Oktibbeha County oter’s Guide A GUIDE TO THE AUGUST 4 PRIMARY ELECTION

Precinct Polling Place West Starkville National Guard Armory, 343 Highway 12 West North Longview Longview Fire Station, 2168 Highway 12 West South Adaton Adaton Baptist Church, 1975 Highway 82 West Self Creek/Double Spring Fire Station Turner Road, 3407 Highway 82 West, Maben Hickory Grove/Southeast East Oktibbeha Fire Station, Old Highway 82 North Starkville 2 Mt. Pelier Baptist Church, 840 North Jackson St. Northeast Starkville Humphrey Coliseum, 55 Coliseum Blvd., Mississippi State Osborn Fire Station 16th Section Road Bell School House Bell School House Fire Station, 221 Highway 389 Center Grove/North Adaton Adaton Fire Station, 2237 Reed Road Inside East Starkville Chancery Clerk...... 6 House of Representatives...... 11 Humphrey Coliseum, 55 Coliseum Blvd, MSU Circuit Clerk...... 5 Justice Court Judge...... 7 Maben Constable...... 10 Sample Ballots...... 2 Maben Fire Station, 4026 2nd Ave., Maben Coroner...... 9 Sheriff...... 6 North Starkville 3 Fire Station No. 5, 102 West Garrard Road County Prosecutor...... 10 Senators...... 12 South Starkville District Attorney...... 2 Surveyor...... 10 Starkville Sportsplex, 405 Lynn Lane District Supervisors...... 2 Tax Assessor/Collector...... 6 South Longview Longview Fire Station, 2168 Highway 12 West Craig Springs/South Bradley Craig Springs Fire Station, 2199 Craig Springs Road, Sturgis Sturgis/North Bradley Sturgis Fire Station, 2729 Montgomery St., Sturgis Central Starkville Circuit Court Annex, 108 West Main Street Needmore Center Gillespie Street Center, 610 East Gillespie St. Oktoc Oktoc Fire Station, Oktoc Road The Starkville Dispatch Sessums Sessums Fire Station, 3100 Turkey Creek Road Sunday, July 26, 2015 2 Sunday, July 26, 2015 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY SAMPLE BALLOT (Composite ballot for the Aug. 4 primary election – actual listings will vary by districts and precincts.) DEMOCrAT DEMOCrAT DEMOCrAT rEPUBLICAN rEPUBLICAN for STATE of MISS. GoVErNor for STATE hoUSE of rEP. dIST. 38 for SUPErVISor dISTrIcT 4 for STATE hoUSE of rEP. dIST. 43 (Vote for one) (Vote for one) (Vote for one) for STATE of MISS. SEc. of STATE (Vote for one) O Robert Gray O Tyrone Ellis O Daniel Jackson (Vote for one) O Loyd B. “Rob” Roberson O Valerie Adream Smartt Short O ______O ______O Delbert Hosemann O Mac Smith O Vickie Slater Write-in Write-in O ______O ______O ______for STATE hoUSE of rEP. dIST. 43 for SUPErVISor dISTrIcT 5 Write-in Write-in Write-in (Vote for one) (Vote for one) for STATE of MISS. ATTy. GEN. for STATE of MISS. O Paul Millsaps O Sylvester “Dewayne” Davis (Vote for one) okT. co. cIrcUIT coUrT cLErk LIEUTENANT GoVErNor O ______O Ernest Rogers, Jr. O Mike Hurst (Vote for one) (Vote for one) Write-in O Joe L. Williams O ______O Michael Jason Campbell O Jelani Barr okT. chANcEry coUrT cLErk O ______Write-in O Glenn Hamilton O Tim Johnson (Vote for one) Write-in for STATE of MISS. STATE AUdITor O ______O ______O Monica W. Banks for JUSTIcE coUrT JUdGE dIST. 1 (Vote for one) Write-in Write-in O ______(Vote for one) O Mary Hawkins Butler O William Anton “Tony” Boykin okTIbbEhA coroNEr for STATE of MISS. SEc. of STATE Write-in O Stacey E. Pickering (Vote for one) (Vote for one) O Jessi A. Collier okT. co. cIrcUIT coUrT cLErk O ______O Chris Pollan O Charles E. Graham O Lynn Williams (Vote for one) Write-in O Doug Hamilton O ______O ______O E. Regina Evans for STATE of MISS. O ______Write-in O ______Write-in STATE TrEASUrEr Write-in for STATE of MISS. ATTy. GENErAL Write-in for JUSTIcE coUrT JUdGE dIST. 2 (Vote for one) (Vote for one) okTIbbEhA ShErIff (Vote for one) O Lynn Fitch okTIbbEhA coroNEr O Larnzy Lee Carpenter, Jr. (Vote for one) O Jim Hood O David McRae (Vote for one) O W. Bernard Crump O George Carrithers O ______O ______O Michael R. Hunt O Kennedy Neal O ______Write-in Write-in O ______O ______for STATE of MISS. STATE AUdITor for STATE coMMISSIoNEr of Write-in (Vote for one) Write-in Write-in okT. TAx ASSESSor/coLLEcTor O Jocelyn Pepper Pritchett okTIbbEhA co. ATTorNEy for JUSTIcE coUrT JUdGE dIST. 3 AGrIcULTUrE & coMMErcE (Vote for one) (Vote for one) O ______(Vote for one) (Vote for one) O Allen Morgan O Cindy Hyde-Smith Write-in O Haley Brown O C. Marty Haug O ______O ______O W.L. “Will” Hutchinson O ______for STATE of MISS. coMMISSIoNEr of Write-in Write-in Write-in O James “Jim” Mills AGrIcULTUrE & coMMErcE O Cheikh A. Taylor for STATE of MISSISSIPPI for SUPErVISor dISTrIcT 1 (Vote for one) okTIbbEhA ShErIff O ______coMMISSIoNEr of INSUrANcE (Vote for one) O Addie Lee Green (Vote for one) Write-in (Vote for one) O John Prate Montgomery, Jr. O ______O Steve C. Gladney O ______O ______for coNSTAbLE dISTrIcT 2 O Mike Chaney Write-in O John Mosley Write-in Write-in (Vote for one) PUbLIc SErVIcE coMMISSIoNEr O Andre Quinn O ______for SUPErVISor dISTrIcT 3 NorThErN dISTrIcT okTIbbEhA SUrVEyor O Curtis Randle Write-in (Vote for one) (Vote for one) (Vote for one) O ______PUbLIc SErVIcE coMMISSIoNEr O Dennis “Denny” Daniels O Tom L. Gregory O Brandon Presley Write-in O ______O ______NorThErN dISTrIcT Write-in O ______for coNSTAbLE dISTrIcT 3 (Vote for one) Write-in Write-in (Vote for one) O Mike Maynard for SUPErVISor dISTrIcT 4 for TrANSPorTATIoN coMMISSIoNEr okT. TAx ASSESSor/coLLEcTor O James Lindsey O ______(Vote for one) NorThErN dISTrIcT (Vote for one) O ______Write-in O Bart Gregory (Vote for one) O John S. Brown Write-in for TrANSPorTATIoN coMMISSIoNEr O Bricklee Miller O Danny Woods O ______O ______O ______NorThErN dISTrIcT Write-in Write-in (Vote for one) Write-in for SUPErVISor dISTrIcT 1 for JUSTIcE coUrT JUdGE dIST. 3 rEPUBLICAN O Jimmie D. Mills (Vote for one) dISTrIcT ATTorNEy dISTrIcT 16 (Vote for one) O Mike Tagert (Vote for one) O Donald Thompson O Buddy Johnston O ______O ______O Scott Colom O ______Write-in O ______Write-in for STATE of MISS. GoVErNor Write-in Write-in (Vote for one) for STATE SENATE dISTrIcT 15 for coNSTAbLE dISTrIcT 1 for SUPErVISor dISTrIcT 2 O Phil Bryant (Vote for one) (Vote for one) STATE SENATE dISTrIcT 15 (Vote for one) O Mitch Young O Gary Jackson O Shank Phelps (Vote for one) O Gene Autry Perry O ______O ______O Cecil L. Simmons O Tremell Orlando Sherman O ______Write-in Write-in O ______O Orlando K. Trainer Write-in Write-in O ______for STATE of MISS. for STATE hoUSE of rEP. dIST. 37 for coNSTAbLE dISTrIcT 3 Write-in LIEUTENANT GoVErNor (Vote for one) (Vote for one) STATE SENATE dISTrIcT 16 O Tim Cook (Vote for one) (Vote for one) O Gary A. Chism for SUPErVISor dISTrIcT 3 O ______O Angela Turner (Vote for one) O Alisha Nelson McElhenney O ______Write-in O ______O Marvell Howard O Tate Reeves Write-in Write-in O ______O ______Write-in Write-in

