Lowndes County

oters Guide
A GUIDE TO THE AUGUST 4 PRIMARY ELECTION

Precinct Polling Place

Caledonia

Community Center, 205 South Street, Caledonia

Columbus High School

CHS Suspension Room, 215 Hemlock St., Columbus

Columbus Christian Academy

Columbus Christian Academy, 6405 Military Rd., Steens

Steens
Community Center, 118 Steens Vernon Rd., Steens

Airbase
Antioch Baptist Church, 1288 Jess Lyons Rd., Columbus

Brandon
Central School Office, 2630 McArthur Dr., Columbus

First Assembly
Activities Building, 2201 Military Rd., Columbus

New Hope
Community Center, 281 Stadium Rd., Columbus

Rural Hill
Community Center, 61 Miller Dr., Columbus

Coleman
Col. Housing Auth. Building, 2201 8th Ave. S., Columbus

Crawford

Inside

Park & Rec Building, 783 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Crawford

Chancery Clerk......................... 6

House of Representatives......... 8

National Guard Armory

Circuit Clerk.............................. 2

Sample Ballots......................... 10

Constable................................. 7

Sheriff...................................... 3

District Attorney........................ 2

Superintendent of Education...... 7

District Supervisors.................. 4

Senators.................................. 10

National Guard Armory, 111 Fabritek Dr., Columbus

Plum Grove
Park & Rec. Building, 54 Minnie Vaughn Rd, Columbus

Townsend Park
Rec. Building, 826 15th St. So., Columbus

Artesia
Community Center, 46 S. Front St., Artesia

Hunt
Hunt School Cafetorium, 920 20th St. N., Columbus

Propst Park Community Hut

Community Hut, 2535 Main St., Columbus

Trinity
Trinity Retirement Home, 300 Airline Rd., Columbus

Union Academy
Union Academy Cafetorium, 1425 10th Ave. N., Columbus

University
Carrier Lodge, 802 1st St. S., Columbus

West Lowndes
Lowndes County Schools Central Office, 664 S. Frontage Rd., Columbus

The Commercial Dispatch

Sunday, July 26, 2015

2 Sunday, July 26, 2015

The Dispatch www.cdispatch.com

District Attorney

Democrat

Q&A

Scott Colom

Age: 32
Occupation: Lawyer; City
Prosecutor
Education: Columbus High
School; B.A. in English and
History-Millsaps College; Cum
Laude graduate of Wisconsin
Law School
Political party: Democrat
Political experience:
Prosecutor-City of Columbus;
Former municipal judge-City of
Aberdeen
Residence: Lowndes County
Family: Married
Email: scottcolomforda16@
gmail.com
Phone: 662-368-2015

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $95,796

1. How would you characterize
crime in this district?

2. Where is the balance, for

you, between getting justice
for victims and offering
chances for offenders to
remain productive in society?

3. Where do you stand

on incarceration for drug
offenses?

I think we need to reduce violent crime

and property crime in our district. A
major part of my platform is the need
to prioritize the prosecution of violent
crime. Over the last few years, several
close friends and family members have
been victims of violent crime and Ive
seen the emotional and physical turmoil
they experienced because of it. This is
why I want to set up a violent crime unit
that has the best and most experienced
attorneys focus on prosecuting violent
crimes such as Murder, Rape, Sexual
Assault, Armed Robbery, Domestic
Violence, and Burglary.I will also ask
local law enforcement agencies to
assign investigators to this unit so they
will have access to the best resourced
for investigating violent crimes.

As District Attorney, my first priority will

be justice for victims of crimes. I will
keep victims updated on the status of
prosecutions and give them a voice in
recommendations for plea deals and
sentencing. For victims of property
crimes, I will prioritize restitution. But
victims can never have true justice
unless the right person is convicted.
Prosecuting an innocent person has
four horrible outcomes:

Drug addiction destroys the lives of too

many young people, which is why I will
aggressively prosecute people who
bring drugs into our communities and
prey on our children. However, most
people convicted of drug possession are
drug addicts with high recidivism rates.
The fewer people who are addicted to
drugs, the fewer drug addicts there are
to arrest or re-arrest. Because of this,
as District Attorney, when appropriate
and after careful review, I will consider
rehabilitation for non-violent drug
offenders, especially young first time
offenders. This rehabilitation will include
strong monitoring and drug testing by
our Circuit Court Judges through the
Drug Court in our District.
In sum, I believe rehabilitation for drug
addiction is the best method at stopping
continued drug use and the crime
associated with it.

There is a list of the most dangerous

cities in Mississippi. No city in my
district is on it. A citys ranking on that
list was not related to size, but rather
your likelihood of being a victim while
living there. E.g.: The number one
most dangerous city in Mississippi is
Indianola, population 10,641. Jackson,
Greenville, Greenwood, Cleveland,
Vicksburg, Pascagoula, and McComb
are all on the list. One of my cities,
Starkville, made the list of 10 Safest
Cities in the State. While there is
certainly more crime than I would like to
see, we must be doing something right.

Most victims are quite reasonable.

Every once in a while you find one
who wants the defendant hung on
the courthouse lawn for stealing a
lawnmower, but theyre rare. We
have an adversarial system and the
defendants lawyer is there to take care
of his interests. The judge is there to
protect his rights. Nobody is looking
out for the victim. Consequently, I
believe in victim centered prosecution.
If everybody does their job, then a fair
balance is struck. Insofar as chances
to remain productive, I know lots of
convicted felons who have gone on to
lead productive and successful lives. Im
friends with some of them. That being
said, we have a Pre-trial Intervention
Program. All first offenders of most
felonies where the maximum sentence
is 5 years or less are eligible.

1. An innocent person wrongfully goes

to jail.
2. A guilty person remains free and able
to cause further harm.
3. The victim and his or her family are
denied true closure.
4. The public loses confidence in the
criminal justice system.

Independent

Forrest Allgood (I)

Age: 61
Occupation: District Attorney
Education: B.S. & Law DegreeUniversity of Mississippi
Political party: Independent
Political experience:
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married
Email: f_allgood@hotmail.com
Phone: N/A

Circuit Clerk

Q&A

The U. S. Department of Justice says

that 80% of all crime in America has a
drug component. 80% is a lot. It stands
to reason that if you reduce the flow
of drugs into your community, you will
reduce crime. Consequently, if youre
charged with SELLING it, we are going
to try to put you in jail. Those who
are possessors are getting probation
or pre-trial unless they are prior
felons, habitual offenders, or they are
possessing large quantities.

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies fee based, capped at approx. $90,000
1. What qualities make you
the best candidate for this
position?

2. How well do you believe

you can work with law
enforcement, justice system
officials, local party leaders
and the public in effectively
executing the circuit clerks
responsibilities?

Haley Salazar had this position

for years. Do you anticipate
making any changes to the
way this office is run?

I have learned a lot through my

experience as Councilman for Ward 2
over the past 4 years. During this time, I
have been involved in positive changes
affecting the City and County, such as
implementing the City-Wide No Smoking
Ban; construction o the New Columbus/
Lowndes Soccer Complex; renovation
of the Old River Bridge, etc. I am an
active and compassionate listener,
a hard-worker, a man who believe in
walking the talk. As a business owner
and independent contractor, I have to
be accountable for the quality of service
to customers. If there is an issue or
complaint, there is no passing the buck.
The buck stops with me. I will approach
the duties and responsibilities of the
circuit clerks office with the same level
of accountability and commitment.

I am a team player and my track

record as a member of the Columbus
City Council shows that I have
worked diligently with colleagues,
law enforcement and citizens for
the common good. Communication
is crucial when working with others.
Likewise, I will effectively communicate
with law enforcement, justice system
officials, local party leaders and
everyone who enters the circuit clerks
office in need of assistance. I will always
give 100%, and I will not stop until I
have learned everything to ensure I can
serve Lowndes County efficiently.

I believe Haley Salazar ran one the

best circuit clerks office in the State
of Mississippi. She surrounded herself
with quality dedicated personnel, some
of whom have worked in that office for
decades. I dont anticipate making any
changes, especially since 2016 is an
election year. I plan to learn, observe,
and evaluate. I will be hands-on and
approachable. My goal is to make the
office more citizen-centered. Once
elected, my focus will be customerservice accessibility, technology and
timeliness.

