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.
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 5
Question 1: “Why are you running for the office of supervisor in Jones County?”
*Travares K. Comegys (D) response: Once the District 5 supervisor seat became open, I saw an opportunity to be of service to even more Jones County residents. As a two-term Laurel city councilman, I have led Ward 6 community clean-ups, increased constituent involvement, and created a youth mentoring program. Additionally, I established the Ward 6 Community Day, which is an opportunity to celebrate positive growth in the community. Also, through budgeting and donations we continue to improve Sandy Gavin Park. I want to share similar types of initiatives and much more with District 5 residents.
*George A. Carmichael (D) response: Responding to “why” I am running for Jones County District 5 supervisor is that I was born, raised and schooled in District 5. My mother was born in District 5, and it’s where I live with my wife and our six children, for whom we want the best for them in Laurel-Jones County. And as a Laurel city councilman for over 14 years, with the many duties, varied responsibilities and the power vested in a county supervisor, I am the best qualified candidate – with integrity, experience, maturity and vision – to proficiently perform the varied duties and responsibilities of the office.
*Chris Holifield (I) response: I believe the supervisors and other elected officials should work together to build a better Jones County. I would like to bring my 35-plus years of experience in managing a business to the people of Jones County. I believe that Jones County is in desperate need of this type of leadership.
*Trey W. Chinn (D) response: I am running for supervisor of Beat 5 to move Beat 5 forward with prepared and proven leadership: 1) keeping the people of Beat 5 informed 2) making sure tax dollars are spent responsibly and 3) be there when the citizens of Beat 5 call to assist however needed that’s within the law and budget.
*Ernest Hollingsworth (D) response: Being a lifelong resident of Jones County and being one who cares about the people of Jones County, especially the people of Beat 5, I feel that I can bring ideas that are beneficial to Beat 5 and Jones County, like enhancing the education system. If we get that in order, we can get more industry to come in that will result in more jobs. More industry and more people will bring an increase to our budget. The overall plan is to improve the quality of life for all citizens of Jones County.
Question 2: “If elected what will be your first priority for the voters of Jones County?”
*Travares K. Comegys (D) response: I will review forming a Rapid Response Team to assess possible hazardous situations caused by natural disasters or other sources. These issues may require immediate attention. I want to review ways to update service response times and consider options to enhance productivity. As we grow in awareness as a community, we must make sure our services grow as well. As a firm believer that our youth are the future of District 5, I will maximize our resources to continue the mentorship pograms I started in Ward 6 and work with schools to promote the importance of community recycling and cleanliness.
*George A. Carmichael (D) response: My “first priority for the voters of Jones County” will be to make a very smooth transition from November 5, 2019, to January 6, 2020, with the incumbent supervisor by working with him and finding out the status of everything under his management from vehicles, equipment and personnel, to county buildings, facilities, programs, records and documents related to the office. After assessing District 5 according to the duties, responsibilities and job description imposed on supervisors by Mississippi Code, I will carefully analyze the infrastructure needs, law enforcement, fire protection, schools, medical facilities, economic development and promote a sound balance between revenues and expenditures.
*Chris Holifield (I) response: I think you have to start with budget to fully understand where the excessive spending is occurring. Analyzing the expenditures and the revenue to determine where changes can be made to help the people of Jones County. I want to bring my business experience to help the people of Jones County. My goal is improve our community.
*Trey W. Chinn (D) response: My first priority will be to review the current budget and implement effective strategies to cut cost.
*Ernest Hollingsworth (D) response: My statement is that all the citizens of Jones County will be served. Infrastructure which includes streets, bridges, etc. plays an important role in everything from industry to education. As supervisors we need to make sure that our infrastructure can support what’s in place and accommodate future growth.
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?”
*Travares K. Comegys (D) response: Under the beat system, supervisors are responsible for the bridges in their individual districts. There are no bridges in District 5 on the state’s “at risk” closure list. In my experience, there’s always more work to do than there are resources to work with. With bridges over 100 years old, the problem is older than the current board. I believe a fresh perspective, seeking new options for repair, and funding is key. We must focus on making present day repairs to reopen roads and bridges. Pointing fingers will not fix the current status of bridge closures.
*George A. Carmichael (D) response: I think the road and bridge issue in Jones County could have been handled better with a more intense inspection and monitoring program geared toward preventive maintenance. In District 5, the Custom Avenue-Tom Windham bridge, now closed, could have been maintained better by routinely and timely moving fallen trees lodged at the piles that accumulated over the years, obstructing the channel and forcing water into the wooden headwalls causing erosion around the bridge. The problem of erosion currently exists around the headwalls of bridges on Doncurt Road, Brown Street and Iris Drive – with the latter washed out and closed – all in District Five, where asphalt crews neglect potholes in streets in Laurel.
