By Matt Wilson

For the FCT

Editor’s Note: “Meet the Candidates” will be a regular feature informing you about our local candidates leading up to the November general election.

This week’s featured candidates are seeking the local office of Franklin County Board of Education, District 3, an office that is currently held by Randy Hester, who was defeated by Democratic candidate Pat Cochran in the June primaries. Cochran now faces Republican candidate Scotty Raper.

>Why are you running for this office? What made you decide to run?

Pat Cochran: I’m running for the board member position because I hope to bring new energy to our school and community.

Scotty Raper: I’m running because I think it was time for a change. I don’t think one person should be in office that long.

> Why do you think you are the most qualified for this position?

Pat Cochran: I don’t feel like there is anyone else out there that will work as hard for our school as I will.

Scotty Raper: I have the time to devote to this job. I’m retired/disabled and don’t have to get up and go to work so I can spend time focusing on this.

> What do you hope to accomplish if you’re elected?

Pat Cochran: I hope to build positive relationships with the faculty and staff so they will enjoy coming to work and will feel proud to work at Vina High School. Also, I want the parents to feel confident that their children will be getting the best education possible. I hope to work with the school board so that our county will be proud of each school and our school system as a whole.

Scotty Raper: My goal is to make the school the best it’s ever been. If there are problems, I want to take care of them and address any issues.

> Brief biography:

Pat Cochran: I was born in Russellville and grew up in Hodges. I attended Vina High School and graduated in 1984. I have been married for 29 years to Rita Holland Cochran, who also graduated in 1984 from Vina High School. We have two children Elisha, 28, and Patrick, 25, who are both Vina High School graduates.

Scotty Raper: I was born and raised in Vina and went to Vina High School. I also worked in the mobile home business.