Teresa Barksdale

Being employed in the office for 20

years.

I believe I can work well with all of these

you have listed. I currently work very
closely with our local law enforcement
and all of the court and judicial system.
I can and will work with all of our local
leaders and the public to carry out the
duties of this office.

At this time, no major changes to the

office as for as personnel. I feel we have
a good staff. All do their respected jobs
and do them very well.

Margie Canon

I am a retired teacher who wants to

be your public servant and I care
deeply about you, your children and
their children. You, your children and
your grandchildren are my reasons for
running for public office. I first became a
member of Lowndes County Republican
Women in my early twenties. I
belong to Brillian Bridge Builders,
the MUW Alumni Association and
Lowndes County Republican Women,
organizations that support our children.
My career as a teacher allowed me to
hone my skills as a communicator. My
ability to communicate effectively will
serve the people of Lowndes County
well. Just as importantly, my listening
skills are excellent. Taking time to
listen to people is imperative for a
public servant to be effective. As a
Christian, I believe the power of prayer
is paramount.

As a veteran Special Education

Teacher, I was put to the test in the
classroom under enormous pressure
daily. When it comes to managing
money, I am frugal and responsible.
I possess well-developed and tested
skills, quickly mastering new and
complex information. I have an ability to
discern right from wrong, an ability that
will serve you well. My relentless nature
to make sure all people are treated
fairly is one of my greatest strengths.
I love all people. Working with people
is my specialty, one for which I have
trained many years. Juvenile court is
a particular interest to me, and much
can be done to help children who are
in crisis. I will allow no one to get by
with actions that are not in the best
interest of your office. I will handle your
important public business affairs with
utmost respect and courtesy.

I look forward to making the exciting

change from a school teacher to your
circuit clerk. The polling places for
our elections should be moved out
of schools. I will ask employees in
the circuit clerks office if changes
are needed. I will seek wisdom from
citizens. As custodian of the jury wheel,
I will see that voter rolls are cleaned
up and purged of deceased and noncurrent residents to the best of my
ability. I will work relentlessly with
the legislature so you can vote when
hospitalized on election days. I will take
steps to apply strategies to polling and
other procedures in the Circuit Clerks
office to make sure systems are in place
for the inevitable occasion when new,
hi-tech systems crash. Mrs. Salazar
held the office 24 years and her uncle,
Mr. Wiggins, held the office 36 years. I
can build on what they accomplished.

Democrat

Joseph W. Mickens Sr.

Age: 57
Occupation: Owner/
Independent Contractor of the
Floor Specialist
Education: Graduate of
Noxubee High School;
Completed course work in
Business Management at EMCC
and Alcorn State University
Political party: Democrat
Political experience: Currently
serving as City Councilman
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 7 children; 2
grandchildren
Email: floorspecialist146@
gmail.com
Phone: 662-251-0724

Republican
Age: 52
Occupation: Deputy Clerk
Education: Graduate of New
Hope High School
Political party: Republican
Political experience: 20 years
experience in Circuit Clerks
office
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 2 children; 1
grandchild
Email: teresaq2000@hotmail.
com
Phone: 662-241-1920

Age: 55
Occupation: Retired Teacher
Education: B.S. Special
Education and Social ScienceBlue Mountain College; M.S.
Special Education- Mississippi
University for Women
Political party: Republican
Political experience: N/A
Residence: Columbus
Family: N/A
Email: marjoriecanon@yahoo.
com
Phone: 662-328-3018

I = incumbent

The Dispatch www.cdispatch.com

Circuit Clerk (continued)

Q&A

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies fee based, capped at approx. $90,000
1. What qualities make you
the best candidate for this
position?

2. How well do you believe

you can work with law
enforcement, justice system
officials, local party leaders
and the public in effectively
executing the circuit clerks
responsibilities?

3. Haley Salazar had this

position for years. Do you
anticipate making any changes
to the way this office is run?

I feel that in government people tend to

get caught up in doing work in the same
manner that it has always been done,
even though it may not always be the
most efficient or the best way. I believe
that my business experience in the
private sector will provide the people of
Lowndes County a new business model
for their public office.

The short answer is very well. Access is

the key to all these officials. These days
we have the technology to access data
in a timely manner. As a clerk I will have
to ensure that all these officials have
access to accurate warrants in a timely
manner, and that there are no weak
links in the grand jury process. There
is also no reason the information they
need should not be available through
the clerks office on a 24-hour basis.

I believe that changes are inevitable in

every business. We have to constantly
change and evolve and get better. So
yes, I plan on changing the office and
improving it every way I am able, and
that will benefit the people of Lowndes
County.

Tim Heard

Age: 53
Occupation: Systems Computer
Analyst
Education: B.S. Computer
Information Systems- Alabama
State University; M.Ed.
Computer TechnologyMississippi State University
Political party: Independent
Political experience: N/A
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 2 children; 1
grandchild
Email: theard@cableone.net
Phone: 662-361-2005

I feel that my 15 years on the EMCC

Board of Trustees and current position
as secretary on the MUW Federal Credit
Union Board has shown that I have
the ability to manage a governmental
business and also record and keep
accurate records for an organization.
For the past 22 years, in my current
capacity with the GTPDD, I am
responsible in supporting governmental
agencies with their technology, and
have worked closely with the circuit
clerks office not only in Lowndes
county, but all other GTPDD counties.
I have worked with the software and
hardware vendors that support the
circuit clerks office (SEMS, Delta, and
IBM).

I served my country as a Military Police

in the National Guard for 6 years and
was on the Columbus Auxiliary Police
force for 8 years. This gave me an
opportunity to work very closely with law
enforcement. In my position with the
GTPDD, I provide computer technology
support to the Sheriffs Office, DAs
Office, Justice Court, Chancery Clerk,
Supervisors, Department Heads and
others in county government in most
of the GTPDD counties. I also have
my own business (Heard Computer
Services) where I provide computer
services to many businesses in the
area.

I feel that Haley has done an

outstanding job at this position. I was
impressed from day one at how that
office was ran and have said many
times that the position of Circuit Clerk
would be the only county government
position I would ever consider. I do feel
though that no business can stay the
same and thrive. I do not anticipate
any personnel changes but would push
for electronic poll books and electronic
contacting of jurors and prospective
jurors. I would like for the court records
to become more mobile friendly for
searches. My other goal would be to
make sure that all people that come to
the office would be treated with respect
and courtesy, whether they are coming
to pay fines, register, obtain marriage
license, search records or whatever.

Jackie Leach

Declined to participate.

Working with others and facilitating

communication between departments
is one of my greatest strengths. As
a graduate of Leadership Lowndes
County, I have a broader understanding
of the roles of law enforcement, city and
local government.

As Circuit Court Clerk I would begin

by examining the processes already in
place and maximizing the efficiency and
service to the public as well as court
staff. A professional work environment
with open lines of communication
will ensure a more efficient office.
Expanding online services would add
efficiency.

Republican

Justin Shelton

Age: 40
Occupation: Businessman
Education: Columbus public
and private schools; EMCC;
University of Mississippi
Political party: Republican
Political experience: N/A
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 2 children
Email: sheltonjustin@netscape.
net
Phone: N/A

Independent

Age:
Occupation:
Education:
Political party:
Political experience:
Residence:
Family:
Email:
Phone:

Libertarian

Sheri Bedwell

Age: 54
Occupation: Banking; Human
Resources
Education: Caledonia High
School; Attended MUW
Political party: Libertarian
Political experience: N/A
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 1 daughter
Email: dbedwell@cableone.net
Phone: 662-549-1987

Sheriff

Democrat

Q&A

Selvain McQueen

Age: 52
Occupation: Retired Police
Chief; CEO of McQueens
Investigative and Security
Services, Inc.
Education: Attended Jackson
State University; Mississippi Law
Enforcement Officers Training
Academy; The Mississippi Law
Enforcement Command College
(FBI)- University of Mississippi
Political party: Democrat
Political experience: 26 years
law enforcement experience
Residence: Columbus
Family: 4 children
Email: ChiefMcQueen@gmail.
com
Phone: 662-364-1907

As a human resources professional,

Im proficient in strategic planning,
budgeting, record keeping, compliance,
hiring and termination.
My experience would enable me to
fulfill the expectations of a Circuit
Clerk in serving the court, filing cases,
scheduling juries, record keeping and
handling elections. I would carry out
the duties with honest, enthusiasm
and accountability. My involvement in
the community includes: President of
Golden Triangle Human Resources
Association, former Treasurer for
seven years. Im also a member of
The Columbus Lowndes Chamber of
Commerce, and the American Legion.

