Unopposed candidates profiled

Andy Griffin

Editor's Note: The following are short profiles of unopposed candidates who are new to local city or school government positions. The candidates in opposed races will be featured next week.

Troup ISD

Andy Griffin was born in Cameron and raised in Temple, Florence, Johnson City and Burnett where he graduated from high school.

Griffin served in the U.S. Marine Corps and then went on to graduate from the University of Corpus Christi in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in math and a minor in physics. He later received a master's degree with a major in counseling from Stephen F. Austin in 1973.

Griffin served as a head coach at Clear Creek, Texas City, White Oak, Pasadena and Georgetown before retiring in 1995. He later came out of retirement and served as head coach at several other schools before coming to Troup, where he served as athletic director and head coach from 2003-05. He led the Tigers to the state football championship in 2004.

Griffin received the Texas High School Coaches Tom Landry Award in 1995 and was inducted into the Southeast Texas Coaches Hall of Fame of 1998.

Joe Carlyle

Griffin is a member of First United Methodist Church and serves on the board of Hilltop Country Club.

He and wife Linda have been married for 38 years and have three children: Bob, 43; Alan, 41; and Gina, 31. They also have three grandchildren, 15-yearold Samantha, 12-year-old Cody and 9-year-old Dustin.

Griffin has enjoyed his years of teaching and coaching young people and believes experience in school business is essential. He wants to give back to the community with his service to Troup ISD as a board member.

(Other seats: Incumbent Melissa Young, Place 2)

City of Troup

Having spent his whole life in Troup, Joe Carlyle certainly has a vested interest in the rich history and bright future of the city. He is going to put his time and effor ts where his heart is, in the city of Troup serving on the city council.

Carlyle put his name in the hat to run for the council position currently held by Barbara Barton. Barton is not running for the seat. Carlyle drew no opponent, so he will take his oath of office and begin his duty in May.

Patrick Moran,

"I live where everybody else wishes they lived," Carlyle said. "My children are now fourth generation Troup and we are proud of that."

Carlyle, a home builder, is married to Debbie and has three children; Elizabeth, Rebecca and Drew.

Carlyle brings a vast knowledge of service to the council. He has not served in a citizenelected position, but has served on many boards at the local, state and even national level and is servant-minded in what he does.

He said his lack of time has held him back in the past, but at this time he really thinks he can give the city the attention that's required.

Carlyle believes that the proposed zoning ordinance will be a good thing for the city once some of areas are thoroughly worked through. Having worked with other cities and their zoning boards, he believes he is bringing some useful knowledge to the council.

"I think there is still a lot to be determined, Carlyle said. "What's best for the city needs to be number one on our list."

(Other seats: Incumbents John Whitsell, mayor, and Carole Wilson, Place 5)

Charles Parker

Whitehouse ISD

Patrick Moran, a 1984 graduate of Whitehouse High School, is running for Whitehouse ISD School Board Place 1. Moran holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Evangel University and a Master of Divinity from Baptist Missionar y Association Theological Seminary. Since 1990, he has been co-owner of Moran Munchies Inc., a full-service snack and beverage vending and office coffee service.

Moran is an assistant scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 370. He also currently serves on the Board of Governors of the Texas Merchandise Vending Association as Vice President, and is an active member of the National Automatic Merchandising Association, serving on the 2008 National Board of Directors Nominating Committee.

Moran has been married 18 years to Jane, and they have four children: James -15, Holly - 12, Joanna - 7, Andrew - 5. The oldest three children currently attend Whitehouse schools and the youngest will enter kindergarten in the fall. The Morans are active members of Green Acres Baptist Church, and are excited about the possibility of serving the Whitehouse community through the school board.

Mike Jeter

In making his announcement, Moran recognized the successes of the past for Whitehouse ISD and pledged to continue building on those successes in the future. "Our children are receiving a quality education here at Whitehouse ISD. I look forward to working hard to make a positive contribution as the District continues to pursue excellence at all levels," Moran said.

(Other seats: Incumbents Darrell Crymes, Place 3, and Howard Patterson, Place 2)

City of Whitehouse

Charles Parker graduated from Angelo State University with a BBA in finance and moved from San Angelo to Whitehouse in 1992 with his wife Kathy. The Parkers will celebrate their 20th year together in July of this year. They have two children that attend Whitehouse schools. Kayla will be a freshman next year and Jacob a senior. Both kids are in the WH band, and Parker said they both support the band boosters and all things related to our schools.

Parker has been in the insurance business for 13 years and with Hibbs Hallmark & Company for the past seven, working with various businesses to solve their employee benefit needs.

He has served as president of the Quail Run Homeowners Association and helped with the annexation of the subdivision.

Parker is also actively involved in scouting through Whitehouse Troop 359. Son Jacob is an Eagle Scout. "Kathy and I both love working with kids and want the best for them in our city," said Parker.

The Parkers are members of Pollard United Methodist Church. In their spare time they enjoy their children, traveling, fishing, playing golf, and camping. As a scout leader, Parker has camped over 100 nights.

Parker has previously served on the council to fill a vacancy due to the retirement of Acker Hanks. He has also served on two different occasions on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Whitehouse.

"I am looking forward to continued voluntary service to the community," said Parker. "One of my philosophies of life is that if you want something done find the busiest person you can. That is the person who will actually work."

Mike Jeter is also joining the Whitehouse City Council, filling the unexpired term of Bill Powers, Place 1.

Jeter is currently a member of the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, which was his first venture into public service.

He was asked to serve on P&Z and said he was also approached about the council seat.

"There have been citizens contacting me or through Phil (his business partner) who thought I would make a good council member and felt I might be able to make some decent decisions for the city and be beneficial," said Jeter.

Jeter is an East Texas native and has lived in Whitehouse since 1979.

After graduating from Whitehouse High School, he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree at TJC.

Jeter worked for 10 years with a Tyler power company before deciding to go into business for himself.

He had worked with Phil Rogers at the electric company and the two are now co-owners of Pro One Automotive, which has been in service since 1992.

Jeter and wife Nancy have been married since 1983 and have three children: Kelli, 19, who attends TJC; John, 15, a freshman at WHS; and Shelby, 12.

Jeter has volunteered as den leader and cubmaster for the Cub Scouts and scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts.

In terms of his upcoming city council service, Jeter said he felt that a change in leadership and new points of view could be good for the city and its citizens.

(Other seat: Incumbent Gene Champion, Place 2.)