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Four candidates across two contested races in Texas County on the August primary election ballot discuss their priorities and backgrounds.
For presiding commissioner, Scott Long, incumbent, and Chance Bland are vying for a four-year term.
In the circuit clerk race for a four-year term, Erin Smith, incumbent, is opposed by Heather Stark-Reynolds.
Scott Long
What is your vision for Texas County in the short and long term?
As presiding commissioner, my vision for Texas County would be to continue the positive path forward. We must continue to improve infrastructure to ensure economic growth.
I have always had a belief that our agricultural industries are the driving force to our local economy and as commissioner I will work to provide the necessary tools so this and other industries may thrive. We must also work to provide the citizens of Texas County the security they need to feel safe as they go about their daily lives.
I believe our children are our greatest resource. If we want our county to succeed, we must provide an avenue for our brightest and most talented youth to be able to provide a quality lifestyle for themselves and their families right here in Texas County. To accomplish this vision, we must build it on a solid foundation of hard work and determination by our policymakers in this county.
In absence of the half-cent sales tax that existed since 2005, but was voted down in 2025, how do you plan to properly fundÂ
*Editor’s note: In March 2026, a half-cent countywide sales tax for projects expired. In preparation for the loss of the tax revenue, which was largely used to make bond payments that are complete, the county commission put a half-cent sales tax on the November 2025 ballot. The measure was voted down.
The half-cent sales tax which expired (not voted down) was to pay for the bonds to construct the justice center and other capital improvement projects. The county commission put on the ballot a half-cent sales tax to be used for road and bridge projects throughout the county.
It was a different sales tax to be used for different projects but without increasing taxes. The people spoke and the commission has moved on to other funding sources for these projects. Texas County is fortunate to have elected officials who balance a budget and stick to this budget allowing the generation of a surplus of funds in several areas.
These funds would be available for small projects around the county facilities. The county commission is also working with the South Central Ozarks Council of Government to try to find a funding source for many of the road and bridge projects needed to improve our infrastructure countywide.
If elected, you would become one of the leaders of the county. What is your philosophy when interacting with colleagues, employees and the general public?
It has always been my policy to make sure county government is serving the needs of our citizens. I believe the government’s doors should always be open to the public so they feel comfortable in asking questions and expressing concerns they may have.
I have spent my career building relationships with people. This is key to success in government. My dad always said you could learn more if you keep your mouth shut and your ears open. Listening to individual’s concerns is a top priority for the county commission.
Finding solutions to issues takes asking questions and evaluating all options to find the best solution to the problem. My philosophy is to listen, ask questions, then evaluate to find what will work best for our county.
Summarize your education, experience, personal values and motive for running for elected office.
I have spent the last eight years as your Texas County presiding commissioner. I have been married to my wonderful wife Sheila for the past 37 years. We have five children, four of which graduated from Texas County schools.
I spent 30 years teaching high school agriculture in and around Texas County. I work with my sons in operating a 50-head cow/calf operation in Texas and Wright counties. I have a college degree in agriculture education as well as 30 plus credit hours in administrative leadership.
I am a lifelong conservative who believes our liberties and freedoms which are provided by God and our founding fathers should be protected for generations to come. My reason for seeking this position has not changed. I would like to give back to a community which has given so much to myself and my family. I would appreciate your vote on Aug. 4.
Chance Bland
What is your vision for Texas County in the short and long term?
My vision for the short term is simple. I wish to create better communication with the many different divisions that make up Texas County.
For the long term, I would like to overhaul the current finances of the county and streamline it for better financial transparency and better allotment of resources to provide long-standing maintenance and fiscal health for our community.
In absence of the half-cent sales tax that existed since 2005, but was voted down in 2025, how do you plan to properly fundÂ
*Editor’s note: In March 2026, a half-cent countywide sales tax for projects expired. In preparation for the loss of the tax revenue, which was largely used to make bond payments that are complete, the county commission put a half-cent sales tax on the November 2025 ballot. The measure was voted down.
As always, the choice is up to our citizens as to what they want for the county, and the commission to make the changes necessary to institute those choices. We need to stabilize our financial backbone by cutting costs where we are able, without negatively impacting our residents.
This also means limiting future projects so that we can focus on maintaining the structures we have. It will also be necessary to find alternate streams of revenue such as bringing in new business, which will provide money and jobs for our community. At the same time, we must draft legislation to bar resource draining institutes like data centers.
If elected, you would become one of the leaders of the county. What is your philosophy when interacting with colleagues, employees and the general public?
I believe in treating everyone with the same dignity, courtesy and respect. I currently work with people of different ideologies, national origin and cultural differences every day.
They provide me with insights into other walks of life and broaden my understanding of other people and issues they face. I will bring these skills with me when I take office if elected as presiding commissioner.
Summarize your education, experience, personal values and motive for running for elected office.