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $90,000

1. What makes you most
qualified to be sheriff?

2. As the chief law

enforcement official in the
county, how would you
address crime in the area?

3. What steps can the sheriffs

department take toward
stronger community-oriented
policing?

In addition to being mentally and

physically fit, I have the knowledge,
experience and training to reduce the
crime rate, thereby improving quality
of life issues for everyone. Every step
of my life has prepared me for the
next level. I bring to the community
my analytical, administrative and
organizational skills. I am the only
candidate qualified to address the
expansions and necessary changes
required for our county to flourish. An
agency the size of Lowndes County
needs hands-on leadership seven
days a week. I will be a full-time sheriff.
Lowndes County change begins with
Selvain McQueen, and the time for
change is now. So remember, when the
election comes around this August and
November, vote for Selvain McQueen!

Quite simply put

I plan to have quarterly town hall

meetings to allow the citizens to voice
their concerns and influence the
direction of the sheriffs department.
I will also enhance relationships with
local school officials, city and county
government, sister law enforcement
agencies, civic, and social organizations
to ensure citizen confidence. I also
plan to implement a program in which
citizens can call or access our web page
to ask questions. In response, I or a
member of my staff will hopefully appear
on WCBI and/or other media outlets
to answer those questions and offer
helpful tips to Hot Topics.

Criminals will have one of three choices:

1. Stop committing crimes
2. Move to another jurisdiction
3. Go to jail!

I = incumbent

4 Sunday, July 26, 2015

Sheriff

Q&A

The Dispatch www.cdispatch.com

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $90,000
1. What makes you most
qualified to be sheriff?

2. As the chief law

enforcement official in the
county, how would you
address crime in the area?

3. What steps can the sheriffs

department take toward
stronger community-oriented
policing?

Anthony Nelson

My educational and law enforcement

background has prepared me for the
upcoming challenges the next Sheriff
of Lowndes County will have to face.
I am an honor graduate of Saint Leo
University with a Bachelor Degree
in Criminal Justice. I also earned
my Associates of Arts Degree in
Criminal Justice from East Mississippi
Community College. Over my 27 years
of law enforcement, I have gained
over 2000 hours of specialized law
enforcement training ranging from
forensic crime scene techniques to
county wide terrorism response. In
addition, I am a state certified law
enforcement instructor and a state
certified corrections instructor.

I have a strategic vision for the Lowndes

County Sheriffs Office rather than a
platform. My strategic vision involves
the concept of community oriented
policing, professionalism and the
implementation of innovative training
techniques that will keep the Lowndes
County Sheriffs Office in tune with
the evolving technology around us.
I would also pursue developing a
better working relationship with the
city police and our neighboring law
enforcement jurisdictions, as well as
other emergency response agencies. I
am also committed to serving the youth
of the county by developing programs
to both safeguard our youth and to
offer them mentoring, educational and
recreational opportunities.

This requires the Sheriff himself

becoming more involved with the
community. This is to include attending
community meetings and attending area
functions within each area of the county.
There should also be plans in place
to effectively communicate with the
citizens of the county. I would require
that each officer speak with a certain
number of individuals within their
respective patrol areas during their
shifts. These interactions will serve the
dual purpose of the citizens building
a rapport with the department and the
department building a rapport with
the community. It can also serve as
a catalyst for receiving information
about concerns and problems within
each community. The citizens that live
in these areas know more about what
goes on there than law enforcement
does.

Bobby Webber

Gulf War vet, and a former chief of

police in Brooksville, with two decades
as a servant in the capacity as a law
enforcer both federal and local capacity.

Interjecting corrective measures, 21st

century training of the officers and
more community policing through public
communication.

By getting one to buy-in and involving

communities, Lowndes County Board
of Supervisors, along with other
agencies that are located in county. I
believe it should be an all out effect on
behalf of the whole Lowndes countys
communities to know that were safe
and free of nonsensical activities, and
violence that plagued our communities
for far too long.

I have served almost four years as

sheriff. As sheriff I have managed
110 full-time and over 30 part-time
employees as well as managing and
caring for approximately 288 inmates
on a daily basis. The sheriff has
responsibility of four major divisions
and several smaller divisions operating
with a $7 million budget. The sheriff has
many duties and serving as your sheriff
has given me valuable experience.
I have been a dedicated public servant
for over 30 years. I graduated from the
Mississippi Highway Patrol Training
Academy and have worked in every
major division of law enforcement.
Some of these include The Mississippi
bureau of Investigation and the Bureau
of Narcotics. I served 2 terms as Justice
Court Judge and received over 300
hours of training at the University of
Mississippi Judicial College.

This general question is one that

is very vague and difficult to cover
with limited space. There are many
types of crime and different types of
crimes are addressed with different
strategies. Each month the sheriffs
office investigates about 30 different
categories of crimes. Some of these are
aggravated assaults, sexual assaults,
burglaries, robberies, cyberstalking,
fraud, grand larceny, drug trafficking,
death investigations and many more.
Obviously there are different strategies,
but first you need to identify the type
and the best strategy based on the facts
that you have. You must also identify
if there is a pattern of crimes or hot
spots in particular geographical area.
You must be aggressive, have good
intelligence gathering with as much
manpower and resources as possible.

I believe that the sheriffs department

has strong community oriented
policing but there are areas that
need improvement. There are areas
that appear to be unaccepting to
strengthening relationships between
citizens and any police presence.
The concept of community policing
is often misunderstood but in short it
is the police working with individual
citizens, groups of citizens and
organizations to resolve problems. It
is building relationships with citizens,
schools, businesses and community
organizations. The Sheriffs department
is involved in a majority of major
community events interacting with the
citizens of the community. Some of
these events are Caledonia Day, Artesia
Day, Crawford Day, Market Street
Festival, Relay for Life, Camp Rising
Sun, school events and many more.

Democrat

Age: 54
Occupation: Director of
Lowndes County Juvenile
Detention Center
Education: Bachelor degree
in Criminal Justice Saint Leo
University; Associate of Arts
degree in Criminal JusticeEMCC
Political party: Democrat
Political experience: 27 years
law enforcement experience
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 4 children
Email: nelson21@hotmail.com
Phone: 662-242-5321

Age: 46
Occupation: Law enforcement
Education: High school
graduate; Attended college;
Military training
Political party: Democratic
Political experience: Former
Chief of Police; Military and Law
enforcement training
Residence: Lowndes County
Family: Married
Email: Webberdodge@gmail.
com
Phone: 662-352-6225

Republican

Mike Arledge (I)

Age: 59
Occupation: Sheriff of Lowndes
County
Education: MS Law
Enforcement Training Academy
Political party: Republican
Political experience: Serving
1st term-Sheriff; Served 2
terms as Justice Court Judge;
3 decades of law enforcement
experience
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 1 child
Email: mikearledge55@gmail.
com
Phone: 662-328-6788

District 1 Supervisor

Q&A

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $45,700

1. How would you promote
future industrial/commercial
development in the county?

2. How would you seek to

enhance the relationship and
partnership opportunities
between the county and city
governments?

3. What is the biggest

challenge facing Lowndes
County?

Pauline Redmond

I will work closely with the LINK as

needed to support those who have
diligently worked to bring these
industries to our community while
reviewing those industries to ensure
that they have the best interest for the
community and our taxpayers so that
our funding is not lost in a lopsided
venture.

Develop a real community council

committee that meets with both the
county board and city council and
reports its progress, and review
regularly these opportunities to better
serve our taxpayer and return customer
service to the communities.

Give county residents an updates

service and better customer service by
being accountable for a budget that is
used to better the whole county. Stop
the use of funds to pad the resume
of the supervisors each election year
spending like $250,000 dollars to buy
a building for 12 parking spaces and
speeding through equipment contracts
to make purchases prior to the June 30
deadline for resume building during the
election year.

