Donald Ray Sanders (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

In the race for Precinct 4 County Commissioner, Donald Sanders faces incumbent JoAnn Hampton, who is vying for her fifth term in office.

Both Hampton and Sanders previously have served on the Tyler City Council and were in the role of mayor pro tem during their time on council.

They both say they’re seeking the county commissioner seat because it’s a way to help people who live in their precinct. And both agree infrastructure improvement is the biggest issue facing the county.

Hampton says her experience and proven leadership make her the best person for the job, while Sanders says he’ll work to focus on all areas of the community he serves.

While both candidates are qualified for the office, Sanders would bring a fresh eye to the Precinct 4 seat. We believe 16 years is enough time for one person to serve and welcome the new perspective Sanders would bring to the job.

There’s also the issue of the ATS contract for speed cameras in school zones that was discussed in 2014 executive sessions.

County Judge Joel Baker pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of violating the Texas Open Meetings act, but Baker wasn’t the only member of the Commissioners Court in those meetings. All members of the court were complicit in the violation on the issues of openness and accountability.

When asked by the Editoiral Board about the issue, Hampton said she could not comment about executive session, even though tapes from the ATS executive sessions were made public after a judge ruled those closed-door meetings were held improperly.

We think every member of the court who participated in the meeting should answer for their actions.

Donald Sanders is our choice for County Commissioner Precinct 4.