District Attorney Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $95,796 1. How would you characterize 2. Where is the balance, for 3. Where do you stand crime in this district? you, between getting justice on incarceration for drug for victims and offering offenses? chances for offenders to Q& A remain productive in society? Democrat I think we need to reduce violent crime As District Attorney, my first priority will Drug addiction destroys the lives of too Scott Colom and property crime in our district. A be justice for victims of crimes. I will many young people, which is why I will Age: 32 major part of my platform is the need keep victims updated on the status of aggressively prosecute people who Occupation: Lawyer; City to prioritize the prosecution of violent prosecutions and give them a voice in bring drugs into our communities and Prosecutor crime. Over the last few years, several recommendations for plea deals and prey on our children. However, most Education: Columbus High close friends and family members have sentencing. For victims of property people convicted of drug possession are School; B.A. in English and been victims of violent crime and I’ve crimes, I will prioritize restitution. But drug addicts with high recidivism rates. History-Millsaps College; Cum seen the emotional and physical turmoil victims can never have true justice The fewer people who are addicted to Laude graduate of Wisconsin they experienced because of it. This is unless the right person is convicted. drugs, the fewer drug addicts there are Law School why I want to set up a violent crime unit Prosecuting an innocent person has to arrest or re-arrest. Because of this, Political party: Democrat that has the best and most experienced four horrible outcomes: as District Attorney, when appropriate Political experience: attorneys focus on prosecuting violent and after careful review, I will consider Prosecutor-City of Columbus; crimes such as murder, rape, sexual 1. An innocent person wrongfully goes rehabilitation for non-violent drug Former municipal judge-City of assault, armed robbery, domestic to jail. offenders, especially young, first time Aberdeen violence, and burglary. I will also ask 2. A guilty person remains free and able offenders. This rehabilitation will include Residence: Lowndes County local law enforcement agencies to to cause further harm. strong monitoring and drug testing by Family: Married assign investigators to this unit so they 3. The victim and his or her family are our Circuit Court Judges through the Email: scottcolomforda16@ will have access to the best resourced denied true closure. Drug Court in our District. gmail.com for investigating violent crimes. 4. The public loses confidence in the In sum, I believe rehabilitation for drug Phone: 662-368-2015 criminal justice system. addiction is the best method at stopping continued drug use and the crime associated with it. Independent There is a list of the most dangerous Most victims are quite reasonable. The U. S. Department of Justice says Forrest Allgood (I) cities in Mississippi. No city in my Every once in a while you find one that 80 percent of all crime in America Age: 61 district is on it. A city’s ranking on that who wants the defendant hung on has a drug component. 80 percent is a Occupation: District Attorney list was not related to size, but rather the courthouse lawn for stealing a lot. It stands to reason that if you reduce Education: B.S. & Law Degree- your likelihood of being a victim while lawnmower, but they’re rare. We the flow of drugs into your community, University of Mississippi living there. E.g.: The number one have an adversarial system and the you will reduce crime. Consequently, Political party: Independent most dangerous city in Mississippi is defendant’s lawyer is there to take care if you’re charged with selling it, we are Political experience: Indianola, population 10,641. Jackson, of his interests. The judge is there to going to try to put you in jail. Those who Residence: Columbus Greenville, Greenwood, Cleveland, protect his rights. Nobody is looking are possessors are getting probation Family: Married Vicksburg, Pascagoula, and McComb out for the victim. Consequently, I or pre-trial unless they are prior Email: [email protected] are all on the list. One of my cities, believe in victim centered prosecution. felons, habitual offenders, or they are Phone: N/A Starkville, made the list of 10 Safest If everybody does their job, then a fair possessing large quantities. Cities in the State. While there is balance is struck. Insofar as chances certainly more crime than I would like to to remain productive, I know lots of see, we must be doing something right. convicted felons who have gone on to lead productive and successful lives. I’m 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.

District 1 Supervisor Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $44,700 1. What is the biggest 2. How would you promote 3. How would you help foster challenge facing Oktibbeha future industrial/commercial a stronger relationship with County? development in the county? Starkville and Mississippi Q& A State University? Democrat Increasing industry and attracting more Making Oktibbeha County appealing Mississippi State University is an Donald Thompson jobs for Oktibbeha County residents is to businesses and industries is crucial. integral part of Oktibbeha County. A Age: 61 an important challenge that we need The Board of Supervisors can work with partnership between the county, the Occupation: Retired Rural Mail to continue to address. Economic economic partners to meet their needs city, and the university is mutually Carrier/Retired Crop and Cattle development increases the quality of life to make doing business in Oktibbeha beneficial, and as a Supervisor, I will Farmer in Oktibbeha County and encourages County not just feasible, but appealing. work to foster the relationships that Education: Graduate of Maben more families to make their homes here will continue to make this partnership High School; Attended Wood in Starkville. More jobs means more a success for students and Starkville Junior College and Mississippi young people stay here in Oktibbeha residents alike. State University County rather than moving away to find Political party: Democrat employment. Political experience: N/A Residence: Oktibbeha County Family: Married; 1 child Email: donaldgthompson15@ gmail.com Phone: 662-323-9079

I = incumbent The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com Sunday, July 26, 2015 3

District 1 Supervisor (continued) Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $44,700 1. What is the biggest 2. How would you promote 3. How would you help foster challenge facing Oktibbeha future industrial/commercial a stronger relationship with County? development in the county? Starkville and Mississippi Q& A State University? Republican I feel there are several challenges Keep the momentum we have seen To continue to work with MSU and the John Montgomery (I) facing Oktibbeha. Budget constraints as of late. The new growth in our area city of Starkville on projects like the Age: 37 are always a challenge, and I feel helps promote Oktibbeha County, Cotton Mill, which was an interlocal Occupation: Firefighter/ we have done well as a board in the and we have done well to capture agreement between ourselves, MSU Company office-Starkville management of your tax dollars. Others new businesses in the industrial and and Starkville. It hasn’t been without Fire Department; Owner of would include the maintenance of our commercial sectors. We as a county are healthy discussion, but we have worked Montgomery Lawn Maintenance county road system, and to continue growing like we haven’t in the past. The well with MSU and Starkville. I think Education: Bachelors degree in to improve it also. We must make LINK has done a great job promoting between all three parties, we have a Financial Management-MSU consolidation work to the benefit of our this county, and new developments great understanding, and we each know Political party: Republican children here in all of Oktibbeha County. are looking here that hadn’t in the our role. I feel that our relationship to Political experience: Serving We must continue to improve our past. This new growth with examples both MSU and Starkville is good and 1st term as Supervisor school system, and Oktibbeha County like the Cotton Mill project, the new will only continue to get better. I think Residence: Starkville supervisors have done our part. I’m car dealerships, the new apartment it’s good to keep in communication Family: Married; 2 children proud of the commitment we’ve made complexes, C-Spire, and the new with officials from MSU and Starkville Email: johnemontgomery1977@ to our new school district in office space Aspen Bay development that will go in and I feel comfortable calling several gmail.com and utilities. The improvement of our cornerstone will comprise over $100 representatives from both. It’s important Phone: 662-418-1614 911 system is another challenge we million in new businesses that create to work well with these and other face, and it’s ability to operate is vital to jobs in industry/commercial and retail representatives. the safety of citizens of this county. growth. These are things that increase our tax base that helps to keep our tax rate as low as possible, and benefit our school system also. District 2 Supervisor Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $44,700 Democrat Gene Autry Perry Declined to participate. Age: Occupation: Education: Political party: Political experience: Residence: Family: Email: Phone:

I think the biggest challenges that I think we can increase industry I think you foster a stronger relationship Tremell Sherman are facing our county is resources, development by offering a variety of between the two by providing programs Age: 30 having resources for affordable homes incentive base programs, like land for educational growth, offering more Occupation: Business owner; and jobs. I believe we need to enact purchase programs, some that increase internship programs for the community Insurance Agent programs that promote homeownership, sales of vacated land. I believe by that promote jobs and improve the Education: University of more programs for families that create appealing to companies with innovative overall average educational levels. I Southern Mississippi homeownership through mentorship ways will market to companies looking think we have great schools here in Political party: Democratic for credit repair, job placements and to move to the Starkville area. I believe our area, the transit program was a big Political experience: N/A mentorship. I believe creating these we aren’t progressing enough off of success but I think more work can be Residence: Oktibbeha County type of programs will increase property the recent success of our local schools done to keep progressing for a stronger Family: Married; 3 children values therefore creating more property and colleges. I think we need to be relationship. Email: [email protected] tax funds. I also believe our road marketing to larger factories that will Phone: 662-549-8553 conditions need to improve on roads increase more real jobs and increase that are driven more heavily, while the need for more homes. This in others could be improved simply by exchange will create again more tax grading them and keeping them in good dollars and even increase the need for manageable conditions. more independently owned restaurants and franchises.