I was born and raised as a southern baptist in Texas County. My mother, Sharon Reddy, is from Licking, and my father, Clark Howell, comes from Summerville. The rest of my family has lived here for generations and I intend to do the same. While currently an educational supervisor, I have job experience ranging from managing a three-quarter million dollar Pizza Hut to investigating with Children’s Division.
If elected to the position of presiding commissioner, I will work toward fostering a more cooperative system to make all our residents’ lives better.
Erin Smith
If elected, how do you see yourself interacting with various county and local offices and officials?
I will continue working professionally and cooperatively with county and local offices and officials. My record shows that strong working relationships can produce meaningful results for the citizens of Texas County.
As circuit clerk, I have worked with judges, law enforcement, county commissioners, municipal officials and other agencies to implement e-​warrants, increase juror pay, manage major court transitions, and administer the transfer of the Houston Municipal Court.
I believe effective public service requires open communication, professionalism, mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving the public. We may hold different offices and have different responsibilities, but we all serve the same citizens. I will continue working collaboratively, addressing challenges directly and professionally, and building ​relationships that improve efficiency and service while faithfully carrying out the legal responsibilities of the circuit clerk’s office.
What would you consider your strengths and weaknesses in regards to the role of a circuit clerk?
My greatest strengths are my experience, knowledge of court operations and commitment to getting results. With more than 15 years in Missouri’s court system and a Certified Court Manager designation, I understand both the daily responsibilities of the office and the importance of adapting to change. I am willing to identify problems, make difficult decisions and work with others to find solutions. My record of modernizing court access, improving financial accountability, implementing e-warrants and managing major court transitions demonstrates those strengths.
My weakness is that I can be very detail-oriented and sometimes take on too much responsibility myself. I care deeply about accuracy and ensuring work is completed correctly, especially when court records, finances and confidential information are involved. I have worked to improve this by developing clear procedures, providing continuous staff training and empowering employees to take greater ownership of their responsibilities.
Summarize your education, experience, personal values and motive for running for elected office.
For more than 15 years, I have built my career serving Missouri’s courts and learning every aspect of court operation. I am a graduate of the Missouri Court Management Institute, a Certified Court Manager, Region 7 Vice President of the Missouri Circuit Clerks Association and a member of the Missouri Professional Association of Court Clerks. My values are rooted in integrity.
I believe public service not only requires integrity but accountability, professionalism, fairness and the willingness to work with others to solve problems. I am seeking reelection because I believe experience matters. I will continue building on the progress we have made, strengthen public trust, modernize court services and ensure the circuit clerk’s office serves every citizen of Texas County efficiently, fairly and professionally.
Heather Stark-Reynolds
If elected, how do you see yourself interacting with various county and local offices and officials?
For the past 16 continuous years, I have been an active part of the Texas County justice system, working alongside judges, attorneys, law enforcement, municipalities, county offices and the public. Throughout that time, I have built a reputation for open communication, collaboration and strong working relationships.
I would work to strengthen those partnerships by meeting with other offices and agencies to discuss challenges, improve efficiency and identify solutions that benefit both the clerk’s office and the justice system as a whole.
The justice system is not one office — it is a network of dedicated professionals working toward a common goal. When communication is strong and offices work together, the entire system functions more effectively, providing better service to the public. I am passionate about fostering teamwork, building lasting partnerships and bridging the gap between judges, attorneys, municipalities, law enforcement and the public to ensure a more efficient, responsive and successful court system.
What would you consider your strengths and weaknesses in regards to the role of a circuit clerk?
I believe some of my greatest strengths can also be weaknesses if I’m not mindful of them. I genuinely care about the people I work with and lead, and I want to ensure they have the support and resources they need to succeed. At times, that can slow a process because I am focused on making sure both the work and the people are taken care of. However, I believe that investing in people creates a stronger team, improves morale and ultimately results in better service to the public.
I also hold myself to a very high standard because I understand that an administrative office is responsible for maintaining accurate records and handling matters that directly affect people’s lives. Even small errors can have significant consequences, so I expect a great deal from myself and strive to lead by example.
My strengths include building strong working relationships, communicating effectively and adapting to change. Procedures, technology and laws continue to evolve, and I embrace opportunities to improve processes. I remain calm under pressure, approach challenges with empathy and sound judgment, and always prioritize accuracy, integrity and professionalism. I believe quality should never be sacrificed for speed, especially when maintaining records and serving the public.
Summarize your education, experience, personal values and motive for running for elected office.
I am a lifelong Houston resident, daughter of the late Ray and Marie Stark, and I am proud to serve the community where I have lived, worked and raised my family. I believe strongly in the importance of family and treating others with kindness and respect.
I have more than 140 college hours in criminal justice and administration from Drury University and 16 years of administrative experience with the Texas County Sheriff’s Office. My priority is to be present, lead with integrity, foster a strong team culture and maintain effective communication with other offices and the public.
I am committed to ensuring an efficient, respectful and accessible office that provides dependable service while supporting the judicial system and the citizens of Texas County.