Harry Sanders (I)

I would continue to promote

future industrial and commercial
development in the county by
establishing and keeping a welltrained and educatedworkforce
through partnerships with our local
school districts, as well as EMCC
Workforce Development and all other
stakeholders within our county. I
would work in tandem with the LINK
and the Columbus-Lowndes Visitation
and Tourism Bureau to develop new
and attractive marketing policies to
encourage more industries to locate
in our county. I would persist in my
efforts to be fiscally responsible, just as
I have with the countys money from the
hospital sale. I would continue working
in our efforts to keep our countys taxes
low and use our tax incentives, where
applicable, in a responsible manner.

I would like to continue to partner with

the city in the following areas:

Creating a trained and skilled workforce

to fill the jobs that have been and
will be created by our planning and
investments in infrastructure is the
biggest challenge facing Lowndes
County.When we have a suitable
workforce, industry will invest in our
county.These investments willcreate
the jobs and revenue that will be
neededto sustain our momentum of
growth.

Republican

Age: 56
Occupation: Retired paramedic
Education: Background in
emergency services
Political party: Republican
Political experience: I have
always worked as a public
servant and established
community programs where ever
I have resided in South Carolina
and Columbus.
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married, two children,
four grandchildren
Email: curdart@gmail.com
Phone: 662-364-3185

Age: 70
Occupation: Lowndes County
Supervisor, District 1
Education: B.S.- Mississippi
State University
Political party: Republican
Political experience: 15 1/2
years-Lowndes County Board
of Supervisors, District 1; 11
1/2 years- President of Board of
Supervisors
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 3 children
Email: sanders4282@bellsouth.
net
Phone: 662-242-0550

Columbus-Lowndes Parks and

Recreation
GTR airport
Lowndes County Airport (Hwy. 69)
LINK
Columbus-Lowndes Visitation and
Tourism
Columbus-Lowndes Public Library
Tax office
Lowndes Detention Center
Columbus Air Force Base
Animal control office
Different paving projects inthe city
If any other worthy opportunities
shouldpresent themselves, I would be
more than happy to partner with the city.

I = incumbent

The Dispatch www.cdispatch.com

District 1 Supervisor (continued)

Q&A

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $45,700

1. How would you promote
future industrial/commercial
development in the county?

2. How would you seek to

enhance the relationship and
partnership opportunities
between the county and city
governments?

3. What is the biggest

challenge facing Lowndes
County?

Independent

Phillip Atkins

Age:
Occupation:
Education:
Political party:
Political experience:
Residence:
Family:
Email:
Phone:

Did not return questionnaire to The

Dispatch.

District 2 Supervisor

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $45,700

Bill Brigham (Republican) - Unopposed

District 3 Supervisor

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $45,700

Republican

John Holliman (I)

I would continue to work with the LINK

and make sure there is land, sewer,
water available for future development
to entice future Industry as I have for
the past 7 1/2 years. Work with EMCC
and our local school districts to make
sure we have a well trained workforce
for future industry. I would work to keep
the tax base low. I would consistently
work with the Columbus Air Force Base
Officials to make sure we keep our Base
open.

Have joint meetings with the Mayor and

city Council on up coming projects.

Having trained and skilled workforce to

fill the jobs being created by the industry
that is here in Lowndes County and the
industry that is to come. Being able to
budget enough to keep our roads paved
and maintained.

Patrick P.J. Hughes

Lowndes County has seen economic

growth over the past several years.
However, there is no time to relax.
We must continue to move forward. I
will work closely with local economic
development teams and State
Legislatures to continually bring stable,
high paying jobs into our county. I
will work to increase small business
growth by offering incentives at the
county level; and I will push the state
Legislature to remove red tape and
other restrictions that hinder small
business growth. This will mean more
revenue and stability for our county.
I will work with other county board
members to develop and improve our
county infrastructure. We must continue
to make and keep our county attractive
to prospective industries and small
businesses.

First and foremost, government officials

are elected to serve of the people,
nothing more, and nothing less. Most
have forgotten this fact. Its no secret
that there are power struggles between
the county and city. However, while the
two entities fight and argue, the people
are the ones who suffer. Since there is
a large crossover of constituents within
the two entities, there is no need for
power struggles. The solution is simple,
start caring more for the needs of the
people, and stop caring about power
and greed. The simplest solution is
usually the best solution. Its time to
increase government accountability.
Everyone, including government
officials, must be held accountable for
all actions.

The biggest issue is what we are

facing as a nation. We are at a moral,
ethical, and political crossroads. We
are facing an ever growing government
that supports immoral and unethical
actions, as well as unlimited expansion.
Our freedoms are being taken away
one-by-one, day-by-day. While some
are fighting this fight, many are not;
and thats the problem. Our constitution
empowers the people, not the
government. The constitution does still
matter; but only if we stand and fight for
it. Individually we are weak, but together
we are strong. Its time to step out of the
shadows. Its time for the silent majority
to stand up, stand as one, and take
back our nation. The rebuilding of our
nation can begin right here in Lowndes
County. Do not yield! Do not concede!

Age: 67
Occupation: Lowndes County
Supervisor District 3
Education: High school
graduate; Attended EMCC
Political party: Republican
Political experience: 7 1/2
years as Lowndes County Board
of Supervisors; 3 1/2 years
as vice-president of LCBOS;
President of John Holliman
Construction-42 years
Residence: Steens
Family: Married
Email: jeholliman@bellsouth.net
Phone: N/A

Age: 33
Occupation: System Analyst/
Network Administrator
Education: N/A
Political party: Republican
Political experience: N/A
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 1 child
Email: Patrick@
HughesForSupervisor.com
Phone: 662-364-1630

District 4 Supervisor

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $45,700

Democrat

Joe Brooks

I would use our available resources

such as our two state colleges, the
Port Authority, the Columbus Air Force
Base, our two commercial airports, the
Tombigbee River for water transports,
our four-lane highways for truck traffic,
our natural gas, use our Vo-Tech to
train employees and our available
railroads.

By working with the city government as

closely as possible.

Education and unemployment.

Jeff Smith (I)

By supporting the LINK and other

agencies involved in economic
development.

As I am presently doing: By serving on

Columbus and Lowndes County Boards,
such as Columbus Lowndes Airport
Board with city and county leaders.
Have regular meetings to discuss
improvements for the city and county
services in the community for quality of
life for all citizens. Continue maintaining
improvements for county and city
projects such as the Riverwalk, Soccer
Complex, Law Enforcement, City
and County developments of hotels,
industries, restaurants, educational
facilities, etc.

Working hard to protect CAFB from

closing, and keeping the millions of
dollars flowing in economic development
in this community.

Age: 63
Occupation: Business Owner;
Pastor
Education: Graduate of
the University of MS Police
Academy at Long Beach;
Graduate of Geyname
Ministerial School
Political party: Democratic
Political experience: Lowndes
County Constable- 8 years;
Lowndes County Supervisor- 8
years; Lowndes County Board of
Supervisors President- 4 years
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 1 child
Email: jdm3511@bellsouth.net
Phone: 662-386-5692

Age: 52
Occupation: County Supervisor
Education: Caldwell High
School
Political party: Democratic
Political experience: County
Supervisor- 7 1/2 years; County
employee- 20 years
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 3 children
Email: lcjsmith@bellsouth.net
Phone: 662-386-6923

I = incumbent

6 Sunday, July 26, 2015

The Dispatch www.cdispatch.com

District 5 Supervisor

Q&A

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $45,700

1. How would you promote
future industrial/commercial
development in the county?

2. How would you seek to

enhance the relationship and
partnership opportunities
between the county and city
governments?

3. What is the biggest

challenge facing Lowndes
County?

Leroy Brooks (I)

Lowndes County has one of the most

successful industrial development
programs in the state. The relationship
between the LINK and the Board
of Supervisors has proven to be an
effective partnership. As the next
supervisor in District 5, I would continue
the partnerships that exist. As for
commercial development, I would
strongly encourage developers to play
a major role in such development.
When provided for by law, I would be
willing to offer incentives to encourage
commercial development, especially an
effort to help develop a mall or greater
retail center.

