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Caraway announces for re-election as Hardin County Judge

        Hardin County Judge Billy Caraway has announced his intentions to run for re-election during the 2010 Primary Elections.

Judge Caraway has served in his position of County Judge for 12 years and has been a longtime businessman in Hardin County.

        Having grown up north of Silsbee, Caraway takes great pride in his hometown and the county where he grew up. He is a graduate of Silsbee High School, the son of Oliver and Elsie Jeffcoat Caraway.

        His father passed away when Billy was 10, which meant the young Caraway would have to step up to help take care of his family. It was during these formative years that Caraway learned about the benefits of hard work.

        By the time he was a teenager, he owned a small grocery store. That entrepreneurial spirit would follow Caraway throughout his life.

        Billy eventually married Kay Busby and together they had a son Bart, who would later give them a granddaughter, Taylor.

        Caraway joined the military as a young man and a patriot's heart still beats true within his chest. One of the key components of his platform for re-election is the support of our troops overseas.

"They dedicate themselves to working to make this country a better place to live. They risk their lives doing that," he said. "It is our responsibility to take care of them the best we can, provide them with the tools they need to do their jobs and then provide for them once they return home."

        Caraway started working for Bob Bullock in the State Comptroller's office in 1965 as an entry-level employee. Before he left in 1977, he was the leader of a 400-person field operations team.

        Though Caraway found success in Bullock's office, he had a dream of once again owning his own business. Little did he know that his dream would lie within the walls of an old locomotive caboose.

        The Lumber Company Restaurant was a big hit among those in Hardin County who wanted a good home-cooked meal for a reasonable price. The restaurant received rave reviews from state-wide publications and Caraway made sure that everyone left full and happy after coming in for a meal. He donated money and goods to help local non-profit and service organizations.

        Groups like the Kiwanis Club, Department of Public Safety, Lions Club, Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group and the Texas Rangers acknowledge Caraway for his generosity. In 1988, he received the National Advertising Award for Small Businesses.

        With the restaurant's success, he was able to dream even bigger and the result was the Red Cloud Water Park.

        Red Cloud was open for seven years and employed more than 50 young people each summer. Memories of warm summer nights at the park and the fun that was had still dance in Billy's mind.

        Caraway entered the field of public service after being elected Tax Assessor-Collector for Hardin County and was later selected by a popular vote to serve as the county judge.

        He has earned accolades and honors, worked with some of the nation's top politicians and leaders in industry and business in helping shape the present and future of Hardin County.

        Through hurricanes and floods and economic downturns, Caraway has kept on thing in mind ... the people of Hardin County.
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Copyright © 2010. All rights reserved. Pol. Adv. Paid for by Campaign to Re-Elect Billy Caraway for Hardin County Judge.