Alan Craig sworn in as Precinct 3 Commissioner

Alan Craig took his first oath of office on Jan. 2 as the County Commissioner of Precinct 3 with his family looking on at the Young County Courthouse in Graham and said afterward that he looks forward to learning the job and working with fellow commissioners and his shop workers.

Mr. Craig takes over the job representing Olney at the Commissioners Court from Stacey Rogers, who held the post for four terms and announced last year that he would not run for re-election. Mr. Rogers cited the Commissioners’ Court’s failure to restrain spending in his statement announcing his decision not to run again.

He also said he planned to prioritize his family and “other interests” after retiring from the Commissioners Court.

Mr. Craig, a businessman, bested Scott “Scooter” Philipp, a farmer-rancher, in the nonpartisan race for County Commissioner.

The Enterprise caught up with Mr. Craig after his swearing in to ask about his plans.

Enterprise: What are your priorities coming into office this year?

Mr. Craig: I start today and my first priority is to develop a rapport with [crew at the Precinct 3 yard] and decide where the priorities are as far as the roads and all of that. I have one position open.

In the meantime, be working here in the courthouse to see what needs to be done. What the top priorities are for us I do not know at this point in time. It’s a learning curve. It’ll be all right.

Enterprise: You have attended Commissioners Court meetings for nine months - do you have any impressions about how you want to step in and work with the other commissioners?

Mr. Craig: I’m very optimistic about how we’re all going to work together. I feel very good about the other commissioners and working with the County judge and I think we are going to be a cohesive board.