By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Mark Jones, who has lived in Pct. 2 his whole life, will serve as Constable Pct. 2 beginning Monday, Oct. 8, 2018.

Orange County Commissioners Court appointed Jones after an approximately 30 minute closed session on Tuesday.

A closed session was not on the agenda but was permissible by law due to the appointing of a person for a position.

“Closed session was more about procedure than people,” County Judge Dean Crooks said. “Just to put everyone’s mind at ease.”

Commissioner Barry Burton spoke about the need to name a replacement Constable.

“We lost a great public servant with Cagle,” Burton said. “He was an official and a friend. It needs to be someone to carry on the legacy.”

David Cagle passed away unexpectedly on September 16, 2018. He served as Constable Pct. 2 since 2012.

After the court unanimously voted to appoint Jones, he told Orange County Sheriff Keith Merritt, the sheriff would not be losing him.

Jones has worked at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for 29 years.

“It was not just the court which voted for you,” Crooks said. “It was the constables, the sheriff, Judge Dunn, all voted for you.”

Burton added Jones was not an unknown in Pct. 2.

Commissioner John Gothia added he appreciated Jones reaching out to the court.

“I know it was very hard for you and we appreciate you reaching out to us,” Gothia said. “I know it was difficult at the time.”

Court also approved signing a letter of support regarding the drainage issues in and around Adams and Cow Bayou to send to Senator Robert Nichols as well as State Representative Dade Phelan, Congressman Brian Babin, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

The letter concerned removing the Adams Bayou Bridges and Lutcher Drive Bridges.

“Recently we found out they have no plans to remove the bridges,” Crooks said.

Residents have complained about logs becoming snagged on the pilings under the bridges which causes flooding during a heavy rain. It was worse during Hurricane Harvey.

“I have taken the boat rides,” Commissioner Johnny Trahan said. “They have been working on this for quite a while and they are looking at different options. They need to make the right decision.”

Trahan also said he had seen the number of trees down along the water and there were more to fall down in the future.

“There are signs of beavers on both sides,” Trahan said.