Why wait to fill spot?

Mark Benton says he’s ready. Gene Parker is leaving his office at the end of the week.

Yet the Randall County Commissioners Court seems to be in no hurry to fill Parker’s Precinct 2 seat.

Why wait?

Benton won the Republican primary runoff earlier this month. He has no Democratic opponent in the fall. Thus, he is the commissioner in waiting. After Parker tendered his resignation on Tuesday, Benton was asked if he is ready to go. His answer was “yes,” and that his employer, Western Builders, has agreed to allow him to spend every other Tuesday in Canyon hanging out with commissioners and County Judge Ernie Houdashell.

For his part, Houdashell says he wants to ask commissioners their feelings about a selection and that this is the first time he’s had to replace a commissioner since becoming county judge. So, ask ’em, judge. If they say seat Benton, then do it.

The county needs a full complement of commissioners on board as quickly as possible. If the commissioner-to-be is good to go, swear him in.