Candidates Stump At Velma Rally
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Senator Ben Suber was among candidates speaking at the political rally.
WATER VALLEY – A small field of county candidates on this year’s ballots was likely the culprit for slim turnout at last Saturday’s political rally at the Velma Fire Department. Nine candidates addressed the crowd, with the District 2 Supervisor race the only one with competing candidates speaking as incumbent Kenny Rogers and John Perkins each asked for support in the August Democratic Primary.
Rogers spoke first, sharing accomplishments during his first term that included upgrading equipment. He reported serving on several boards including the advisory council for aging with the North Central Planning and Development District, the Water Valley Main Street Association board and the 4-H Advisory Board.
“In June, I will be graduating from the continuing studies for county government that the association (Mississippi Association of Supervisors) provides,” Rogers said. “I want to continue to do great things, not only for Beat 2 but Yalobusha County as a whole. We work well together,” Rogers said about the other four board members. “I ask for your support on August 8 in the Primary,” he said.
Perkins told the attendees that he was raised in Yalobusha.
“When I got married, me and my wife moved away and went to Michigan for a few years,” Perkins said.
When he came back to the county, he worked as a contractor and then as a truck driver for over 40 years.
“That taught me patience, understanding and what it takes to get the job done,” Perkins continued. “I appreciate your support and if you choose me as supervisor I will promise you I will do everything I can for you. My priority will be to serve Yalobusha County and the people in District Two.”
Tax Assessor/Collector candidate Michael Walton started with his community involvement and experience. He shared that he is a deacon and trustee at New Jerusalem Church of God in Coffeeville. He serves on the youth council that works to teach the young people the importance of community work, education and trades. He is also a member of the Parent Community Engagement Committee for Water Valley schools, and a five-year member of the Rotary Club.
“One of our mottos at the Rotary Club, is it fair to all concerned. I want to make sure our tax office works for everybody,” Walton continued.
The candidate said he is a level one and level two certified collector of revenue.
“We have to have leadership in our tax office. The current tax assessor has done a wonderful job in handling the business of our tax office and I want to continue that,” Walton added.
Walton also said he is a 15-year business owner in Yalobusha County, founding Faith Learning Center with his wife, learning valuable human resources skills.
“I tell people all the time, there is a difference between a childcare center and a daycare,” he added.
“I am one of two candidate for tax assessor and I would love your support on Nov. 7,” Walton said in closing.
Northern District Public Service Commissioner candidate Tanner Newman asked for votes in support in the Republican Primary on August 8.
“I do ask for your vote and support and I will spend the next 90 days trying to earn that,” Newman said.
Caleb Horton, a candidate for District One Constable, explained that he lives in the county and works here every day.
“I am hundred percent devoted to Yalobusha County and I would appreciate your vote,” Horton said.
Sheriff candidate Roger Pollan explained that he decided to run one more time.
“I have some folks who have told me I have lost my mind, but I feel like our county needs a big change in a lot of ways,” he said. “We have a shooting about every other week and I think this needs to be dealt with. We have drugs everywhere in this county. It is a sad mess.”
Pollan said equipment at the sheriff’s department needs to be updated and other problems addressed.
“If y’all will give me the pleasure, I will do my best for this county,” Pollan said.
Unopposed candidates speaking included incumbent District 4 Supervisor Eddie Harris, incumbent District 1 Supervisor Cayce Washington and District 8 Senator Ben Suber.
Harris and Washington both stressed the strong working relationship among the five supervisors.
Suber cited an impressive list of accomplishment during the current term including the largest teacher pay raise in the state’s history, the largest income tax cut in state history, added to the state’s rainy day fund and paid off a half-billion dollars in state debt.
“We are currently in the best financial condition we have ever been in the state, I want to continue this for the next four years,” Suber added.
