Constables opposed in five of 12 districts

There will be five contested constable races this year as 18 candidates have volunteered to throw their hats into the ring for a job that gets no pay.

The only exception is the 11th District where no one qualified to run, meaning a write-in candidate could conceivably win a post there if someone decides to offer themselves for the office. Otherwise, the post could go unfilled ? something which is not without precedent.

The constable position is the oldest law enforcement position in the state and is even referred to in the state constitution. Constables, who have law enforcement powers, often assist deputies and police in keeping the peace in their respective districts. The constable association here is also active in community events.

While no one filed in the 11th District, just down the road in the 12th District, there will be a three-way race in this August?s election. Three candidates, Rick Phillips, Jonathan Lee Womack and Warren K. Murray, have all qualified to run for the seat. Each of the county?s 12 districts may elect one constable for a four-year term.

Another three-way race has shaped up in the 3rd District where Robert Escenbacher Sr., Travis Roberts and Phillip A. Young will square off.

There are three head-to-head races. The 5th District race will feature Brian Holt against James H. Cunningham. In the 9th District, Billy Joe Crouch will compete against Louis Battles. In the 10th District, Charlie Humphrey and Bill Wanamaker will square off.

As for uncontested seats, Jerry Scott will take the 8th District, Anthony B. Sorren Jr. will take the 4th, Bill Wanamaker will take the 1st, Jimmy Todd will take the 6th, Floyd W. Bouldin the 7th and Morris D. Holt Sr. the 2nd. Qualifying deadline has passed so any future candidates would have to be write-in candidates.