks from firefighter/paramedic, to lieutenant, to captain, and the last 19 years as a battalion chief.
Hunt has been married 38 years to wife, Mary, and has three adult children, Lauren, Joshua, and John.
In the community, Hunt is serving, or has served, on several boards including, among others, the Board of Directors for the First United Methodist Church, Terrell ISD Board of Trustees, Ables Springs Cemetery Board, Director of the Terrell Athletic and Recreation Association, and Kaufman County Appraisal District Board of Directors. Hunt is served as a volunteer firefighter for the Terrell Volunteer Fire Department for 12 years and is an honorary member of the department, has been involved in the Boys Scouts of America locally with Boy Scout Troop 391, and is a member of the Kaufman Lions Club.
A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, January 1, 2017, at the Kaufman County Courthouse.
Starek unseated incumbent Precinct 1 Commissioner Jimmy Joe Vrzalik with more than 56 percent of the votes during the March Republican Primary Election. Starek did not face a Democrat challenger in the November General Election and was expected to be sworn into office in January.
