Each Lincoln County candidate who will appear on the Aug. 8 Primary Election ballot has been contacted by The Daily Leader and asked to reply to a questionnaire.

The same set of questions was sent to each candidate, even those who are running unopposed.

The responses are offered in no particular order, and no candidate had the opportunity to see any other candidate’s answers prior to submitting their own. No edits were made for content.

Each week, we will present responses from two candidates, along with reminders of who their opponents are.

This week we present the responses from two of the four candidates for Lincoln County Coroner. Incumbent Coroner Clay McMorris is retiring at the completion of the current term.

Three Republican candidates and one Independent are running for the office. In the General Election, Independent Sherry Bowman Bessonette will face the winner of the Republican Primary. Those candidates are Joseph “Little Joe” Honea III, James D. Martin and Blake William Wallace.

Previous articles can be found at www.dailyleader.com.

Responses from Martin and Wallace are as follows:

 

James D. “Jimmy” Martin, Coroner

Martin lives in the Hog Chain community and is a Nationally Registered Paramedic.

 

What is your assessment of the previous or current occupant of this office, and, if elected, would you keep it in the same direction or change course?

I feel that the past two occupants of the office have done a fantastic job. I knew and worked with Mr. Morris and Clay. I feel that Clay McMorris has done an excellent job, and only hope I can continue with that excellence. I know I have a lot to learn about this office, but I will also bring experience with me.

 

How would you address transparency and accountability of this office?

I fully believe in accountability and transparency within the limits of the law.

 

What are the most pressing issues in this office and how would you address them?

Once again, I believe Mr. McMorris has done an excellent job, and I plan on continuing that excellence through continued education and training.

 

How would your role in this office improve Brookhaven and Lincoln County?

I am dedicated to service with dignity and honor.

 

What are your reasons for seeking this office and why should voters elect you?

I have a very strong sense of service to the community. I started serving at the age of 21 with my local VFD, and have continued serving as a paramedic for 26 full years at KDMC. I hope to continue serving Lincoln County as the Coroner.

 

Please share any family, personal information you’d like to include. 

My wife Julie and I have a beautiful daughter, Bridget, and her husband, Wesley. My family is very important to me and I would like to show the people of Lincoln County how important their families are to me. Thank You for your consideration.

 

 

Blake William Wallace, Coroner

Wallace lives in the Bogue Chitto community and works for the Brookhaven Fire Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

 

What is your assessment of the previous or current occupant of this office, and, if elected, would you keep it in the same direction or change course?

The current coroner has done an excellent job for the past 24 plus years. I would continue to serve the community with Christian values, compassion, and respect.

 

How would you address transparency and accountability of this office?

The current coroner has done a great job with transparency and accountability. The deputy coroners and I will investigate all deaths thoroughly and continue holding the coroner’s office to a high standard. I would also keep the family updated as updates transpire throughout the death investigation.

 

What are the most pressing issues in this office and how would you address them?

Assuring that the cause of death is accurate and the related paperwork is completed promptly.

 

How would your role in this office improve Brookhaven and Lincoln County?

With over 20 years of dedicated service, my willingness to serve the community, and a compassionate heart I will continue to serve the city and county to the best of my ability.

 

What are your reasons for seeking this office and why should voters elect you?

With there being a vacancy due to Mr. Clay retiring, it is my desire to operate the coroners office with integrity, compassion, and professionalism as it has been operated under the current administration.

 

Please share any family, personal information you’d like to include. 

I have dedicated my life to serving my Lord, my family and my community. I am happily married to Cairey Beth Wallace and we have five children. Our family attends Bogue Chitto Baptist Church, where my wife and I are active members.

After much prayer and discussion, I want to be your Lincoln County Coroner. I have over 20 years of proven service and dedication to my community.

In 2003, I started as an active member of the Hog Chain VFD and I am now the Chief at Bogue Chitto VFD. In 2007, I began my career at Brookhaven Fire Department. I am currently serving the department as a Captain. In 2009, I started to serve as a Lincoln County Sheriff Deputy. I now serve as a part-time Deputy. I also serve with as a part-time school resource officer with the Lincoln County School District.

During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and running my business, B. Wallace Property Management.

For over the last 25 years, the Coroner’s office has been running with integrity, compassion, and Christian values. I want to continue this legacy in the coming years.

I am coming to you today asking that you will vote for me, Blake William Wallace, as your next Lincoln County Coroner. May God continue to bless you and Lincoln County.