What’s on the May 1st Joint Election ballot for the City of Wharton? Voters will choose candidates to serve on the Wharton City Council for Position 5, At-Large, District 1 and District 3.
The County Gin requested a short bio and photo from each candidate. We are also excited to host these candidates at The County Gin’s Candidate Forum on Tuesday, April 13 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Below, in the order of the ballot listings, are the candidates for Wharton City Council.
City of Wharton City Council District 1
Clifford Jackson for Wharton City Council, District 1 (unopposed)
I am a graduate of Rice University where I played football (’88-’92) and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in ’93. I have always had a heart for children, being involved with them even while I was in college, working as a direct care staff.
I am a Licensed Child-Care Administrator and bring 12 years of experience to Robbin’s Nest for Children where I serve as the owner. I have also spent several years working with individuals classified under Mental Health Mental Retardation (MHMR), now known as Department of Aging and Disables Services (DADS). I feel that working in this field gives me the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of both residents and staff members.
I am a faithful member of the Church of Christ and serve as a Trustee at the M.L.K. Blvd congregation in Wharton.
City of Wharton City Council District 3
Terry Freese for Wharton City Council, District 3 (unopposed)
I am a lifelong resident of the City of Wharton. I graduated from Wharton High School in 1976 and went on to study kinesiology at Wharton County Junior College and Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, where I received my bachelor’s degree, and the University of Texas at Tyler, where I graduated with a master’s degree.
I am the former head golf coach and assistant football coach at Wharton High School and former alternative school teacher at Wharton Junior High.
I am married to my beautiful wife, Lisa Freese, who teaches at Sivells Elementary School. Together, we have two sons, Zachary Freese and Joel Freese. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering with the local little league and softball organizations.
City of Wharton City Council Position 5 At-Large
Russell Machann for Wharton City Council Position 5, At-Large (incumbent)
I was born in San Angelo, Texas, grew up in Katy, Texas, and attended Katy High School. I later advanced to Angelo State University and Sam Houston State University.
For thirty years, I have called Wharton, Texas my home. I married the love of my life, Tonya, on Jan. 16, 2016. I am proud of my three daughters, Kacy, Andrea and Robin, who all grew up and graduated top of their class from Wharton ISD.
I am the owner of Machann Consulting Inc., have a partnership agreement with AP Formulators in Houston as Sr. Sales Account Manager and a consultant with JESCO Construction. I also have been a duck and goose guide for 30 years.
Along with my service on Wharton City Council, I serve on the City Council Finance, Housing and Public Health Committees, Wharton Economic Development Corporation Board, CAD Board of Directors, Wharton County Youth Fair since 1994 as President, member of the WCYF Executive Board, Ticket Booth, several fair committees and Chairman of the BBQ Cook-Off for 30 years.
I remain heavily involved with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo as District Chairman for Area Go Texan, Membership and Directory and Assistance Committees, Scholarship Judging Committee and a lifetime member since 1986.
I also volunteered and chaired committees for Senior Serve and Project Grad through Wharton High School. I enjoyed serving as Chairman of Rules and Regulations for Storm Racing.
Since 1994, I have remained an active member on the Ducks Unlimited Committee and have also served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as Vice President, the Board of the Wharton County Freedom Fest Committee, the Board of Directors at the Wharton Country Club and the Men’s Golf Association as President.
Even more importantly, I am an active member of the First Baptist Church.
Throughout all my time in service on boards, commissions and organizations, the greatest achievement has been God granting me the opportunity to better our community for future generations. I strive to make the best of today by preparing a better tomorrow.
Jacques Hearse for Wharton City Council Position 5, At-Large
I am Jacques Hearse and I truly love our city and the people within. I was born and raised in Wharton and I graduated from Wharton High School.
I moved back to Wharton in 2006 with a heart and desire to help our young people reach their greatest potential.
I partnered with the Boys and Girls Club and Wharton High School to offer speed and conditioning training to the youth in the city. This was the start of ten years of athletic summer training camps and assisting athletes with college placements, and proved vital in connecting our student athletes with athletic scholarships to further their education.
In 2014, I knew it was time for me to further my education and work toward reaching my greatest potential. I went back to school and received my Associate of Arts Degree in Personal Training and a Bachelor of Science Degree.
My personal philosophy is based on Genesis 11:6. I believe that when the people are one nothing will be restrained from them. We are stronger and we accomplish more when we are doing it together as a team.
I am blessed to be able to do my part and serve this community as an educator and as a pastor. Although, I have been working in education for nineteen years, I am going on my fifth year of coaching at Wharton Junior High. I have been married to Pastor Cynthia Hearse for 32 amazing years, serving alongside her for the last five. We have four children Jacquelyn, Desmond, Xavier and C’Aire. As your city councilman, I want to help serve our city for your children and my children.
Early voting begins at 8 p.m. on Monday, April 19.
For more information about Wharton County Elections, visit the election office website.
