2015-08-03

Democratic Sample Ballot

Republican Sample Ballot

Primary election one of the busiest in years

On Tuesday, voters across Jones County will go to the polls for the Republican and Democratic primary elections. This is one of the most crowded primary fields in recent memory with more than 50 candidates on the ballot — and that is not counting statewide offices.

To advance to the Nov. 3 general election, a candidate needs to receive 50 percent plus one vote cast. If no candidate receives the requisite number of votes to advance, the top two vote-getters will advance to the primary runoff elections on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Mississippi has an open primary system whereby voters do not need to declare themselves Democratic or Republican. However, if a voter casts a ballot for a Republican in the Aug. 4 primary, they cannot then choose to vote in a Democratic runoff, and vice versa.

Voters who do not cast a ballot on Aug. 4 will be allowed to cast a ballot for either Democratic or Republican in the Aug. 25 runoff.

Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. A complete listing of polling places is to your right. However, anyone with questions about where to cast a ballot can contact the Jones County Circuit Clerk’s Office at 601-425-2556. Voters must have a photo ID and be registered to vote.

In early July, candidates for all offices were given a questionnaire to submit outlying their positions on topics that will affect the voters of Jones County. Not all chose to participate, which is a candidate’s right. However, every candidate had an equal opportunity to participate.

The Laurel Leader-Call will have in-depth coverage on Tuesday that can be found on both Facebook and the LLC’s website.

VOTING PRECINCTS: North Laurel, 3217 Audubon Drive •  Shady Grove Community Center, Highway 15 North, Laurel • Sharon, 924 Sharon-Moss Road, Laurel • Big Creek, 6518 Highway 84 West, Laurel • Calhoun, 5195 Highway 84 West, Laurel • Centerville, Dusty Road, Soso • Parkview Baptist Church,  930 N. 10th Ave., Laurel •  Gitano, Spillway Road, Taylorsville • Hebron, Highway 84 West, Taylorsville • Matthews, Matthews Road, Laurel • Pleasant Ridge, Holly Road, Laurel • Soso, Highway 28 West, Soso •  Springhill/Mauldin Center, Springhill Road, Laurel • Erata, Erata Road, Laurel •  Glade, Dogleg Road, Laurel • Myrick Community Center, Lower Myrick Road, Laurel • Powers Community Center, Howse Road, Laurel • Ovett, Upper Ovett Road, Ovett •  Rustin, Poole Creek Road, Laurel • Sandersville Community Center, Hawkeʼs Road, Sandersville •  Tuckers Crossing, Orange Drive, Laurel • Antioch, Antioch Road, Laurel •  Blackwell, Oak Bowery Road, Ellisville • George Harrison Building, 206 Church St., Ellisville • Johnson Community Center,  Lyon Ranch Road, Ellisville • Landrum, Highway 15 South, Ovett •  Moselle, Moselle Road, Moselle •  Pine Grove, Highway 590, Ellisville • Rainey, Rainey Road, Moselle • Sand Hill, Sand Hill Church Road, Ellisville •  Shelton, Monroe Road, Moselle • Union, 2869 Augusta Road, Ellisville • First Assembly of God, Highway 11, Ellisville • Magnolia Center, Ellisville Boulevard, Laurel • L T Ellis Center, Victoria Avenue, Laurel • Oak Park School, Taylor Street, Laurel • Currie, Currie Road, Ellisville

All candidates were asked to participate in the voter guide. All answers are printed as they were submitted by the candidates. An asterick (*) beside a candidateʼs name indicates an incumbent seeking re-election.

CHANCERY CLERK

Qualifications: Must be qualified elector in the county where the office is being sought and pay a $15 qualifying fee

Duties: Serves as the clerk for the Board of Supervisors and Chancery Court, maintaining their records; elected to a four-year term

Salary: $92,000 base plus fees

Gavin, Myrick for chancery clerk



Bart Gavin (R)
Age: 49
Background: 24 years experience as a public servant in Jones County serving with the Department of Human Services, The USDA Soil Conservation Service, as a teacher and administrator with the Jones County School District, and as your Circuit Clerk for the last 71⁄2 years.



