The following is a Question-and-Answer column with the candidates who are running for the office of Jones County supervisor. A Q&A form was sent to each of the candidates, but a few did not respond, some of which included the independent candidates who will not appear on the ballot until November.
Sitting supervisors Danny Roy Spradley (Beat 2) and Jerome Wyatt (Beat 5) both made decisions to not seek reelection this year.
Five questions were sent to each supervisor candidate. Their responses will appear by Beat (1-5) and by the order the candidates appeared on the 2019 Qualifying Candidates list obtained from the Jones County Circuit Clerk’s Office. The updated list from the Circuit Clerk’s Office reveals that Gary D. Blackledge (Beat 2) and George Clark (Beat 5) withdrew from their respective supervisor races. The responses from each candidate was limited, due to space constraints in the paper.
From Beat 2, Michael Phillips chose to not participate in this voter forum.
Please remember to vote on Tuesday, August 6, and then remember to vote again on Tuesday, August 27, if there are any run-offs in Jones County.
Beat 2
Question 1: “Why are you running for the office of supervisor in Jones County?”
*Chad Boykin (R) response: The people in Beat 2 deserve a change. I want a chance to get in there and see how I can make things better. I think everyone is tired of our time and money being wasted and not seeing much progress.
*T. Larry Dykes response: I, T. Larry Dykes, am running for supervisor of Beat 2 Jones County for one reason and that is to help the people of not only Beat 2 but all the people of Jones County. Every vote that any of the supervisors make concerning tax dollars not only affects the people in their beat but the people of Jones County. I am not running for this office for the glory of the title. This is a very serious and important position that affects all of the people, we are all taxed to the limit. It is time for this to stop!
*Mike A. Bush (R) response: As a lifelong resident of Jones County, I am invested in the future prosperity and growth of the county for my children and their children. I am running because of the situation with the bridges, conditions with the roads and the increase in property taxes. Also, the budget keeps increasing with what seems to be little or no upgrades to the condition of the county.
*Ronnie Herrington (I) response: I am running for Supervisor Beat 2 because of the following reasons: I’ll be dedicated to the taxpayers of Beat 2; I was born and raised in Beat 2; I am a member of the Indian Springs Baptist Church; I am a family man; I am honest and dependable; I understand that our future lies in the hands of our children; and I have experience, presently serving as an elected member of the Jones County School Board for the past seven years.
*Richy H. Seals (R) response: Because of my experience as a business owner running multiple companies and having to budget, organize and lead people. It’s something that is sorely needed on the Board of Supervisors.
*Mike Strickland (R) response: To be that person to work and bring results to all the people of Beat 2 and Jones County. From the boardroom to the roads we drive on. For me, this is not about a political party but simply about someone that will deliver results for everyone. I believe we need someone that can relate to the people on a personal level and not a political level all the time. I’ll work hard to provide positive results for everyone.
Question 2: “If elected what will be your first priority for the voters of Jones County?”
*Chad Boykin (R) response: Our roads and bridges for starters will be a top priority. We’ve had a less than smooth past few years with this issue, and something has got to give. I travel down certain roads in Jones County that look like they haven’t been bush hogged in years. There are roads with no striping on the sides and center lane. I spoke with an elderly couple that said they could not attend church at night, because they couldn’t see to drive home on their road because there was no striping on it. Sometimes it’s the small things for some that really makes a difference. I also plan to look into ways to lower the taxes in Jones County as well. I think this is another major concern for the people and myself for that matter.
*T. Larry Dykes response: I learned a long time ago not to say what you are going or not going to do or not do. Do not, and I repeat, do not make promises that you know you can’t keep. But that is what politicians do I am not a politician and never have been! My first priority if elected is to listen to people and their concerns. The people that elected you to this office have a voice also; they pay the taxes. All of the money that is received from the taxpayers of Jones County should be spent wisely. That will be my first priority!
*Mike A. Bush (R) response: My first priority from day one in office will be to serve the people of Jones county by addressing the current condition of infrastructure and needs of the taxpayers in Beat 2. Then I will present a responsible strategy for updating and making improvements to the county. I will investigate the job performance of current employees and their qualifications/work experience to make sure we are utilizing their skills properly.
*Ronnie Herrington (I) response: My first priority is to make sure that all our roads are safe to travel in Beat 2 to keep from damaging automobiles and school buses.
*Richy H. Seals (R) response: My first priority would be to study and realign the budget so that we may offer better services for the citizens of Jones County.
*Mike Strickland (R) response: My first priority will be to hire a qualified road foreman to lead our road crew due to the retirement of the current one. Once completed, my goal will be to review our budget. I will be seeking areas of opportunity, making sure every cent of the taxpayers’ money is being spent with a purpose.
Question 3: “Do you think the road and bridge issue in Jones County has been handled as well as possible by the current Board of Supervisors? Why or why not?”
*Chad Boykin (R) response: No I do not, and I feel like the people of Jones County would agree. It’s hard for me to understand how our bridges got in such bad shape before being worked on in the first place. I’d like to see a plan go into effect for thorough routine inspections of our roads and bridges with accountability being a main factor.
*T. Larry Dykes response: If this problem with the bridges in Jones County had been handled as it should have been, then why are we in the shape we are in? So that tells me that over the last forty or fifty years that it has not been handled as it should have been. You can only white-wash it so long before it falls in and hurts someone, possibly a bus load of school children. This bridge issue has been brought before the Jones County Board of Supervisors many times in the past years. I know because I was there in the board meetings!
