King appointed as acting assessor in Washita Co.

CORDELL – The Washita County assessor’s first deputy will manage the office until voters choose a new assessor.

The Washita County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously March 11 to appoint Merle King as the act ing assessor, starting April 1, said County Clerk Kristen Dowell. King will f ill in for outgoing assessor Georgia Lawson, who is stepping down from her position because her family is relocating.

Candidates who are interested in replacing Lawson must file a declaration of candidacy with the Washita County Election Board office, 111 E. Main St., in Cordell, between April 3 and 5. If more than two candidates from any political party file for the position, a special primary election will be set f or June 18.

If none of the ca ndidates from either party claims more than 50% of the vote, a runoff primary election will take place Aug. 27. If needed, Nov. 5 general election will decide the winner.