Wayne Myrick (R)
Age: 57
Background: 12 yrs as a Senior Accountant/Auditor of State Audit Dept., auditing County Courthouse books, including Chancery Clerk offices. 12 yrs experience (8 yrs as Circuit Clerk & 4 yrs as Chancery Clerk). 33 yrs in Army/ Air National Guard. Graduate, West Jones , JCJC, Univ. of Miss. (Accounting degree). Lifelong church family is Pleasant Home Baptist Church

1.) What are the most pressing issues or problems in the office you are seeking?

Gavin: The Chancery Clerk’s office produces mass amounts of records; such as Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Board of Supervisor minutes, Chancery Court records, delinquent tax records, homestead, and others. Therefore, it is a pressing issue to be addressed as to how to properly archive and maintain records.

Myrick: The Chancery Clerk serves as the Clerk of the Chancery Court (a court of equity), by attending court, keeping minutes of court proceedings, maintaining the case files/ records of the court, issuing process and handling clerical/accountability details in administration of estates. He maintains: divorce records, adoption records, estate matters (wills, claims, etc.), records military discharges, proper filing, recording and indexing land records, including deeds, deeds of trust, oil, gas and mineral leases. The Chancery Clerk works with and helps the Board of Supervisors as their Clerk. He is responsible for installation and maintenance of a system of financial accounting as prescribed by State Audit Dept. The Chancery Clerk by law is the County Treasurer/Comptroller, responsible for receipting county revenues and disbursement of al warrants. By state law, the Chancery Clerk is the official County Auditor, wherein he is required to audit and examine all county offices pertaining to monies coming due the general fund. Based on his findings, as County Auditor, he meets with and files

a written report, under oath, to the Grand Jury. Wayne Myrick’s 12 years as a state auditor, auditing chancery clerks, plus 4 years as Chancery Clerk provides a good foundation.

2.) Outline your goals for the office you are seeking.

Gavin: We are currently using a private vendor for electronic filing and scanning of Chancery Court cases. I plan to implement the State electronic filing system which will save money by doing away with the private vendor charge. I will continue the task of moving the office into the 21st century by implementing the latest technology such as scanning and digital storage where applicable and cost effective. I will strive to provide the Chancery Clerk’s staff with a professional friendly environment that is beneficial to them in doing their jobs.

Myrick: As the Chancery Clerk is custodian of all land records, Wayne Myrick will continue to seek adequate and safe space for the storing and preservation of land records, as well as all permanent public documents. We will continue to efficiently modernize the Chancery Clerk department and continue the computerization of records and dockets, always keeping the taxpayers in mind. I’m proud of Jones County, and I remain committed to you. Another top priority would be to continue to provide the taxpayers with a very efficient, capable, helpful, and always courteous staff of deputy clerks, who work as a team and make every effort possible to accommodate the publics needs, in this important office of public trust.

3.) Why should voters cast their ballot for you?

Gavin: I have the necessary temperament, character, experience, and integrity needed to be your Chancery Clerk. I sincerely want to thank the people of Jones County for the trust you placed in me by allowing me to be your circuit clerk for the last 7-1/2 years. I know the job belongs to you the people of Jones County. I have not and will not betray that trust. I earnestly ask you to review my record as circuit clerk and promote me to the office of chancery clerk.

Myrick: Similar when shopping, the shopper is looking for the best value. I’m sure we’re not perfect, and life experiences have taught me not to place myself above no-one; I feel I can offer the best value. It’s important to have the right man with the right qualifications as Chancery Clerk. 12 years as a Senior Accountant/Auditor, with State Audit department auditing county courthouses, plus, 12 years as Circuit and Chancery Clerk is the solid qualifications I have to offer. Besides having a working knowledge of the Chancery office, thru working as a state auditor; I know how all courthouse offices interrelate. Please consider my qualifications/experience: Wayne Myrick is committed to service; I’ve served our country (33 years Army/Air National Guard), served our state (12 years as a state auditor, auditing county courthouses) and served our great county (12 years circuit/chancery clerk). Equally important as qualifications, I pledge respectful always courteous service; believing in success the ole-fashioned way — thru honesty, handwork, good management and being a friend. Please remember, with Wayne Myrick, Chancery Clerk, you’ll always have a friend (someone you can talk to) at the courthouse. I want to help. I ask for your vote.