*Chris Holifield (I) response: We would not still have bridges and roads closed if this was handled well from the beginning. Notices were issued and nothing was done to correct the problems until the bridges were closed. There should be a maintenance inspection schedule designed for all roads in the county. If you do not inspect the roads/bridges, you will not know what problems are out there. You have to treat it like a business. You must inspect your equipment or you will be replacing equipment/machines that could have been repaired. You can’t sit back and wait for a problem – be proactive and you cut down your percentage of problems.
*Trey W. Chinn (D) response: Roads and bridges should be a top priority. The number of bridges closed by the state indicate that there is a neglect of regular maintenance and correction of identified issues.
*Ernest Hollingsworth (D) response: No, I don’t think it was handled properly. I think we should have a proactive approach instead of a reactive approach. By being proactive, we don’t wait until the bridges have to be closed by doing proper maintenance on the bridges and roads. By checking the bridges, we will have things taken care of and be able to prioritize things. Problems should be addressed before conditions deteriorate to the point of being unsafe. If they shut the bridges down, we will be able to take the proactive approach with safety of the citizens in mind. The citizens will be inconvenienced for the least amount of time possible.
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?”
*Travares K. Comegys (D) response: I believe the citizens of Jones County should feel comfort and safety in the ability of the Sheriff’s Department to serve our communities. I am aware of the contention between the sheriff and supervisors over budgetary matters. I am open minded about the necessities of all county departments. A detailed proposal for additional support is important to understand the wants and needs of the Sheriff’s Department. After having the details, I can make an informed assessment of their potential request. I will review all departmental budget proposals and decide what funding is feasible for each.
*George A. Carmichael (D) response: Concerning the next elected sheriff asking for “an increase in his budget to help protect the citizens of Jones County” is a question on which I will obtain firsthand budgetary information on previous annual allocations and itemized expenditures on everything from vehicles, equipment, personnel, operating the adult and juvenile detention centers with associated staffs and related facilities. About the sheriff’s budget, I will handle any request with sound, validated fiscal reasoning that protects the integrity of the taxpayers’ dollars while at the same time protecting the citizens of Jones County.
*Chris Holifield (I) response: As a business man, I fully support public safety. If elected, I will look at what we have, what we need, and evaluate what is best for the citizens of Jones County. I have reviewed the budget. I have looked at the expenditures and the different types of revenue received. If the budget needs to be increased, I believe that the funds can be gained from the overall county budget. We should be willing to make adjustments where they are needed. Above all, we should keep the citizens of Jones County protected.
*Trey W. Chinn (D) response: Evaluate the existing budget and assure we are providing the necessary services. Then consider the budget increase to see where it aligns with the county’s current public safety needs and compare it against all the other needs of county.
*Ernest Hollingsworth (D) response: The only way to make an informed decision would be to see the overall budget of that department. The main objective is to make sure we have enough personnel to respond in a timely manner. If there is an increase in the population of Jones County, an increase in the budget would be warranted to better service the citizens.
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?”
*Travares K. Comegys (D) response: Budgetary decisions are not simple nor popular. They require constant adjustment for real time, unforeseen, unplanned expenses. The largest portion of the budget is for education, which is compelled by state law. The second largest expenditure of the budget is for law enforcement. All remaining departmental budgets must also be thoroughly reviewed to verify that they are effective and efficient in order to allocate adequate funding. Implementation of an energy conservation and improvement type plan and pinpointing the necessity of expenditures is imperative.
*George A. Carmichael (D) response: Speaking about Jones County’s current budget exceeding “$46 million,” as District 5 supervisor I will exercise a keen eye on fat, waste and needs. The county must function fiscally efficient and proficiently. Working in concert with the other four supervisors, the chief administrative officer and the county administrator – looking at inflation, economic variables, wages, salaries, maintenance and upkeep of buildings and facilities with other factors in Laurel-Jones County – I will use prudent planning, programming and budgeting practices to produce a sound budget based on needs in Jones County.
*Chris Holifield (I) response: I believe that you should run the county just like you run a business or your household budget. You can’t run a business or run your household if you are always over budget. If you are always in the red, you will soon be out of business or homeless.
*Trey W. Chinn (D) response: I’m sure there are ways to reduce the budget. However, I am also sure the needs of the county are continuously more than what the budget allows. The biggest issue is making sure we are spending responsibly and with the correct priorities in place.
*Ernest Hollingsworth (D) response: We would have to examine the budget to see if there are ways that we can be more fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. It’s important that our citizens know that we are being careful with their tax dollars, because the perception now is that they are being over-taxed and under-served.