Preparing for additional growth and Advocating the need for us to continue Making myself available to interact and Orlando Trainer (I) dealing with current dilemmas that strengthening our partnerships with meet whenever necessary, planned or Age: 41 accompany growth. Higher expectations individuals and entities that give not. Remain committed and interested Occupation: Farmer, from citizens as it relates to county us the potential to do something in the benefit of collaboration with all consultant, bus driver services and opportunities. significant. We must be willing to make stake holders. Take advantage of all the Education: Degree in insurance the investments if we expect to reap resources that each offer that can bring and risk management from beneficial returns. We must be willing to benefit to the county. University of Mississippi make sometimes difficult decisions that Political party: Democrat will have significant future returns. Political experience: Served 16 years as supervisor District 2 Oktibbeha County, Oktibbeha Leadership Forum graduate, board of directors for Boys & Girls Club of Golden Triangle Residence: Starkville Family: Married, three children Email: orlandotrainer@hotmail. com Phone: 662-769-0071

Independent The county needs to fully utilize We must promote or prime real estate We must come to the realization Robert “Bubba” all resources available, while also and location along with tax incentives. that what is incumbent to one is also Gray Jr. searching for alternative funding. Also, advocating the qualified personnel incumbent to all. In order to improve, we Age: 55 in our area along with the diversity of must come together to present in unity Occupation: Cattle Farmer our country. common goals. Education: Graduate of Central Academy; Associate degree in Machinist Technology Political party: Independent Political experience: N/A Residence: Oktibbeha County Family: Married; 1 child Email: [email protected] Phone: 662-435-0387

I = incumbent 4 Sunday, July 26, 2015 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

District 3 Supervisor Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $44,700 1. What is the biggest 2. How would you promote 3. How would you help foster challenge facing Oktibbeha future industrial/commercial a stronger relationship with County? development in the county? Starkville and Mississippi Q& A State University? Democrat If I had to point to one single thing it I feel that we made a major stride in For a few years now there have been Marvell Howard (I) would have to be the shortage of middle doing so when Oktibbeha County along regular meeting with the President Age: 56 income wage earning jobs. with the City of Starkville partnered with of MSU, the mayor of Starkville, the Occupation: Oktibbeha County the counties of Lowndes and Clay and president of the Board of Supervisors Supervisor the cities of West Point and Columbus and the business community. These Education: Maben High School; to form the “Regional Economic meeting serve to keep one another Industrial Technology-EMCC; Development LINK”. We must continue abreast of efforts taking place in each Industrial Technology-MSU; U.S. to support that effort. Next, Oktibbeha respective entity. Those meeting also Army-Leadership Training County needs to continue moving present an opportunity to discuss and Political party: Democratic forward with the joint effort between look for ways join forces to achieve Political experience: N/A the City of Starkville and the County success. I can also envision forming a Residence: Starkville to develop an industrial park. Thirdly, board with members representing each Family: Married; 3 children; 3 Oktibbeha County must always look for entity that would discuss a wide range grandchildren opportunities to join hands with our City of topics and have an ongoing dialog Email: [email protected] and our University to attract and retain with the community. Phone: 662-323-1755 industry to our area. Finally, Oktibbeha County has got to do everything we possibly can to support education and workforce training. Those two things are critical to the success and future of our country.

Republican I feel the biggest challenge for Industrial and commercial development A successful community is one that Dennis “Denny” Oktibbeha County is the county’s ability will be one of my top priorities! Being works together towards common goals. Daniels to meet the infrastructure needs of retired from the military will allow I have been employed by all three; Age: 45 the citizens, given the current budget, me to be a full time supervisor. I will Oktibbeha County, The City of Starkville Occupation: Retired Military/ without having to levy any tax increase have the time necessary to personally and Mississippi State University. From Cattle Farmer on our citizens. I believe one way to market our community to business my years living, studying and working Education: Masters of Public improve the tax base of the county and industry around the world. I would in the community, I’ve gained a good Policy and Administration-MSU without raising taxes is to increase our work directly with the railroads through understanding of how each entity works. Political party: Republican tax base with industrial and commercial our county to bring back an invaluable The three are like family to me, as I’ve Political experience: Former development. When compared, transportation asset connecting had strong ties to each my whole life. I Oktibbeha County Deputy Sheriff Oktibbeha County’s tax base falls a Oktibbeha County globally and inviting would like to see them all at the dinner and city of Starkville police billion dollars short of neighboring industry to Cornerstone Park. I will work table working together as a family to officer Lowndes County. Oktibbeha County directly with local and state economic make our community a better place Residence: Oktibbeha County needs to catch up! Building up our tax development agencies providing to live. I would encourage a stronger, Family: Married; 3 children base through economic development them the necessary tools they need goal oriented, planning relationship Email: dennydaniels@hughes. will allow us to build the better roads the for success. I want to do all within my between the Board of Supervisors, net citizens want. power to bring jobs and growth to our Board of Alderman and Mississippi Phone: 662-418-2071 community. State’s Master Planning Committee and foster this relationship with regular joint meetings or retreats.

District 4 Supervisor Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $44,700 Democrat By Oktibbeha County and the City of The continued support of the LINK and By making sound decisions that benefit Daniel Jackson Starkville joining the LINK over two its recommendations dealing with tax all of Oktibbeha County, you thereby Age: 35 years ago, this positioned our county incentives or any other related incentive enhance the county’s standing with all Occupation: Oktibbeha County to not only continue supporting our that is used to recruit potential industries entities, including Starkville, Sturgis, Supervisor Dist. 4 existing industry but also recruit new to Oktibbeha County is a must for the Maben, and MSU. Education: B.A. Secondary industry. This investment made by the Board of Supervisors. Keeping millage Education- 2003 county and city will eventually lead to an rates on a comparison level with other Political party: Democrat increase in new jobs for our residents counties of similar size as Oktibbeha Political experience: Currently as well as a larger tax base in the future County as well as providing the public serving 2nd term as supervisor from not only the investment made with ample quality of life opportunities is Residence: Starkville by the industry itself but also from the also a plus when potential industries are Family: N/A new residential growth new industries looking to locate or expand. Email: N/A typically bring with them. Phone: 662-323-1520

Republican Oktibbeha County’s greatest strength I support the current regional The Starkville/Oktibbeha/MSU Bart Gregory is her people. From Sturgis to Maben partnership with the GTR LINK, and I community has made great strides Age: 38 to Starkville and everywhere in believe that responsible support and to improve communication and Occupation: Assistant Athletic between, Oktibbeha County is called engagement with our economic collaboration between the community Director-Mississippi State home by a hard working, caring and development team will lead to an and Mississippi State University, University; Sports Broadcaster- concerned population. Much has increase in our industrial inventory, but there is more work to be done. Mississippi State Radio Network been accomplished by the leaders which in turn immediately benefits our My professional career has allowed and SEC Network of our community, but there’s much schools and provides a financial return me to cultivate relationships that Education: Graduate of Nanih work to be done. One of our county’s to our county in time. Quality public will assist with this goal. I believe a Waiya Attendance Center’ greatest weaknesses is our inability or education is key to a thriving community commitment to communication and Graduate of MSU unwillingness to create a vision that and key for economic development. collaboration with these entities will only Political party: Republican provides for growth but also protects our I am committed to listening to the lead to a more promising future for our Political experience: N/A infrastructure and resources. We need needs of our school district and finding community. Residence: Starkville to be working more closely with the appropriate solutions to support Family: Married; 4 children City of Starkville and Mississippi State our children, while engaging county Email: [email protected] University – in the trenches – to identify stakeholders. This includes support Phone: 662-418-4777 our goals as a broader community, and for workforce development and our work together to achieve them. institutions of higher learning.

