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Two council seats contested in Paris

Paris voters defeated a measure that would have ended city funding of the Paris Economic Development Corporation.
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In Paris, at least two city council seats will be up for grabs in upcoming elections, with two seats apparently safe as the incumbent is unopposed.

The Paris News reports that former councilman Edwin Pickle will run against incumbent Cleonne Drake for the District 6 seat, which represents east Paris. In District 3, incumbent John Wright will defend against challenger Benny Plata. District 3 represents south Paris.

Pickle is a Paris native and served on the council 2008-12. The Paris News report said that Pickle has lived in his district for more than 16 years. Pickle has been the past chairman of Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Salvation Army and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The other challenger is also a Paris native and former councilman. Plata served on the council 2000-04 and has lived in his district for 22 years, The Paris News said. He has worked at Kimberly-Clark for more than 30 years. 

Mark Haslett has served at KETR since 2013. Since then, the station's news operation has enjoyed an increase in listener engagement and audience metrics, as well recognition in the Texas AP Broadcasters awards.