CIRCUIT CLERK

Qualifications: Must be qualified elector in the county where the office is being sought and pay a $15 qualifying fee

Duties: The circuit clerk is the chief officer of the Circuit Court and the chief elections officer of the county; serves a four-year term

Salary: $140,000 (2014)

Three challenging for circuit clerk position



Concetta Brooks (R)
Age: 60
Background:
I have over 11-1/2 years experience as a Deputy Clerk in the Circuit and Chancery clerks offices. I am now serving as your Chancery Clerk. I was elected to the position last November to complete the vacated position by the former clerk.

Ryan Griffin (R)
Age: 37
Background:
I have 15 years of management and marketing experience and am the current General Manager of the IMPACT. I have been involved in the political process since I was six years old, working with candidates. I have served on the Jones County Republican Executive Committee and was a candidate for District 88 Representative in 1999.

Becky Firment Stewart (R)
Age: 53
Background: 32 Years of professional employment with the past 11 years as a school administrator in the Jones County School District. I have also worked for Physicianʼs Mutual Insurance Company and Family Dental Clinic of Laurel. I am currently employed as a Site Supervisor of teacher and administrator candidates for Grand Canyon University. I also have extensive experience in financial management including budgets, grants and federal funding sources. I was the first Republican woman to seek the office of Circuit Clerk in 2007 and was narrowly defeated in General Election. I have also been actively involved in campaigning for candidates on the local and state level as a long standing member of the Jones County Republican Women.

1.) What are the most pressing issues or problems in the office you are seeking?

Brooks: Space. With the number of cases that have been opened in the Circuit and County Courts as well as the Youth Court, it has been an ongoing and difficult task for many years to find adaqente space to house these files. Many court files have had to be relocated to an offsite location in order to allow for new cases to be housed. All court files are part of the history of Jones County and they play a vital role in maintaining and preserving historical information. It is crucial that these files remain in good condition. On many occasions attorneys have needed to refer to older cases for various reasons. It is the duty of the clerk to maintain these files and have them accessible to these attorneys as well as the public.

Griffin: Easily accessible information is one of the issues I want to address as your Circuit Clerk. The importance of jury duty, voter registration and election information should always be reinforced by our Circuit Clerk. When information is easy to access, using a variety of formats, it will guarantee more participation from our citizens as well as more knowledgeable voters.

Stewart: One issue I have been questioned about is Voter ID. In November 2011, more than 62% of Mississippians approved a citizen-initiated Constitutional Amendment which requires eligible voters to present a photo ID before casting a ballot in person at the polls or in the Circuit Clerk’s office. All Mississippi Circuit Clerks are now authorized to issue MS Voter Identification cards to all Mississippi registered voters who do not have any other acceptable forms of photo ID. Considering that we now have to produce photo identification in most places, I feel that producing a photo to vote ensures that our personal vote has been cast and not abused by another.

2.) Outline goals for the office being sought?

Brooks: My goals for the circuit clerks office is to move forward with the technology that is available, and hopefully begin electronic filing of all court documents. This would alleviate the problems with space for maintaining court files as well as making it more convenient for all involved in the cases. This would reduce our need for additional filing space and would be very cost efficient. I also look forward to working with the election commissioners and assisting them in updating information that is vital in maintaining our voter rolls. Our 2010 census numbers changed in some areas of the county which required some district and beat lines to be moved due to an increase or decrease in certain areas.