Several years ago, based on my

recommendation, we established a
committee composed of city and county
official to meet and discuss projects
and issues of similar interest. I think
the committee needs to become active
and do the job it was established to do.
It is imperative that the county an city
maintain a viable working relationship.

Our challenge is to work collectively to

insure that our citizens are educated.
Hopefully this will lead to future
generations being gainfully employed
with the resources to take care of their
family and provide a viable quality of
life, therefore enhancing the quality of
life for the entire community.

Ricky Hill Sr.

I would promote future industrial/

commercial development in the county
by working closely with the LINK,
the school districts, colleges and
universities.

I would seek to enhance the relationship

and partnership opportunities between
the county and the city governments by
being able to cooperate and be willing to
listen to the needs and goals of all the
citizens of Lowndes County.

The biggest challenge facing Lowndes

County is corruption of city and county
governments.

Marty Turner

I would make sure we have the proper

acreage so factories relocate here. Most
industries coming in now need at least
90 acres. I would make sure we have
those lots mapped out. I would work
with the LINK, who has brought in lots of
industries. I would make sure they have
all the resources they need.

We have to go back and see why we

have the rift. I dont understand where
the rift came from between the city
council and county supervisors. So first
we need to identify the cause.

Poverty and infrastructure. They

go hand in hand. If we have the
infrastructure, we can bring industry,
we can fight poverty. Industry will bring
in new taxes and that cycle will help us
reduce poverty.]

Democrat

Age: 61
Occupation: Elected Official
Education: B.A. Political
Science; Master of Social
Studies, Concentration Public
Administration
Political party: Democratic
Political experience: 32 yearsLowndes County Board of
Supervisors
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 2 children; 2
grandchildren
Email: lclbrooks@bellsouth.net
Phone: 662-329-5871

Age: 55
Occupation: Teacher; Coach;
Owner of West Lowndes
Automotive
Education: B.A. in Human
Resources-Troy University;
A.A. in Automotive TechnologyBessemer Technical College;
A.A. in Administrative
Management-Community
College of the Air Force
Political party: Democratic
Political experience: N/A
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 3 children
Email: rickyhill2366@bellsouth.
net
Phone: 662-251-4569

Age: 37
Occupation: City Councilman
Education: Columbus High
School; Jones Community
College; University of Southern
Mississippi
Political party: Democratic
Political experience: Currently
serving on city council; U.S.
Marine Corp
Residence: Columbus
Family: N/A
Email: martyturner3989@gmail.
com
Phone: 662-251-5588

Chancery Clerk

Democrat

Q&A

Andre Deforrest
Roberts

Age: 41
Occupation: Bed Zzz Express
Education: High school
graduate, studied psychology
Political party: Democratic
Political experience: I have
worked with people all my life
and I know being a politician is
about serving your citizens.
Residence: Columbus
Family: n/a
Email: andre.roberts81@gmail.
com
Phone: 662-574-7598

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies fee based

1. What makes you the best candidate?

I once saw a 12-year sheriff read off an index card of his duties. I am a man of integrity, morals and values. I am a fair man and
I do not base my actions or decisions on race, color or creed. I truly know that being elected by the people means that you are a
servant of the people. I have lived on Northside, Southside, Sandfield, East Columbus and also out in the county. I see the needs
of the people. I know how it feels to be jobless. I know how it feels to be without utilities or food. We need people in position that
truly have a heart for the people.

Republican

Lisa Younger Neese (I)

Age: 57
Occupation: Chancery clerk
Education: High school
graduate, attended Mississippi
University for Women
Political party: Republican
Political experience: Chancery
deputy clerk for 20 years,
Chancery Clerk for 12 years
Residence: West Plymouth
Road
Family: Married
Email: lisayn315@yahoo.com
Phone: 662-251-6202

My 32 years of experience combined continuous judicial training, as well as the progression of technology in the Chancery Clerks
office. I am a dedicated public servant to the citizens of Lowndes County, my support for my community is and will remain my top
priority.

I = incumbent

The Dispatch www.cdispatch.com

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Superintendent of Education

Q&A

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $100,000

1.Other than improvements
funded by the upcoming bond
issue, what other long term
needs do you see for the
district?

2. How would you rate the

countys public education
system and what would your
administration do to improve
it?

3. What long-term impact do

you see the bond issue for
facilities having for the school
district?

Sammy Sullivan

A long term need would be a single

facility that would house all of the
elementary students (pre-K5th grade)
on the New Hope campus, this would
help with security and safety of the
children. With the new 1:1 initiative, a
continuous upgrading of the facilities
technology infrastructure will be
mandatory across the district in order
to meet the growing demands on the
program. In addition to these, each of
the schools within the district have a
laundry list of long term needs. A major
part of my administrative plan will be
to listen to the needs of these schools
and design a plan that will best resolve
these and have the greatest impact on
the students of Lowndes County. Again
using communication and transparency
to unify the district and continuously
evolve and change to meet the needs
for our students.

The districts accountability score is a

B and I feel that is a fair assessment;
however, the last evaluation concluded
that Lowndes County is poised to
launch. During my administration it will
be vital for the district to work toward
one common goal, which is to fire the
engines of progress and launch our
students and their education into the
21st century. Todays students have
opportunities that no other generation
has had, thanks to technology, they will
be able to work globally and never leave
their homes.

The proposed new high school will

house 850 students, the same as the
current high school, making the real
benefit be a newer and bigger facility
for the middle school. Of course there
will be some logistical conveniences
that will be improved as a result of this
new facility (i.e. traffic, busing, student
parking, and etc.) but the projected
facility does not provide room for growth
beyond our current population, making
future expenses necessary even
with minimally sustained growth in
the community. However, the Career
Technical Center, if properly and
adequately staffed, will have the
potential to create tremendous value for
the school district.

Tim Wilcox

A long term plan for facilities

maintenance and upgrade must be
developed. Future facility plans may
include a performing arts center as
well as athletic facility improvements
to accommodate additional programs
like track and tennis at each campus.
These programs should be available to
both middle and high school students.
The vocational center should include
resource for internships and externships
with business and industry as well as
partnerships with CMTE and EMCC.
A technology and curriculum center
is needed to facilitate professional
development for teachers and provide
resources to families.

I think the county has a strong

program built by quality employees
and dedicated students. Parents and
students need to be in drivers seat.
Opportunities for student and parent
choice must be expanded. Student
programs of study should be formal
documents that begin in Kindergarten
and continue through graduation. The
program should be monitored by the
student, parents and teachers and
should be adjusted based on the needs
and interests of the student. Chosen
learning opportunities should provide
and avenue from Kindergarten to 12th
grade. If a student has an interest in
visual art, learning experiences should
be available in elementary and should
continue building the skills and talents of
the student to graduation.

The bond was needed for capital

improvement. The district is well
positioned to support the bond and
could potentially offer a decrease in
millage starting in 2017. This means
that the district can repay the bond and
possibly lower taxes without cutting
services to students and their families.
Again, a long term plan for facilities
maintenance and upgrade should drive
the decision process.

Lynn Wright (I)

Improved test scores, graduation

rates, college and career readiness,
are all goals identified by our State
Superintendent and common to
every school in the state. Our goal
is to help every student reach their
fullest potential. We plan to do this by
preparing our students to be college
and career ready. This involves the
continuous evaluation and supervision
of all programs, personnel, and facilities,
including but not limited to: safety and
security, curriculum and instruction,
technology, federal programs, special
education, career-tech, transportation,
maintenance, child nutrition and extracurricular programs. Our long-term goal
will be to effectively assess and address
the ever changing needs of our students
and the Lowndes County community.

The Lowndes County School District

is recognized throughout the state as
one of the lead districts in achievement
and innovations. The LCSD received
the Lantern award last year for
academic achievement. The district
had and has an overall B rating with
no individual schools below a C. This
was our districts first time to have every
school rated a C or better. Caledonia
Elementary School was the only Blue
Ribbon Public School in the state last
year, and ranked as one of the top 50
elementary schools in the nation. West
Lowndes won the Distinguished school
award ($25,000 grant) for highest
achievement of a Title I, school. The
WLHS Jr. ROTC program as been
nationally recognized the past three
years as one of the top units in the
nation.

