Gene McCracken Announces Candidacy for Re-Election for District 3 Commissioner

(BEDFORD) – Gene McCracken pledges to continue to bring experience and sound judgment to the office of Commissioner.

Gene McCracken

McCracken, current Executive Director of the StoneGate Arts & Education Center and Lawrence County Commissioner, is a former business teacher and past Executive Director of the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council and has declared his candidacy for re-election.

Gene is married to Janice (Hawkins) McCracken; they are both retired teachers. They have two adult sons, Thad and Jamie McCracken.

Thad is the Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. He is married to Jennifer (Sullivan) McCracken, who also teaches at Hendrix College. They have two sons, Kaden, and Kamden.

Jamie is a Production Planner for our local General Motors Plant. Jamie is married to Jade (Deckard) McCracken who is a C.P.A. with Turpen & Deckard, LLC. They have two children – a daughter, Lilly, and a son, Gunner.

“I am pleased and honored to announce my candidacy for re-election as the Commissioner for District 3. During my term as a Lawrence County Commissioner, I have gained an understanding of the complexities of government including its capabilities and limitations. I pledge to the citizens of Lawrence County that I will meet all challenges by balancing fiscal responsibility with sound judgment.”

“Most importantly, the primary role of a Commissioner is to be an advocate for the people of Lawrence County. This includes transportation issues like repairing and paving roads. In addition, we need to strengthen our community foundations by providing opportunities for workforce education, which allows hands-on job training experiences to all desiring citizens of Lawrence County. This will provide our local employers with job candidates who are trained for jobs available locally.

“Second, the Commissioner should be a vital and active communications link between the people and the county government. In my roles as the past economic developer, past county councilman, and current elected commissioner, I’m constantly in touch with the needs of the citizens of District 3 and the needs of Lawrence County as a whole.”

“Third, as a Commissioner, I continue to be a valued partner with the other county elected officials. By taking advantage of my experience, skills, and perspectives gained as an educator along with my political experiences
and the many committees and boards I have served on in the past as well as currently, I have been a great advocate for all aspects of community activism.”

“Fourth, because of my experience, I have “people skills” that I have used to bring people together toward common goals and unity.”

“I look forward to positive campaigning, meeting citizens, and tackling future challenges.”