Mark Forbes, a Republican candidate for Texas County associate commissioner district 1, shares information and answers questions before the August primary election.
Tell readers about yourself.
I’m 65 years old and have lived in Texas County for 27 years. I grew up in Wright County and attended school at Hartville. My wife Mary and I live on a farm between Cabool and Mountain Grove, where we raise beef cattle. We have raised three children who are grown and have kids of their own. I also have been a truck driver for over 40 years. I was raised in a Christian home attending a Methodist church. Mary and I attend the Mountain Grove United Methodist Church. I have been a Republican my entire adult life and strongly believe in conservative values.
What prompted you to run, or rerun for this position?
After several years of sitting on the sidelines and engaging in conversations with friends and neighbors about our county, state and our country as a whole, and not really doing anything to improve things I decided to try and make a difference.
How do you plan to actively engage with our community throughout your term?
I want to meet with the residents of Texas County and listen to what they are saying and address their issues individually with regards to the law and common sense.
What are your top three priorities for our locality, and how do you plan to address them?
I want to represent Texas County’s interest in long-term development by planning a budget not just for now but also for the future of our county residents. Second, I want to work to ensure that Texas County residents are safe and protected from criminal activity by providing our law enforcement with the staff and the tools they require to do just that. We are blessed to have a hospital in our community and I want to be available to help provide the assistance needed to keep it staffed and supplied to maintain the degree of excellence Texas County deserves. Third, as your county commissioner, I promise to be available to hear your concerns and make decisions according to the law, and attend township meetings. I will engage with the community to promote economic development in Texas County.