Griffin: As your Circuit Clerk I want to make this office more visible, so everyone understands the important role it plays in their lives. I will work with schools and organizations to reiterate the importance of voter registration and participation. Using electronic, print and social media I will work to get the most accurate and current information to the people of Jones County. I also want to ensure we provide the best possible service to the taxpayers of Jones County.

Stewart: Two focus points that I would like to address as Circuit Clerk would include: Raising a new generation of voters by educating our children and future generations on voting rights, the process of voting, and articulating how voting and other forms of civic involvement are essential to a healthy democracy and Bridging the communication gap with voters by being a visible and accessible asset to the community and providing timely information on registration, elections and the judicial process.

3.) Why should voters cast their ballot for you?

Brooks: I am seeking the office of Circuit Clerk, and with my past 12-1/2 years of “hands on” experience, I feel that I am the most informed and qualified candidate for my race. My experience as your interim Chancery Clerk has helped me gain invaluable knowledge and experience in managing and leading this office. On August 4, you, the voters will have the task of hiring your next Circuit Clerk. I ask that you consider my experience and willingness to serve this county when you go to the polls and vote. Please vote Concetta Brooks for Circuit Clerk.

Griffin: Service to our community is always something I have felt led to do. From volunteering in the church to my involvement in the Kiwanis Club, as a volunteer soccer coach and service on the United Way of the Pine Belt Executive Committee, serving others is a key part of my family’s life. As your Circuit Clerk I will remember that I am a public servant and my role is to serve the people of Jones County. I will always treat everyone with the respect that I would want and you would want.

It would be one of the greatest honors to have the opportunity to serve my friends and neighbors in Jones County as your Circuit Clerk. Stewart: I am a hard working, dedicated, sincere person of integrity who will make sure that all the people are served equally and fairly. I am the only candidate with over 32 years of proven, professional work experience and leadership. I am a firm believer in giving back to our community. The experience of volunteer work has allowed me to gain valuable insight while serving many agencies such as the Laurel Lions Club, the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, and the United Way of the Pine Belt. I would consider it a privilege to serve the citizens of Jones County  I am certain that with my educational background, my thirty-two years of professional work experience, and my strong leadership skills, I will be an asset to the office and the people of Jones County.

CONSTABLE

Qualifications for constable: Must be a qualified elector in the county and district where the office is being sought and pay $10 qualifying fee.

Duties: To keep and preserve the peace of the county by aiding and assisting in executing the criminal laws of the state for the justice courts of the district; elected to four-year terms

Salary: $1,880 base salary plus $35 per paper served

2014 compensation: District 1: $66,280 District 2: $42,515 District 3: $28,840

Eight seeking election as constable for District 1

David L. Peterson (R)
Age: 27
Background: Provided security for local businesses in the Jones County area as the owner of Southern Security Services.

James Stiglet (R)
Age: 37
Background: I have over 13 years of law enforcement experience. I am a State Certified Law Enforcement Officer and have worked almost every position from Patrol to Investigator.

Mike Sumrall (R)
Age: 41
Background: 18 years law enforcement – Patrol, Investigator, US Federal Marshal-fugitive task force, former Chief of Police, Probation, and Parole Officer

Howard Chandler  (R), Tom “Captain”  Eason (R), Russell  Jones (D), David  Peterson (R), Chris  Prince (R), and Bill  Smith (D), did not  respond to this  survey.

1.) What are the most pressing issues or problems in the office you are seeking?

Peterson: In the past constables primarily have held this position while also holding a full time job and have not devoted their time to properly fulfill the title of constable.

Stiglet: The current Constable is not seeking re-election so a new Constable for District 1 will be elected this year.

Sumrall: I have no issues or problems with the office I am seeking.

2.) Outline your goals for the office you are seeking.

Peterson: As constable I will dedicate my time solely to the office of constable. I will serve processes as well as patrol my district to provide additional security to the people of Jones County.

Stiglet: If elected my goal for the office of Constable – Jones County District 1 is to serve with professionalism and integrity. I will also make myself available to the citizens when needed. I will serve all process and warrants in a timely and professional manner while being a visible presence in District 1 by patrolling.