Our county’s biggest challenge is It is the responsibility of every I was not aware these entities had a Bricklee Miller maintaining a level of economic supervisor to promote our entire county weak relationship. Every supervisor Age: 46 development that expands our tax base, through partnerships with local, regional should strive to foster strong Occupation: Director of the which translates into a lower tax burden and state development agencies. relationships with all entities within the Mississippi Horse Park-15 years on our citizens. county’s borders whether they be public Education: Lamar Academy; or private. MCC; Mississippi State University Political party: Republican Political experience: N/A Residence: Oktibbeha County Family: Married Email: brickleemiller@gmail. com Phone: 662-418-3963

I = incumbent The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com Sunday, July 26, 2015 5

District 5 Supervisor Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $44,700 1. What is the biggest 2. How would you promote 3. How would you help foster challenge facing Oktibbeha future industrial/commercial a stronger relationship with County? development in the county? Starkville and Mississippi Q& A State University? Democrat I think the biggest challenge is locating I will work along with other board I will help foster a stronger relationship Sylvester “Dewayne” and obtaining enough property to create members to seek ways in securing by keeping each entity abreast of what Davis an industrial park. property and provide the necessary is occurring on the county level. By Age: 46 infrastructure for development of accomplishing this we will create a Occupation: Firefighter an industrial park. This will provide strong force that could lead us to being (Lieutenant), City of Starkville-18 the LINK with a tool that could land one of the top counties in the state. years Oktibbeha County a mega job creation Education: B.S. Business site. Administration-Management Political party: Democratic Political experience: N/A Residence: Crawford Family: Married; 2 children Email: [email protected] Phone: 662-418-5733

The lack of job creation compared to I believe with economic and industrial As a business owner, educator, and Ernest Rogers Jr. the other surrounding counties and improvements, we will allow Oktibbeha lifelong citizen of Oktibbeha County, Age: 27 adequate health care. I’m willing to work County citizens to make their living I know the importance of making the Occupation: Business owner/ alongside the Board of Supervisors and allow them to spend their hard right decisions and teamwork within the Freelance Graphic Designer and Board of Alderman to make the earned money in their own community. community. I’m willing to work alongside Education: Graduate of East right decisions for Oktibbeha County Leading to much needed infrastructure the Board of Supervisors and Board of Oktibbeha County High School; can grow with long-lasting industries improvements throughout the county Alderman to ensure Oktibbeha County Mississippi University for and businesses that can the younger as well as the creation of more small will have better road conditions and a Women generation close to home. Only we business developments. safe and positive environment. My plan Political party: Democratic can do this by all individuals working is to make financial decisions that will Political experience: N/A together. lead to an increase in the economy of Residence: Crawford Oktibbeha County. I strive to make a Family: N/A lasting change in our youth to ensure Email: [email protected] that their future is bright for tomorrow. Phone: 662-722-1896

One of the biggest challenges facing I will continue to support the Golden I will work with Mississippi State Joe Williams Oktibbeha County is to provide Triangle LINK, but expect the agency University on various projects with an Age: N/A necessary support for the Starkville- to work equally as hard in Oktibbeha open mind and meet regularly when Occupation: Public Service; Oktibbeha Consolidated School District County as in Lowndes and Clay when given an opportunity. I will support School Counselor and still maintain other necessary it comes to industrial development developments that will help maintain Education: B.S.; M.S.; needs of the county. We need to ensure and employment opportunities. I will Oktibbeha County as a good place to Educational Specialist Degree that the transition to a consolidated promote the creation of jobs in general, work and live for both students and Political party: Democratic school district is as smooth as possible but especially those that offer good pay lifelong residents of Oktibbeha County. Political experience: Oktibbeha for students, teachers, parents, and fringe benefits to our citizens who County Board of Supervisors, and administrators. We also face a lack advanced degrees but nevertheless District 5- 1 term; Oktibbeha challenge in Oktibbeha County of have good work ethics. I will promote County Economic Development making our roads safe and user-friendly the establishment of another Industrial/ Authority Board-16 years for students and lifelong residents. Commercial Development Park that Residence: Starkville We are challenged with addressing does not have Native American Family: Married; 2 children; 4 the traffic flow problem that the county remains. I will also promote the grandchildren is experiencing as Mississippi State utilization of Cornerstone Park for job Email: [email protected] University increases in enrollment, creation. Phone: 662-418-2386 especially around the Southern and Southeastern parts of the campus.

Circuit Clerk Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies - fee based, capped at approx. $90,000 1. What qualities make you the best candidate 2. How well do you believe you can work with for this position? law enforcement, justice system officials, local party leaders and the public in effectively Q& A executing the circuit clerk’s responsibilities? Democrat Having worked as deputy circuit clerk for 23 years in Oktibbeha Once again, I turn to my 23 years of experience as Oktibbeha Elizabeth Regina County, I know that a warm smile and listening ear are very County Circuit Clerk. I have a proven record or working with Evans important qualities to have while serving as circuit clerk. I the Democratic and Republican Executive Committees as Age: N/A believe I possess both of these qualities that will make the well as the Oktibbeha County Election Commissioners during Occupation: Mississippi office a comfortable environment for the public. I am a hard 6 years as the election deputy. For the remaining 17 of the Department of Corrections worker, driven to acquire any and all knowledge necessary to 23 years, I served as criminal court deputy circuit clerk. In Education: N/A be successful in my job. that capacity, I worked daily with law enforcement and justice Political party: Democrat system officials. From issuing capias, filing circuit court bonds, Political experience: Oktibbeha handling executions or making commitments to MDOC, I kept County Deputy Clerk-23 years an open line of communication with the local law enforcement. Residence: Starkville I prepared court dockets, recorded and filed all court Family: 2 children documents and worked closely with the circuit court judges and Email: evans2457@bellsouth. their office personnel as well as probation services. I continue net to work with MDOC probation in my present employment Phone: 662-617-3380 further enhancing my working relationship with area law enforcement.

Republican Michael Campbell Declined to participate. Age: Occupation: Education: Political party: Political experience: Residence: Family: Email: Phone:

I = incumbent 6 Sunday, July 26, 2015 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Circuit Clerk (continued) Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies - fee based, capped at approx. $90,000 1. What qualities make you the best candidate 2. How well do you believe you can work with for this position? law enforcement, justice system officials, local party leaders and the public in effectively Q& A executing the circuit clerk’s responsibilities? Republican First, I would say Is my deep, genuine love for this county. My I have a proven record of working with law enforcement as well Glenn Hamilton (I) roots have grown deep as a fourth generation resident and as a high level of respect, and appreciation having served as Age: 59 tax payer. This helped develop a real life understanding of this an auxiliary deputy for many years as well as my serving as Occupation: Circuit Court Clerk county and her people. Chairman of our State Parole Board. As for our justice system, Education: EMCC it is the best in the world and I stand on my record while I have Political party: Republican been serving as Circuit Clerk. Carrying out other duties of the Political experience: 4 years- Circuit Clerk is more an enjoyment than work. I have been Circuit Court Clerk (Oktibbeha honored to have served these past four years as your Circuit County) Clerk. Residence: Maben Family: Married; 1 child Email: glennhamilton12690@ gmail.com Phone: 662-263-7692

Chancery Clerk Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies - fee based, capped at approx. $90,000 Monica Banks (Democrat) - Unopposed incumbent Tax Assessor/Collector Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies - fee based 1. What makes you the best 2. What do you see as the 3. What experience do you candidate? biggest challenge to the job? have in financial record keeping and/or bookkeeping? Q& A Republican Down to earth, common sense person Learning the individuals of Oktibbeha Family owned, small business for more John S. Brown who treats people like they want to be County and putting them first. Having than 40 years and working for the public Age: 58 treated. A true public servant. the office be more customer oriented. in various positions whereby record Occupation: State of keeping and financial data were very Mississippi important. Education: Masters from Mississippi University for Women, Bachelors from Mississippi State University Political party: Democrat Political experience: 22 years in public service Residence: Oktibbeha County Family: Married Email: [email protected] Phone: 662-324-3635

Allen Morgan (I) Declined to participate. Age: Occupation: Education: Political party: Political experience: Residence: Family: Email: Phone:

Sheriff Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $100,000 1. What makes you most 2. As the chief law 3. What steps can the sheriff’s qualified to be sheriff? enforcement official in the department take toward county, how would you stronger community-oriented Q& A address crime in the area? policing? Democrat With 33.5 years of experience in law The Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s I feel there is a need to provide positive Steve Gladney (I) enforcement, I understand the need for Department is proactive in the role models and activities for young Age: 59 professionalism in law enforcement, as community dealing with public safety, people to keep them productive and Occupation: Sheriff of well as the duties and responsibilities of property crimes and drug traffic in this actively involved in the community in a Oktibbeha County a law enforcement officer. Having been area. As a state accredited department, positive way. Keeping an open line of Education: Attended Mississippi the Oktibbeha County sheriff for the in-service training of our officers is communication with the public is vital State University, graduate of past 3.5 years, I know the importance priority as we strive to maintain a to maintaining strong law enforcement Mississippi Law Enforcement of managing budgets, operating high level of professionalism in law in the area. The Oktibbeha County Training Academy our county jail system, fulfilling the enforcement. It is extremely important Sheriff’s Department has developed and Political party: Democratic responsibilities of court procedures and to me that we are a professional maintains a great working relationship Political experience: I have the daily responsibilities of the chief law department as we deal with crime in our with the Starkville Police Department, been in law enforcement for enforcement officer of the county. area. MSU Police Department, Sturgis Police the past 33.5 years, served as Department, Maben Police Department, a Mississippi trooper for 28.5 MS Department of Corrections, State years, Oktibbeha County sheriff Alcohol Beverage Control, MS Bureau for 3.5 years of Narcotics and the MS Highway Residence: Starkville Patrol. It is important that all these Family: Married, three children, departments and the public work three grandchildren together for the good of the community. Email: sgladney@sheriff. oktibbeha.ms.us Phone: 662-323-2421

I = incumbent The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com Sunday, July 26, 2015 7

Sheriff (continued) Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $100,000 1. What makes you most 2. As the chief law 3. What steps can the sheriff’s qualified to be sheriff? enforcement official in the department take toward county, how would you stronger community-oriented Q& A address crime in the area? policing? Republican Thirty-six years on the job experience During the 36 years I was in the I would initiate the following programs: George Carrithers working at the sheriff’s office, the sheriff’s office, I developed a trust and Setting up a citizen advisory board, Age: 61 schools I have completed to enhance working relationship with the citizens initiating a ride-along program, Occupation: Retired Oktibbeha my knowledge in law enforcement, of the county which helped my in being organizing a meet-and-greet program County Sheriff’s Office experience investigating actual cases able to solve cases. I also believe in between officers and citizens, allowing Education: Eupora High School within the county, and knowledge of being proactive when it comes to law officers to attend neighborhood watch graduate. Studied criminal county budgeting criteria. enforcement. I would increase patrol in meetings, scheduling deputies to attend justice at Mississippi State the county and have the deputies visit schools and speak to the children letting University Photo not available citizens in the community in order to them know that law enforcement can be Political party: Republican stay aware of their concerns. My office trusted and that the children should not Political experience: Worked will be accessible to anyone who would be afraid to trust officers. with the Oktibbeha County like to talk to me about anything going Sheriff’s Office for 36 years. on in their neighborhood and it would be Residence: Starkville kept confidential. Family: Married, three children, five grandchildren Email: [email protected] Phone: 662-323-0932

District 1 Justice Court Judge Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $44,700 1. What makes you the best 2. What do you believe the role 3. What do you consider to be candidate justice court judge? of a justice court judge should the biggest challenge in the be, and how do you intend to justice court system? Q& A execute that role? Democrat I was born and raised in Starkville, Justice court judges should listen to We need to do more to make sure our William “Tony” attended Starkville public schools, and all evidence presented before making children stay in school, learn how to Boykin Jr. (I) have lived here all my life. I have been a any decision on a case court decorum, make a living and be productive. Age: 72 justice court judge for nearly 40 years. have the bailiff in court to ensure safety. Occupation: Justice Court Integrity and compassion to all involved. Judge Treat all in court fair. Education: Attended University of Mississippi Political party: Democratic Political experience: 39 1/2 years-Justice Court Judge; 26 years-Mississippi Judicial College Board of Governors Residence: Maben Family: Widowed Email: N/A Phone: 662-418-4735

I am qualified for this position because The role of a justice court judge is Having interned in the Oktibbeha Jessi Collier I have the drive, the initiative and the to hear all evidence presented and County justice court, the biggest Age: 20 education to perform the duties of this rule fairly. Judges are to also conduct challenge I have observed is case flow/ Occupation: Business Owner; position with integrity and fairness. My themselves by the judicial code of docket management and the lack of Student values are education, family, excellence, conduct. I will do this. order and respect for the court from the Education: Senior majoring in community, law and order. I am able court personnel. Other challenges that I Chemistry, Mandarin Chinese to learn the duties and protocols of have observed first hand that should be and Finance at MSU this position quickly. I am caring and addressed and will be if I win are these: Political party: Democrat capable. As a judge, I will review and Political experience: N/A hear all evidence before me, allow all 1. The current judges have a combined Residence: Starkville litigants the opportunity to be heard. I service of 96 years. It is time for Family: N/A will be impartial in my assessment of change. It is time for new, diverse, Email: [email protected] every case. I will conduct my personal more efficient representation for our Phone: 662-324-3300; 662-323- and professional life with the highest community. It is time for new generation 2717 moral standards and integrity as I have leadership. in the past. 2. The current justice court is long overdue for updated technology. 3. I feel that I could be instrumental in upgrading the courts collection efforts for fee and fines.

Did not return questionnaire to The Gay Lynn Williams Dispatch. Age: Occupation: Education: Political party: Political experience: Residence: Family: Email: Phone:

District 2 Justice Court Judge Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $44,700 Democrat My candidacy is based on integrity, The criminal and civil justice system is One of the biggest challenges of the Larnzy Carpenter Jr. innovation and equability. My integrity important. My role as judge will allow justice court system is the transparency Age: 52 is evident in my experience as a me to ensure the courts are involved of the judicial process. The Occupation: Chief Bailiff/ servant and officer of law enforcement early in cases and are involved until the understanding of the ever evolving laws Clergyman and the court. I have an unblemished end. My plans are to develop and apply and mandates of the system presents Education: Doctorate in past as an energetic and proactive courtroom and judicial performance a challenge to new judges and all other Theology contributing member of my community, standards that measure and encourage parties involved, in both criminal or civil Political party: Democrat family and church. My leadership in fairness, good judicial management and affairs. The courts, also, should embody Political experience: Military the aforementioned are a shining efficiency. I plan to streamline the court a greater sense of professionalism in its veteran; 3 decades of law example of my resourcefulness in my experience by minimizing the number of process and among its officers during experience surroundings and in every area my times many people appear in court. the execution of daily practices. Residence: Starkville influence. The time is now for a fresh, I, also, want to improve the warrant Family: Married; 2 children innovative approach to the justice court procedure and make sure the ones Email: pastorllcarp00@yahoo. system. issued are appropriate and valid. I com will ensure that the judgments and Phone: 662-312-7774 sentences rendered are fair,but effective. This will, hopefully, prevent repeat offenses and keep the community safe. Every person who leaves the courtroom will feel that I and the court staff respect the judicial process. I = incumbent 8 Sunday, July 26, 2015 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

District 2 Justice Court Judge (continued) Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $44,700 1. What makes you the best 2. What do you believe the role 3. What do you consider to be candidate justice court judge? of a justice court judge should the biggest challenge in the be, and how do you intend to justice court system? Q& A execute that role? Democrat Did not return questionnaire to The W. Bernard Crump (I) Dispatch. Age: Occupation: Education: Political party: Political experience: Residence: Family: Email: Phone:

My experience in dealing with people My role as judge should be that of I believe that we must focus on Kennedy Neal and situations with a sense of fairness, an enforcer of the laws that my court improving the speed and efficiency with Age: 50 honesty and conviction. I believe that has jurisdiction over, in both the case which we handle matters in the court. Occupation: Director of my approach to administrative decisions of criminal misdemeanors and civil Environmental Services- I have made in career will serve me well disputes of less than $3,500. I will Oktibbeha County Regional to make decisions on questions of law execute that role by becoming as well Medical Center that are necessary for a judge. educated as I possibly can on the laws I Education: Associate Degree must apply in Justice Court. in Business- Hinds Community College Political party: Democratic Political experience: N/A Residence: Starkville Family: Married; 3 children Email: kennedyneal2015@ gmail.com Phone: 662-324-1909