The passing of the bond issue will

allow us to address the major building
needs of our district. Over 2000 of the
5100 students in Lowndes County are
presently in buildings over 50 years
old. With the construction projects
funded through our fund balance, lease
purchase, and the bond issue we will
be able to have our students in safer
more secure energy efficient buildings.
The career-tech building will provide a
setting for state of the art training for
21st century jobs. Many of these jobs
are available in industry in our area. Our
students will be afforded opportunities
to obtain skills for the work force or for
more advanced training at EMCC, MSU,
or MUW. Better schools attract more
industry resulting in more opportunities
and better jobs. Better jobs build better
communities.

Republican

Age: 49
Occupation: Assistant Principal/
MSU Lecturer
Education: Educational
Specialist-Curriculum and
Instruction; M.S.-Educational
Leadership; B.S.-Secondary
Education; A.A.-Secondary
Education; A.S.-Secondary
Education
Political party: Republican
Political experience:
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 1 child
Email: sammy_sullivan@yahoo.
com
Phone: 662-415-1269

Age: 50
Occupation: Principal at Joe
Cook Elementary Fine Arts
Magnet School
Education: AA; BA; MSIT; PhD
Political party: Republican
Political experience: 23 years
in education
Residence: Caledonia
Family: Married; 3 children
Email: wilcox4lcsd@gmail.com
Phone: 662-574-3775

Age: 63
Occupation: Superintendent of
Lowndes County School District
Education: BS in Business
Administration, Minors in
Economics and Physical
Education; Masters in Education
and Administration-UWA;
Currently in PHD program (K-12
Ed. Leadership- MSU
Political party: Republican
Political experience: 40 years
education experience
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 3 children
Email: lynnwright44@hotmail.
com
Phone: 662-798-4214

Constable District 1

Democrat

Q&A

Willie Hoot West (I)

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies fee based

1. What makes you the best candidate?

Did not return questionnaire to The Dispatch.

Age:
Occupation:
Education:
Political party:
Political experience:
Residence:
Family:
Email:
Phone:

Republican

Chris Griffin

My years of dealing with the public in the entire Lowndes County area.

Age: 50
Occupation: Law enforcement;
Construction
Education: Graduate of
Caledonia High School
Political party: Republican
Political experience: 11
years-deputy sheriff; 14 yearsCaledonia town Marshall
Residence: Caledonia
Family: Married; 3 children
Email: cgriffin@southerncivilinc.
com
Phone: 662-386-4160

I = incumbent

The Dispatch www.cdispatch.com

8 Sunday, July 26, 2015

District 2 Constable

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies fee based

Joe F. Ables Sr. (Democrat) - Unopposed incumbent

District 3 Constable

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies fee based

Willie Sanders (Democrat) - Unopposed incumbent

District 1 Justice Court Judge

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $45,700

Chris Hemphill (Republican) - Unopposed incumbent

District 2 Justice Court Judge

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: 45,700

Ron Cooke (Republican) - Unopposed incumbent

District 3 Justice Court Judge

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $45,700

Peggy Phillips (Democrat) - Unopposed incumbent

Tax Assessor/Collector

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $103,000

Greg Andrews (Democrat) - Unopposed incumbent

County Attorney
Coroner
House District 39

Democrat

Q&A

James E. Samuel Sr.

Age: N/A
Occupation: Baptist Minister;
Retired Veteran
Education: High school
graduate; Attended college; ITC
Theological Seminary-Atlanta,
Georgia
Political party: Democratic
Political experience: N/A
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 1 child;
3 grandchildren; 2 greatgrandchildren
Email: jsamuelsr@hotmail.com
Phone: 662-574-8747

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $45,700

Allison Kizer (Republican) - Unopposed incumbent

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $10,000 plus fees

Greg Merchant (Republican) - Unopposed incumbent

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $10,000
1. What are the biggest
challenges facing your
district?

2. What should the

legislatures role be in creating
jobs and recruiting economic
development?

3. How would you address

improving the states public
education system?

The greatest challenges facing this

community are the exceeding disparity
between the rich and the poor, and the
perception of a lack of attentiveness
to community needs by incumbent
politicians.
1. Crumbling infrastructure, with a
tendency of incumbents to only answer
to campaign donors.
2. The need to fully fund public
education, so that the next generations
of our young will be prepared to
compete in the national job markets.
3. Moving away from seeking funding
of frivolous Legislative Expenditures,
and the need to seek state and federal
funding for Works projects.
4. The need to elevate Mississippi from
the almost last place measurement in
the Healthcare industry ratings. We
need to support a State Healthcare
Exchange in this state!

The state Legislature already works

with local municipalities to establish
local infrastructural requirements.
However, there should be an effort on
the part of the Legislature to address
whether our municipal schools and
other educational institutions can make
the proper preparations. Mississippi
taxpayers cannot enter an economic
recovery if the only jobs available are
Temporary Hire. This inequity needs to
be addressed.

I would support any effort to fully fund

K-12, and find a path to curtailing
the increasing costs associated with
Institutions of Higher Learning.

Continued funding without taxes being

raised.

Encourage jobs and businesses tax

incentives.

Make more accounting.

Republican

Jeff Smith (I)

Age: 64
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.S.-MSU; J.D.-Ole
Miss
Political party: Republican
Political experience: 24 yearsMS House of Representatives; 9
years- County Prosecutor
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 4 children
Email: simsandsims@yahoo.
com
Phone: 662-328-2911

House District 41

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $10,000

Democrat

Nicole Clinkscales

Age: 40
Occupation: Lawyer
Education: Juris Doctor,
University of Mississippi School
of Law; Bachelor of Business
Administration, Finance, Magna
Cum Laude, Jackson State
University
Political party: Democratic
Political experience: Former
Municipal Judge; AttorneyClinkscales Law Firm
Residence: Columbus
Family: 1 child
Email: nicole.clinscales@gmail.
com
Phone: 662-327-7949

The challenges we face are also

our greatest opportunities to bring
us up from the lower ranks in most
major social and economic indicators.
We suffer from an underperforming
education system, high rates of
incarceration, broken families,
low homeownership, insufficient
infrastructure and inadequate
employment. Our first priority is to
restore hope in the hearts and minds
of our constituents, then give them the
resources and tools they need to rebuild
their own community.

The most effective role that we can play

is to create a healthy environment for
economic growth and the market will
flourish organically. One of many steps
we can employ is to properly fund our
education system to provide citizens the
best opportunity to prepare themselves
for employment, professional careers
or business ownership. In this global
society, our sights must be on making
Mississippi competitive by capitalizing
on our most precious resource - people.
When we invest in raising the quality
of life in our state (i.e., recreation,
entertainment, spirit, arts, education,
neighborhood sustainability), we will see
that the people will be inspired to rise to
their highest potential.

Naturally proper funding is priority

number one. However, coupled with that
we must also look to:
1. Deconstruct traditional education and
move to innovative self/peer learning
models
2. Eliminate wasteful unreliable testing
3. Infuse advanced technology in
instruction and assessment
4. Increase teacher pay and incentives,
especially for high-level specialty
teachers in order to invite them away
from tech and research firms and into
teaching

I = incumbent

The Dispatch www.cdispatch.com

House District 41

Q&A

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $10,000

1. What are the biggest
challenges facing your
district?

2. What should the

legislatures role be in creating
jobs and recruiting economic
development?

3. How would you address

improving the states public
education system?

Kabir Karriem

There are several challenges in the

district, but the biggest challenges
facing District 41 are Jobs, Crime,
and Infrastructure. Also, affordable
healthcare/Medicaid expansion is a
challenge for our district and the state of
Mississippi. Our Senior Citizens in the
twilight of their lives should not have to
choose between paying high utility bills
or purchasing medication and seeking
medical care.

As a former member of the Lowndes

County Development Authority, I am
very familiar with the importance of the
legislatures role in creating jobs and
recruiting economic development. The
local legislative delegation works closely
with the Mississippi Development
Authority, and the countys economic
development team, sponsoring critical
legislation that ensures districts have
the available tools and resources
needed to seek different industries that
would make the districts and the state
attractive.

