Almost everywhere you turn in recent weeks, whether driving through town or navigating the winding roads of southern Barry County, you are sure to see one or more political signs in a yard, intersection or other highly visible place along your drive.

Over the last few weeks, signs for all four candidates in contested Barry County elections, all Republicans, have begun to spring up. For Barry County prosecutor, incumbent Amy Boxx is being challenged by political newcomer, Andrew Cole. For Barry County presiding commissioner, a rematch of sorts is set, with incumbent Steve Blankenship being challenged by Chad Johnson, who ran four years ago alongside Andrew Henbest in a three-man contest.

The prosecutor race is likely to draw the most attention. Boxx was first elected in 2014, carried by Monett voters to a win over Steve Dunker and Matthew Weatherman. She has since run unopposed in two straight elections, in 2018 and 2022.

Cole, who is embarking on his first political campaign, carries a name Cassville residents know well, as his father, longtime Cassville lawyer David Cole, is now presiding circuit judge for the 39th Judicial Circuit. Andrew Cole currently serves as the assistant prosecuting attorney in Lawrence County.

The presiding commissioner race, while may not be of equal interest, will be more than just a rematch. Losing the third candidate in that race will force a shift in how those who voted for Henbest in 2022 — just over 20% — pick another horse.

With two strong races in the county, the Cassville Democrat has a job to do. A major role of a community newspaper is informing the public on not simply who candidates are, but what they believe and where they stand on key issues.

To that end, this week is the first of five we will have candidate questionnaires within our pages. All told, we will print three sets of five questions from the prosecutor candidates, as well as two sets of six questions from the presiding commissioner candidates, alternating each week.

On page 8A of this week’s edition is the first set of questions answered by Boxx and Cole. Every first questionnaire starts with a few softballs: Why the candidates want to win the position and outlining their qualifications, for example.

As we get closer to the Aug. 4 Primary Election, questions will become a little more in depth. Things like plea bargains, addressing burglaries and thefts, treatment programs, victim’s rights, crimes against children, transparency and recruiting and retaining qualified staff will all be touchpoints in the prosecutor questionnaires still to come.

For the presiding commissioner candidates, assessing financial challenges, prioritizing spending, economic development, supporting small businesses, industrial sludge and communication with residents will all be addressed.

Beyond the questionnaires, I am proud to announce that the Democrat will once again sponsor a candidates forum. Two years ago, we held separate forums for the sheriff and northern commissioner races at the FEMA Event Center.

This time around, there will be a few changes. Due to availability of candidates, and myself, this year’s event will be a combined forum — one and done — and in a fresh location.

All four candidates have agreed to participate in the forum set for July 9, starting at 6 p.m., at the Cassville Performing Arts Center. Crowder’s Denna Clymer, our moderator at the 2024 forums, has agreed to return to Cassville to perform the task again.

The format and questions at that event have yet to be determined, but they will differ from what we are printing in the questionnaires. Aiming for no more than 90 minutes, my initial thought is to have nine questions for each race, alternating races every three questions, with time for opening and closing statements.

Hopefully, by the end of the forum and after all the questionnaires have run, you — as a voter — will be informed enough to make an educated decision on what direction you would like the prosecuting attorney and presiding commissioner offices to take. After all, this is your county, your representatives, and they should reflect your values and goals. 

More information about the forum will be announced when details are finalized, but for now, you can mark your calendars to join us at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) on July 9 in Cassville. If you want to know more about any of the four candidates, this is your chance.

Kyle Troutman has served as editor of the Cassville Democrat since 2014 and owner/publisher since 2023. He is a three-time ISWNE Golden Dozen award winner. He may be reached at 417-847-2610 or [email protected].