District 3 Justice Court Judge Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $44,700 Democrat I have over 12 years of experience The first duty of a justice court judge There are several challenges facing the C. Martin Haug as an attorney working on thousands is to provide a fair and unbiased forum justice court system — case backlog, Age: 38 of civil and criminal cases. During my for all citizens to appear and have their proper court procedures and applying Occupation: Attorney practice, I have been before many cases decided according to the law; the law to the facts in the cases. All of Education: Mississippi State different judges in different jurisdictions whether it be a civil dispute between these challenges are a direct result of University; Florida Coastal and levels, including judges that are citizens, criminal allegations, warrant the current lack of real qualifications for School of Law attorneys and judges that are not issues, or any of the other various judges and judicial candidates. As an Political party: Democrat attorneys and I have observed how responsibilities that come before the attorney who practices in Justice Court, Political experience: N/A much better the court system is when it Court. However, this duty extends having an elected judge who is qualified Residence: Starkville is run by judges that are attorneys. As beyond just holding trials. The Judge and knowledgeable about the law is by Family: Married; 2 children the only trained attorney running for this must have the knowledge and training far the biggest challenge. Too many Email: [email protected] position, I can use my training to make to properly hear the citizen’s complaints judges in the system lack the training Phone: 662-324-9492 our justice court better for everyone in when they come before the Court and and foundation necessary to properly Oktibbeha County. My legal background to apply the law when reaching a just run the courtroom, hear cases and gives me the best understanding of decision. apply the law to each case. any candidate about proper courtroom procedures and will allow me to make unbiased judgments about the cases before me. My knowledge of the law will also allow me to apply the law to the facts presented to me as I make fair decisions.

I feel I am the best candidate because The role of justice court judge should be The biggest challenge in my opinion W.L. “Will” Hutchinson I have worked for Oktibbeha County fair, honest, dependable and consistent, is staying up-to-date on current and Age: 52 for 28 years resolving issues on a while upholding the law’s of Mississippi new laws as they change. Also being Occupation: Oktibbeha County daily basis and my law-enforcement with integrity. consistent with judgments. Road Foreman background. Education: High school diploma; Continuing education- law enforcement Political party: Democratic Political experience: 12 years law enforcement Residence: Oktibbeha County Family: Married; 4 children Email: WillHutchinson33@ yahoo.com Phone: N/A

I’ve been associated with the justice I think the role of a judge is to treat The biggest challenge we face is that James “Jim” Mills (I) court system for 35 years. I have everybody fair, with firmness, and to the attendance is growing more and Age: N/A experience, background, knowledge lookout for the well-being of the people more and we’re trying to figure out ways Occupation: Justice Court and education that I feel would make in that court. That’s what I think would to eliminate people being in court. To Judge, District 3, Oktibbeha me better qualified than anyone who’s be the most important thing — to look do that, we have to counsel and try to County running against me. out for the welfare of the people in the explain to people the laws of the state Education: Graduate of court and treat them fairly and firmly. of Mississippi and try to give them a Carthage High School and deterrent not to violate the law. Massey Technical Institute; Attended Millsaps College and Mississippi State University Political party: Democratic Political experience: Served as Justice Court Judge since 1973; Served as Alderman for the city of Starkville Residence: Starkville Family: Married; 1 child Email: N/A Phone: N/A

I = incumbent The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com Sunday, July 26, 2015 9

District 3 Justice Court Judge (continued) Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $44,700 1. What makes you the best 2. What do you believe the role 3. What do you consider to be candidate justice court judge? of a justice court judge should the biggest challenge in the be, and how do you intend to justice court system? Q& A execute that role? Democrat My experience as a community leader, For me, real “access to justice” Due to the amount of discretion of our Cheikh Taylor businessman and educator are what requires public confidence in the Justice Court judges and the length Age: 41 qualify me as the best candidate to integrity of the justice system. I want of time of four years to serve, it is Occupation: Executive Director serve you as Justice Court Judge in the courtroom in which I preside to imperative that a bar is set immediately of Brickfire Project District 3, and what distinguishes me inspire that confidence in everyone to consistently issue warrants and to set Education: B.S.-Howard from my opponents is the desire to work who is in attendance. The rule of law bonds. I believe that there is no one size University; Graduate of Starkville as hard outside of the courtroom to is accomplished by judges who act that fits all in many matters concerning High School continue to strengthen our community. fairly, independently, and impartially; the courts, but if all things are the same Political party: Democratic This election is about voting for the judges who listen to the people who then the punishment should be equal Political experience: N/A candidate who will serve the community appear before them and the evidence across the board. All court rulings must Residence: Starkville with integrity and fairness, while presented to them; and judges who use justice, fairness and equality as the Family: N/A increasing accessibility for all to the know and apply the governing laws. I true measure of any decision. Email: [email protected] justice system. My platform is two-fold; possess the experience, integrity, and Phone: 662-617-9029 provide Preventive and Rehabilitative intellect to be such a judge. services now so you will know who you are getting later. I believe that a more informed community is a better community. Far too often the emphasis is solely on crime and punishment and not on prevention through education and training.

Republican Did not return questionnaire to The Buddy Johnston Dispatch. Age: Occupation: Education: Political party: Political experience: Residence: Family: Email: Phone:

Independent I am a common sense person with high I believe the role of a Justice Court We need to establish a way for people Hardy Mitchell ideals, integrity and high moral values. judge should be to work for the people to move more efficiently and effectively Age: 62 I am a people person that relates to of District 3 in Oktibbeha County through the court system! Occupation: Owner of Shipley people from all walks of life. I have and be as sure as I can that fair and Donuts, Starkville driven a school bus in the Starkville independent decisions are made to Education: B.S.-Mississippi Public School District for almost 3 years, provide consistent and fair decisions State University enjoying the students, teachers, as well that will benefit the people that I hope to Political party: Independent as the people in the school district in represent. Political experience: N/A which I worked. I bought Shipley Donuts Residence: Starkville in April of 2014 and have enjoyed Family: Married; 1 child seeing people that I have known for Email: hardymmitchell@gmail. years and meeting people that are new com to Starkville and the area. I plan to be Phone: 662-648-8520 independent in my decisions as a judge ensuring that fairness is paramount in any and all decisions that I would have to make! My plan would be to work closely with the law enforcement community and ensure fair minded decisions that will be good decisions for Oktibbeha County and it’s people.

Coroner Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $900 month plus fees 1. What makes you the best candidate? Q& A Democrat Experience and education in the medical field and as coroner, compassion and dedication to serving the people of Oktibbeha Michael Hunt (I) County who I have known and loved for 38 years. Age: 48 Occupation: Oktibbeha County coroner/medical examiner investigator, director of emergency medical services at OCH Regional Medical Center, EMCC affiliate instructor of Emergency Medical Technology Education: graduate of University of Alabama’s program of emergency medicine Political party: Democratic Political experience: 20 years as the coroner/medical examiner investigator for Oktibbeha Co. Residence: Starkville Family: Married, nine children Email: paramedichunt@yahoo. com Phone: 662-418-7200

Republican Kenneth Doug This is something I have prayed about. Numerous people have asked me to run and I think I can bring a professional approach to Hamilton the office. Age: 57 Occupation: Police Chief-Town of Sturgis Education: Graduate of EMCC and Mississippi Highway Patrol School Political party: Republican Political experience: 32 years aw enforcement experience Residence: Starkville Family: Married; 1 child Email: [email protected] Phone: 662-418-2693

I = incumbent 10 Sunday, July 26, 2015 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Coroner (continued) Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $900 month plus fees 1. What makes you the best candidate? Q& A Republican 1) Only Death Care Professional running for coroner Chris Pollan 2) Only licensed funeral director & embalmer running for the office Age: 42 3) Graduate of mortuary school Occupation: Licensed Funeral 4) Graduate of Mississippi State University Director & Embalmer; Fraud 5) Passed both national board examinations on the first attempt administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examiner/Forensic Accountant; 6) 14 years of public service President and CEO of Pollan 7) 25+ years of investigative experience Mgt. Company; Owner of Pollan 8) Thousands of hours of classroom study and practical experience specifically devoted to the study of death, caring for the dead Promos while serving the living Education: Graduate-Mortuary 9) First-hand experience working with families during their worst time of need; natural deaths to accidents, homicide, suicide, School; MSU-Bachelor of cancer, diseases, etc. Professional Accountancy 10) Experience working with clergy, emergency responders, hospice workers, social workers, & other care givers & Bachelor of Business Administration-Mgt. In addition, first hand experience educationally, personally and professionally has help prepare me as the best candidate. Our Political party: Republican family experienced seven deaths in an approximate 7 month period in 2011. While all of our families will experience death Political experience: 14 years- and have various stages and choices in dealing with it, we have experienced natural deaths and tragedies first hand. These -public service experience; 25 experiences have allowed us to grow, understand how sacred and precious life is while dealing with so much, so quick. As your years-investigative experience Coroner I will offer care, character, compassion, education, experience, professionalism, and understanding. Residence: Starkville Family: Married; 3 children Email: [email protected] Phone: 662-418-5370