Sumrall: To serve as your full time constable and to be available to all citizens in district one area. I will also be dedicated to serving all process in a timely manner.

3.) Why should voters cast their ballot for you?

Peterson: If elected I pledge to serve the people of Jones County fairly and professionally. I will be a full-time constable available at all times. I am honest, and hard working and will serve all processes in a timely and professional manner. I will be active daily in providing additional law enforcement presence in our county and in our school zones. Thank you for your vote and support.

Stiglet: I believe I am the most qualified candidate for this position. I have over 13 years of experience in law enforcement and during my career I have worked as a Patrolman, K9 Officer, Sergeant, and Investigator. I began my career in law enforcement in 2001 as a Corrections Officer for the Forrest County Sheriff’s Department. In 2004 I became a State Certified Law Enforcement Officer and began working for the Laurel Police Department. Then in 2008 I left Laurel Police Department and began working for the Jones County Sheriff’s Department. I now want to be your next Constable for District 1, your vote would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your consideration.

Sumrall: I am a lifelong resident of Jones County with 18 years of Law Enforcement

experience. I have years of experience dealing with the public in criminal and civil matters. I understand and have knowledge of what it takes to serve as your constable.

Three seeking nod for District 2 constable

LeʼByron Okeith Jackson (R)
Age: 28
Background: Full-time Police Officer with the Petal Police Department, Part-time Police Officer with the Sumrall Police Department.

*Larry Strickland
Age: 66
Background: The past 4 years as District 2ʼs constable and court bailiff. Graduated from the police academy several years ago, also entered the Sandersville Police Training Academy program after becoming constable as a refreshment course voluntarily. 30+ years of experience in law enforcement in Jones and Smith counties serving as jailer, policeman, deputy, and constable

Ronald “Ronny” Sumrall
Age: 63
Background: I retired as a lieutenant with the Laurel Police Department after twenty years of service. Currently, I am serving as School Resource Officer with the Jones County Schools. Also, I am a Reserve Deputy with the Jones County Sheriffʼs Department.

1.) What are the most pressing issues or problems in the office you are seeking?

Jackson: My decision to run for office did not stem from my own personal political aspirations. It was inspired from listening to the voice of the people of Jones County. Residents have expressed to me that they are dissatisfied. They tell me they are tired of papers not being delivered in a timely manner. They tell me they are tired of a lack of professionalism. Their concerns are my concerns, and addressing those concerns is the driving force behind my run for constable. If I am elected, I will make sure that all the duties of the office are fulfilled in a way that will make the people of Jones County proud.

Strickland: Serving papers in a timely manner has always been the primary job for the county’s constables and I not only have done so very promptly, but also do so in a very respectful, courteous, and professional manner resulting in special requests for my particular services. I have never refused to serve any of my papers or turned any special requests away.

Sumrall: The main duty of the Jones County Constables is to serve all process papers issued to him by the Justice Court, Chancery Court, and Circuit Court. The most pressing issue I am aware of is the timely service of all papers. Sometimes, it is difficult for elected Constables to serve people with process papers because of the effects it may have on the subjects receiving them. A few reasons a person might receive papers are subpoenas, misdemeanor violations or evictions notices.

2.) Outline your goals for the office being sought.

Jackson: My goal is to restore the trust and respect of the people. There should never be any doubt that important documents will be delivered in a timely and professional manner. To gain that trust, I must invest time getting to know the people and letting them get to know me. During an election, political candidates tend to make a lot of promises. Many voters have become jaded from speeches that sounded great but turned out to be nothing but more than noise. I want people to know my words are more than campaign rhetoric. If given the chance, I intend to show through my actions how much I value integrity and fairness. I want to improve community relations. I want the people of Jones County to know they can feel comfortable coming to me with questions and concerns. Above all, I want people to know I will always follow my sworn duty which is to uphold the law.