*Mike A. Bush (R) response: I don’t think that the current Board of Supervisors has handled the road and bridge issue very well. They knew there was bad piling under the bridges and elected to either not fix them or simply place “band aids” on them. It was not until after the inspection when the bridges were shut down that they truly addressed the issue. If we had knowledge of the roads and bridges being unsafe, then there needed to be a plan of action to make sure the citizens are safe when traveling our beautiful county.
*Ronnie Herrington (I) response: I do not believe the road/bridge issue has been handled in the appropriate manner. There is more to repairing a bridge and roads than having a service agreement with Jones County. Beat 2 needs to have experienced and insured contractors to handle these situations. Taxpayers need to understand at the closure of these projects they must pass state and local inspections. Due to this process, we must use contractors that are well versed in this type work.
*Richy H. Seals (R) response: 3.) Very simply the Board of Supervisors got themselves into a bit of a pickle with the bridges; they could have used much more foresight and minimized the problems they had. The lack of leadership equals poor p1anning. Plan ahead!
*Mike Strickland (R) response: Without knowing all the inside details, it is hard for me to give an educated answer on how this was handled. I’m not one to assume or go by hearsay, so in all fairness I will leave it at that.
Question 4: “If the next elected sheriff of Jones County asks for an increase in his budget to help protect the citizens of Jones County, how will you handle that request if you are elected supervisor?”
*Chad Boykin (R) response: Safety is definitely a high priority concern for all of us and I would do my very best to make sure that is supported. However, a lot of things would have to be considered before giving any increases. Things such as equipment and the condition of it, potential maintenance and upkeep, different fees and expenditures that may be needed or not needed should be reviewed. The number of employees and their responsibilities right down to cost efficiency of our buildings should be assessed as well. I believe in looking at the big picture before making decisions that will directly affect the people.
*T. Larry Dykes response: First of all, I want the people to know that I have always been pro law enforcement. I served the people of Jones County proudly for thirty years as a law enforcement officer. I served as your sheriff for eight years. If elected supervisor, I will see how the money of the Sheriff’s Office is being spent. You can have all the money you want, but if it is not spent in the best interest and for the safety of the people then you don’t need it. Do the best you can for the people with what you are budgeted and don’t complain!
*Mike A. Bush (R) response: The people of Jones County need adequately funded law enforcement protection. We need to work with the Sheriff’s Department to address a budget that would meet the needs of Jones County citizens. The budget does include the upkeep of the jail, which is in desperate need of upgrading. I have personally gone to visit the facility and seen what needs to be updated. There also needs to be immediate action taken to provide for adequate security in our schools. Our children are the greatest asset this county possesses, and we must ensure their safety.
*Ronnie Herrington (I) response: I will not support an increase in the sheriff’s budget. I don’t believe that the current budget that taxpayers are paying for is being spent/used wisely. I personally don’t feel the taxpayers of Beat 2 are receiving timely response and services that are required from our local Sheriff’s Department.
*Richy H. Seals (R) response: First, the percentage of budget allocation to the Sheriff’s Department shou1d be reviewed. However, there’s just so much money in the general fund. That being said, once there is a fair budget allocation based on history to the Sheriff’s Department, the sheriff must run his department and live within his budget as do all department heads including the supervisors for each beat.
*Mike Strickland (R) response: I believe that safety is and should be a top priority for our citizens as well as the ones protecting us. I support our local law enforcement and always will. I believe many attributes need reviewing before increasing any budget. That includes: Inflation, population growth, crime rates, and how the current budget is spent, etc. I am not opposed to reevaluating any budget, but it has to make sense for everyone involved. I am totally against a tax increase of any kind.
Question 5: “The current Jones County budget exceeds $46 million. Do you think there are ways to reduce the budget? If yes, how would you reduce the budget?”
*Chad Boykin (R) response: I do believe there are ways to reduce the current budget. I’d start by taking a look at consolidating resources such as the number of buildings being maintained, payroll, office expenses, and travel to name a few. A fresh set of eyes on an old routine can have a positive result.
*T. Larry Dykes response: When you say $46 million or more, you, the hard working taxpayer, can’t imagine that much money that is, myself included. What is done with all this money? Jones County is a large county and has many departments that keep up all the roads, buildings, safety of the people, Jones County School System and much more. All of the people in Jones County no doubt live on a budget, so if you don’t spend your money wisely, then what happens? So with all that being said, if elected, I will take a very thorough look at where the money is being spent!
*Mike A. Bush (R) response: Yes, reductions can and should take place. The board of supervisors need to take a no nonsense look at expenditures and assets. Each beat needs to work together in using equipment. There is excessive equipment that isn’t being used and could be sold – possibly outsourcing specific needs rather than trying to fix the problem in house. Residents need to be charged for extra debris waste as they do in the city. It is a costly clean-up. Maybe use inmates for collecting garbage and other tasks which could offset some of the cost of the jail.
*Ronnie Herrington (I) response: I would reduce the budget by holding each and every department head accountable for all expenditures.
*Richy H. Seals (R) response: Yes. I am sure we have some waste and foolish spending in the county budget. However, I cannot address specific spending and saving programs without a serious review of all budgets. And you can count on that being done.
*Mike Strickland (R) response: I think every budget can be modified to work smarter for the people. Every area needs to be looked at and funds possibly be reallocated. I believe everyone can make smarter purchasing decisions across the board. Under my leadership, everyone we do business with will need to sharpen their pencils before coming into my office. It’s a great day for Jones County. Thanks for your support!