By J.J. Smith. Former Rockwall Mayor Ken Jones may not have made the April 13 run-off election in the County Judge race, but he says his 19.26 percent of the voters who voted for him March 2 are certainly going to help determine who the next Rockwall County judge is.

He said that he and his wife have been working hard to encourage all1,655 people who voted for him last month to vote again this and next week for one of the two remaining Judge candidates – although he’s not officially saying whether that’s Jerry Hogan or Kevin Fowler.

But Jones considers himself a conservative Republican and said he favors other conservatives who want limited government and low taxes, as well.

Jones also says that because he did receive nearly 20% of the total 8,592 total votes cast – only 175 behind incumbent Judge Chris Florance, 624 behind Fowler and 1,190 behind Hogan – he’s definitely considering running in future elections and is not done by a long shot with providing public service to Rockwall County.

The owner of country music radio stations KHYI 95.3FM The Range and KXEZ 92.1 FM The Possum did not say what offices he’s considering, but he said he cares deeply about Rockwall County and its residents and still wants to be of service.

He added that because he’s been so blessed financially with his broadcasting business, he’s never needed to run for office because of the money which some elected officials are paid. In fact, he said he financed his entire County Judge campaign by himself and didn’t accept contributions from others.

He said he encourages every registered voter to vote in this election and has invited anyone who wants to talk about it to call him 24/7 on his cell phone at 214-533-2610. He promises to return all calls.

By J.J. Smith. A former City of Rockwall Mayor and radio station owner has become the third person to announce his candidacy for Rockwall County Judge in the March Republican primary election.

Former Rockwall Mayor Ken Jones, who served from 2001-2005, barely lost his race for the County Judge office in the Republican primary two years ago when he fell about 200 votes short from qualifying for the run-off election between current County Judge Chris Florance and former County Commissioner Scott Self.

Jones says he’s decided to run again to ensure Rockwall County has better roads, keeps taxes low and because he’s confident that by working hard he can win this time.

Former corporate executive and retired US Army Lt. Col. Jerry Hogan, plus American National Bank vice president of commercial lending Kevin Fowler previously announced their intentions to run. Judge Florance is also expected to announce his intentions to run again soon.

Jones has been in the radio industry for 50 years – 30 years as a station owner. After attending Paris Junior College and East Texas University, he earned a diploma from a technical institute and holds the highest lifetime license available from the Federal Communications Commission.

For many years he and his family have owned and operated radio stations KHYI 95.3 FM “The Range” – the Texas Broadcast Station of the Year – and KXEZ 92.1 FM “The Possum” – the radio voice of the Rockwall High School Yellow Jackets and Rockwall-Heath High School Hawks sports teams. His son, Joshua, is the general manager of both stations.

Jones is a member of the Rockwall Republican Men’s Club, charter director of the Rockwall County YMCA, Rockwall Noon Rotary Club member, plus past President of the Terrell Rotary Club.

In his news release Jones said, if elected, his emphasis will be on badly-needed roads, he will not raise his salary, nor will he vote to build anything that has not already been approved by voters.

“Let me start my campaign by promising I will not raise my salary as your judge.”

“As your Judge, my emphasis will continue to be on badly needed roads. Many of our schools are on or near roads where serious accidents could occur.”

“I will not vote to build anything that has not already been approved by our citizens.”

He said with support of the commissioner’s court, he will sell off commercial pad sites along I-30 to help defray the cost of building the new government center.

He will support a veteran’s memorial at the new government center to be constructed with private donations.

He will work to keep taxes low.

“As Rockwall Mayor, I worked with staff and council to provide superb services while maintaining a 36- cent tax rate.”

He also promised to be easy to reach.

“As your next Rockwall County Judge you will not only have my e-mail address, but you will also have my cell number – which I answer  personally – at  214-553-2610.”

Jones’ wife of 47 years, Glenda, owns Dove Travel Agency in Rockwall and is a member of the Rockwall Republican Women’s Club. They are members of the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce and attend Lake Pointe Church, where they serve as greeters.

They have four grown children, who are all Rockwall High School and college graduates, plus eight grandchildren.

Heath resident Greg Beauchamp will serve as Jones’ campaign treasurer.

For more info, visit Jones4Judge.com.