Early voting for Election Day, May 6, 2023, begins on Monday, April 24, and ends on Tuesday, May 2. The Hemphill County Hospital Board election is the only race to be decided this year. The City Council, and CISD Board elections were cancelled, due to the lack of contested races.
The HCH board is composed of five at-large directors elected to staggered two-year terms. This year, the terms of Cory Pittman, Colby Leach, and Jesse Hanes will each expire. There is a four-way race for the three seats, as all three incumbents filed for re-election, along with Whitney Jones, who was a candidate for a board position in 2021, and is running for election again this year.
Early voting by personal appearance for the HCH board will take place in the hospital’s Administration Office Lobby, located at the southwest corner of the facility, from 8 am to 5 pm, on weekdays.
All four candidates provided the following brief statements to The Record.
CORY PITTMAN
I grew up in Canadian and graduated high school in 2000. I then attended West Texas A&M University in Canyon, double majoring in Environmental Science and Geology. My wife Elizabeth and I met at college. After graduation, we moved to Canadian. I am the Environmental Health and Safety Manager for Presidio. We have two daughters, Addison, 10, and Ainsley, 7.
I have been on the hospital board for 12 years, serving as Vice President for two years and President for the last six years. In 2016, I was first to receive my Certified Healthcare Trustee and still continue to hold that certification through ongoing continuing education each year.
I would be honored to continue serving on the hospital board because I enjoy giving back and volunteering my time to the community that I live in and grew up in.
COLBY LEACH
My name is Colby Leach. I have been married to Amber Leach for almost 24 years. We have three children, Avery (22), Dylan (18), and Ryan (13). Amber, Avery and I are all graduates of Canadian High School and Dylan will be graduating this year.
I graduated from Amarillo College in 1996 with an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy. I worked at Hemphill County Hospital for 10 years, and then for five years at Pampa Regional Medical Center. I am currently employed with Phillips 66, where I am a senior measurement technician.
I have served on the Hemphill County Hospital District Board of Directors now for four years. I have almost completed my requirements for my Certified Healthcare Trustee. I am seeking re-election because I want to continue to serve the people of Hemphill County. Hemphill County and Canadian have always been my home. I feel a deep desire to give back to this community and I hope I can earn your vote.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
JESSE HANES
Hi, my name is Jesse Hanes. I’ve lived in Canadian most of my life. I graduated from Canadian High and raised my family here. My wife and I both operate small businesses in Canadian.
I have served on the hospital board for one two-year term. It takes time to learn the inner workings of a governmental entity.
The reason I ran for hospital board remains the same: I believe we need a good hospital, with a good team to serve our community. I don’t believe the citizens of Hemphill County should be paying to support and finance services outside of our community.
Thank you.
WHITNEY JONES
I grew up in Darrouzett and Perryton, and I am very fond and protective of Panhandle values and people. I graduated from Perryton High School in 2001 and graduated from Texas Tech with a degree in agricultural education in 2005. In fact, I did my student teaching with Tonny Hamby in the fall of 2005.
After my husband, Adam, and I got married and started a family, we decided to move closer to family in the Panhandle and we were lucky and blessed to find jobs in Canadian. I have always said the job I have now as the senior English teacher at CHS is my dream job. We have amazing students and staff and we are well supported by the community. Adam and I are thankful to be raising our family here.
The Hemphill County Hospital District is embarking on exciting advancements and expansions. I think it’s important for our hospital district to remain innovative as they explore new ways to provide for their community.