Thoene touts experience as asset for position
By Lori Mellinger editor@bullardnews.com

Thoene

Todd Thoene believes his range of experience makes him the most qualified candidate for the Precinct 2 constable seat. Thoene, a lifelong Bullard resident, will face incumbent Frank Creath in the Republican March primary.

There are no Democrats running for the seat.

Thoene currently works as an investigator for the Smith County District Attorney, but his experience in law enforcement segments is varied.

"I began as a jailer for Smith County and worked my way up to patrol," Thoene said. From there, he worked as an officer for Bullard Police Department before going to the DA's office.

The constable's job, he said, is one he's had his eye on for some time.

"It's always where I wanted to end up," Thoene said. "I think the job of constable gives you a closer relationship with the people you serve."

He ran once before, he said, years ago, but being younger and less experienced, didn't expect to win.

"I was running with about four other guys," he said. "And I knew at that time I wouldn't win, but the experience of running for office was valuable."

Alot has changed in those years, and Thoene said the work experience, plus serving as a Bullard city councilman, gives him the training and knowledge to hold the elected seat.

"For the past 16 years I have spent my law enforcement career here in Smith County," Thoene said. "Through my experiences I have gained a thorough understanding of the legal system and how it functions - from the initial arrest of an offender to the successful prosecution of a trial to a jury."

His residency and faith, he said, comes into play as well.

"It is also important to me not only to have been raised within this precinct but also to have been raised within the church," he said. "I believe that the Christian values with which I have grown up, and which are now a part of my family's life, will serve me well as I serve the people of Precinct 2."

Thoene graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and the East Texas Police Academy. He holds an advanced peace officer certification.

He's married to Sabrina Thoene, and they have two children, Adam and Stormie.

They attend First Baptist Church in Bullard.

He is a board member for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

He is also a licensed Baptist minister.

The primary is set for March 4. Early voting gets under way Feb. 19.

Early voting locations are:

! Smith County Courthouse Annex

! 200 East Ferguson,

Suite 500, Tyler

! United Methodist Church, 405 W. Main Street, Whitehouse

! Heritage Building, 1900 W. Bellwood, Tyler

! Lindale Masonic Lodge, 200 Margaret, Lindale