District 1 Constable Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies - fee based Shank Phelps (Republican) - Unopposed incumbent District 2 Constable Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies - fee based 1. What makes you the best candidate? Q& A Democrat The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3, “To everything there is a season,” and I believe this is my season to become constable and Andre Quinn to continue to be a leader of mankind. Working with the Oktibbeha Sheriff’s Department and observing the daily news is what Age: 35 drives me to do more. The overall goal of a constable is to protect life and property, prevent and detect crime, and preserve the Occupation: Owner of Quinn peace. With my experience as a certified Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer, I perform some of the duties that a constable does Dirt Service; Oktibbeha County on a daily basis. I want my children and the youth in Oktibbeha County to see more men strive to make a positive difference. Sheriff’s Department Experience, drive and love for my community is what makes me the best candidate. My motto is: “The County Wins with Quinn!” Education: Northeast Mississippi Community College Political party: Democrat Political experience: 14 years of law enforcement experience; U.S. Air National Guard Residence: Oktibbeha County Family: Married; 3 children Email: [email protected] Phone: 662-323-2197

My qualifications: there is nothing more valuable or irreplaceable than on-the-job training, and my experience with meeting the Curtis Randle (I) people. Age: 50 Occupation: Oktibbeha County Constable District #2/Fireman Education: B. L. Moor High School Political party: Democrat Political experience: N/A Residence: Starkville Family: 3 children Email: [email protected] Phone: 662-418-2877

District 3 Constable Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies - fee based Democrat James Lindsey Did not return the questionnaire to The Dispatch. Age: Occupation: Education: Political party: Political experience: Residence: Family: Email: Phone:

Republican Fifteen years of experience, with the last six years of those in the Sheriff Department. Knows the court systems along with the Tim Cook paper service process, currently performs some of the same duties as a constable. Age: 38 Occupation: Deputy Sheriff- Oktibbeha Sheriff Dept. Education: High School graduate Political party: Republican Political experience: 15 years law enforcement experience Residence: Oktibbeha County Family: Married; 2 children Email: [email protected] Phone: 662-722-2861

County Prosecutor Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $44,700 Haley Brown (Democrat) - Unopposed incumbent

Surveyor Term: 4 years, Annual salary: Varies - fee based Tom Gregory (Democrat) - Unopposed incumbent

I = incumbent The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com Sunday, July 26, 2015 11

House District 39 Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $10,000 1. What are the biggest 2. What should the 3. How would you address challenges facing your legislature’s role be in creating improving the state’s public district? jobs and recruiting economic education system? Q& A development? Democrat The greatest challenges facing this The state Legislature already works I would support any effort to fully fund James E. Samuel Sr. community are the exceeding disparity with local municipalities to establish K-12, and find a path to curtailing Age: N/A between the rich and the poor, and the local infrastructural requirements. the increasing costs associated with Occupation: Baptist Minister; perception of a lack of attentiveness However, there should be an effort on Institutions of Higher Learning. Retired Veteran to community needs by incumbent the part of the Legislature to address Education: High school politicians. whether our municipal schools and graduate; Attended college; ITC 1. Crumbling infrastructure, with a other educational institutions can make Theological Seminary-Atlanta, tendency of incumbents to only answer the proper preparations. Mississippi Georgia to campaign donors. taxpayers cannot enter an economic Political party: Democratic 2. The need to fully fund public recovery if the only jobs available are Political experience: N/A education, so that the next generations “Temporary Hire.” This inequity needs to Residence: Columbus of our young will be prepared to be addressed. Family: Married; 1 child; compete in the “national” job markets. 3 grandchildren; 2 great- 3. Moving away from seeking funding grandchildren of frivolous “Legislative Expenditures,” Email: [email protected] and the need to seek state and federal Phone: 662-574-8747 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! Republican Continued funding without taxes being Encourage jobs and businesses — tax Make more accounting. Jeff Smith (I) raised. incentives. Age: 64 Occupation: Attorney Education: B.S.-MSU; J.D.-Ole Miss Political party: Republican Political experience: 24 years- MS 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 The challenges we face are also The most effective role that we can play Naturally proper funding is priority Nicole Clinkscales our greatest opportunities to bring is to create a healthy environment for number one. However, coupled with that Age: 40 us up from the lower ranks in most economic growth and the market will we must also look to: Occupation: Lawyer major social and economic indicators. flourish organically. One of many steps Education: Juris Doctor, We suffer from an underperforming we can employ is to properly fund our 1. Deconstruct traditional education and University of Mississippi School education system, high rates of education system to provide citizens the move to innovative self/peer learning of Law; Bachelor of Business incarceration, broken families, best opportunity to prepare themselves models Administration, Finance, Magna low homeownership, insufficient for employment, professional careers Cum Laude, Jackson State infrastructure and inadequate or business ownership. In this global 2. Eliminate wasteful unreliable testing University employment. Our first priority is to society, our sights must be on making Political party: Democratic restore hope in the hearts and minds Mississippi competitive by capitalizing 3. Infuse advanced technology in Political experience: Former of our constituents, then give them the on our most precious resource - people. instruction and assessment Municipal Judge; Attorney- resources and tools they need to rebuild When we invest in raising the quality Clinkscales Law Firm their own community. of life in our state (i.e., recreation, 4. Increase teacher pay and incentives, Residence: Columbus entertainment, spirit, arts, education, especially for high-level specialty Family: 1 child neighborhood sustainability), we will see teachers in order to invite them away Email: nicole.clinkscales@ that the people will be inspired to rise to from tech and research firms and into gmail.com their highest potential. teaching Phone: 662-327-7949

There are several challenges in the As a former member of the Lowndes I am a strong supporter of Initiative 42 Kabir Karriem district, but the biggest challenges County Development Authority, I am which fully funds education. I, however, Age: 42 facing District 41 are Jobs, Crime, very familiar with the importance of the don’t think money is the answer to all of Occupation: Business Owner; and Infrastructure. Also, affordable legislature’s role in creating jobs and our educational problems in Mississippi. Columbus City Councilman healthcare/Medicaid expansion is a recruiting economic development. The In education, there is no cookie cutter Education: Columbus challenge for our district and the state of local legislative delegation works closely approach and each school district is Municipal School District; Hinds Mississippi. Our Senior Citizens in the with the Mississippi Development different with different challenges. We Community College; B.S.- twilight of their lives should not have to Authority, and the county’s economic must support our educators. We also Mississippi State University choose between paying high utility bills development team, sponsoring critical have to create an environment inside Political party: Democratic or purchasing medication and seeking legislation that ensures districts have the classroom, as well as outside of Political experience: Serving medical care. the available tools and resources the classroom that is conducive to 2nd term as City Councilman needed to seek different industries that learning. What aids all public authority, Residence: Columbus would make the districts and the state particularly in education, are involved Family: Married; 5 children attractive. parents, as well as an involved Email: [email protected] community. Phone: 662-328-3063

Poverty, education, healthcare and A legislature’s role in creating jobs and What I feel needs to happen to improve Tiffany Sturdivant infrastructure are all great challenges recruiting economic development should the state’s education system is to have Age: 27 facing our district. The most important be to obtain the highest quality of life an open dialog that involves students, Occupation: Nurse and the most pressing challenge for this for the community without sacrificing teachers, parents, mentors, along with Education: Columbus High district is to include the community in safety and health of the community. As legislators. We need to talk with our School; East Mississippi dialog about changes they have seen in legislators, we should first research the students to find out what they would Community College; Mississippi the past and changes they’d like to see prospects and their history for benefits, like to focus on learning. Determine University for Women in the future. Create a point of contact pay rate and environmental safety. are they more hands on or do they Political party: Democratic with the collective of the community Next, find out the available educational prefer technical based learning. Political experience: N/A and have an ongoing, open line of programs offered in the community that Offer our educators an incentive for Residence: Columbus communication to make needs known are needed to obtain employment at the innovative ideas that work! Parents Family: N/A and brainstorm new ideas. No one potential business. Then, determine if and mentors help us explore new Email: tsturdivant1987@gmail. knows the district better than the people this opportunity is something that will avenues to progressively bridge the com who live here. benefit this district. Legislature should educational process from school to Phone: 662-609-4976 be well informed and aware of the home. Bring innovative thinking back pros and cons of prospects and make within the program and rely less on discoveries know within the community. standardize testing. Use our past years as references and brainstorm new ideas to improve the system together.

