I plan to just run on my own grounds. A lot of people voted for me and I still hope the best man wins.

You'd always like to see more people get out and vote. We don't represent ourselves very well when we don't take advantage of our freedom to vote.

He's got a keen eye for doctrine and fidelity to our Baptist Faith and Message.

As commissioner I have the skills to negotiate and the skills to work with and through people and to bring groups together and work for betterment of everyone. Regardless of what you say, if you don't bring all groups to the table, you can't negotiate a compromise. But if everyone is involved a compromise can be reached and everyone is much happier.

Over the past 50 years that I've been attending Southern Baptist Conventions, I don't think I've ever met a Southern Baptist any more committed to our conservative values than Wiley Drake.

I'll try to prepare for the future of Ellis County and the future of my grandchildren. One of my strengths is the ability to listen. That gives me the ability to negotiate the best policy possible.

I am very honored and appreciate the support from everyone in my precinct. The No. 1 issue I heard on the campaign trail was county roads. There's nothing I can do yet, but as soon as I'm sworn in I plan to meet with the county engineer and others to see what can be done.

I felt like there'd be a runoff. I'm very appreciative of the supporters and the public and all those who voted for me.

My main reason for running is that I've always been interested in local government. It's also something I feel I owe as an obligation back to county.