Strickland: My goals for this office will remain the same: do the job with integrity, honor, be trustworthy, respectful, dependable, and prompt

Sumrall: I will fulfill the requirements and duties of Constable of Jones County by keeping and preserving the peace within the county by faithfully aiding and assisting in executing the criminal laws of the state, attending Justice Court when in session, executing all judgments in any criminal cases before the court and to execute all processes directed to me by any county, Chancery Court, Circuit Court, and Justice Court. I will continue to have a strong working relationship with the other Law Enforcement Agencies within Jones County.

3.) Why should voters cast their ballot for you?

Jackson: The reason I get up every day and put on the uniform is because I want to make Jones County a safe place to live for my children and for your children. If elected Constable of Jones District 2, I promise to serve to the best of my abilities. Again

my campaign is about “SETTING HIGHER STANDARDS” and protecting the citizens of Jones County. I am Honest, Trustworthy, and Dependable. Thanks for your prayers and support!

Strickland: I would appreciate re-election as your D2 constable because I feel that anyone that knows me and has dealt with me can vouch for my work ethic, I love my community and go out of my way to keep it safe. Thank you!

Sumrall: I am the most qualified candidate on the Jones County District 2 Constable race. I have forty years of law enforcement experience. The first twenty years was with the Laurel Police Depart- ment and the next twenty were with the Jones County School District, as a School Resource Officer. I promise to treat all people with the respect and dignity that they deserve. Each case I handle will be done so with complete professionals and confidentiality.

Six on ballot for District 3 post

Daniel W. Johnson (R)
Age: 36
Background: I have 14 years of Law Enforcement experience from Corrections to instructor

David Livingston (R)
Age: 43
Background: 10 years deputy K-9 officer with Jones County Sheriff Office, 3 years police officer with Soso pd.

Jim Thornhill (R)
Age: 58
Background: 21 years in law enforcement, currently working with Laurel Police Dept.

Terry Graham (R)
Age: 49
Background: Jones County Schools 28 years, Youth Court Community Service Coordinator 7 years, JCSD Crisis Management Coordinator past 5 years, Currentl Member of the Mississippi Association of Pupil Transportation Board of Directors, Mississippi Safety Review Board, Mississippi Delegate to the Southeastern Transportation Conference and a past Member of the State Minimum Standard Board, appointed by Gov. Phil Bryant to State Safety Task Force 2014.

Ronnie F. Holifield (R), and  *Brian Pace (R)

did not participate in this survey.

1.) What are the most pressing issues or problems in the office you are seeking?

Graham: I think the most pressing issue is becoming a Fixture in the community. Being Pro Active by being seen. The citizens of district three need to know who the constable is and that he’s working for them and from what I’m told by the voters that’s not the case now.

Johnson: The most pressing issues are that over the years we have elected individuals into the office of Constable who have very little or no Law Enforcement experience. The problem this creates is having a Peace Officer who does not have the knowledge of the Law or how to handle situations that may arise. In the times that we are living in, with Law Enforcement under the microscope, we need men and women who are knowledgeable of the job, not just a good Ole boy.

Livingston: Visibility & communication. Our community needs that liaison to communicate to local law enforcement on current issues in the community. I will be the voice for the people.

Thornhill: Under state law once elected the only thing required of a Constable is to be in Court while the while the district Judge is hearing cases. This means if a Constable does not serve court process (papers) he/she cannot be forced to serve said documents or be held in contempt by the court and this is a major issue. The position of Constable is a part time job and state law does not require any law enforcement training or prior experience to be elected. This is an issue for liability reasons as a Constable has the same powers under law as a County Deputy but is not supervised by the Sheriff or other local law enforcement agency.

2.) Outline your goals for the office being sought.

Graham: First off I want to make sure our subpoenas, evictions, and garnishments are served in a timely manner. I want to be a presence around our buses, schools, and our community. I want to better serve and protect our elderly and be someone the people can rely on. The safety of our children and the citizens of District 3 are very important to me. My overall goal is to increase the effectiveness of the Constable Position by being visible and available to the public.