I am a strong supporter of Initiative 42

which fully funds education. I, however,
dont think money is the answer to all of
our educational problems in Mississippi.
In education, there is no cookie cutter
approach and each school district is
different with different challenges. We
must support our educators. We also
have to create an environment inside
the classroom, as well as outside of
the classroom that is conducive to
learning. What aids all public authority,
particularly in education, are involved
parents, as well as an involved
community.

Tiffany Sturdivant

Poverty, education, healthcare and

infrastructure are all great challenges
facing our district. The most important
and the most pressing challenge for this
district is to include the community in
dialog about changes they have seen in
the past and changes theyd like to see
in the future. Create a point of contact
with the collective of the community
and have an ongoing, open line of
communication to make needs known
and brainstorm new ideas. No one
knows the district better than the people
who live here.

A legislatures role in creating jobs and

recruiting economic development should
be to obtain the highest quality of life
for the community without sacrificing
safety and health of the community. As
legislators, we should first research the
prospects and their history for benefits,
pay rate and environmental safety.
Next, find out the available educational
programs offered in the community that
are needed to obtain employment at the
potential business. Then, determine if
this opportunity is something that will
benefit this district. Legislature should
be well informed and aware of the
pros and cons of prospects and make
discoveries know within the community.

What I feel needs to happen to improve

the states education system is to have
an open dialog that involves students,
teachers, parents, mentors, along with
legislators. We need to talk with our
students to find out what they would
like to focus on learning. Determine
are they more hands on or do they
prefer technical based learning.
Offer our educators an incentive for
innovative ideas that work! Parents
and mentors help us explore new
avenues to progressively bridge the
educational process from school to
home. Bring innovative thinking back
within the program and rely less on
standardize testing. Use our past years
as references and brainstorm new ideas
to improve the system together.

Democrat

Age: 42
Occupation: Business Owner;
Columbus City Councilman
Education: Columbus
Municipal School District; Hinds
Community College; B.S.Mississippi State University
Political party: Democratic
Political experience: Serving
2nd term as City Councilman
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 5 children
Email: kkarriem19@yahoo.com
Phone: 662-328-3063

Age: 27
Occupation: Nurse
Education: Columbus High
School; East Mississippi
Community College; Mississippi
University for Women
Political party: Democratic
Political experience: N/A
Residence: Columbus
Family: N/A
Email: tsturdivant1987@gmail.
com
Phone: 662-609-4976

House District 43

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $10,000

Democrat

Providing a great education for the

children of my district is my highest
priority and the biggest challenge the
state faces. In fact, a great education
for the children of our district and our
state is the answer to almost every
challenge Mississippi faces. Starkville
and Oktibbeha County have a new,
consolidated school district. Ill be the
champion in the Legislature for the
new consolidated school district every
day that I serve. We must ensure that
the consolidated Starkville/ Oktibbeha
County school district has the support
and resources it needs to achieve great
success.
Also, support for Mississippi State
University will be at the top of my
agenda. We must see that MSU gets
the resources it needs to continue the
great success that it has experienced.

The Mississippi Legislature should be

supportive of our local leaders efforts
to grow existing businesses and to
recruit new economic development to
our district. Government can create a
climate and an attitude where economic
development is encouraged and where
businesses can thrive. Ill work to reduce
the burden of unneeded regulation
on the businesses and industries in
our area. Ill work to create a state
government that provides certainty
to our businesses in their interaction
with state agencies so businesses can
plan for the future. Ill work with our
local industrial development leaders
to provide specific state support for
businesses and industries that are
considering locating in our area.

Improving public education will be my

top priority if Im elected. And by public
education, I mean from Pre-K all the
way through to our community colleges
and universities.
We must fully fund our Pre-K through
12th grade public education system.
Ill be the champion in the Legislature
for the new Starkville_Oktibbeha
Consolidated School District to ensure
that the new school district has the
resources and support it needs to
succeed. Part of having a great public
school system that provides a worldclass education for our children is
having outstanding teachers who are
well paid, so Ill work hard to have
competitive pay for our teachers.
We have a terrific community college
system in Mississippi. Ill be an advocate
for EMCC and all the community
colleges.

Loyd B. Rob
Roberson II

Age: 47
Occupation: Attorney
Education: Graduate of
Starkville High School;
Bachelors of Business
Administration-MSU; Juris
Doctorate-Mississippi College
Political party: Republican
Political experience: Starkville
Board of Alderman-5 years;
House of Representatives, Dist.
37- 5 years;
Residence: Starkville
Family: Married; 4 children
Email: robersonlaw@aol.com
Phone: 662-418-2914

The biggest challenge facing District

43 is to take advantage of our unique
position our community has with
Mississippi State University. So that I
am not misunderstood, it is not the role
of government to create jobs, however
government can do an awful lot to help
promote or obstruct job creation. Job
creation is as much an art as it is a skill
but to bring this community together
for a common goal is time consuming
and can take a lot of human as well as
financial capitol. Leadership to bridge
state and local officials together with
entrepreneurs will take communication
and negotiation skills that I have honed
for well over a decade. One of the best
ways the legislature promotes business
in this or any other community is to
make certain our highways are properly
maintained, widened or built where
needed.

Without the infrastructure to support

business we will not have the tax base
to support our other commitments
like education or Medicaid programs.
Another way that the legislature can
promote economic development is
to continue to encourage public /
private partnerships using Mississippi
State University as the catalyst for
development. We are blessed with
many natural resources but our most
valuable resource is our people and
there wiliness to work and do what it
takes to get the job done. As a leader
in this community my commitment is
to make certain that the most valuable
resource we have has a path way
to success whether that be a path
to a vocational skill, junior college or
university.

Education is the most important issue

facing our state as a whole. Every
option needs to be put on the table
when discussing education. Funding
increases may very well be part of
the answer but it is certainly not the
only part of a complicated problem.
Teachers must be treated with respect
in and out side the class room. Students
must be challenged and disciplined
by their teachers as well as their
parents. Administrations must back up
teachers when issues arise. Teachers
must be allowed to teach according
to their training and not to a test. The
past school year students were tested
three months because of state and
federal testing requirements, which took
valuable class work time away.

Mac Smith

School consolidation.

Create an environment that encourages

companies to want come to an area like
Starkville and Winston county. One way
to do this is to get big government out of
the way. Having a good infrastructure in
place with a good highway system and
a good workforce in place so that when
they do come there are people ready
to go to work. The legislature needs to
make things easier, not burden with so
many rules and regulations.

Let teachers teach. Lets not force

common core on people who know how
to do their job. Lets take a real hard
look at budgets and lets see where the
waste is and get money where it does
each school the most good.

Paul Millsaps

Age: 63
Occupation: Attorney
Education: Graduate of
Starkville High School; B.S.Mississippi State University;
J.D.-University of Mississippi
School of Law
Political party: Democratic
Political experience: N/A
Residence: Starkville
Family: Married; 3 children; 4
grandchildren
Email: pmillsaps16@gmail.com
Phone: 662-323-7001

Republican

Age: 54
Occupation: Employed at Little
Dooey, Starkville
Education: Graduate of
Starkville High School;
Attended Wood Jr. College and
Mississippi State University
Political party: Republican
Political experience: N/A
Residence: Starkville
Family: Married; 1 child
Email: Smith.district43@gmail.
com
Phone: N/A

I = incumbent

The Dispatch www.cdispatch.com

10 Sunday, July 26, 2015

Senate District 17

Q&A

Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $10,000

1. What are the biggest
challenges facing your
district?

2. What should the

legislatures role be in creating
jobs and recruiting economic
development?

3. How would you address

improving the states public
education system?

Robert A. Patrick Jr.

(1) Reduction of our entitlement

programs for those that are able
to work, but choose not to do so.
Instituting a drug screening test to
those currently receiving welfare or
seeking to apply for welfare benefits
would be a good place to begin our
task of only paying benefits to the truly
worthy. The State of Florida has already
adopted and begun such a program as
this. (2) Continued economic growth
in Lowndes and Monroe County in
order that everyone who wants a ob
has an opportunity to find one. (3)
Adequate education funding and the
abolishment of Common Core, now
renamed Mississippi College and
Career Readiness Standards. (4) True
conservative leadership that will be
totally responsible and accountable to
our constituency and vote the needs
and the will of our district accordingly.