I = incumbent 12 Sunday, July 26, 2015 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

House District 43 Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $10,000 1. What are the biggest 2. What should the 3. How would you address challenges facing your legislature’s role be in creating improving the state’s public district? jobs and recruiting economic education system? Q& A development? Democrat Providing a great education for the The Mississippi Legislature should be Improving public education will be my Paul Millsaps children of my district is my highest supportive of our local leaders’ efforts top priority if I’m elected. And by public Age: 63 priority and the biggest challenge the to grow existing businesses and to education, I mean from Pre-K all the Occupation: Attorney state faces. In fact, a great education recruit new economic development to way through to our community colleges Education: Graduate of for the children of our district and our our district. Government can create a and universities. Starkville High School; B.S.- state is the answer to almost every climate and an attitude where economic We must fully fund our Pre-K through Mississippi State University; challenge Mississippi faces. Starkville development is encouraged and where 12th grade public education system. J.D.-University of Mississippi and Oktibbeha County have a new, businesses can thrive. I’ll work to reduce I’ll be the champion in the Legislature School of Law consolidated school district. I’ll be the the burden of unneeded regulation for the new Starkville-Oktibbeha Political party: Democratic champion in the Legislature for the on the businesses and industries in Consolidated School District to ensure Political experience: N/A new consolidated school district every our area. I’ll work to create a state that the new school district has the Residence: Starkville day that I serve. We must ensure that government that provides certainty resources and support it needs to Family: Married; 3 children; 4 the consolidated Starkville/ Oktibbeha to our businesses in their interaction succeed. Part of having a great public grandchildren County school district has the support with state agencies so businesses can school system that provides a world- Email: [email protected] and resources it needs to achieve great plan for the future. I’ll work with our class education for our children is Phone: 662-323-7001 success. local industrial development leaders having outstanding teachers who are Also, support for Mississippi State to provide specific state support for well paid, so I’ll work hard to have University will be at the top of my businesses and industries that are competitive pay for our teachers. agenda. We must see that MSU gets considering locating in our area. We have a terrific community college the resources it needs to continue the system in Mississippi. I’ll be an advocate great success that it has experienced. for EMCC and all the community colleges. Republican The biggest challenge facing District Without the infrastructure to support Education is the most important issue Loyd B. Rob Roberson 43 is to take advantage of our unique business we will not have the tax base facing our state as a whole. Every II position our community has with to support our other commitments option needs to be put on the table Age: 47 Mississippi State University. So that I like education or Medicaid programs. when discussing education. Funding Occupation: Attorney am not misunderstood, it is not the role Another way that the legislature can increases may very well be part of Education: Graduate of of government to create jobs, however promote economic development is the answer but it is certainly not the Starkville High School; government can do an awful lot to help to continue to encourage public / only part of a complicated problem. Bachelors of Business promote or obstruct job creation. Job private partnerships using Mississippi Teachers must be treated with respect Administration-MSU; Juris creation is as much an art as it is a skill State University as the catalyst for in and out side the class room. Students Doctorate-Mississippi College but to bring this community together development. We are blessed with must be challenged and disciplined Political party: Republican for a common goal is time consuming many natural resources but our most by their teachers as well as their Political experience: Starkville and can take a lot of human as well as valuable resource is our people and parents. Administrations must back up Board of Alderman-5 years; financial capitol. Leadership to bridge there wiliness to work and do what it teachers when issues arise. Teachers House of Representatives, Dist. state and local officials together with takes to get the job done. As a leader must be allowed to teach according 37- 5 years; entrepreneurs will take communication in this community my commitment is to their training and not to a test. The Residence: Starkville and negotiation skills that I have honed to make certain that the most valuable past school year students were tested Family: Married; 4 children for well over a decade. One of the best resource we have has a path way three months because of state and Email: [email protected] ways the legislature promotes business to success whether that be a path federal testing requirements, which took Phone: 662-418-2914 in this or any other community is to to a vocational skill, junior college or valuable class work time away. make certain our highways are properly university. maintained, widened or built where needed.

School consolidation. Create an environment that encourages Let teachers teach. Let’s not force Mac Smith companies to want come to an area like common core on people who know how Age: 54 Starkville and Winston county. One way to do their job. Let’s take a real hard Occupation: Employed at Little to do this is to get big government out of look at budgets and let’s see where the Dooey, Starkville the way. Having a good infrastructure in waste is and get money where it does Education: Graduate of place with a good highway system and each school the most good. Starkville High School; a good workforce in place so that when Attended Wood Jr. College and they do come there are people ready Mississippi State University to go to work. The legislature needs to Political party: Republican make things easier, not burden with so Political experience: N/A many rules and regulations. Residence: Starkville Family: Married; 1 child Email: Smith.district43@gmail. com Phone: N/A

Senate District 17 Term: 4 years, Annual salary: $10,000 Republican (1) Reduction of our entitlement Jobs refuel growth. The legislature We should begin to fully fund our Robert A. Patrick Jr. programs for those that are able should be comprised of men and education budget. Our teachers are in Age: 68 to work, but choose not to do so. women with good common sense and need of a pay raises, yet we continue Occupation: Retired State Farm Instituting a drug screening test to a keen and thorough business sound to pay our teachers much less than we Insurance Agency Owner those currently receiving welfare or enough to be able to start their business pay our superintendents and we have Education: B.A. in political seeking to apply for welfare benefits and grow their business during the slow more school superintendents that we science-Mississippi State would be a good place to begin our period of every business cycle. Startup do counties. Obviously we have to have University task of only paying benefits to the truly costs almost always requires some qualified administrators running our Political party: Republican worthy. The State of Florida has already financing and our state must recognize school systems, but it is time we focus Political experience: N/A adopted and begun such a program as that to attract companies to our state, on our teachers because they are the Residence: Columbus this. (2) Continued economic growth we have to work through the process ones that control the educational destiny Family: Married; 3 children; 9 in Lowndes and Monroe County in of helping with loans, tax incentives, of our children. Our children’s skill levels grandchildren order that everyone who wants a ob location, and the infrastructure must be brought up to the point where Email: bobbypatrick4@gmail. has an opportunity to find one. (3) all businesses require. Then too, we can compete with every state and com Adequate education funding and the sometimes waivers must be obtained country on planet Earth. That requires Phone: 662-327-3992 abolishment of Common Core, now from the EPA and other governmental an uptick in our language, arts, science renamed Mississippi College and bureaucracies and we must be fully and math skills. It is my thought that if Career Readiness Standards. (4) True committed to help our businesses we empower our teachers to teach what conservative leadership that will be overcome such hurdles they may face they have been trained to teach and if totally responsible and accountable to as long as there is no endangerment to we discipline the unruly students that our constituency and vote the needs the population. interrupt the teaching experience, our and the will of our district accordingly. student would be more well educated. Republican Creating jobs and protecting the ones This world we live in is very small, Republican leadership has increased Charles “Chuck” we already have. We are so lucky to since we have all this technology at education by more than $400 million Younger (I) have our universities close by teaching our fingertips. We’re not just competing dollars. That’s more than has ever Age: 54 high tech, high skilled jobs, and we with our surrounding states anymore. been invested. Legislature has passed Occupation: Farmer/Rancher are also very blessed to have Joe Max Through workforce training and reforms to increase administrative Education: Heritage Academy; Higgins and his LINK team, they have infrastructure programs we can and accountability, improve literacy skills EMCC; MSU put the Golden Triangle on the map, will compete. If we are asked for help, and give teachers a pay raise. All of our Political party: Republican not only in our great state, but in our I believe the state should invest in its education from kindergarten to college Political experience: Served in country. people and communities. (Incentives is critical to our economic success. I Senate, 1 session are must!) believe if our revenue grows we will be Residence: Lowndes County able to continue increased funding for Family: Married; 3 children the schools. Email: cyounger@senate. ms.gov Phone: 662-251-3432

I = incumbent