Johnson: If elected I plan to work alleviate the back log in our court systems, by serving the process in a timely manner in all areas of my district. I will work closely with other Law Enforcement agencies through out Jones county as needed to protect life and property. I will also work closely with our schools to ensure safety checks are being made on those locations that do not have school Resource Officers.

Livingston: More visible law enforcement in community. Liaison between community and sheriff office. Community ill have access to me 24/7 and not just part time. If the community has a problem and nothing get’s done, I will be the voice for district # 3.

Thornhill: Once elected, I plan to: 1.) Be responsible to and build a good working relation with the citizens and businesses in the district. 2.) Perform ALL the duties required of the office. 3.) Serve all court process (papers) in a timely manner. 4.) Be available to help other law enforcement when needed. 5.) Regular checks around the county schools.

3.) Why should voters cast their ballot for you?

Graham: One of my duties is mapping bus routes for the district, therefore I know the county better than the other candidates. The incumbent and most challengers have full time jobs. My job will combine well with the Constable position. I am already out in District 3 communities and around our schools and high traffic areas on a daily basis as opposed to a couple hours a day. I have dedicated my career to the safety of our children, schools and communities. I can improve the office by being proactive instead of reactive, being seen and available if the citizens of district 3 need me. I ask the citizens of District 3 where their Constable will be in a Crisis? Will he be available? Experience will not matter if someone is not there. I WILL BE THERE. The Constable position pays on a commission basis, however I feel if papers are delivered in a timely manner people will be at their scheduled court date and more money can be collected from fines and fees. If elected, I will not forget that I serve the voters of District 3 and my attitude will reflect this always. There will be no power trip post-election.

Johnson: I am a life long resident of Jones county. A family man who puts God 1st in my life, followed by my Wife and Children. I care about the future of Jones county and the lives of young people. If elected, I promise to serve with the same integrity and professionalism as I have for 14 Years. I come from a family of Law Enforcement Officers like my Father Bobby Johnson and my Grandfather the Late Bill Brownlee, who taught me to treat everyone the same way that I would want them to treat me and to handle every situation with dignity and respect

Livingston: I have the experience and the training that is needed to advise the citizens as to what is necessary to maintain a safe community to raise our kids and grandchildren. Today more than ever we need more trained officers visible in our community to deter crime and advise citizens in civil matters.

Thornhill: I am the only candidate that is a working full-time law enforcement officer. I first served from 1994 as a Jones County Deputy until 2001 and since 2002 I have been with LPD. I have full state full-time certification in law enforcement with more than 1200 hours of training and 21 years on the job experience. I will be an asset.

CORONER

Qualifications: Must be 21 and a qualified elector in the county and district where the office is being sought and pay $10 qualifying fee

Duties: The chief medical examiner/ investigator of the county is responsible for issuing declarations of death and ordering and reporting results of autopsies in cases requiring such action; elected to four-year terms

Salary: $85 per death call/ 2014 total compensation: $50,950

3 on ballot for coroner

Nancy Barnett
Age: 67
Background: Married to the late George Barnett; 29 yrs as registers nurse – 14-1/2 years as Coroner

Ernest Hollingsworth
Age: 59
Background: Being a paramedic and able to pronounce death

Phyllis Welch Pitts
Age: 59
Background: Hospital, Clinic & Nursing Home settings for 14 years

1.) What are the most pressing issues or problems in the office you are seeking?

Barnett: Getting reports from autopsies & toxicology; we must have those reports to do death certificates – families have to have certified death certificates for business affairs

Hollingsworth: Getting reports on autopsy & tox in a timely manner to determine some causes of death

Pitts: Due to health issue of present coroner, I feel she is not filling her obligation required of her.

2.) Outline your goals for the office being sought.

Barnett: Continue to respond to calls in timely manner; death certificates turned in promply; Handle all death calls with dignity and professionalism

Hollingsworth: I would like to take what we have at the present time, enhance it, get a system online network with the law enforcement agencies fire dept. and other coroners and EMS offices.

