Scurry Co. Commissioners Appoint Fritz as County Judge
By: Snyder Daily News
Updated: April 23, 2012
Former Scurry County Judge
Ricky Fritz will once again hold
the gavel after being appointed
county judge on Friday.
"I am really excited for the chance to do it again," Fritz said. "I am nearly 20 years older than when I first ran, and those 20 years make a big difference."
Fritz was county judge for two terms from 1996 until 2004, when he choose not to file for re-election. Rod Waller, who retired on Tuesday, replaced Fritz in the judge's office.
Commissioners had expressed a desire for qualified candidates with the budget process approaching, and Precinct 3 Commissioner Howard Limmer said all the candidates had good qualities.
"I am pleased with the quality of people who had an interest," Limmer, who presided at the meeting, said. "Since we have a new auditor who has not been through the budget, I think we are ready to go."
Marianne Randals said she was glad that the court moved decisively on the issue.
"I am pleased (the county is) moving on," she said.
The appointment followed a closed session conducted by the commissioners court, in which Fritz and Snyder resident Keith Pitner were interviewed.
A third person, local attorney Pete Greene, also requested to be considered for the position, but commissioners could not reach him for a phone interview.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Williams abstained from the vote. He is the uncle of Fritz's wife, Julie.
Fritz said that he did not think circumstances would be right to ever hold the office again following his last term, but said he plans to run in November.
"I definitely intend to seek the nomination," he said. "I didn't think I would be back, but with us selling the business and Rod retiring, it worked out. There are positive things going on that I want to be a part of."
Both the Republican and Democratic parties can place a name on the November ballot for the county judge. However, the winner will serve through the 2014 since Waller retired at the beginning of his term.
Fritz's term began as soon as he was sworn in Friday.
"I am really excited for the chance to do it again," Fritz said. "I am nearly 20 years older than when I first ran, and those 20 years make a big difference."
Fritz was county judge for two terms from 1996 until 2004, when he choose not to file for re-election. Rod Waller, who retired on Tuesday, replaced Fritz in the judge's office.
Commissioners had expressed a desire for qualified candidates with the budget process approaching, and Precinct 3 Commissioner Howard Limmer said all the candidates had good qualities.
"I am pleased with the quality of people who had an interest," Limmer, who presided at the meeting, said. "Since we have a new auditor who has not been through the budget, I think we are ready to go."
Marianne Randals said she was glad that the court moved decisively on the issue.
"I am pleased (the county is) moving on," she said.
The appointment followed a closed session conducted by the commissioners court, in which Fritz and Snyder resident Keith Pitner were interviewed.
A third person, local attorney Pete Greene, also requested to be considered for the position, but commissioners could not reach him for a phone interview.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Williams abstained from the vote. He is the uncle of Fritz's wife, Julie.
Fritz said that he did not think circumstances would be right to ever hold the office again following his last term, but said he plans to run in November.
"I definitely intend to seek the nomination," he said. "I didn't think I would be back, but with us selling the business and Rod retiring, it worked out. There are positive things going on that I want to be a part of."
Both the Republican and Democratic parties can place a name on the November ballot for the county judge. However, the winner will serve through the 2014 since Waller retired at the beginning of his term.
Fritz's term began as soon as he was sworn in Friday.