Jobs refuel growth. The legislature

should be comprised of men and
women with good common sense and
a keen and thorough business sound
enough to be able to start their business
and grow their business during the slow
period of every business cycle. Startup
costs almost always requires some
financing and our state must recognize
that to attract companies to our state,
we have to work through the process
of helping with loans, tax incentives,
location, and the infrastructure
all businesses require. Then too,
sometimes waivers must be obtained
from the EPA and other governmental
bureaucracies and we must be fully
committed to help our businesses
overcome such hurdles they may face
as long as there is no endangerment to
the population.

We should begin to fully fund our

education budget. Our teachers are in
need of a pay raises, yet we continue
to pay our teachers much less than we
pay our superintendents and we have
more school superintendents that we
do counties. Obviously we have to have
qualified administrators running our
school systems, but it is time we focus
on our teachers because they are the
ones that control the educational destiny
of our children. Our childrens skill levels
must be brought up to the point where
we can compete with every state and
country on planet Earth. That requires
an uptick in our language, arts, science
and math skills. It is my thought that if
we empower our teachers to teach what
they have been trained to teach and if
we discipline the unruly students that
interrupt the teaching experience, our
student would be more well educated.

Charles Chuck
Younger (I)

Creating jobs and protecting the ones

This world we live in is very small,
we already have. We are so lucky to
since we have all this technology at
have our universities close by teaching
our fingertips. Were not just competing
high tech, high skilled jobs, and we
with our surrounding states anymore.
are also very blessed to have Joe Max
Through workforce training and
Higgins and his LINK team, they have
infrastructure programs we can and
put the Golden Triangle on the map,
will compete. If we are asked for help,
not only in our great state, but in our
I believe the state should invest in its
country.
people and communities. (Incentives

are must!)

Republican

Age: 68
Occupation: Retired State Farm
Insurance Agency Owner
Education: B.A. in political
science-Mississippi State
University
Political party: Republican
Political experience: N/A
Residence: Columbus
Family: Married; 3 children; 9
grandchildren
Email: bobbypatrick4@gmail.
com
Phone: 662-327-3992

Age: 54
Occupation: Farmer/Rancher
Education: Heritage Academy;
EMCC; MSU
Political party: Republican
Political experience: Served in
Senate, 1 session
Residence: Lowndes County
Family: Married; 3 children
Email: cyounger@senate.
ms.gov
Phone: 662-251-3432

Republican leadership has increased

education by more than $400 million
dollars. Thats more than has ever
been invested. Legislature has passed
reforms to increase administrative
accountability, improve literacy skills
and give teachers a pay raise. All of our
education from kindergarten to college
is critical to our economic success. I
believe if our revenue grows we will be
able to continue increased funding for
the schools.

Sample ballots
LOWNDES COUNTY

CLAY COUNTY

(Composite ballot for the Aug. 4 primary election actual listings will vary by districts and precincts.)

(Composite ballot for the Aug. 4 primary election actual listings will vary by districts and precincts.)

Democrat

Republican

Democrat

DEmocrat

for STATE OF MISSISSIPPI GOVERNOR

for STATE of Mississippi

State Auditor

for STATE OF MISSISSIPPI GOVERNOR

for Justice Court Judge 2

District 2

(Vote for one)

O Robert Gray
O Valerie Adream Smartt Short
O Vickie Slater
O ______________________________
Write-in

for STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Lieutenant GOVERNOR
(Vote for one)

O Jelani Barr
O Tim Johnson
O ______________________________
Write-in

for STATE House of Rep 41

district 41
(Vote for one)

O Kabir Karriem
O ______________________________
Write-in

for STATE house of rep 42

district 42

(Vote for one)

O Eugene Crosby
O Reecy Lathan Dickson
O Carl L. Mickens
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Lowndes sheriff

(Vote for one)

O Selvain McQueen
O Anthony C. Nelson
O Bobby Lee Webber
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Supervisor District 4

(Vote for one)

O Joe Brooks
O Jeff A. Smith
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Supervisor District 5

(Vote for one)

O Leroy Brooks
O Rickie L. Hill, Sr.
O Marty Turner
O ______________________________
Write-in

Republican
for STATE OF MISSISSIPPI GOVERNOR
(Vote for one)

O Phil Bryant
O Mitch Young
O ______________________________
Write-in

for STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Lieutenant GOVERNOR

(Vote for one)

O Alisha Nelson McElhenney
O Tate Reeves
O ______________________________
Write-in

(Vote for one)

O Mary Hawkins Butler
O Stacey E. Pickering
O ______________________________
Write-in

for STATE of Mississippi

State Treasurer

(Vote for one)

O Lynn Fitch
O David McRae
O ______________________________
Write-in

for State of Mississippi

Commissioner of Insurance

(Vote for one)

O Mike Chaney
O John Mosley
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Transportation Commissioner

Northern District
(Vote for one)

O Jimmie D. Mills
O Mike Tagert
O ______________________________
Write-in

for State Senate 17

District 17

(Vote for one)

O Robert A. Bobby Patrick, Jr.
O Charles Chuck Younger
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Lowndes Circuit Clerk

(Vote for one)

O Teresa C. Barksdale
O Margie Canon
O Chuck Easley
O Justin Shelton
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Supervisor District 1

(Vote for one)

O Pauline E. Redmond
O Harry Sanders
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Supervisor District 3

(Vote for one)

O John Holliman
O Patrick PJ Hughes
O ______________________________
Write-in

for School District Co

Superintendent of Education

(Vote for one)

O Sammy Sullivan
O Tim Wilcox
O Lynn Wright
O ______________________________
Write-in

(Vote for one)

O Robert Gray
O Valerie Adream Smartt Short
O Vickie Slater
O ______________________________
Write-in

for STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Lieutenant GOVERNOR
(Vote for one)

O Jelani Barr
O Tim Johnson
O ______________________________
Write-in

for STATE House of Rep 36

district 36

(Vote for one)

O Jimmy Davidson
O Karl Malinski Gibbs
O Edward N. Houston, Jr.
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Clay County

Chancery Clerk

(Vote for one)

O Amy Gray Berry
O Melissa Bobo
O Brandi Randle Ryland
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Clay County

Prosecuting Attorney

(Vote for one)

O Michelle Easterling
O Monique Montgomery
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Clay County Sheriff

(Vote for one)

O Eddie Scott
O Cedric Sykes
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Clay County

Tax Assessor/Collector

(Vote for one)

O Diane Tallie Jack
O Paige Dendy Lamkin
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Supervisor District 2

(Vote for one)

O Phillip Collins
O Luke Lummus
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Supervisor District 5

(Vote for one)

O Joe D. Chandler
O James Rock Crawford
O Floyd T. McKee
O ______________________________
Write-in

(Vote for one)

O Mae W. Brewer
O Cathylean R. Darby
O Dorothy Bell-Hamilton
O Jeff Pedro Henry
O Eddie Longstreet
O Chris McBrayer
O James Jimmy Taggert
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Constable 2
District 2

(Vote for one)

O Johnnie Collins
O Lewis Stafford
O ______________________________
Write-in

Republican
for STATE OF MISSISSIPPI GOVERNOR

(Vote for one)

O Phil Bryant
O Mitch Young
O ______________________________
Write-in

for STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Lieutenant GOVERNOR

(Vote for one)

O Alisha Nelson McElhenney
O Tate Reeves
O ______________________________
Write-in

for STATE of Mississippi

State Auditor

(Vote for one)

O Mary Hawkins Butler
O Stacey E. Pickering
O ______________________________
Write-in

for STATE of Mississippi

State Treasurer

(Vote for one)

O Lynn Fitch
O David McRae
O ______________________________
Write-in

for State of Mississippi

Commissioner of Insurance

(Vote for one)

O Mike Chaney
O John Mosley
O ______________________________
Write-in

for Transportation Commissioner

Northern District
(Vote for one)

O Jimmie D. Mills
O Mike Tagert
O ______________________________
Write-in

Primary election August 4, 2015. Dont forget to vote.

I = incumbent