Pitts: If I am elected your next coroner, I will be on the job 24-7 to assist Law Enforcement such as, Sheriff, Police, Fire Dept. and Volunteers.

3.) Why should voters cast their ballot for you?

Barnett: Experience as coroner for 14-1/2 years. All families will be treated with respect and dignity.

Hollingsworth: I have the ability & determination to take our coroner’s office to the next level and give the people of Jones County the Quality system they deserve

Pitts: Because I am honest, hard working and compassionate. Your loved ones will be treated with respect & dignity as deserved. I will be available any time to answer questions because everyone deserves an answer.

JUSTICE COURT JUDGE

Qualifications: Must be a qualified elector and a resident of the county and district where the office is being sought for two years preceding the day of the election; must complete the course of training required by law within six months of beginning term; pay $10 qualifying fee

Duties: Justice court judges have civil and criminal jurisdiction of all actions where the principal of the debt, amount of the demand or value of the property sought to be recovered is $2,500 or less; serves a four-year term

Salary: $44,700

2 trying for Justice Court District 3

*David Lyons (R)
Age: 71
Background: 50 yrs. Experience in the Criminal
Justice System; 26 yrs. Law Enforcement, 24 yrs. Judicial Officer-Judge

Marian Allen (D)
Age: 49
Background: I have a B.A. Sociology (Tugaloo College) Master of Social Work (Augsburg College) Licensed Master Social Worker for the State of MS (M5242) Paralegal studies (JCJC and Washington Institute). My array of work experience Evangelist, court social worker, paralegal services, mental health, chemical dependency, hospice (home health) social worker, and trauma focused therapist.

1.) What are the most pressing issues or problems in the office you are seeking?

Allen: The most pressing issue in the community is drugs. I believe that the inception of a Family Drug Court could provide intervention for citizens who abuse drugs and alcohol before escalating to the felony level thereby reducing crime in Jones County. The Family Drug Court provide access to continuum of “family” centered and trauma informed resources including alcohol, drugs and other related treatment rehabilitation services as well as mental health, family violence, and other family centered services. Today the drug court movement continues to spread throughout the country. For example the Veteran’s Treatment Courts are adapting to the needs of our heroes from the armed services, who sometimes have difficulty adjusting to life at home or coping with combat related stress and my become involved in the justice system. The drug court provide the treatment and structure they need to resume productive live. Family Drug Court has the success of healing an entire family not one individual. Drug court has transformed many lives.

Lyons: I feel the most pressing issues at this time are the unpaid fines and also the handling of filed court cases in a timely manner.

2.) Outline your goals for the office being sought.

Allen: My goal is to administer justice without respect of person, and to do equal rights to the poor and rich and I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform the all duties as prescribed under the laws of Constitution and the State of Mississippi.

Lyons: I would like to see a reduction in the amount of unpaid fines. I feel all of our goals should be to work together with law enforcement to make Jones County a safer place to live and visit. I would also like to see all papers filed in Justice Court served in a timely manner.

3.) Why should voters cast their ballot for you?

Allen: The justice court is the People’s Court and because it’s usually the first court exposure for citizens; the law should be administered with compassion, integrity and justice for ALL. I will be a servant for the People of Jones County.

Lyons: I feel I have the education and experience necessary to do the job I graduated from Laurel High School, am a graduate of Jones County Junior College with an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement and also graduated from University of Southern Miss. with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. I have 50 years criminal justice experience: 26 years law enforcement and 24 years as Justice court Judge. I have certification by the National Judicial College in Reno, NV and am certified by the Mississippi Judicial College.

2 vying for Justice Court District 2 job

*Billie J. Graham (R)
Age: 62
Background: Currently serving as Justice Court Judge; lawyer for 38 years, working in private practice as well as in the capacity of public defender in Justice Court and Youth Court in Jones County.

Sonny Saul (R)
Age: 57
Background: Retired state trooper 25- plus years experience

1.) What are the most pressing

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